During Module 1 of the Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program (BMLGP) held on November 27–28, 2025, representatives from the municipalities of Kibungan and Kapangan in Benguet—including Kapangan Mayor Harris Dizon—came together to reflect on their leadership journeys and shape a shared vision for Universal Health Care (UHC).

By the end of the module, both groups had crafted messages that captured their hopes for their people: “Maksil ya maketing ay i-Kibungan” (Healthy and resilient people of Kibungan) and “Misyon man-aabat para sin salun-at for a healthier Kapangan” (Our mission for health—together for a healthier Kapangan).

Reflections Rooted in Community

The reflections from the group grew naturally from the Day 1 sessions, where participants explored their values, motivations, and lived experiences through the three-step Bridging Leadership framework of Ownership, Co-Ownership, and Co-Creation.

As part of the Ownership process, the group examined their “why” as leaders—what shaped them, what drives them, and how their stories connect to the health of their communities.

This grounding in personal purpose set the tone for the collective work that followed.

Bryan Alacdis, Kibinungan Municipal Accountant, explained that in their town, support for each other is deeply woven into their way of life. “Our main [quality in Kibungan] is we support each other. Awan ti milak-laksid, awan ti maibat-bati. (No one is left out, no one is left behind.)”

Dizon also connected their collective effort to a familiar cultural symbol in Benguet, the grand march, a traditional dance that brings people together across social, political, and religious lines. 

In the same way, leaders from both municipalities recognized that UHC is a shared movement—everyone stepping in rhythm, carrying their role, and supporting one another.

Co-Ownership, Co-Creation, and Action Planning

On the second day, the groups moved from personal awareness to shared responsibility. Guided by the Zuellig Family Foundation’s Local Health System and BMLGP team, they practiced trust-building, stakeholder mapping, and open dialogue—activities that helped them understand the bigger system they are part of.

With this stronger sense of co-ownership, the teams drafted action plans aligned with the Benguet UHC Roadmap. These plans focused on strengthening primary care, improving coordination between offices, supporting health financing, and making sure resources are used wisely and transparently.

The two-day module ended with a meaningful moment. Participants recited the Pledge of Commitment as Bridging Leaders, affirming their promise to lead with compassion, integrity, and shared responsibility. Afterward, they joined in the grand march—a symbol of unity, community spirit, and moving forward together.

Like the grand march, the UHC journey in Benguet is a collective movement. With visions strengthened by both personal purpose and shared commitment, Kibungan and Kapangan now step forward in rhythm, carrying with them a shared hope for a healthier and stronger Benguet.

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), together with the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) and the City Government of Baguio, hosted a two-day City Health System Strengthening Program (CHSSP) workshop on November 20–21, 2025 at Mines View Park Hotel, Baguio City. The activity, part of the Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program, brought the Baguio Local Health Board and health leaders from the City Camp and Irisan District Health Centers into one space to reflect on the city’s health challenges and opportunities.

Baguio’s Health Situation: Key Points

The workshop began with a grounding on Baguio’s 2024 health situation—a clear picture of both progress and continuing gaps. The leading causes of illness (acute respiratory infections, dental cavities, and hypertension) and the main causes of death (vascular diseases, cancer, and heart disease) showed the city’s dual burden of infectious and lifestyle-related conditions.

Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Officer, added other important concerns. Maternal deaths remain high; antenatal care and full immunization percentages are still below national targets; and procurement delays have limited the availability of medicines for people with hypertension and diabetes. Partnerships—such as Abbott’s support for viral load testing—continue to enhance HIV services, but mental health cases increased sharply from 241 in 2023 to 525 in 2024, pointing to urgent psychosocial needs.

The city also faces staffing gaps, with 11 more health workers needed across facilities. Accreditation efforts under the Yaman at Kalusugan Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino (YAKAP) Program continue, supported by better population registration. The Mines View Health Center is preparing for accreditation by the end of the year.

Workshop Learning Sessions

Given this context, participants joined sessions on Universal Health Care (UHC), PhilHealth benefits, systems thinking, visioning, and ZFF’s Bridging Leadership Framework. Resource persons from DOH-CAR, PhilHealth, the Baguio Health Services Office (HSO), and ZFF guided the discussions, which helped deepen appreciation for shared leadership and collective action.

Throughout the workshop, health leaders shared reflections that captured the spirit of the program.

“Change does not happen overnight, but we can always start with our own,” said Dr. Vanessa Fagcangan of the Irisan District Health Center.

Dr. Ma. Lourdes Pakoy of the HSO spoke about the need to widen their perspective: “Ang lawak pala ng kailangan naming punan. Even with UHC, the problem of strengthening primary care facilities is still the same today. We really need to step up and unite.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Nelson Hora of the City Camp District Health Center emphasized adaptability in a changing health landscape: “We are in a changing world… you always have to grow your capital. Invest in your expertise. Kung ano ang meron ka, pagyamanin mo para madali mong i-offer.”

The workshop closed with a renewed sense of co-ownership—the third and last phase of ZFF’s Bridging Leadership Framework—between the Baguio Health Services Office and the Local Health Board. Both teams committed to addressing health inequities through coordinated leadership and stronger engagement with communities and partners.

ZFF and its partners continue to nurture health leaders who demonstrate technical skill, grounded leadership, and a shared commitment to strengthen Baguio’s health system—one collaborative step at a time.

Author: Joan Kidatan, ZFF Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program Associate

This policy brief advocates for strengthening Bataan’s barangay-based incentive program as a strategy to mitigate the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), emphasizing the importance of bolstering primary care to enhance early detection and treatment, thereby freeing resources for broader community development and improving the province’s Human Development Index (HDI).

ZFF Policy Paper_1BSHB

The study introduces the Barangay Leadership Management Program (BLMP) in Dinalupihan, Bataan, demonstrating its role in enhancing health leadership and management capacity at the barangay level to bolster primary care and integrate health services effectively.

ZFF Abstract_UHC-Dinalupihan