Western Visayas LGUs Complete Health Leadership Program

“Relentless follow-through is the name of the game,” said Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) President and Executive Director Austere Panadero as he addressed graduates of the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) Cycle 4 in Western Visayas. He challenged them to go beyond planning and focus on execution—encouraging collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in addressing persistent health issues, including teenage pregnancy and malnutrition.

Seventeen local government units (LGUs) from across Western Visayas completed the 18-month MLGP journey during the Colloquium held on July 10 in Iloilo City. These included 1 LGU from Guimaras, 2 from Antique, 3 from Iloilo, and 7 from Negros Occidental. The graduates included local chief executives (LCEs), municipal health officers, and designated “third leaders”, mostly municipal planning and development officers.

Led by the Department of Health (DOH)-Western Visayas, in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP)-Visayas and ZFF, MLGP builds the leadership and governance skills of local health leaders using ZFF’s Bridging Leadership framework. Since 2014, more than 250 health leaders in the region have completed the program.

Dr. Philip Ian Padilla, MLGP Project Leader from UP Visayas, proudly noted that this cycle reached a 100% graduation rate—a first in the program. “This reflects the strong commitment of local leaders to improve their health systems,” he said.

DOH-Western Visayas Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang shared that MLGP shifted the health governance mindset among LGUs. “Health is not for the health sector alone, but truly the responsibility of our LCEs to own the health of the people,” she said, drawing from her past experience as a municipal health officer.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral called on the graduates to lead with heart and inclusion: “Let us remain steadfast not just in implementing health programs, but in building a health movement that advances justice, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.”

The graduates presented best practices and results from their MLGP practicum work—tackling health issues such as maternal health, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), teenage pregnancy, malnutrition, tuberculosis, and mental health. Their presentations showcased not just improvements in health indicators but also strengthened community involvement and collaboration.

Mayor Aser Baladjay of Laua-an, Antique, shared how community dialogues helped respond to the needs of an Indigenous Peoples group in a remote area. Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, stressed the importance of creating a long-term health roadmap beyond one-time financial assistance. Mayor Adi Lazaro of Pototan, Iloilo, credited MLGP for helping them meet all their health roadmap indicators.

Throughout the event, local leaders expressed appreciation to ZFF for its guidance in applying Bridging Leadership to real-life health challenges.

As Cycle 4 ends, the graduates are equipped not just with knowledge, but with stronger resolve to implement Universal Health Care in their communities—anchored on leadership, systems change, and a commitment to better health for all.