Our Project at a Glance
Background

In the Philippines, with the implementation of Local Government Code of 1991, known as R.A. 7160, there has been fragmentation of the health care delivery system. By this devolution, the Rural Health Units (RHUs) are administratively under the Municipal Mayors and the Government hospitals under the Provincial Governor. These health facilities are expected to provide the services for life style related diseases, in addition to infectious diseases and malnutrition, which have been prevalent in the past.

Health care cost for life style diseases is increasing, thus causing the “Double Burden of Diseases” on Local Government Units (LGUs). Twenty to thirty percent (20-30%) of the provincial budget is being spent for health, however, still being insufficient for stable drug/medicines/supplies and health personnel allocations; although there are gaps in the administration capabilities for health service delivery among LGUs.

Under this situation, in 2005, Department of Health (DOH) announced the FOURmula One Policy (2005-2010) aiming at strengthening the local health systems with the assistance from donors. FOURmula One Policy has four (4) pillar components; namely, strengthening of health financing, health regulation, health service delivery, and good governance in health.

In July 2004, Japanese ODA Task Force has prepared “Japan’s ODA Basic Policy for the Philippine Health Sector”, in which a focus is placed on infectious diseases control, mother and child health, reduction of life style related disease risks, and development of local health system. Based on this Basic Policy, Japan International Cooperation (JICA) conducted Project Formulation Study in Health Sector in CAR, Bicol, and East Visayas (Region 4), from September 2004 to February
2005. As a result of the study, two types of project were recommended, namely the “Project of Strengthening of Local Health Service Systems” and the “Project of Mother and Child Care Service” at some selected sites.

Japanese and the Philippine Government discussed the JICA’s recommendation, and agreed that the “Project of Strengthening of Local Health Service Systems” be implemented in the Province of Benguet. The record of discussion of this project (hereinafter called the “Project”) was signed on January 10, 2006 between the Provincial Governor of Benguet and JICA. The project has four (4) outputs, 1-To establish support system of providing health service with better quality by RHU, 2-To strengthen health governance capability of the province, 3-To strengthen the financial system of health care of the province, and 4-To review drug supply system. 5-an extra output is to share the lessons and outputs of the project with DOH and other provinces.

The Project commenced on April 16th, 2006 at the province of Benguet, having kick-off Executive Committee (EC) meeting on April 25th and the first Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on April 26th -27th, 2006 with the JICA Expert Team. Since the commencement, the Project has had series of activities, and this first Progress Report was prepared to include all data and information of activities during the period from the commencement of the Project to the end of August 2006