Ateneo, Iloilo and Transcend launch health governance course

The Ateneo School of Government, through the Ateneo Policy Center, has entered a tripartite partnership with the Provincial Government of Iloilo and Transcending Institutions and Communities, Inc. to strengthen local health governance through evidence-based training.

The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on Oct. 7, 2025, at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo.

This collaboration supports the second cohort of the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control Executive Course, a flagship program aimed at equipping local leaders with the tools to institutionalize effective tobacco control and public health policies.

The course is co-implemented by Ateneo’s Executive Education Program and targets provincial and local government officials across Region VI (Western Visayas).

This year’s cohort includes 22 participating offices and local government units from Iloilo province, selected for their commitment to advancing tobacco control and promoting healthier communities.

Participants will undergo four days of intensive, 36-hour training focused on leadership, policy development, and peer learning aligned with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The MOU signing was led by Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, Ateneo School of Government Dean Dr. Jennifer S. Oreta, and Transcend Board Member Ronald Aguilar.

The ceremony also featured a commitment signing, during which mayors and local officials pledged to support and uphold tobacco control initiatives in their jurisdictions.

“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.”

The second round of the LGTC Executive Course runs from Oct. 7 to 10, 2025, and will conclude with a culminating activity on Nov. 21, 2025.

Participating offices and municipalities include the Iloilo Provincial Health Office and the municipalities of Ajuy, Anilao, Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Estancia, Lambunao, Lemery, Mina, New Lucena, Oton, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Rafael and Zarraga.

The program aligns with ASOG’s mission of “forming leaders, leading reforms” and integrates governance frameworks that prepare officials to implement sustainable health reforms at the local level.