Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel S. Pulumbarit
Governors and Provincial Health Officers from four provinces, alongside organizers, faculty, and staff from the UP College of Public Health, UP NCPAG-Center for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG), and the Zuellig Family Foundation, gathered for the Leadership Forum and Colloquium of the Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship Program for Public Health Leadership and Governance, and engaged in discussions on strengthening local health leadership and advancing universal health care.
After two years of intensive workshops, lectures, coaching, mentoring, and deep dives, the Roberto R. Romulo Fellowship Program for Public Health Leadership and Governance held its Leadership Forum and Colloquium on Mar. 14, 2025, at the Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle. This event marked the culmination of the fellowship program, celebrating its first cohort of governors and their Provincial Health Officers, who are leading efforts to strengthen public health governance in their provinces.
The fellowship program, named in honor of the late Ambassador Roberto R. Romulo, equips leaders with the skills to drive health reforms, address systemic inequities, and strengthen Universal Health Care.
“The legacy of the Honorable Roberto R. Romulo is one of visionary leadership and strategic foresight. As we reflect on the milestones of this Fellowship, may we continue to embody his values—collaborating, innovating, and leading with purpose,” said Chancellor Michael Tee in his welcome message.
Reflections on the Program
The program’s inaugural fellows include Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores and Dr. Leo Ismael from Aklan, Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga and Dr. Antonio Ybiernas Jr. from Davao de Oro, Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. and Dr. Vin Johan Manlapaz from Dinagat Islands, and Gov. James Edduba and Dr. Edward Tandingan from Kalinga. Their leadership journeys were showcased and honored during the program: local officials and outstanding fellows who have shown exceptional dedication to strengthening public health governance. The governors shared how the program shaped their leadership approach and the impactful strategies they have implemented to improve healthcare in their provinces.
“One key lesson I have learned is the importance of data-driven decision-making. We need to ensure that our data is complete and accurate. Another key lesson is the application of being a leading leader—from ownership to collaboration,” said Gov. Miraflores. He emphasized that understanding health challenges is crucial and he encouraged mayors to undergo similar programs such as the Municipal Leadership Development Program.
Gov. Gonzaga stressed that the leadership training has been instrumental in deepening his understanding of public health realities and has equipped him with strategic approaches to address healthcare challenges. “Learning from my fellow governors and communities has helped us push our shared health agenda forward. I have also gained a greater appreciation for evidence-based decision-making, strategic thinking, and foresight in public health governance.”
Gov. Demerey underscored the importance of community participation in addressing health challenges. “This means that participation is not enough—true involvement is necessary. Families, barangays, and municipalities must take ownership of health issues because health is everyone’s concern. We believe in fostering responsibility. Citizens should not only receive government services but should also contribute to improving their health.”
Kalinga governor Edduba underscored the importance of “small details,” stating that “In public health, even the smallest interventions—such as a well-conducted prenatal check-up, a properly administered vaccination, or an efficient referral—can save lives and create lasting transformation in communities.”
In his keynote address, Prof. Ernesto Garilao, former chairman of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), called on local government units (LGUs) to take a more proactive role in improving human development indicators. He emphasized that progressive governors and mayors can be game changers, especially when they learn from global best practices and align their initiatives with national programs like Ambisyon Natin 2040. However, he cautioned that short-term political cycles often get in the way of long-term progress. To create real and lasting change, he urged leaders to take a holistic, ecosystem approach—one that connects health, education, and economic stability rather than treating them separately.
“Academic institutions can also play a significant role in supporting these efforts by fostering research and training future leaders,” he added.
Liana Romulo and Daniel Zuellig shared heartfelt messages on behalf of their families and organizations, reflecting on leadership, public service, and health governance. Romulo spoke about her father, highlighting his lifelong dedication to public service and health equity. She expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of his contributions and emphasized the need to carry forward his vision for leadership and governance in public health.
Zuellig, representing ZFF, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening leadership in health governance. He underscored the foundation’s dedication to building strong partnerships, advancing Universal health care, and empowering local health leaders to create meaningful, lasting change.
Established on Sept. 3, 2023, the ZFF, in collaboration with the College of Public Health, and the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), the fellowship aims to cultivate strong public health leaders at the local level. Through collaboration, data-driven decisions, and community engagement, they are shaping a future where strong leadership leads to lasting change.
As the RRR program continues, it remains committed to empowering local leaders and ensuring that public health governance in the Philippines grows more effective, inclusive, and sustainable.#
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