
San Felipe, located at the center and along the coastal area of Zambales, is a 4th class municipality under the current leadership of their municipal mayor, Atty. Carolyn S. Fariñas. Within the municipality are eleven (11) barangays, wherein six (6) are located in the town, and five (5) are located at rural areas. Their municipality has one (1) rural health unit and eleven (11) barangay health stations which are overseen and managed by their rural health physician, Dr. Salome F. Arinduque.
San Felipe is described to primarily be an agricultural community that has rice, vegetables, fruits and corn as its major crops. Other distinct sources of living aside from farming include fishing and hatcheries. It is also recognized as one of the most business-friendly municipalities given its projects and initiatives. In terms of land use, more than a residential area (16.07%), it is mostly made up of forests (29.14%). It is found to be rich in both water and land forms such as mountains, rivers and waterfalls. It is widely acknowledged in the province and even in the country as the “Greenest and Cleanest” town.
Furthermore, it is known distinctly for its health practices such as its Municipal Ordinance No. 15 S.2013 which includes prohibition of smoking in all public areas and its solid waste management practices. Under their 2016 Summary of Expenditures on Health Programs/Activities, they spent a total of Php13,656,025.48. Their original allotted budget for health for 2017 was 20% of their 2016 Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which is Php 13,599,695.60 of Php 67,998,478.00. Because of their noteworthy performance, they are widely approached for possible partnerships by organizations such as the Zuellig Family Foundation and even a Swiss company, KBA Notasys.
San Felipe is described to primarily be an agricultural community that has rice, vegetables, fruits and corn as its major crops. Other distinct sources of living aside from farming include fishing and hatcheries. It is also recognized as one of the most business-friendly municipalities given its projects and initiatives. In terms of land use, more than a residential area (16.07%), it is mostly made up of forests (29.14%). It is found to be rich in both water and land forms such as mountains, rivers and waterfalls. It is widely acknowledged in the province and even in the country as the “Greenest and Cleanest” town.
Furthermore, it is known distinctly for its health practices such as its Municipal Ordinance No. 15 S.2013 which includes prohibition of smoking in all public areas and its solid waste management practices. Under their 2016 Summary of Expenditures on Health Programs/Activities, they spent a total of Php13,656,025.48. Their original allotted budget for health for 2017 was 20% of their 2016 Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which is Php 13,599,695.60 of Php 67,998,478.00. Because of their noteworthy performance, they are widely approached for possible partnerships by organizations such as the Zuellig Family Foundation and even a Swiss company, KBA Notasys.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The factor of transparency is observable in the San Felipe municipality in terms of disclosure of the financial documents required in the Full Disclosure Policy. Aside from its availability in the bulletin board of the municipality, they place this in public places such as in the market and by the tricycle waiting shed. In addition, these are said to be published in their website and official municipality magazine.
The process of determining budget for a particular allocation, like health, is done through a budget hearing. Depending on the need, how big the event will be, and how much preparation is necessary, they then request for the necessary budget accordingly.
While on the aspect of accountability, the municipality has displayed this in terms of using the acquired funds for the programs to create positive attitude change.They implement this by encouraging a proactive and information-driven approach to promote a healthy lifestyle. In the aspect of policy development, there was no distinct procedure or program on how the public is actively involved in the process aside from representation of the sectors during meetings.
The factor of transparency is observable in the San Felipe municipality in terms of disclosure of the financial documents required in the Full Disclosure Policy. Aside from its availability in the bulletin board of the municipality, they place this in public places such as in the market and by the tricycle waiting shed. In addition, these are said to be published in their website and official municipality magazine.
The process of determining budget for a particular allocation, like health, is done through a budget hearing. Depending on the need, how big the event will be, and how much preparation is necessary, they then request for the necessary budget accordingly.
While on the aspect of accountability, the municipality has displayed this in terms of using the acquired funds for the programs to create positive attitude change.They implement this by encouraging a proactive and information-driven approach to promote a healthy lifestyle. In the aspect of policy development, there was no distinct procedure or program on how the public is actively involved in the process aside from representation of the sectors during meetings.

