Nestled in Northern Mindanao, Iligan City has long wrestled with challenges in providing effective family planning (FP) and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these hurdles, leading to a 30% decline in facility-based deliveries and a rise in home births attended by traditional birth attendants or hilots. These shifts strained health workers’ efforts to promote hospital-based care—especially in remote and coastal barangays.

More troubling was the spike in adolescent births. In Iligan City, the adolescent birth rate (ABR) among 15–19-year-olds was 29 per 1,000 live births in 2021. This jumped sharply to 42 per 1,000 in 2022. This steep rise pointed to how lockdowns and limited access to health education and services had disrupted the lives of Iligan’s youth.

 

Inclusive Leadership Driving Change

In 2023, Mayor Frederick Siao led Iligan City’s official participation in The Challenge Initiative (TCI)—a global partnership co-managed by the Zuellig Family Foundation, the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, and Bayer International. The program focuses on supporting local governments to scale up evidence-based and sustainable FP and ASRH solutions.

Mayor Siao championed an inclusive leadership style, formalized through Executive Order No. 28, s. 2023, which created the City Leadership Team (CLT)—a coalition composed of representatives from the City Health Office, Planning, Population, Gender and Development (GAD) Office, Youth Council, Social Services, and national agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD).

“The collaboration and ownership of the problem and its solution is a key contribution of the TCI program,” said Dr. Glenn Manarpaac, City Health Officer. “Before, our programs were fragmented. Now, we have a strategic, unified approach.”

Data-Driven Solutions for Better Health

Central to Iligan’s transformation is its commitment to accurate and timely data. In March 2024, the City Health Office, TCI, and DOH conducted a three-day reorientation on the Family Planning Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS). This training equipped 44 health centers with updated knowledge on FP data recording and reporting.

“Incorrect data entry leads to inaccurate reporting,” explained Rhona Sumugat, Family Planning Coordinator. “This is our first reorientation in 15 years. We’re now better equipped to deliver quality care.”

With more accurate data, Iligan has been able to provide better services and advocate for greater investments in health infrastructure and training.

Youth-Friendly and Inclusive Services

In partnership with the Local Youth Development Council, Iligan City has scaled up youth-friendly health services. As of 2024, there are nineteen Level 1 Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities offering services such as mental health counseling, human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization, and family planning for teens.

“Young people are more willing to seek help when they feel heard and respected,” said Nora Fe Escorial, Local Youth Development Officer. “We’re making sure they have access to the information and services they need.”

The city institutionalized this commitment with the passage of Resolution No. 25-210, establishing the Iligan City Youth Development Office (ICYDO). The office will lead youth programs and ensure sustained adolescent participation in governance and service planning.

Teenager Maria Santos shared how meaningful this shift has been: “Having our voices heard in these discussions makes me feel empowered. We need services that understand our needs.”

Respecting Culture While Promoting Choice

Recognizing the importance of cultural and religious sensitivities, Iligan City has adopted inclusive strategies to bridge gaps in FP access. Forty-five trained Barangay Population Volunteers (BPVs) now serve as cultural navigators, offering accurate and respectful reproductive health information in underserved areas.

The city has also started peer learning with nearby Cagayan de Oro, exchanging best practices in patient-centered counseling and health service delivery.

A major breakthrough in 2024 was the city’s first-ever dedicated budget for Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). This move will ensure consistent access to implants and other modern methods, especially for low-income families.

Efforts are guided by GAD principles: disaggregated data, inclusive consultations, services for persons with disabilities, and mobile outreach to marginalized groups.

Sustaining the Gains

Sustainability is embedded in Iligan City’s long-term health strategy. With increased health budgets, the creation of permanent plantilla positions, and plans for two Family Planning Stand-Alone Clinics, the city is ensuring continuity and expansion of essential services.

“Collaboration is the key lesson here,” noted Dr. Manarpaac. “We learned that we can’t do this alone—and we’re committed to sustaining what we’ve started.”

These sustained investments and strategic interventions are already showing promising results. After peaking at 42 adolescent births per 1,000 live births in 2022, the adolescent birth rate (ABR) among 15–19-year-olds declined to 38 in 2023 and dropped further to 25 in 2024.

Empowered by data, united by shared leadership, and driven by the needs of its people, Iligan City is shaping a health system that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.

Related articles:

• Eight Cities Share Success in Family Planning and Adolescent Health
• Cities Lead the Way in Family Planning and Adolescent Health—Webinar Series to Spotlight Local Innovations

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines concluded a three-day webinar series titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning (FP) and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH).” Held on May 26, 28, and 30, the series showcased the work of eight local government units (LGUs): Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas.

Kate Graham, Deputy Director of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, co-implementer of the TCI program, framed the event as a new chapter for local leadership: “This event marks not only a culmination, but a new beginning—one where cities take the lead in building stronger, more responsive systems for FP and ASRH.”

Day 1: Cities at the Forefront

Iligan, Naga, and Santiago shared how strong leadership fosters systems change. Mayor Frederick Siao of Iligan treated FP as a governance priority, while Naga Mayor Nelson Legacion institutionalized grassroots collaboration to address teen pregnancy. Santiago Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan, represented by Population Program Officer Johanna Gabriel, highlighted youth empowerment through peer-led education programs. Adding depth to the discussions, Joyce Dela Paz, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region V Director, and Theresa Soriano, CPD Region II Director, served as reactors.

“Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it, one policy, one partnership, and one empowered young person at a time,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, as he challenged participants to move from “best practices” to “next practices”.

Day 2: Expanding Family Planning Through Outreach

The second day began with opening remarks from Dr. Ann Ysabel Andres, OIC-Division Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Division of the Department of Health (DOH). Biñan Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Jr. emphasized co-ownership in tackling health system weaknesses. Mandaue City Health Officer Dr. Debra Maria Catulong presented their Women’s Health Caravan, which delivers life-stage appropriate services directly to communities. Manila Family Planning Coordinator Dr. Evelyn Rimando explained how they reconnected with women through house-to-house family planning services.

Reacting to these presentations, Marilyn Ogaya, CPD Regional Director for CALABARZON, and Reynaldo Wong, CPD Regional Director for MIMAROPA, highlighted the importance of community outreach, data-driven programming, and integrated strategies that address both demand and service delivery gaps in family planning.

Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, identified four drivers of success: strong leadership, technical excellence, adequate resources, and community engagement.

Related articles:

• Cities Lead the Way in Family Planning and Adolescent Health—Webinar Series to Spotlight Local Innovations
• Five Cities Celebrate Milestone in Adolescent Health and Family Planning Efforts

Day 3: Reaching Adolescents through Adolescent-Friendly Services

On the final day, Iloilo and Las Piñas presented their adolescent health strategies. Dr. Justine Hernandez, Medical Officer of the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program at Las Piñas City Health Office, shared how a referral network streamlined services among adolescent-serving agencies. Richard Magullado, Information Officer and AHD Focal Person at Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI, described how Iloilo created safe spaces that encouraged youth expression and participation.

“As a continuous commitment to lead and sustain, graduating from TCI is not an end point. It is now your city’s duty to sustain your progress and motivate others to guide, support, and proactively create an efficient and equitable health system,” said Mylin Mirasol Quiray, Division Chief of Knowledge Management and Communications Division at CPD.

Adding further insights, Jackylin Robel, CPD National Capital Region Director, and Harold Alfred Marshall, CPD Region VI Director, responded to the city presentations emphasizing that adolescent-responsive systems must go beyond access—they must provide consistent, youth-friendly engagement that respects the rights and realities of young people.

Celebrating Local Innovation and Ownership

Over the three days, the webinar emphasized local ownership, integration of services, and community-driven change. Dr. Faraon praised the eight cities for their leadership and encouraged others to scale up proven models and build partnerships across sectors.

The eight featured cities—now TCI graduates—will serve as models for other LGUs working to improve family and adolescent health outcomes. Their stories underline a clear message: responsive governance saves lives.

Eight cities will take center stage next week in a three-day webinar series hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) through The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, a global program supporting high-impact practices in family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH).

The event, titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health”, aims to showcase how local governments have taken bold, data-driven actions to improve access to reproductive health services. The webinar series will run on May 26, 28, and 30, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, via Zoom.

Launched in 2020, TCI is a five-year global platform co-managed with the William S. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. In the Philippines, TCI has worked closely with city governments to support policies and programs that reduce adolescent pregnancies and improve access to FP services. The program encourages cities to adopt self-reliant, gender-responsive strategies that empower women and youth.

The cities of Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas have been recognized as Global Self-Reliant Cities in FP and AYSRH under the program.

Each city’s approach reflects local leadership and innovation:

• Iligan City expanded FP and AYSRH services by empowering women and girls with access to information and health services.
• Naga City focused on youth-centered policies and community mobilization to address teenage pregnancy.
• Santiago City promoted peer education and youth leadership as a tool for reproductive health education.
• Biñan City tailored FP services to meet the real-life needs of women through integrated outreach.
• Mandaue City launched a Women’s Health Caravan to bring services closer to communities.
• Manila City used its Bayanihan Outreach Program to reach underserved areas with FP services.
• Iloilo City created adolescent-friendly healthcare environments using culturally sensitive, gender-aware strategies.
• Las Piñas City developed a multisectoral approach by aligning efforts across health, education, and social services.

The webinar series will allow participants to hear directly from local officials, program leaders, and partners about their experiences in building responsive and sustainable systems. Participants will also gain insights into effective strategies that can be applied to other cities and towns across the country.

Webinar Details:

• Day 1 – May 26: Cities at the Forefront (no CPD units applied)
  Join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar1
• Day 2 – May 28: Expanding Family Planning Services to Priority Populations through Targeted Outreach
  (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 3; Midwifery: 1)
  Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar2
• Day 3 – May 30: Expanding Access to Adolescents through Adolescent-friendly Health Services
  (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 2; Midwifery: 1)
  Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar3

The webinar marks both a culmination and a new chapter for these cities as they continue to strengthen systems that protect and promote reproductive health. ZFF encourages health workers, local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to join the discussion and explore how these stories can inspire wider change.

Related article:

• Five Cities Celebrate Milestone in Adolescent Health and Family Planning Efforts

 

Day 1 of the The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines Webinar Series (May 26, 2025) featured Iligan, Naga, and Santiago Cities showing how strong leadership drives systems change. Mayors prioritized family planning, youth empowerment, and community collaboration to tackle teen pregnancy. “Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, urging everyone to move beyond BEST practices and toward NEXT practices. 

Read more:

• Eight Cities Share Success in Family Planning and Adolescent Health