A revolution of hope

He probably doesn’t know it, but Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga’s speech before the 2006 graduating classes of Ateneo de Manila University is being spread around via the internet. A statement he made is considered noteworthy. He said: "I honor the nameless and unrecognized workers and heroes of other initiatives like Leaders for Health and other NGOs and case-oriented groups who love this country. Today there are tens of thousands of them . . . tomorrow there will be millions. Together we will build a slum-free, squatter-free, crime-free Philippines. . . Never stop hoping for our country. Don’t stop caring for our people."

The Leaders for Health (LHP) that Tony talked about is a result of a tripartite partnership between the Department of Health (DOH), the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) and Pfizer Philippines. The program aims to develop a core of competent, committed and professional leaders who are tasked to execute effective strategies and good governance in various levels of the Philippine health care system.

Pfizer undertook the program together with DOH and AGSB in 2002. DOH brought in the logistical support through its regional and local offices and the volunteer-doctors for its Doctors to the Barrios Program. AGSB delivered the required capacity-building interventions involving the local chief executives and People’s Organizations (POs) and a master’s degree program in community health management.

The program brings together in the local communities another tripartite collaboration among key stakeholders: the local chief executive, the municipal health officer, and the community leaders. They undergo capacity enhance-ment workshops that equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and prioritize their own health problems.

The four-year program has the participation of the three leaders in the community – the doctor, mayor, and community leaders – in a rigorous and structured series of activities that enable them to define a common health agenda and pursue it collaboratively. Thus the four-year program is a model-building phase upon which all subsequent batches of the LHP will be based.

Over a five-year period, Pfizer’s social investment has touched the lives of close to 1 million Filipinos. LHP through its vibrant collaborative work, has notably realized solid gains among its stakeholders and the communities where it is located.

Some facts about LHP:

So far, 52 physicians have completed or are currently taking up Masters in Community Health Management at the AGSB.

Fifty local chief executives have completed or are currently undergoing basic orientation workshops in the local health system.

Some 100 community leaders have completed or are currently undergoing basic orientation workshops on health management.

Fourteen out of 26 local health projects have been approved for funding through the CIDA, Philippine-Germany Fund, Japan embassy, Peace and Equity Foundation, German Embassy, and USAID. The projects are in the areas of water system development, solid waste management, emergency medical services and disaster preparedness, improvement of the referral system, and coastal entrepreneurship

In 2004, the LHP was adopted as one of the action points to align the corporate social response programs or initiatives of the Philippine business sector with the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. As a result of the initial success, DOH has affirmed its commitment to the program by shifting the LHP into an institutional policy that mandates the inclusion of LHP as one of its prime programs.

"We at Pfizer are proud to continue to be part of this worthy endeavor which we believe provides significant, long-term impact on the delivery of healthcare services in the Philippines, particularly to far-flung and medically-underserved communities," said Pfizer Philippines president and country manager Gerry Bacarro.

Dr. Arlene Sebastian, an LHP doctor who is involved in implementing the program in Santa Monica, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, has praises for the program. "The Leaders for Health Program empowers the municipal health units to carry out the principle of putting health in the hands of the people. If we could only empower as many community leaders as we can, people need not sorely rely on a doctor to respond to emergency situations."

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T’WAS A NIGHT to remember. Grade schoolers clad in charming native costumes strumming and beating the banduria, octavina, drums, laud, percussion and double base to produce lively hymns and folk songs. No one could believe those two years ago, they knew nothing about musical instruments. Thanks to C.A.R.E., Philippines, they’ve become skilful musicians who openly profess love of music – but next only to love of God. At their rondalla recital held in the lovely garden of Flor and Ed Tarriela, they demonstrated the evening’s theme, "Changing Lives, Changing Communities."

The kids’ lives, as well as their parents, have indeed changed. Ruth Soon, a sixth grader playing the 1st banduria, said that because of her mother’s influence, and her (Ruth’s) being in the rondalla, her father has started going to church with them.

Jonathan Rambimbi, Grade VI, said he took to the laud as though he had known it for years. Jocelyn Manabat said, in English, "I thank the Lord for the rondalla. I spend time practicing with the team."

He used to go around with his barkada, Jeremiah Pabilada, Grade V, remarked. Now he only has time for his music and studies.

Two parents talked about how their lives had changed because of their children’s music. Patty Barredo said she’s happy C.A.R.E. has provided instruments for her two kids which otherwise she would not be able to buy. Jimmy Postrero, a 36-year-old carpenter, has no kid in the rondalla, but just listening to the young instrumen-talists play makes him feel rested, and, he added, before, he drank and womanized, but he has given up all that; now he is "a reformed man."

Very proud about the musicians’ performance were the multi-awarded teacher-conductor, Maestro Lino Manandi, and his assistant teacher Mark Lopena.

Proudest of all were Dr. Rose A. Biron, C.A.R.E. executive director, and her lawyer husband, both of whom organized C.A.R.E. (meaning Christian Action for Reconciliation and Evangelism) Philippines. Through their efforts, school buildings and worship facilities have been built in a squatter relocation area in San Jose, Antipolo City. The non-profit Christian organization serves urban poor squatter (landless) communities in at least 17 locations in and around Metro Manila.

The organization, according to Rose, is involved in "holistic ministry to the poor people in the Philippines. Our strategies in helping them improve their lot through values inculcation and transformation, social action, education and partnership with key local institutions."

The children’s rondalla, says Rose, is one of the offshoots of those strategies. "In less than a year, this program has proven to be one of the most effective tools in motivating students/scholars to study, develop self-respect, confidence and aim for higher goals. C.A.R.E. would like to develop rondalla teams in the 17 depressed communities mentioned above.

The organization appreciates the support of its board of directors, headed by Congressman Ferjenel Biron. Other directors are Erlynn Campos, Rosie Chew, Belle Estrada, Dr. Jean Go-Du, Jo Pena, Evelyn Salvador, Engr. Leoncitio Silva, Connie de Silva, and Flor Tarriela.

For inquiries about the organization, call or fax telephone (632) 682-7724, or email [email protected].

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