The University of the Philippines is mandated by RA 9500 to contribute to national development especially in the regions where inequities are stark. In line with SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), through its public health program, UP Visayas has formed a health leadership training program and a team that has been working with various Western Visayas LGUs to strengthen local health systems.
The program was developed by the Zuellig Family Foundation and funded by the DOH-CHD6 under the UPVFI. Prof. Philip Ian Padilla, Asst. Prof Melanie Sartorio, and Mr. Alexander Porras, assisted Roxas City in capacitating its local health board members through the City/Municipal Health System Strengthening Program. The training was held in Capiz Mansion (Baybay) last 5-6 March 2024 with various stakeholders attending, including the chief accountant, budget officer, SK and Barangay leaders, as well as other public health workers.
The UPV team, this time composed of Prof. Padilla, Asst. Professor Josephine T. Firmase, and Ms. Czarrinah G. Araneta, then proceeded to Kalibo, Aklan to provide additional training for the Municipal Leadership and Development Program (MLDP) to 6 Aklan Mayors, including Hon. Jessica Panambo (New Washington), Hon. Ramon Anselmo Legazpi III (Makato), Hon. Michael Ramos (Batan), Hon Deny Refol, Sr. (Altavas), and Hon Rex Gubatina (Madalag).
It was held at the Aklan Provincial Capitol on 7 March 2024. Together with the local chief executives were their health officers and members of their finance team. This is in line with the organization of the Aklan Province-Wide Health System under the UHC law (RA 11223). This was a supplemental module in preparation for MLDP Module 2 for all 17 Aklan LGUs to be held on the 1st week of April 2024.
