Sixteen local government units (LGUs) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) have applied for a leadership and governance program aimed at strengthening the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC).

The Department of Health (DOH)-NIR Center for Health Development and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday for the joint implementation of the Leadership Development Program for UHC.

The prospective participants, which will still undergo a screening process, are Don Salvador Benedicto, Isabela, La Carlota, La Castellana, Manapla, Sagay City, Talisay City, and Valladolid in Negros Occidental; Pamplona, San Jose, Tanjay City, Vallehermoso and Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental; and Larena, San Juan and Siquijor in Siquijor province.

DOH-NIR Regional Director Dr. Razel Nika How and ZFF president and executive director Austere Panadero led the signing ceremony, which formalized the partnership to equip local chief executives, health officers and UHC teams with practical skills in strategic leadership and health systems management.

“It has already been implemented in Region 7 (Central Visayas) with five batches and in Region 6 (Western Visayas) with four batches,” How said during a press conference following the signing.

The program will be rolled out in NIR with updated modules that reflect recent developments in UHC implementation.

Silliman University in Dumaguete City and the University of the Philippines Visayas will serve as academic partners. The program will feature shorter classroom sessions and more experiential learning activities.

Interested LGUs must submit a letter of intent and comply with enrollment requirements.

Each participating LGU will send three representatives (mayor, city or municipal health officer and finance officer) to the year-long program.

A separate deal was also signed between ZFF and Silliman University to strengthen the university’s capacity in implementing the leadership development program.

How said previous batches encountered challenges related to scheduling and participant completion, underscoring the need for a strong commitment from participating LGUs to ensure regular monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of best practices.

The partnership also established the ZFF Bayang Malusog Community of Practice, which will serve as a platform for regional stakeholders to share innovations, best practices, and lessons learned in implementing UHC and primary health care. (PNA)