For programs like the Smoke-Free San Felipe, an official ordinance in the municipality, it was initially met with hesitation and criticism by some people of San Felipe. However, through its promotions and way of communication with the people, the municipality has found that a relevant percentage of smokers have decreased their smoking habits. Especially within their own municipal manpower, an approximate 80% of the staff has stopped smoking altogether.
They have also acquired additional budget for their programs to their original allotment due to being awarded for their efficient performances in health. In turn, this displays a sense of accountability in terms of taking responsibility with the decisions and policies they implement, and even generating benefits out of it.
They have also acquired additional budget for their programs to their original allotment due to being awarded for their efficient performances in health. In turn, this displays a sense of accountability in terms of taking responsibility with the decisions and policies they implement, and even generating benefits out of it.
HEALTH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Despite San Felipe being a fourth class municipality, their efforts for their health initiatives have continued to expand. These initiatives are led by the Expanded Local Health Board Members composed of the Mayor and Municipal Health Officer as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. The board is supported by its members and expanded members which is composed of 19 individuals from the government and NGOs, all rural health personnel, all barangay health workers, and all barangay nutrition scholars. Despite the limited budget that they may have, they assure that they make the necessary adjustments and steps towards staying true to their aims. For instance, the municipality has three (3) ambulances, with one driver that on a 24-hour shift, while the other two (2) are on-call. For farther areas, they asked for volunteers who own tricycles, private cars or other vehicles that may be contacted in case of emergencies. If the ambulance is not immediately available, they contact these alternative vehicle owners to request for their assistance to bring the patient closer to the RHU or the hospital.
The LGU follows the standardized salaries and benefits for their health workforce and government employees. This includes the first class salary schedule regardless of LGU income classification, the benefits based on the Magna Carta (including the hazard pay), and the honorarium given to the BHWs. The BHWs receive Php 350 to Php 500 per month based on the income of their barangays. They have at least 118 BHWs at present.
Despite San Felipe being a fourth class municipality, their efforts for their health initiatives have continued to expand. These initiatives are led by the Expanded Local Health Board Members composed of the Mayor and Municipal Health Officer as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. The board is supported by its members and expanded members which is composed of 19 individuals from the government and NGOs, all rural health personnel, all barangay health workers, and all barangay nutrition scholars. Despite the limited budget that they may have, they assure that they make the necessary adjustments and steps towards staying true to their aims. For instance, the municipality has three (3) ambulances, with one driver that on a 24-hour shift, while the other two (2) are on-call. For farther areas, they asked for volunteers who own tricycles, private cars or other vehicles that may be contacted in case of emergencies. If the ambulance is not immediately available, they contact these alternative vehicle owners to request for their assistance to bring the patient closer to the RHU or the hospital.
The LGU follows the standardized salaries and benefits for their health workforce and government employees. This includes the first class salary schedule regardless of LGU income classification, the benefits based on the Magna Carta (including the hazard pay), and the honorarium given to the BHWs. The BHWs receive Php 350 to Php 500 per month based on the income of their barangays. They have at least 118 BHWs at present.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS
The Health and Treatment Innovation Program (HATID) Kalusugan is found to serve as a forefront program to achieving a positively transformed attitude towards health. Although to the communities, it is perceived as the standard medical mission where they may acquire free consultation and medicines, the core of the effectiveness of the program lies elsewhere. This transformation was primarily achieved through the massive information education campaigns (IECs) which discussed a wide range of topics from anti-malaria, anti-dengue to solid waste management and disaster risk reduction campaigns. Through this program, they have noticed a significant change in the mindset and behavior of the people as they are said to actively seek consultations from health professionals, or even become "partners in health‟ by explaining or referring others to the necessary parties concerned. This program is implemented at least quarterly, and is prioritized to be done in far-flung areas and also in their Aeta communities. For these areas, transportation would be costly to seek proper health care from the Rural Health Unit, and tendencies to have traditional beliefs, non- scientific beliefs or other false information is aimed to be corrected. Through this project, they have expanded the reach of their health services and at the same time created this sense of familiarity and trust from the people, hence, encouraging them to avail of their health services in the future.
