Working from the Top (Three stories of Ownership)

Mayor Kali addressing the participants of the Health Summit (GSKP)

One of the most inspiring examples of change in leadership practice we have seen in the course of our involvement with local government units is demonstrated by Hon. Datu Boniao Kali, Mayor of Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun (GSKP), Maguindanao. Having attained only primary education, he seemed the least likely to immediately respond to the challenge of transforming the local health system. But Mayor Kali was, in fact, the first to commit to improve health service delivery in his municipality, vowing to hire additional health personnel and give honoraria to Barangay Health Workers. Six months later, these promises were realized. He also procured a laptop for the shared use of the Municipal Planning and Development Office and the Rural Health Unit. These initiatives encouraged local health workers ,in particular, and the people of GSKP as a whole. The entire community now shares their mayor’s advocacy on health, bringing about a ray of hope for the gradual improvement of their health system.