Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Joseph A. Bautista

The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila College of Public Health (CPH), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), marked the successful conclusion of the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) in Northern Mindanao. The program, part of the Health Leadership and Governance Program, equipped municipal mayors and health officers with skills to enhance local health systems and outcomes.

The 18-month program, grounded in the Bridging Leadership Framework, concluded with a colloquium on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at the Prince Hotel in Manila. The program included three intensive modules focusing on personal leadership, relationship building, and fostering resilience, followed by a six-month practicum where participants implemented health system reforms in their municipalities, guided by regional DOH coaches and academic partners.

Among the graduates were Hon. Jose Joel P. Doromal, municipal mayor of Maramag, Bukidnon, with Dr. Evangeline Revilla, municipal health officer; Ms. Lanie Pates, Nurse II; and Mr. Stephen Angelo Epon, Development Management Officer IV. Hon. Alexis Quina, municipal mayor of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, completed the program alongside Dr. Maria Helen Romualdo, municipal health officer, and Mr. JR. Gilbolingo, Development Management Officer IV. Hon. Grelina Lim, municipal mayor of Baroy, Lanao del Norte, was joined by Dr. Wiljelyn Abamonga, municipal health officer; Ms. Fatemah Ameril, private secretary; and Ms. Ariane Paitan, Development Management Officer IV.

Hon. Jayfrancis Bago, municipal mayor of Opol, Misamis Oriental, participated with Dr. Emily Grace Banal, municipal health officer, and Ms. Millorina Osorio, Development Management Officer IV. Hon. Warren Pabillaran, municipal mayor of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, was supported by Atty. Mitchell Talatala, Executive Assistant IV; Ms. Maria Rica Raguro, Nurse IV; and Dr. Vincent Raguro, Development Management Officer V. Hon. Rico Taray, municipal mayor of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, completed the roster of participants, with Dr. Gay Ardanas, municipal health officer.

Hon. Raymon Charl Gamboa, municipal mayor of Kalilangan, Bukidnon, was joined by Dr. Ray Ralf Feril, municipal health officer; Ms. Mary Grace Galido, Nurse; and Ms. Karen Garces, Development Management Officer IV. Hon. Charlie Buhisan, municipal mayor of Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, participated with Dr. Fortunato Ramonal Jr., municipal health officer; Ms. Terecia Mie Babaylan, public health nurse; and Ms. Marivic Dela Fuente, Development Management Officer IV. Hon. Yñigo Jesus Romualdo, municipal mayor of Mambajao, Camiguin, joined the program with Dr. Lyndon Aclan, municipal health officer; Ms. Jobille Recapente, Public Health Nurse III; and Mr. Richard Panulaya, Development Management Officer IV.

The MLGP contributes to the broader vision of creating sustainable and equitable health systems nationwide by fostering a collaborative and empowered approach to health leadership.#