Provincial Leadership Development Program Concludes, Empowering Health Leaders Across Cordillera

Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas

Photos by Joseph A. Bautista

“Be the leaders you are meant to be. Lead the way and show others that great things can be accomplished when we consider the bigger picture. Your coordination and leadership are vital in providing the healthcare our people need when they need it. I am eager to see how together we can shape the future of our healthcare system.” 

Thus said Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), during the conclusion of the Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP) for the DOH Cordillera Center for Health Development (CHD CAR). This final event, held from August 8 and 9, 2024 at The Heritage Hotel Manila, marks the culmination of nearly two years of intensive training aimed at empowering provincial health leaders for transformative leadership in healthcare.

The program’s graduates include a diverse group of leaders and healthcare professionals from various provinces:

• Apayao: Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., Dr. Mark Joleen M. Calban, Dr. Roy C. Julian, Hon. Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, Mr. Markrobin E. Daguio, Dr. Melchor B. Patal-e, Mr. Henry B. Caluducan, Mr. Kuester B. Dangao.
• Benguet: Gov. Melchor D. Diclas, Dr. Andrew Chamson M. Bacuso, Dr. Maria Imelda C. Ulep, Mr. Marc Adnan P. Balagot, Dr. Ryan C. Guinaran.
• Ifugao: Gov. Jerry U. Dalipog, Dr. Joseph G. Bulayungan, Mr. Joselito G. Guyguyon, Ms. Mary Jane G. Tillay, Hon. Martha U. Ballangi, Hon. Gaspar B. Chilagan, Ms. Lourdes Kinuh-ol.
• Kalinga: Gov. James S. Edubba, Dr. Reynaldo A. Aranca, Mr. George A. Ban-os, Ms. Alona Lea B. Bagtang, Hon. Danzel Michael D. Langkit, Mr. Aldrin D. Siwao, Ms. Valerie P. Dawaton.
• Mountain Province: Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., Dr. Dolores D. Dicdican, Ms. Madelyn P. Tudlong, Hon. Joshua B. Fronda, Ms. Ruth G. Tukaki, Ms. Jazel Ariane Feken, Ms. Mary Dianne S. Monte.

Leadership Recognition

“The end of this course is just the beginning. You are now part of the implementation of numerous [DOH] programs,” stated DOH CHD CAR Regional Director Ferdinand M. Benbenen. “Sabay nating ipagmalaki sa buong mundo na dahil sa inyong tulong at dahil sa pagkakaisa sa mga kasamahan nating nasa Department of Health, maipapakita natin sa buong Pilipinas na ang bawat kalusugan at bawat buhay ng mga taga-Cordillera ay mahalaga.”

Dr. Janice Z. Bugtong, Director III of DOH CHD CAR, added that with these newly acquired skills, the graduates are now equipped to implement their action plans, conduct in-depth analyses, and redesign programs to drive meaningful change in their provinces.

In her statement, Dr. Jenilyn Ann Dabu, Program Manager for North Luzon at the Zuellig Family Foundation, acknowledged the strength of the partnerships formed through the PLDP. “I commend DOH CHD Cordillera for leading the way in provincial leadership development. You are the first to complete the program with five governors and their provincial teams.” 

For her part, former DOH Undersecretary Myrna C. Cabotaje encouraged local leaders to innovate and tailor solutions for their health systems, emphasizing that the Department of Health is merely a guide. “Do not work for the Department of Health—this is not a DOH program; this is a health program for the people,” she asserted.

Insights and Plans from Provincial Governors

Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. of Apayao emphasized a collaborative approach to tackling health challenges, stating, “Local chief executives and other elected officials drive the local health system. The whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach is an effective tool to address the social determinants of health. Together, we can achieve so much. We will focus on upgrading health facilities, enhancing the referral system, strengthening health human resources, and implementing health system reforms.”

The governor of Kalinga Province, James S. Edubba, highlighted the achievements and future goals of the Bayang Malusog program, advocating for strengthened partnerships and investments in health infrastructure, workforce, and digital health. He also stressed the importance of local governments setting aside personal interests for the common good.

In his message, Gov. Melchor D. Diclas of Benguet underscored the importance of addressing health challenges through a comprehensive approach that considers the social determinants of health. “Our experiences have shown that tackling health challenges is most successful when all stakeholders actively participate and collaborate. This promotes a shared responsibility for health outcomes and encourages innovative solutions.”

Hon. Jerry U. Dalipog of Ifugao reflected, “This accomplishment would not have been possible without the involvement and strengthened linkages with our committed partners and stakeholders. Together, we have demonstrated that nothing can stand in the way of achieving the common good. With just a few months remaining until completion, we are already seeing numerous referrals from outside the province and a strong demand for the operationalization of the Ifugao General Hospital. This brings us to another important realization—the application of critical thinking and rising leadership will be crucial in the coming months as we face new challenges.”

Rounding up the gubernatorial statements, Mountain Province governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. stated, “These health issues affect not just regions, but entire families and communities, creating a cycle of poor health and poverty that is hard to break. This understanding is the cornerstone of our Barangay Muna initiative—a program aimed at empowering our barangays by providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. We partner with local leaders to meet community needs, especially in tackling malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.”

The Program at a Glance

The PLDP aimed to strengthen strategic leadership and management skills among provincial health leaders. With the program’s conclusion, participants are better equipped to address provincial health issues, evaluate health systems, identify gaps in Universal Health Care (UHC) implementation, and lead efforts to sustain UHC in their provinces. The participants included governors, provincial health officers, and provincial health teams, comprising health officials and municipal representatives. 

The 24-month program was divided into three modules, each featuring three days of face-to-face training followed by a six-month practicum. The practicum included coaching and monitoring by DOH representatives and academic partners. Implemented by the UP College of Public Health (UPCPH) and developed by the Zuellig Family Foundation, the program enhances the strategic leadership and management abilities of governors and provincial health teams to develop effective and responsive health systems.#