Ilocos Region’s Universal Health Care (UHC) provincial health teams gathered in La Union last July 4 to 6 for training activities under the BayangMalusog Provincial Leadership Development Program. BayangMalusog is a health leadership development program to accelerate UHC implementation in partner provinces.

The sessions were implemented by the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development in partnership with the University of the Philippines – College of Public Health (UP-CPH) and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF).

The training focused on helping provincial health teams become adaptive leaders to improve the region’s health outcomes in line with UHC’s implementation. The sessions included sharing experiences, good practices, and challenges of the areas in their UHC progress and workshops on team dynamics and developing team synergy. The event ended with the development of action plans for the region’s #JumpSTART in UHC for BayangMalusog.

The UP-CPH facilitated the executive session for Governors Jerry Singson of Ilocos Sur and Rafy Ortega-David of La Union, focusing on the governors’ learnings from the deep dive sessions, action plans, and leadership strategies in leading the UHC Implementation. Both governors expressed their strong support for the upcoming activities of their region to implement UHC.

At the end of the activity, DOH CHD Director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco and DOH CHD Assistant Director Dr. Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz reaffirmed their support to the governors towards the progress and implementation of UHC in the Ilocos Region.

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) is honored to share its on-the-ground experience and knowledge while learning from others in the independent advisory board created by the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track Universal Health Care (UHC) reforms, with the appointment of Austere A. Panadero, executive director of the ZFF as a member.

DOH officer in charge Rosario Vergeire formed the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts for UHC Implementation (UHC SAGE) to build on the gains from the public-private, multi-sectoral participation
for COVID-19 response.

Other members of the board are ZFF trustee Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral representing the Philippine Heart
Center, University of the Philippines (UP) professor Antonio Dans, M.D., UP Professor Emeritus Ernesto
Domingo, M.D., Medical City consultant and former UP professor Mary Ann Lansang, M.D., Dr. Edwin
Mercado of the DMMC Institute of Health Sciences, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, M.D.,
and former UP School of Economics Dean Orville Solon, Ph.D.

Based on the DOH personnel order 2022-4852 creating the group, the responsibilities of the members include the provision of technical assessments and review of documents on the following:

• Nationwide adoption of the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan as an investment plan for health
• Implementation of fiscal streamlining in public hospitals
• Implementation of the Diagnosis Related Group-Based Global Budget and the Comprehensive Outpatient Benefit Package
• Reconciliation of the databases of the Philippine Statistics Authority and PhilHealth, and the conduct of a primary care census
• Creation of a Central Medicine Store for pooled procurement

• Development of a Pharmacy Benefits package that allows PhilHealth to accredit and pay for retail pharmacies
• Streamlining of accreditation and licensing for primary care facilities
• Implementation of healthy schools, communities, and workplaces

• Establishment of the DOH Action Center and hospital fast lanes for health care workers’ concerns and benefit compensation processing
• Creation of health scholarship opportunities and the Medical Reserve Corps

ZFF’s UHC program

By the time Universal Health Care became law in 2019, ZFF had designed a program to assist three provinces—Agusan del Sur, Aklan, and Bataan— in the UHC transition. ZFF’s earlier work with provinces prompted governors to establish a functional service delivery network involving both provincial and municipal health facilities. The gains during the program provided a backbone for the three provinces’ work on UHC and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provincial health boards (PHBs), whose memberships expanded, were fully activated under ZFF’s pre-UHC program. During the pandemic, the PHBs quickened the pace in localizing policies, pushing for local health reforms, and engaging various stakeholders. These provinces increased health care capacities, upgraded medical equipment and laboratories, and kept their people informed.

With ZFF guidance, the provinces remained deliberate in meeting the government-set key result areas (KRAs) for UHC maturity during the pandemic. The three fulfilled all 12 KRAs under the preparatory level six months before the government’s end-2022 target.

The developments in ZFF’s provinces prompted then Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje to ask ZFF for a similar program for regional health officials. The resulting partnerships for northern Luzon officials introduced the Leadership Development Program, which improved the capacities of regional officers in mentoring and coaching local chief executives and health officials. As a result, provinces and cities moved faster in meeting targeted KRAs. In three months, the partnerships expanded to have governors enroll in the ZFF program. Before 2022 ended, ZFF had partnerships with four regional offices of the DOH: Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Eastern Visayas. These involve 15 provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte.

