More provincial governors and their health officials are expected to get trained toward the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law. This comes after the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) conducted a training of trainers (TOT) for 28 faculty members of seven academic institutions. The TOT, held last Oct. 5 to 6 oriented the participants on ZFF’s Bayang Malusog: Provincial Leaders for Universal Health Care Acceleration program.

The Academic Partners are Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Cebu Normal University, Davao Medical School Foundation, University of the Philippines (UP)-College of Public Health, UP School of Health Sciences, Silliman University, St. Paul University of the Philippines.

The attendees were trained on the design and content of each session as well as methods to deliver the program. They are also required to submit teaching demonstrations and observe actual program runs by ZFF, which will also share its other training materials.

ZFF adheres strictly to its teaching standards to preserve its brand in health leadership and governance programs and maintain its two ISO certifications, ISO 29993:2017—learning services outside formal education—and ISO 29994:2021 Education and learning services – requirements for distance learning.

Recently, ZFF received notice that it keeps its ISO certifications following a surveillance audit last September. Thus, as ZFF shares its programs and technologies, trainees can be assured of high-quality standards in programs that bring improved health outcomes.

Once TOT requirements are fulfilled, ZFF will endorse the academic partners to the Department of Health regional offices planning to enroll their regional and/or provincial health teams in the Bayang Malusog program. Among the regions are Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), Region 7 (Central Visayas), Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).

(Published on October 21, 2022)

During the Department of Health’s series of summits, four governors stated their priorities to advance toward Universal Health Care (UHC). The four are from the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Ilocos Norte, all enrolled in Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) Provincial Leadership Development Program to Accelerate UHC (LDP-UHC).

For Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III, the priority will be on investments that will improve the 14 provincial government-managed hospitals and their health workers.

Similarly, Ilocos Sur Gov. Jerry Singson shared that investments to ensure quality health services are in place to address the financial burden brought about by infirmity.

La Union Gov. Raphaella Veronica Ortega-David called for all municipalities to integrate into a province-wide health system and pushed for cooperative undertakings that would ensure all sectors are ready to support the health needs of the people.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc shared that his province is already integrating UHC-aligned health programs across all municipalities.

The LDP-UHC will help governors realize their priorities since the program is designed to help improve leadership and technical competencies to strengthen primary care, enhance health facility referrals, and ensure needed investments to support such reforms.

As Sytiongco said, “Universal Health Care (UHC) requires commitment, dedication, and strong will among all significant players,” and LDP-UHC is expected to develop the related leadership competencies.

With the theme “Hawak Kamay Tungo sa Tagumpay, UHC Ating Iwagayway,” the series of UHC summits included discussions on UHC law’s principles and policies led by former DOH Undersecretary Dr. Mario Villaverde. PhilHealth Vice President Dr. Israel Pargas also presented the financial integration measures. A gallery walk showcased the initiatives and early successes of the four provinces.

During the events, key stakeholders in the Ilocos region–led by the governors, mayors, local councils, hospital chiefs, and health officers–signed the pledge of commitment to lead the provincial health system reforms to achieve UHC goals and improve health program and service delivery in the provinces.

(Published September 9, 2022)