Transforming Health in Baguio: Leading Change through Shared Action
News
The City Health Services Office of Baguio, led by Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, is taking meaningful steps to strengthen and make health care more inclusive for the city. On September 24–25, 2025, 23 medical officers and staff completed Module 1 of the Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program (BMLGP).
BMLGP, a partnership between the City of Baguio and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), aims to build the knowledge, skills, and values of local health leaders so they can champion Universal Health Care (UHC) and address long-standing gaps in access to quality services.
During the two-day training, participants reflected on the health inequities in Baguio and studied the Bridging Leadership Framework, which highlights ownership, co-ownership, and co-creation in solving complex health challenges. They also learned practical approaches such as systems thinking, multi-sector collaboration, building and sustaining trust, and dialogue-based planning—tools essential for effective health leadership and governance.
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Moving forward, the city has identified key activities to strengthen collaboration in support of its Health Care Provider Network (HCPN), including:
- Stakeholder mapping and analysis to better understand the roles and needs of different partners;
- Training workshops to build the capacity of local health teams;
- Technical working group meetings to align efforts and monitor progress; and
- Crafting of a special health fund manual to guide resource use and sustainability.
These activities are aligned with the city’s UHC Roadmap, advancing its vision of becoming a “livable, inclusive, and creative city.”
In her closing remarks, Dr. Catherine Chung, Director of the Local Health Systems of ZFF, recognized the participants’ active involvement and highlighted the value of shared effort. “In the complexity of public health and UHC, no one person holds the answer, but together as Bridging Leaders, we create solutions,” she said.
For Dr. Brillantes and her team, more than just a training, the program is a call to action. By practicing shared leadership, they are reaffirming their commitment to transform health in Baguio with compassion, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring a healthier future for every resident.