In championing Davao de Oro’s commitment to healthcare excellence, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga joined the inaugural batch of the Roberto R. Romulo (RRR) Fellowship Program, along with the three governors in the provinces of Aklan, Kalinga, and Dinagat Islands.
For two years, they immersed themselves in workshops, lectures, coaching, and mentoring, deep-diving into public health leadership and governance where their journey culminated last March 14, 2025 in the Leadership Forum and Colloquium of the RRR Fellowship Program, held at the prestigious Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle, Manila.
The forum became a platform for sharing experiences with Governors Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan, James Edduba of Kalinga, and Nilo Demerey, Jr. of Dinagat Islands.
The forum became a platform for sharing experiences, with Governors Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan, James Edduba of Kalinga, and Nilo Demerey, Jr. of Dinagat Islands shedding light on their respective health priorities, innovative programs, and significant milestones since joining the fellowship in 2023.
For Montejo-Gonzaga, the program was not just a leadership training but a transformative experience.
“Learning from my fellow governors and communities has helped us push our shared health agenda forward,” the lady governor said.
“I have also gained a greater appreciation for evidence-based decision-making, strategic thinking, and foresight in public health governance.”
“I have also gained a greater appreciation for evidence-based decision-making, strategic thinking, and foresight in public health governance,” she added.
The RRR Fellowship Program was established in honor of Roberto R. Romulo, founding chair of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF).
The program is in partnership with the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, and UP-NCPAG aiming to cultivate leaders who are equipped to respond to healthcare challenges with innovation and inclusivity, in order to bring Universal Health Care closer to every Filipino.
According to the provincial government, this feat is a testament to Governor Gonzaga’s developmental agenda on strengthening local health programs, advocating for accessible and quality medical services, and implementing innovative healthcare solutions that address the needs of communities across the province.