(Published March 2, 2023)

Two abstracts by Zuellig Family Foundation’s local health system (LHS) team were part of the poster presentation during the 25th University of the Philippines (UP) Manila National Institutes of Health Anniversary Conference held on February 27 and 28, 2023 at the UP Bonifacio Global City.

This year’s conference theme was “Transforming Health Systems Toward Universal Health Care (UHC) Through Research Partnerships.” It provided a venue to learn from the latest research and best practices and network with experts and colleagues.

Co-authored by Dr. Catherine Chung and Dr. Jenilyn Dabu, the two abstracts presented were: (1) “The role of regional UHC core teams in accelerating UHC in the provinces;” and (2) “Realizing Universal Health Care in the Barangays: The Dinalupihan Case Study.”

UHC core team training

Under the “Bayang Malusog” Regional Leadership Development Program, a capability development program co-designed with the Department of Health Field Implementation and Coordination Team of North Luzon, the leadership and technical competencies of the regional UHC core teams were enhanced to ensure quality facilitation of the UHC implementation in the provinces. After 10 months, all UHC sites in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative regions achieved the national target for the preparatory level (above 70%) in the UHC LHS maturity standards set by the DOH.

Improving primary care

Under the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program, barangay officials and municipal health team leaders in Dinalupihan (Bataan) underwent capacity-building training for better primary care services. Their enhanced competencies resulted in improved health system monitoring that helped develop evidence-based decision-making and better primary care facilities in managing noncommunicable diseases.

Learn more about ZFF’s programs on improving local health systems: https://zuelligfoundation.org/programs/local-health-system/.

(Published February 28, 2023)

Resilience to natural and man-made disasters tops the agenda of Siargao Island mayors after they witnessed the devastation of typhoon Odette (international name: Rai). To reach resiliency, the mayors are prioritizing health and nutrition improvements to ensure their constituents’ good health and safety even during emergencies. The Alumni Association of Asian Institute of Management (AAAIM) and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) partnered to bring the Municipal Nutrition Governance Program (MNGP) to five local government units (LGUs).

The first of the multi-modular training program was held from February 1 to 3. Taking time off from their busy schedules to attend the sessions were three mayors and one vice mayor: Mayor Angie Arcena of Burgos, Mayor Maria Liza Resurreccion of Pilar, Mayor Arwela Dolar of Sta. Monica, and Vice Mayor Wellybell Requirme of San Benito.

“We have a scheduled event in Manila but we chose to be here because we see the importance of looking into our nutrition system. At the end of the day, this is not for us but for the youth who will become our municipal leaders in the future,” shared Mayor Resurreccion.

The MNGP focuses on improving the nutritional outcomes during the first 1,000 days or from conception until a child reaches two years—a period of critical brain and body development.

The mayors had four other municipal members form their core teams for nutrition. The core team from the LGU of San Isidro was also present.

The teams identified specific steps they will be taking in the next 12 months to improve nutrition service delivery systems. Their progress will be monitored by AAAIM and ZFF, which will also provide coaching support.

Technical assistance will come from National Nutrition Council regional program coordinator Dr. Archie Labordo, who was present during the training.

Aside from ensuring actual steps are done from now until the next training in the third quarter of the year, ZFF and AAAIM will evaluate the program based on decreases in nutritionally at-risk pregnant women, low birth weight, stunting, and wasting.

The design of the MNGP is based on ZFF’s past nutrition programs in rural municipalities, cities, and provinces that immediately brought down cases of stunting and wasting.

(Published February 16, 2023)

Just three months after attending the Barangay Leadership for Nutrition and Development (BL4ND), five barangays (villages) in Manila fulfilled needed nutrition reforms, including:

• the formulation of the Barangay Nutrition Action Plan with funding;
• the designation of the Barangay Nutrition Action Officer; and
• intensified tracking, profiling, and assessment of pregnant women and malnourished children.

Barangays 123, 212, 564, 598, and 733 attended the BL4ND on Sept. 27-28, 2022. Organized by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)-trained facilitators from Manila’s health department and Samaritan’s Purse, an international NGO, the two-day training helped the participants see clearly the gaps in their nutrition systems. The participants then organized their next steps with the end goal of improving the nutritional outcomes of their population—particularly pregnant women and children under two years old.

