The Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc. (ZFF) is rooted in the distinctive context of the Zuellig family’s enterprises in the Philippines. The Foundation’s vision evolved from a tradition of individual philanthropic engagements and the corporate citizenship of the Zuellig Group of companies. In carrying out the Zuellig family’s mandate to address specific deficiencies in community healthcare, ZFF has gone beyond conventional grant making and performs an active institutional role in the social development and progress of the Philippines.
In 2008, the Foundation reviewed its objectives in relation to the country’s health situation, with a special focus on improving health outcomes for the poor. To respond more effectively to the challenges of the Philippine health sector, the Foundation works with local government units and other partners to strengthen the capabilities of the country’s public healthcare systems and improve access to healthcare for the poor in the rural areas.
A responsive health system, is transformed and managed by a committed local leadership. Thus, the strategy of ZFF is focused on improving the leadership and governance of health systems by local governments. Through training, practicum and coaching, the strategy was aimed at enabling mayors and municipal health officers to understand their entire health system in the hope that the reforms and programs they carry out would bring health services closer to every constituent.