ASOG and APO convene kickoff meeting and workshop for the Philippine Health Systems in Transition (HiT) Report

The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), through the Ateneo Policy Center, and the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO) officially launched the development of the third Philippine Health Systems in Transition Report during a Kickoff Meeting and Workshop held on 6 October 2025.

The meeting convened report authors, government officials, and development partners to review and discuss issues on the country’s health governance, financing, resources, service delivery, reform initiatives, and overall system performance. The report aims to provide an updated, evidence-based analysis to inform health policy reform, guide strategic decision-making, and support the ongoing implementation of Universal Health Care.

The report will be led by Dr Mario Villaverde, with contributions from Dr Leizel Lagrada, Dr Bernardino Aldaba, Dr Kenneth Ronquillo, and Dr Rosette Vergeire. Also in attendance were ASoG Dean Dr Jennifer S Oreta, DOH Assistant Secretary Maylene Beltran, APO Director for Health Systems and Policies Dr Nima Asgari-Jirhandeh, APO Technical Officer Ms Heather Jue-Wong, and WHO Philippines Health Systems Coordinator Dr Yu Lee Park, Mr Pio Justin Asuncion of Dr Jethri B Cruz DOH, and the project team.

In her remarks, Dr Oreta underscored the need for strong health systems grounded in good governance and social justice. Asec. Beltran emphasized the report’s value as a comprehensive reference for policymakers and stakeholders, noting that this edition will be the first to integrate lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The publication, expected by early 2027, will serve policymakers, researchers, students, and health professionals, and will contribute to cross-country comparisons within the Asia-Pacific region.