The Challenge Initiative - The Philippines

24/04/2026

23/04/2026

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 | “Prevention is not just a health issue—it is a shared societal investment.”

This was the powerful reminder from Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of The Challenge Initiative - The Philippines at the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), during his keynote on “Beyond Universal Coverage: Sustainable Financing for Preventive Care” at the Asian Medical Students' Association - Service-Oriented Medical Advocates (AMSA-SOMA) 6th Public Health Forum.

Held last April 11, 2026 at the Artists Hall, Benedicto College, Mandaue Campus, the forum gathered medical students, healthcare professionals, and advocates to explore collaborative solutions to pressing public health challenges.

Alongside the keynote, ZFF also welcomed participants at its booth, where we introduced our broader programs in public health leadership, governance training, and advocacy.

By highlighting prevention and engaging with future medical leaders, ZFF reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient communities and nurturing service‑oriented advocates for equitable and sustainable healthcare.

Photo by AMSA-SOMA

22/04/2026

26/03/2026

TCI returned to Iligan on March 25 to further strengthen partnerships in family planning (FP) and community health.

Led by Chief of Party Dr. Anthony Faraon and Deputy Chief of Party Pamela Mangilin, the team met with Mayor Freddie Siao and city leaders to push forward Iligan’s reproductive health innovations. As one of the first TCI-graduated cities, Iligan continues to set the standard, empowering couples with the knowledge and tools to plan their families and secure a healthier future.

"When families are planned, children have a brighter future. This isn’t just about medicine—it’s about dignity and a better life for every Iliganon."

Special thanks to CHD Development Management Officer for Iligan Jose Lee Vanguardia, CPD Director Neil Aldrin Omega and the City Leadership Team for their collaboration in sustaining FP gains.

25/03/2026

24/03/2026

TCI visited JR Borja General Hospital and Calaanan Health Center today, March 24, joining City Health Officer Dr. Rachel Dilla and health facility teams. The visit aimed to assess implementation and strengthen high-quality, client-centered family planning and maternal health care services in 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨.

Led by TCI Chief of Party Dr. Anthony Faraon and Area Manager Pearl Joy Catingub, this reflects the city's commitment, under the leadership of Mayor Rolando "Klarex" A. Uy, to ensuring every family has access to the health services they deserve.

Office of the City Mayor - Cagayan de Oro City
City Health Office Cagayan de Oro
Calaanan Health Center

18/03/2026

12/03/2026

12/03/2026

09/03/2026

We’re excited to share that Jose “Oying” Rimon II has been recognized as an Outstanding Author by the Journal of Public Health and Emergency for his article on The Challenge Initiative (TCI).

The article, co-authored with Kojo Lokko and Jessica Mirano, highlights leadership lessons from TCI’s platform model and how cities are scaling family planning programs with sustainable impact.

Rimon helped conceive the TCI model with the Gates Foundation in 2016 and served as TCI’s founding Executive Director.

Read the story and interview here:
https://tciurbanhealth.org/jose-oying-rimon-recognized-as-outstanding-author-by-the-journal-of-public-health-and-emergency-for-article-about-the-tci-platform/

09/03/2026

Pasig City uses an Information and Service Delivery Network to connect health and social services for adolescents.