As part of the continuing effort to help local health centers achieve Universal Health Care (UHC) in the northern region, the Department of Health Centers for Health Development (DOH-CHD) of Cordillera, Ilocos, and Cagayan Valley, in partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), recently mounted the 3rd module implementation of the Bayang Malusog Regional Leadership Development Program (RLDP) in Baguio City last September 6-7, 2023. In attendance were 27 participants, including assistant regional directors, provincial health team leaders, and UHC coordinators from the three DOH-CHDs.

In the two-day training activity, no less than the former DOH Undersecretary Dr. Myrna Cabotaje emphasized that while the training activity is critical and can provide fundamental and technical knowledge, the participants’ integration with real experience and learnings on-site will surely go a long way.

“Your role involves facilitating access to health care services. Remember the human aspect, taking into account the people’s conditions and adapting your approach accordingly,” shared Dr. Cabotaje, as she encouraged everyone to positively contribute to UHC so that its impact is truly felt. “Sharing is learning,” Dr. Cabotaje added.

One of the participants, Jennifer Valenzuela, City health team leader of Baguio City, could not agree more. “Health care has to be felt more by Filipinos and our community through better access to quality health care services,” Valenzuela said.

Promising accomplishments in northern Luzon have also been highlighted including the progress of licensing and accreditation of primary care facilities and the growing commitment of local leaders to champion the integrated approach to UHC. Most of the provinces in the region have achieved 100% on the preparatory level of UHC maturity—a set of standards set by the DOH.

However, challenges remain to ensure access and quality of primary care services, a competent health workforce, and a functional electronic medical records system. Central to these challenges is the operationalization of the Special Health Funds.

These health system challenges are being addressed through proactive and responsive leadership and more intentional team coaching. Among the initiatives being worked on are the enhancement of the user interface of iClinicSys, the electronic medical records system used in primary care facilities, and the development of a technical assistance package aimed at expediting compliance with licensing and accreditation standards for needed facilities. These plans are part of a broader strategy that seeks to strengthen their approach to increasing immunization coverage in the regions.

The BayangMalusog Regional Leadership Development Program continues to empower leaders in their pursuit of UHC, creating a healthier Filipino population. #

 

(Published September 26, 2023)

Due to situations that contribute to increased maternal and infant deaths and a high incidence of gender-based violence, three provinces were chosen as pilot sites for the Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) training course. Catanduanes was hit by back-to-back typhoons; Laguna experienced high COVID-19 cases; while Maguindanao faced instability wrought by protracted armed conflicts.

The training course, a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and funded by Australian Aid, strengthened the competencies of provincial leaders to implement life-saving SRH information and services during natural disasters and other public health emergencies.

An assessment workshop was conducted in Tagaytay City from June 20 to 22, 2022 to mark the end of the pilot implementation. It served as a platform to harvest program lessons and insights from the experiences of all project stakeholders.

Thirty participants from the three provinces and key staff from the Health Emergency and Management Bureau of the Department of Health, and the Local Government Academy participated in the workshop.

During the plenary, former Undersecretary for Local Government Marivel Sacendoncillo reiterated that sexual and reproductive health is a development issue. Even sectoral investments in education and social services contribute to improved implementation of MISP and reproductive health, she said. She emphasized that plans and investments “should be standardized to improve the responsibility and accountability of local leaders for MISP.”

Continuing challenges
The workshop participants identified the need for a national policy to support local budgeting of their MISP for SRH plans, and monitor the implementation of local MISP plans. The provinces discussed the policies influencing and affecting the implementation of MISP services, and the governance mechanisms that would facilitate the institutionalization of MISP in local governments.

Nulfarid Ampatuan, Maguindanao’s Provincial Planning Officer, said the province will concentrate on training, capacity-building, coaching, and mentoring to ensure LGU readiness in implementing MISP for SRH during disasters. They will ensure that there are MISP for SRH localized policies with appropriate funds for the planning framework, integration, and cascading of MISP for SRH plans locally.

Vivian de Leon, from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Laguna, noted the need for continuous self-improvement for local leaders and highlighted the need to collaborate and work harmoniously toward improving MISP for SRH in the province.

Dr. Hazel Palmes, from the PHO of Catanduanes, said the province would work on funding and resource mobilization from private organizations, civil society organizations, and other agencies. She also recommended having more female staff from the Philippine National Police on the Women and Child Protection Desk to respond to gender-based violence cases, especially during calamities.