MAKATI CITY — A high-level delegation from Baguio City recently visited Makati City Hall for a benchmarking session focused on health planning and service delivery. Makati was chosen as a reference point because of its long-standing reputation for public health innovation, having been recognized as the country’s first Health City Model in 1995. With its integrated digital healthcare systems and cost-efficient outsourced pharmacy model, Makati has developed a strong record of providing accessible and quality health services, offering practices that other local governments can learn from and adapt.
The Makati Blueprint: Why Baguio Came Calling
The Baguio delegation sought insights into Makati’s established healthcare systems, particularly its approaches to pharmaceutical and laboratory services. Under Makati’s outsourced pharmacy model, the city pays only for medicines that are actually dispensed, helping maximize resources while ensuring residents have consistent access to essential medications. The benchmarking discussions also covered key areas of local health administration, including Health Planning and Program Development, Budget and Procurement, General Services and Support Operations, and the City Accounting Procurement Process for the Outsourced Pharmacy. For Baguio, which operates the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and was recognized among the World’s Best Hospitals for 2026, the exchange provided useful ideas for further enhancing its healthcare services and operations.
Beyond Goodwill: Strengthening Knowledge Exchange
The benchmarking activity also gave Makati an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on healthcare management and local government operations. Makati Health Department OIC Dr. Bernard T. Sese and City Accountant Mr. William B. Dayrit exchanged insights with officials from Baguio, creating a productive dialogue on effective health systems and administrative practices. City International Relations Officer Ms. Josephine Angela D. Yu, representing Makati, expressed appreciation for the visit and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and sharing successful practices between the two cities. The Baguio delegation was led by Atty. Agustin Laban III, Head of the Human Resource Management Office, alongside City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Veterinarian Dr. Silardo B. Bested, and representatives from various city departments. Through engagements such as this, Makati continues to promote knowledge-sharing, strengthen inter-LGU partnerships, and contribute to the improvement of local governance and public service delivery.
