The Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School of Public and Development Management (DAP-GSPDM) recently hosted the Dekalogo Lecture Series, focusing on the Strategic Direction of the Philippine Health Sector, on October 2, 2024, at the OD Corpuz Hall, DAP Pasig City. Organized by the Health Governance and Social Protection Cluster (HGSPC) of DAP-GSPDM, the event brought together experts, practitioners, and key stakeholders from the health sector, drawing more than 200 participants both in person and via Zoom.
The lecture series was attended by representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), faculty members, and alumni of the Master in Public Management major in Health Systems and Development (MPM-HSD) program, as well as other health-related courses offered by DAP-GSPDM. The event provided a platform to discuss the future of healthcare in the Philippines and explore strategies to meet national health goals.
Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, President and CEO of DAP, delivered the welcome remarks, underscoring the long-standing partnership between the DAP and DOH in empowering leaders and practitioners to spearhead impactful reforms in the health sector. She emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration, innovation, and commitment to improving the health system in line with the Philippine Development Plan, as the country works toward its vision of universal healthcare.
Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina, Dean of DAP-GSPDM, introduced the Dekalogo series and encouraged participants to adopt Futures-Thinking and Foresight in examining the strategic direction of public health. This approach, she said, is critical to promoting evidence-based policymaking and long-term planning for the sector.
Among the key presentations was Mr. Lindsley Jeremiah Villarante, Division Chief of the Performance Monitoring and Strategy Management Division of DOH, who outlined the Universal Health Care (UHC) vision. He provided updates on its progress and outlined future initiatives aimed at making Filipinos among the healthiest in Asia by 2040. His presentation highlighted the ongoing work needed to achieve this ambitious target.
Atty. Charade B. Mercado-Grande, Assistant Secretary for Health Regulation and Facility Development at DOH, discussed the effective management of health facilities through Risk-Based Regulation. She explained how this approach is transforming health facility regulation in the country, with new policies and innovations aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
Also presenting was Dr. Maria Linda Buhat, a professor at Trinity University of Asia and a healthcare consultant, who shared insights on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and its vital role in enhancing healthcare services in the Philippines.
The event also featured a lively discussion, moderated by Dr. Michael Caampued, President of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians and an alumnus of MPM-HSD. Faculty members and participants raised important questions during the open forum, particularly regarding the national budget for healthcare, the ongoing implementation of UHC, and the challenges surrounding health facilities and workforce. The critical role of Primary Care in the country’s health system was a recurring theme in the discussions.
The Dekalogo Lecture Series provided a dynamic platform for health sector leaders to share knowledge and collaborate on shaping the future of healthcare in the Philippines, reinforcing the importance of strategic planning, foresight, and innovative solutions to meet the nation’s healthcare goals.
