Embedded Files
March 27, 2026
The Program for Health Equity (PHE) of the University of the Philippines Manila convened its Advisory Board on March 27, 2026, with participation from the University of the Philippines Manila (College of Public Health, College of Medicine, UHC Study Group), Zuellig Family Foundation, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, Department of Health, and PhilHealth.
The session opened with updates on the PHE governance structure, highlighting the expansion of its advisory board to nine members, with new confirmations strengthening multi-sectoral representation. As part of the expansion of the Advisory Board, the following members were added as ex-officio members: Mr. Austere Panadero of the Zuellig Family Foundation; Dr. Mar Wynn Bello of the Department of Health – Bureau of Local Health Services and Development; and Dr. Israel Francis Pargas of PhilHealth.
Key discussions focused on the Philippine Health Atlas, a collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the Department of Health, which is set for public release by the end of April 2026. The board also reviewed ongoing and proposed research on subnational health outcomes, maternal and child health equity, and catastrophic out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditures, noting gaps between policy intent and implementation.
The meeting underscored the need to strengthen data systems and translate evidence into actionable policies, particularly through localized analytics and tools for LGUs. The Program’s upcoming initiatives—including a public health data repository and the Philippine Health Equity Report—aim to support more granular, equity-focused decision-making, alongside efforts to institutionalize PHE as a center and expand partnerships for Universal Health Care implementation.
Page updated
Report abuse