Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte called for closer coordination between national and local governments to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law and ensure equitable access to quality health services across the country.
Belmonte made the call during the High-Level Universal Health Care Summit 2026 held at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila.
The summit, themed “Accelerating Universal Health Care through Optimized Financial Management and Evidence-Informed Local Leadership,” brought together local chief executives, health officials, community leaders, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving community-based health care and accelerating UHC implementation.
Speaking as interim national president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Belmonte emphasized the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in translating national health policies into accessible and effective services for communities.
She underscored the need for stronger partnerships among national agencies, local governments, and partner institutions to advance health reforms and address gaps in health care delivery.
Belmonte also highlighted the importance of coordinated leadership, efficient financial management, and evidence-based decision-making in ensuring that health programs respond to the needs of communities.
The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights on strengthening local health systems, improving resource allocation, and expanding access to essential medical services.
Among those who attended were WHO Western Pacific Regional Director Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Eunyoung Ko, Department of Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, DOH Undersecretary Lorra Angelia Sayson-Garcia, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon, and PhilHealth Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beverly Ho.
Representatives from civil society organizations and the private sector also participated in discussions on strengthening partnerships and advancing health care reforms.
The gathering reinforced the importance of collaboration among government institutions, health organizations, and communities in pursuing universal access to affordable, equitable, and quality health care.