A second highlighted program is the Health Leadership and Governance Program which provided a foundation to a stronger relationship between the mayor and the rural health physician. It provided them with a deeper sense of direction towards what their goals are for the municipality in the long run, and how they may come about achieving this. They came up with targets such as the Dengue-Free San Felipe, 100% PhilHealth Coverage for San Felipe and 100% Fully Immunized Children. These targets are found to demonstrate the municipality‟s drive to achieving not only what is sufficient or average, but to achieve a total coverage in their community in terms of these various health aspects. They conduct support programs to attain these targets like the GalingPurok, SuyodBakuna and BigayKalinga Blood-Letting programs.
For sector-specific concerns, there is a board and committee taking care of the senior citizen representation and similarly for PWDs, they have a focal person assigned. In terms of having PWD-friendly facilities, it is noticeable how their comfort rooms are accessible and how they make there are flat surfaces for the PWDs to access.
The Health and Treatment Innovation Program (HATID) Kalusugan is found to serve as a forefront program to achieving a positively transformed attitude towards health. Although to the communities, it is perceived as the standard medical mission where they may acquire free consultation and medicines, the core of the effectiveness of the program lies elsewhere. This transformation was primarily achieved through the massive information education campaigns (IECs) which discussed a wide range of topics from anti-malaria, anti-dengue to solid waste management and disaster risk reduction campaigns. Through this program, they have noticed a significant change in the mindset and behavior of the people as they are said to actively seek consultations from health professionals, or even become "partners in health‟ by explaining or referring others to the necessary parties concerned. This program is implemented at least quarterly, and is prioritized to be done in far-flung areas and also in their Aeta communities. For these areas, transportation would be costly to seek proper health care from the Rural Health Unit, and tendencies to have traditional beliefs, non- scientific beliefs or other false information is aimed to be corrected. Through this project, they have expanded the reach of their health services and at the same time created this sense of familiarity and trust from the people, hence, encouraging them to avail of their health services in the future.
A second highlighted program is the Health Leadership and Governance Program which provided a foundation to a stronger relationship between the mayor and the rural health physician. It provided them with a deeper sense of direction towards what their goals are for the municipality in the long run, and how they may come about achieving this. They came up with targets such as the Dengue-Free San Felipe, 100% PhilHealth Coverage for San Felipe and 100% Fully Immunized Children. These targets are found to demonstrate the municipality‟s drive to achieving not only what is sufficient or average, but to achieve a total coverage in their community in terms of these various health aspects. They conduct support programs to attain these targets like the GalingPurok, SuyodBakuna and BigayKalinga Blood-Letting programs.
For sector-specific concerns, there is a board and committee taking care of the senior citizen representation and similarly for PWDs, they have a focal person assigned. In terms of having PWD-friendly facilities, it is noticeable how their comfort rooms are accessible and how they make there are flat surfaces for the PWDs to access.
INNOVATIVENESS OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS
Apart from the HATID Kalusugan, a distinct program they are known for is the Smoke-Free San Felipe. This is one of the programs that was noticeably remembered by its constituents as vices like this would be hard to control and manage. However, with proper communication and presentation, they were able to make it happen. In addition, the regular IECs they conduct were not only done during HATID Kalusugan, but during other events as well. They even incorporate these campaigns in talent contests, festivals, and competitions.
Another noteworthy innovation was how they mobilized their Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Midwives to play a crucial role in the public health programs of the municipality. Given that for the entire municipality, there is only one doctor that oversees the management of the RHU, barangay health stations and all the Municipal Health Office (MHO) programs that are executed along with it, the stake of the BHWs and midwives was expanded. They assigned a 20:1 ratio corresponding to households to BHWs, and aa 1:1 ratio corresponding to midwife to barangay, for better management and monitoring of the health status of the entire municipality. Through this, the health background statistics of its constituents has become quantifiable which proved useful for the proper execution of the municipality‟s various health programs.
Apart from the HATID Kalusugan, a distinct program they are known for is the Smoke-Free San Felipe. This is one of the programs that was noticeably remembered by its constituents as vices like this would be hard to control and manage. However, with proper communication and presentation, they were able to make it happen. In addition, the regular IECs they conduct were not only done during HATID Kalusugan, but during other events as well. They even incorporate these campaigns in talent contests, festivals, and competitions.
