Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas

Photos by Joseph A. Bautista

The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health (CPH), in collaboration with the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Department of Health-Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD Ilocos), marked the successful conclusion of the Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP) on November 7 and 8, 2024, at The Heritage Hotel in Manila. This two-year initiative has equipped provincial leaders from the Ilocos region to drive Universal Health Care (UHC) forward through effective governance, leadership, and collaborative planning. Designed to address the critical need for strong, community-focused health leaders capable of implementing UHC at the provincial level, the PLDP combined three intensive training modules with a six-month practicum, guiding participants in analyzing and addressing local health system challenges while developing sustainable strategies.

Reflecting on the transformative experience, Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Director IV of DOH-CHD Ilocos, commended the program’s impact on leadership. “I don’t just see public servants here; I see leaders who share the same passion and capabilities in building public trust, promoting collaborative and inclusive planning, and addressing gaps in our health systems,” she said, emphasizing the growth in leadership among participants.

Dr. Pretchell P. Tolentino, Assistant Regional Director of DOH-CHD Ilocos, highlighted that the program’s core focus was leadership development. “The main strategy of the program is to focus on the leader… all systems and targets center around leadership and governance. The quality of the leader driving everything is very important.”

Statements from Participants

Dr. Cielo E. Almoite, Provincial Health Officer I of Pangasinan, shared the province’s significant progress and key lessons learned in its pursuit of UHC. The Provincial Health Board of Pangasinan has advanced UHC through new ordinances, restructuring its Health Office, and securing unanimous support from local government units (LGUs). A Special Health Fund, with separate provincial and LGU accounts, ensures dedicated and transparent funding, while a streamlined Healthcare Provider Network (HCPN) facilitates coordinated, people-centered care across accredited facilities. “Our goal is to provide people-centered, coordinated care,” Dr. Almoite explained. 

The province is also progressing toward a unified electronic medical record (EMR) system, with 68% of indigent residents already registered and a goal to achieve full coverage soon.

Through the Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program, Pangasinan’s health leaders refined their technical and leadership skills to enhance UHC delivery. “Through a situational analysis and planning process… we analyzed the current health system and proposed solutions addressing identified needs and gaps,” Dr. Almoite shared, outlining how the province adopted a collaborative approach to overcome challenges.

Dr. Rickson R. Balalio, Provincial Health Officer I of Ilocos Norte, highlighted the province’s proactive steps in building UHC infrastructure, including the establishment of the Provincial Health Board, the creation of a Special Health Fund, and formalized cooperation among local governments through a Memorandum of Agreement. These efforts have strengthened health services and coordination across the province. 

“Our target for 2024 includes a 25% increase at the organizational level and a 30% increase at the functional level,” Dr. Balalio noted, emphasizing the commitment to accessible healthcare for all residents. Additionally, initiatives like a Customer Feedback Mechanism, the Disaster Risk Management and Health Program, and a 2030 Health Promotion Framework Strategy have laid essential foundations for strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Balalio identified key lessons, including the importance of resilience and adaptability. “Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in any ambitious endeavor. We have learned to view each challenge as a stepping stone and an opportunity to refine our strategies,” he said.

Reflections of Provincial Heads

Governor Jeremias C. Singson of Ilocos Sur highlighted the province’s initiatives toward UHC, including the “Grow Old with You” program on non-communicable diseases, which established a governance framework for efficient health service delivery. He outlined key accomplishments in health promotion, community involvement, and governance, such as the Youth Playbook program in schools, healthy workplace awards, and monthly health caravans offering medical and dental services. The province also launched an EMR Expo, achieved full accreditation for healthcare facilities, and registered over 113,000 patients for Konsulta services.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Gov. Singson said, “Before the PLDP, I thought UHC implementation was challenging, but now, after completing the program, I believe that anything is possible.” He highlighted the concept of “One Ilocos Sur,” a unified vision for health, driven by teamwork and accountability. “Our vision is for equitable Bayang Malusog, inspired by unity within the entire health team,” he added.

La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David shared that the province has strengthened primary care services and provider networks to reduce maternal deaths in high-risk areas. She emphasized the importance of community engagement, transportation, and referral systems. Key improvements include health education for mothers, engaging family members, and strengthening referral systems with local health units and hospitals. The province has also enhanced its maternal and neonatal death review (MNDR) process, aiming to prevent maternal deaths by learning from each case.

Looking ahead, Governor Ortega expressed optimism about La Union’s leadership role in UHC implementation. “We are proud to report that, as of 2024, La Union leads the Ilocos Region in UHC progress, with 100% completion in the preparatory stage, 91.7% in the organizational stage, and 70% in the functional stage,” she said.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Ernesto D. Garilao, Chairman of the Zuellig Family Foundation, highlighted the need for provincial leaders to remain committed to improving health outcomes by asking critical questions about health metrics and working collaboratively to find solutions. “Our role is to understand our current status, identify areas for improvement, and take action. As we move forward in UHC implementation, let’s recognize that it’s challenging but essential work.” 

He emphasized the importance of accountability and continuous improvement in achieving equitable healthcare. He acknowledged the challenges in implementing Universal Health Care (UHC), particularly in addressing IT system enhancements, staffing issues, and health financing complexities. 

“As we return to our roles, let us ensure that we remain steadfast in our pursuit of health equity and quality care for all,” Prof. Garilao said, as he commended the efforts of Region 1 and the graduates of the Provincial Leadership Development Program, stressing that the successful implementation of UHC should lead to better access to health services and improved health indicators, ultimately benefiting all Filipinos.#