Iloilo City Takes Bold Steps in Family Planning and Adolescent Health 

Iloilo City has been working hard to improve its Family Planning (FP) and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) services since joining The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines in May 2023. With committed leaders and policies based on data, the city is making huge progress in bringing health programs closer to communities and solving long-standing problems with high-impact, locally adapted solutions. 

A recent trip to the field on August 20, 2025 gave a firsthand look at the progress being made and the energy that everyone is putting into it. 

Health in Action in the Community 

The opening of Iloilo City’s first PuroKalusugan in the Arevalo District was a big step forward for community-based service delivery. This program provides health services right to the purok, which is the smallest unit of a community. This makes healthcare easier to get, especially for people who don’t have access to it. 

At the launch, attendees had access to a full range of services, such as PhilHealth membership, consultations on maternity and child health, family planning counseling and provision, adolescent health services, nutrition support, and vaccinations. Putting services together shows that there is a plan to cover several health requirements in one easy-to-reach place. 

I met two young doctors, Earl Sevilla and Lysander Quintia, working as health center physicians in Iloilo. They are examples of what it truly means to serve the public. Even though they didn’t have a lot of resources and were dealing with problems like teenage pregnancy, rising cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), and the growing trend of vaping among young people, Sevilla and Quintia were nevertheless very determined and passionate. Their choice to work in community settings instead of more lucrative jobs shows how strongly they care about public health and equity. 

Related articles:

Leadership That Listens and Leads 

Strong leadership is setting Iloilo’s health agenda at the policy level. During a visit to City Hall, Vice Mayor Lady Grace Julie Baronda, a vibrant leader with legislative experience, showed great interest in learning more about the health concerns that need policy assistance or institutionalization. Her willingness to a dialogue shows that she believes in a style of government that values evidence, working together, and community voices. 

Grace Hofilena, representative from the Office of Mayor Raisa Trenas, said the same thing. She conveyed that the Mayor strongly supports the program and wants to keep working with TCI. This support from institutions is really important for sustainability and ensuring programs and policies have lasting effect. 

The City Leadership Team’s data shows the results of these concerted efforts. From 2020 to 2025, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) went up from 39% to 41%, while the percentage of demand satisfied* rose from 79% to 88%. Although the adolescent birth rate (ABR) has stayed the same at 19 per 1,000, it is evident that further action is needed. 

The city’s big budget increase for family planning—from 765,000 pesos in 2023 to 8 million pesos in 2025—may be the best indicator of political will. This jump shows that FP is not only a programming priority, but also a financial one, thanks to excellent leadership. 

Persistence and Progress 

When local leaders, health workers, and communities work together toward a common goal, like they did in Iloilo City, progress in public health is both attainable and realistic. But there are still challenges. Teenage pregnancies, STIs, and dangerous behaviors among teens are still putting a lot of stress on the system. To solve these problems, we need more than just technical fixes. We need to keep coming up with new ideas, work together across sectors, and get the community involved. 

The field visit showed not only what the city has done well, but also the qualities that support those achievements: compassion, resilience, and responsibility. Health workers are making services more accessible to people who live nearby. Local leaders are using policy and budgets to drive sustainability. And young professionals are putting service and making a difference ahead of their own interests. 

A Model for Local Health Governance 

The last two years have shown how powerful local governments can be in Iloilo City. They can achieve real, quick progress in important health areas when they have the necessary tools, data, and assistance. The city’s increasing investments in FP and ASRH demonstrate that robust political commitment, alongside community-driven innovation, can yield tangible outcomes. 

The lessons from Iloilo are clear: to improve family planning and adolescent health, we need more than just one-time action. It needs changes to the whole system, shared accountability, and working together. Iloilo City is a great example for other communities in the Philippines that want to invest in the health and future of their families and young people. 

—

 * Demand satisfied refers to the percentage of women of reproductive age who want to delay or avoid pregnancy and are actually using a modern contraceptive method.

Author: Dr. Anthony Faraon, ZFF TCI-Philippines Chief of Party

Iloilo’s Youth Health Movement in Action

Iloilo City, lovingly called the ‘City of Love’, has long been known for its cultural richness and educational institutions. But in recent years, it has also emerged as a national model for adolescent health reform. Faced with rising rates of teen pregnancy and weakened service delivery, the city responded with bold leadership, strong partnerships, and deep youth engagement—changing the story for its young population.

