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August 27, 2026
Throughout August 2026, the Program for Health Equity (PHE) continued to contribute evidence, perspectives, and critical discussions on some of the Philippines’ most pressing health challenges—from understanding inequities at the provincial level to strengthening Universal Health Care and advancing mental health policy and practice.
From National Averages to Provincial Realities: PHE Presents the Philippine Health Atlas at TUFH 2026
From National Averages to Provincial Realities: PHE Presents the Philippine Health Atlas at TUFH 2026
Looking beyond national statistics to understand where health inequities truly exist.
On August 7, 2026, PHE presented its research on the Philippine Health Atlas at TUFH 2026: “Bayanihan for Health Equity: Co-Creating Social Innovations for Responsive and Resilient Health Systems,” held from August 4 to 7 at the Henry Sy Sr. Medical Sciences Building, University of the Philippines Manila.
Titled “From National Averages to Provincial Realities: Developing the Philippine Health Atlas to Inform Equity-Oriented Health Planning,” PHE’s presentation highlighted the importance of moving beyond national averages to better understand the significant differences in health outcomes and conditions experienced across Philippine provinces.
By making these local realities more visible, the Philippine Health Atlas aims to provide evidence that can support more targeted, responsive, and equity-oriented health planning.
UHC at Six: PHE Joins the Conversation on the Future of Health Equity
UHC at Six: PHE Joins the Conversation on the Future of Health Equity
From measuring coverage to ensuring that progress reaches every Filipino household.
PHE also participated in the 4th Dr. Stephen Zuellig Memorial Public Health Lecture, held on August 6, 2026, under the theme “UHC at Six: Gains, Gaps, and the Future of Health Equity in the Philippines.”
PHE Coordinator Dr. Leizel P. Lagrada shared insights on the need to look beyond national gains in Universal Health Care and examine whether progress is being experienced equitably by Filipino households—particularly through improved access to care, financial protection, and better health outcomes.
The event featured a keynote address by PHE Advisory Board member Dr. Carlo Irwin A. Panelo, alongside perspectives from reactors and institutional speakers, including members of the PHE Technical Working Group such as Mr. Lindsley Jeremiah Villarante and National Scientist and PHE Advisory Board Member Dr. Ernesto Domingo.
The discussion underscored a central question for the country's UHC journey: How do we ensure that health equity moves from a national aspiration to a lived reality?
Mental Health in Focus: Bringing an Equity and Policy Lens to the Discussion
Mental Health in Focus: Bringing an Equity and Policy Lens to the Discussion
Examining mental health beyond the individual and toward the social conditions that shape well-being.
PHE also contributed as a reactor in “Mental Health in Focus: Research, Policy, and Practice,” a learning session bringing together researchers and public health experts to examine current evidence and emerging challenges in mental health.
The session explored key issues including mental health literacy, adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic determinants of mental health, and workplace mental health promotion. Through the perspectives of expert reactors, the discussion further connected research findings to the broader lenses of health equity and public policy.
By bringing together evidence, policy, and practice, the session emphasized the importance of understanding mental health not only as an individual concern, but also as an issue deeply shaped by social and economic conditions.
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