Gov. Ann Hofer Leads Zamboanga Sibugay in National and Regional Launching of DOH–World Bank Health Systems Resilience Project

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Governor Ann K. Hofer proudly represented the province of Zamboanga Sibugay in the national launching of the Health Systems Resilience Project (HSRP) of the Department of Health (DOH), a major World Bank–funded initiative designed to build a stronger, more prepared, and more responsive Philippine health system.

The national launch was held on December 1, 2025, in Clark, Pampanga, gathering governors, regional health officials, and development partners from across the country.

During the ceremony, Governor Hofer along with 12 other provincial governors and the BARMM Minister of Health led the Pledge of Commitment, expressing full support for the HSRP’s reform agenda. The initiative focuses on upgrading infrastructure, improving supply chains, strengthening digital health systems, enhancing workforce training, and boosting emergency preparedness in all provinces.

Following the national event, Governor Hofer also attended the regional launching for Zamboanga Peninsula held on December 9, 2025, at Badsbro, Ipil, emphasizing the province’s active participation and readiness to implement the HSRP at the local level.

Zamboanga Sibugay is among the principal beneficiaries of HSRP grants, which will help modernize hospitals, rural health units, diagnostic equipment, disease surveillance systems, and digital health technologies in the province.

Gov. Hofer stressed that the project’s rollout is “both timely and essential” as the province continues to strengthen its healthcare system after the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her message during the regional launch, Governor Hofer shared that the HSRP aligns strongly with her administration’s Health and Wellness Agenda, which prioritizes accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Sibugaynons.

“This project will accelerate our efforts to build a healthier, more resilient Zamboanga Sibugay. With stronger systems and better-equipped facilities, we can protect our people more effectively and respond faster to any crisis,” she said.

She added that investments in infrastructure and digital systems are crucial not only for emergency response but also for improving everyday patient care across the province.

The province’s involvement in both the national and regional launching underscores Zamboanga Sibugay’s strong commitment to health reform and modernization. With the support of the DOH and the World Bank, local health facilities and systems are expected to undergo significant improvements in the coming years.

The rollout of the Health Systems Resilience Project marks a new and promising chapter in the province’s journey toward a modern, efficient, and crisis-ready healthcare system, a vision that Governor Ann Hofer continues to advance with unwavering dedication.