Ateneo School of Government partners with Iloilo & Transcend to strengthen local health governance

The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through its policy think tank, the Ateneo Policy Center (APC), entered into a tripartite partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo (PGI) and Transcending Institutions and Communities, Inc. (Transcend) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on 7 October 2025 at Park Inn Hotel, Iloilo City.

The agreement formalizes the collaboration among ASOG, PGI, and Transcend in implementing the second cohort of the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control (LGTC) Executive Course—a flagship training and capacity-building program designed to strengthen health governance and policy development at the local level. The course is co-implemented by ASOG Executive Education and aims to develop local champions for tobacco control and good governance.

This year’s cohort includes twenty (20) local government units (LGUs) from the province of Iloilo, recognized for their commitment and potential to advance tobacco control and promote healthier communities. Through the course, participants will engage in knowledge exchange and peer learning on strategies and best practices for building effective, FCTC-compliant, and sustainable local health policies.

The MOU signing ceremony was led by Dr Maria Soccoro Quiñon, Provincial Health Officer II, representing the Provincial Government of Iloilo; Dr Jennifer S Oreta, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government; and Mr Ronald Aguilar, Board Member of Transcend. The event also featured a Commitment Signing Ceremony where participating mayors, vice mayors, and local officials pledged to uphold and champion tobacco control initiatives within their jurisdictions. This collective pledge was manifested through a commitment signing ceremony, spotlighting each and every LGU represented by the local officials present.

Among the guests in attendance were five mayors and two vice mayors: Hon Nielo C Tupas, Municipal Mayor of Barotac Viejo; Hon Elizalde G Pueyo, Municipal Mayor of Cabatuan; Hon Milliard S Villanueva, Municipal Mayor of Concepcion; Hon Carl Vincent G Mondejar, Municipal Mayor of New Lucena; Hon Rafael Enrique "Adi" P Lazaro, Municipal Mayor of Pototan; Hon Roberto T Belleza Jr, Municipal Vice Mayor of San Rafael; and Hon Arvin L Losaria, Municipal Vice Mayor of Lambunao.

Along with their respective principals and municipal staff, 12 councilors and 10 municipal health officers from the participating LGUs also witnessed the signing of the tripartite MOU and pledged their commitment to championing tobacco control and better health outcomes for their constituents.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to evidence-based policymaking and health governance that truly empowers communities,” said Dr Oreta. “By investing in leadership and local capacity, we are building a future where good governance is central to public health.”

About the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control Executive Course

The Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control (LGTC) Executive Course is a four-day, 36-hour training program for local government officials, employees, and key stakeholders. The program strengthens their capacities to lead and institutionalize effective tobacco control measures and health governance practices in their localities.

Building on ASOG’s mission of “forming leaders, leading reforms,” the LGTC integrates frameworks and models of good governance in public health, ensuring that local leaders are equipped with the right mindset, skillset, and tools to champion sustainable reforms.

The second round of the LGTC Executive Course will be implemented in Region VI (Western Visayas) from 8 to 10 October 2025, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo and Transcending Institutions and Communities, Inc.