ZFF will be checking the progress again in March when barangays are expected to meet all of their targets.

Learn more about ZFF’s programs on nutrition, focusing on the first 1,000 days: https://zuelligfoundation.org/programs/nutrition/.

(Published February 14, 2023)

Bangsamoro Region’s health leaders and stakeholders gathered in a two-day summit to learn how Universal Health Care (UHC) has progressed in two implementation sites and the specific steps toward UHC’s full implementation in the region given its distinct structure and context.

Two cases were presented: Maguindanao where the health system is devolved to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—a setup shared by all provinces except one—and Basilan, the only province where the health system is devolved to the local government unit (LGU). As of January, Maguindanao fulfilled 100% of the key result areas under the preparatory level of the health system maturity while Basilan achieved 94%.

On the second day, a forum facilitated the development of a technical assistance plan to support and guide LGUs in their implementation. In response, development partners and other stakeholders presented their action plans supporting UHC implementation in the BARMM. 

Jainab Abdulmajid, manager of the Zuellig Family Foundation’s ongoing USAID-funded BARMMHealth project with the University Research Co., presented ZFF’s leadership and governance training, which will have leaders from the regional management councils and provincial health boards of Basilan and Maguindanao as participants. Through the project, ZFF foresees faster UHC implementation that will result in improvements in public health policies and institutional support for services in maternal health, child health, and family planning.

The event, held last Jan. 30 to 31 in Davao City, was attended by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah Dumama and BARMM’s Ministry of Health (MOH) top officials including Minister Rizaldy Piang, Deputy Minister Zulgarneyn Abas, and Assistant Secretary Abdulhalik Kasim, who will lead the newly created development partners coordination unit (DPCU) that will ensure a coordinated UHC effort among stakeholders. 

Experts who shared their UHC knowledge at the summit included Mahidol University’s Dr. Sauwakon Ratanawijitrasin from Thailand and Dr. Rowen Galpo, former city health officer of Baguio City. Other attendees were representatives from the World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund, International Organization for Migration, and Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress.

(Published February 7, 2023)

In a nod to Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) programs on Universal Health Care (UHC), the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development in Region 8 (DOH-CHD 8) collaborated with ZFF to accelerate UHC implementation and address nutrition challenges in the region. The DOH-CHD 8 has been a ZFF partner since 2013 under health governance leadership and municipal leadership programs.

The virtual ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) held on November 29, 2022, marked the start of a new partnership under the Bayang Malusog program. The leadership development program will capacitate DOH regional leaders to support provincial leaders in creating effective and responsive province-wide health systems supporting the national health agenda.

Among those who signed the MOU were: Dr. Exuperia Sabalberino, DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Director; Austere Panadero, ZFF Executive Director; Dr. Anthony Faraon, ZFF Deputy Executive Director; Dr. Joyce Viar, ZFF Nutrition Portfolio Director; and Dr. Catherine Chung, ZFF Local Health System Portfolio Director.

In his message during the ceremonial signing, Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama Jr., Health Undersecretary of DOH’s Field Implementation and Coordination Team (FICT) for Visayas and Mindanao, highlighted the importance of collective action to realize UHC. He emphasized DOH’s commitment to working closely with local government units (LGUs) and partners by supporting local initiatives and providing technical assistance.

Similarly, Health Undersecretary Camilo Cascolan of DOH-FICT Visayas echoed DOH’s commitment to work with LGUs in achieving UHC saying that UHC will help resolve health inequities.

To cap the ceremonial signing, Faraon expressed optimism that the MOU signing will not only be the start of a new partnership but the start of collaborative work toward delivering better health outcomes in Region 8. He said that UHC must be realized through more and better services. With the Bayang Malusog program, Faraon hoped to realize the message, “Tayo ay bayang malusog—bayang hangad ang mabuting kalusugan ng lahat.” (We are a healthy nation—a nation that desires good health for all.)

(Published December 20, 2022)

The importance of family planning (FP) in achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) was highlighted in the 2022 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) held in Pattaya City, Thailand from November 14 to 17, 2022.

At the said event, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) presented its leadership course on Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health (MISP for SRH). A partnership with the United Nations Population Fund and funded by Australian Aid, the training course strengthened the competencies of provincial leaders to implement life-saving SRH information and services, including FP, during natural disasters and other public health emergencies.