A Crisis in Continuity

In 2019, Iloilo City’s Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) was in crisis. A leadership change at the City Health Office and the retirement of key personnel created disruptions in program continuity. At the time, the city had only one Level 2 Adolescent-Friendly Health Facility (AFHF) based in the Arevalo District. Despite support from the Integrated Service Delivery Network (ISDN) and local ordinances, the program remained fragile.

Even before the pandemic, adolescent health was already at risk. The city recorded an adolescent birth rate (ABR) of 36 per 1,000 girls aged 15–19 in 2019. One particularly alarming case involved a 10-year-old girl, the youngest known to give birth in the city—a clear sign of service gaps and unmet needs. By 2022, adolescents made up more than 18% of the city’s total population, amplifying the urgency.

Then COVID-19 struck, stalling what little progress had been made.

 

A Turning Point: Local Action Meets Global Support

Change began in earnest in 2022, when Iloilo City joined The Challenge Initiative (TCI)—a global program that supports local governments in implementing high-impact, sustainable family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) interventions. Co-managed by the Zuellig Family Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, TCI helped the city reframe adolescent health as a shared, multisectoral responsibility.

A City Leadership Team (CLT) was formed, expanding the existing Technical Working Group into a powerhouse of cooperation. Members included city government units, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), local colleges, the Iloilo City Police, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, and community organizations. Using TCI’s assessment tool as a strategic guide, the CLT pinpointed gaps and co-created solutions rooted in local realities.

“Through the Health Leadership and Management Program, our people evolved from support staff into leaders,” said Florence Joy Rubido, AHDP Nurse Coordinator. “We have achieved substantial progress. All district health centers in Iloilo City now have at least one Adolescent-Friendly Health Facility, and all adolescent focal persons from our nine district health centers have been capacitated through the AHDP foundational course in October 2023.”

Related articles:

Youth Voices at the Center

Iloilo’s new approach centered on empowering adolescents to lead. Programs like KaTEenAran, a teen center at Nabitasan Integrated School, gave marginalized youth a safe, structured space. The NewscasTEENg competition and the AHD Film Advocacy Contest with UP Visayas allowed youth to use media and storytelling as advocacy tools.

The Teen AD Facebook page grew into a vibrant online community, connecting over 2,900 members to health information and services. Meanwhile, the Peer Helpers Training program built a cadre of trained young advocates offering peer-to-peer support.

“Young people were not just reached, they were engaged on their terms, in ways that truly resonate,” said Richard Magullado, Information Officer of Commission on Population and Development (CPD)Region VII. “From film contests and newscasting to vibrant digital platforms, youth voices drove the movement.”

Reaching Every Barangay

The city also strengthened its demand generation workforce. All 224 Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs) were re-trained to deliver up-to-date FP information. The city’s grassroots commitment was evident in events like the Adolescent Summits in June and November 2024.

Held in Brgy. Sooc, Mandurriao and Arevalo respectively, these summits reached over 330 adolescents with sessions on teen pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), child labor, and family planning profiling. Parents were also engaged through Parent-Teen Talks and Usapan Sessions, breaking down taboos and building trust.

During Youth Day at Ramon Avanceña National High School, 92 adolescents joined interactive workshops on mental health, HIV, and Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), reinforcing their agency and access to support.

Policy Backing and Budget Growth

Iloilo’s local policies strengthened these efforts. Ordinance No. 2017-048 institutionalized the ISDN, while Executive Order No. 141 (2021) underscored adolescent pregnancy as a national priority. These enabled a coordinated response, backed by real investment: the city increased its adolescent health budget by 620% from 2024 to 2025.

The results speak volumes. Between 2019 and 2024, ABR dropped from 36 to 24 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19. Meanwhile, modern contraceptive prevalence rates (mCPR) have consistently exceeded the national benchmark of 30% at 41% in 2024.

A Movement Built to Last

“Iloilo City shows that when local leadership is bold, young people are engaged as partners, and systems are built to last, transformation becomes not just possible but inevitable,” said Magullado.

The city’s journey is far from over—but the foundation is strong. With sustained leadership, empowered communities, and energized youth, Iloilo is not only protecting its adolescents—it is equipping them to thrive.

And in true Iloilo fashion, it is doing so with heart.

Eight Cities Share Success in Family Planning and Adolescent Health

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:

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.

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

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: