Unilab Foundation and ULAP Unite to Strengthen Local Universal Health Care Efforts
The Unilab Foundation, through its research and policy division known as the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP), has officially joined forces with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) in a strategic collaboration aimed at identifying and overcoming obstacles to the effective and accelerated execution of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act at the local government level. This partnership was formalized with the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward enhancing healthcare delivery across the Philippines.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Healthcare Devolution
The collaboration will focus on tackling fragmented policies, inefficient processes, skill gaps, and systemic issues that currently impede the ability of local government units (LGUs) to implement UHC reforms. This initiative aligns with the national mandate to empower LGUs, ensuring that the devolution of healthcare responsibilities from the national government does not result in inconsistent or uneven health services across different regions and communities.
ULAP National President and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua emphasized the critical need for multi-stakeholder support in achieving universal healthcare goals. He stated, "This MOU reflects our shared understanding that Universal Health Care is ultimately realized when governance meets execution, which occurs at the local level, and this cannot be accomplished by government alone. We require the support of all stakeholders." Governor Cua further highlighted that many challenges are structural and systemic, necessitating collaborative efforts rather than isolated actions.
Pilot Programs and Policy Insights
As part of the partnership, UCHP and ULAP will launch pilot programs in selected LGUs to demonstrate practical UHC implementation at the local level. The insights gained from these ground-level initiatives will be used to inform national policy decisions and replicate successful practices in additional areas. Governor Cua expressed optimism about the partnership's growth potential, noting hopes for expansion into deeper collaboration, service delivery models, innovation, and targeted efforts to reach underserved Filipino communities where access to quality healthcare remains fragile.
Unilab Foundation Executive Director Atty. Jose Maria Ochave outlined UCHP's role in supporting government leaders to achieve their vision for constituents. He explained, "Our role is to demonstrate that certain strategies can work and be implemented effectively. However, the primary drivers of change remain government entities, with local governments poised to make the most significant impact in the coming years, as that is where governance is most directly experienced by the people."
UCHP's Mission and Recent Initiatives
The Unilab Center for Health Policy is dedicated to empowering LGUs to become self-reliant and successful implementers of UHC by supporting policy development, enabling evidence-based decision-making, and providing comprehensive technical assistance to strengthen local execution. Recently, UCHP commissioned a study revealing that a large portion of local health budgets is allocated to personnel salaries, leaving limited funds for actual health programs and services. This study has been praised by the Department of Budget and Management as a valuable tool for optimizing local resources.
In addition, UCHP recently collaborated with the local government of Ormoc City to develop and implement a UHC-aligned primary care service delivery framework specifically designed for geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. These efforts underscore the foundation's commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and fostering sustainable health solutions across the Philippines.
The signing ceremony included key figures such as ULAP Executive Director Aileen Leycano, Unilab Foundation Executive Director Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, ULAP National President and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua, and UCHP Program Director Ruben John Basa, symbolizing a united front in the pursuit of enhanced healthcare accessibility and quality for all Filipinos.