Another noteworthy innovation was how they mobilized their Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Midwives to play a crucial role in the public health programs of the municipality. Given that for the entire municipality, there is only one doctor that oversees the management of the RHU, barangay health stations and all the Municipal Health Office (MHO) programs that are executed along with it, the stake of the BHWs and midwives was expanded. They assigned a 20:1 ratio corresponding to households to BHWs, and aa 1:1 ratio corresponding to midwife to barangay, for better management and monitoring of the health status of the entire municipality. Through this, the health background statistics of its constituents has become quantifiable which proved useful for the proper execution of the municipality‟s various health programs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN HEALTH
For programs like the Smoke-Free San Felipe, an official ordinance in the municipality, it was initially met with hesitation and criticism by some people of San Felipe.But through its promotions and way of communication with the people, the municipality has found that a relevant percentage of smokers have decreased their smoking habits. Especially within their own municipal manpower, an approximate 80% of the staff has stopped smoking altogether.
They have also acquired additional budget for their programs to their original allotment due to being awarded for their efficient performances in health. In turn, this displays a sense of accountability in terms of taking responsibility with the decisions and policies they implement, and even generating a benefit out of it.
For programs like the Smoke-Free San Felipe, an official ordinance in the municipality, it was initially met with hesitation and criticism by some people of San Felipe.But through its promotions and way of communication with the people, the municipality has found that a relevant percentage of smokers have decreased their smoking habits. Especially within their own municipal manpower, an approximate 80% of the staff has stopped smoking altogether.
They have also acquired additional budget for their programs to their original allotment due to being awarded for their efficient performances in health. In turn, this displays a sense of accountability in terms of taking responsibility with the decisions and policies they implement, and even generating a benefit out of it.

LOCAL LEADERSHIP
With the local leadership of Mayor Carolyn J. Senador-Fariñas, the municipality strongly advocates for various health initiatives. They encourage active participation from their constituents through having representatives from the different sectors (e.g. senior citizens, PWDs, educational institutions, NGOs). This is ensured through regular meetings such as the meetings of Local Special Bodies and the Local Health Board. The meetings happen at least quarterly for the former, and monthly for the latter. During these periods, they are encouraged to discuss urgent concerns or upcoming projects.
During the Local Health Board meetings, decisions on different issues are made by various leaders of the municipality from the Mayor to the Punong Barangays. Furthermore, presentations are executed and all kinds of relevant information (on programs, ordinances, pronouncements) are clarified and/or disseminated.
Under the leadership of Mayor Senador-Fariñas, a firm believer in collaborative and integrated effort, the municipality has been a recipient of various good governance awards such as their 2016 awards of the Seal of Good Local Governance, the Tsinelas Leadership Award and the Best PESO Provincial Award. As for health awards, they are a 2-year consecutive awardee for the Red Orchid Awards and other awards involving their commendable sanitation and compliance with the 52 local health indicators.
With the local leadership of Mayor Carolyn J. Senador-Fariñas, the municipality strongly advocates for various health initiatives. They encourage active participation from their constituents through having representatives from the different sectors (e.g. senior citizens, PWDs, educational institutions, NGOs). This is ensured through regular meetings such as the meetings of Local Special Bodies and the Local Health Board. The meetings happen at least quarterly for the former, and monthly for the latter. During these periods, they are encouraged to discuss urgent concerns or upcoming projects.
During the Local Health Board meetings, decisions on different issues are made by various leaders of the municipality from the Mayor to the Punong Barangays. Furthermore, presentations are executed and all kinds of relevant information (on programs, ordinances, pronouncements) are clarified and/or disseminated.
Under the leadership of Mayor Senador-Fariñas, a firm believer in collaborative and integrated effort, the municipality has been a recipient of various good governance awards such as their 2016 awards of the Seal of Good Local Governance, the Tsinelas Leadership Award and the Best PESO Provincial Award. As for health awards, they are a 2-year consecutive awardee for the Red Orchid Awards and other awards involving their commendable sanitation and compliance with the 52 local health indicators.
The Champions for Health Governance Awards admires the strong drive and passion for health governance of local government units such as that of the municipality of San Felipe, Zambales. The program believes that if there are more people who believe in the value of health and are willing to work for it in ways like the different efforts of San Felipe, reaching the goal of quality and affordable health services for every Filipino is indeed not too far from our reach.
For more information about the CHG Awards. visit the ABOUT THE AWARDS page; for interested applicants of the 2019 awards, please visit the application page on this website.