While the MISP for SRH is provided for in the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RA 10354), it is not yet widely implemented. Under ZFF’s pilot program, the provinces of Catanduanes, Laguna, and Maguindanao have crafted integrated MISP for SRH implementation plans as envisioned by the abovementioned laws.

Platform, movement, community

Sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, the ICFP has been a strategic platform, movement, and community for countries, organizations, and individuals to make important commitments and celebrate innovations toward achieving FP access for all.

ZFF also shared lessons from the implementation of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a partnership with the Gates Institute aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies. ZFF discussed how TCI used the Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool¹ for increased and targeted financing of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) and FP delivery services. Using the Equity Matrix, Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) was able to bring down the adolescent birth rate to 35 in 2021 from 43 in 2020, and increase the modern contraceptive prevalence rate to 35 from 29 in the same period.

ZFF had two poster presentations on developing youth leaders to prevent adolescent pregnancies, and on building partnerships to scale up the implementation of the Philippine Population Development Plan in cities.

Awards

ICFP also conferred on the Zuellig family the 2022 Global Humanitarian Awards for Women’s and Children’s Health in recognition of the family’s investments in maternal and child health, nutrition, and reproductive health through ZFF. Men Form Zuellig, a ZFF trustee, received the award on behalf of Daniel and David Zuellig.

Meanwhile, Dipolog City Mayor Darrel Uy received the local champion award from TCI for “going above and beyond” in the city’s implementation of the program–investing $73,000 for 2023 (from $20,000 in 2021). Dr. Rachel D. Dilla, City Health Officer III of CDO, received the same award for mobilizing the city’s information and service delivery network.

¹ An equity matrix using Urban HEART helps assess indicators of health outcomes and health determinants and identify health inequities in a specific city.

(Published December 19, 2022)

Provincial leaders in northern Luzon sharpen their knowledge on how to attain Universal Health Care (UHC) by improving health services and overall health systems. ZFF’s BayangMalusog: Provincial Leaders for UHC Acceleration program gave leaders, which included nine governors in attendance, insights on navigating the challenges UHC demands.

For Dr. Manuel Dayrit, former health secretary and a ZFF trustee, the UHC is the culmination of all health-related laws enacted since the 1950s because it calls for the health of all Filipinos.

He reminded governors and other provincial leaders that “investing in health is investing for the future” and the return on investments includes “decreased premature deaths” and “increased quality of life.”

Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, PhilHealth senior vice president, said the agency is designing its programs “to have a more comprehensive outpatient primary care package” to comply with the UHC law, which calls for every patient to pass through primary care physicians whose gatekeeping role is to ensure proper referral of cases. Ideally, therefore, all diseases are diagnosed at the primary care level.

In closing his presentation, Dayrit voiced his hopes that the governors leave a legacy of better health in their provinces.

The Department of Health (DOH) Centers for Health Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region 1 sponsored the module runs in Baguio City and Laoag City, respectively. Lending their time to support their provincial teams were DOH CAR Director Rio Magpantay, M.D., and Region 1 Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongo, M.D. Caraga Regional Director Cassion, M.D. was also present in the Baguio City module run to join Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. who shared his bridging leadership journey with the other governors and the accomplishments of his province in UHC. His province has met all requirements for the preparatory level of UHC maturity—a set of standards set by the DOH—and hopes to attain the highest level of UHC functionality before his second term as governor ends in 2025.

For more on Agusan del Sur’s achievements in UHC, listen to https://spoti.fi/3zlTYRX.

CAR and Region 1 provinces will have their next module in March 2023 after an intensive practicum period which will see ZFF-trained regional leaders coaching and mentoring the governors and their teams. The provinces are expected to meet specific milestones designed to lead them toward UHC
attainment.

CAR governors present were Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut Jr., Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas, Kalinga Gov. James Edduba, Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog, and Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan. For Region 1, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc and La Union Gov. Raphaelle Veronical Ortega-David attended the event, which switched to hybrid following the strong quake in Northern Luzon last Oct. 25. Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, a first-termer whose province has been a ZFF partner since 2016, joined the Region 1 event online. Region 6 Director Adriano Suba-an was in Laoag City.

(Published December 9, 2022)