Ateneo and Unilab engage DBM to explore collaboration on local health financing research

The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC) and the Unilab Foundation, Inc. through the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP) met with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to explore opportunities for collaboration on implementation research on local government financing on health.

The DBM was represented by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, along with DBM Assistant Secretaries Mary Anne Dela Vega and Romeo Balinquit, and Director Ryan Lita.

Ruben “John” Basa, Program Director of the UCHP, introduced the Center and their past work on health financing, which laid the groundwork for the current initiative.

Dr. Marife Yap, Senior Research Fellow of APC, presenting the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the study on local government health spending. She also shared initial findings from recent fieldwork conducted in the Municipality of Odiongan, Romblon, highlighting key gaps in priorities, processes, and capacity.

DBM welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with the department’s goals and expressed strong interest in collaborating to enhance data gathering and engagement with selected sites.

This collaboration is part of ASOG’s broader commitment to advancing health equity through evidence-based policy and research.

(Photos courtesy of Unilab Foundation)