Strengthening Healthcare Through Partnership:
Inside the Philippine Hospital Association’s Affiliate Program

Climaco E. Caliwara
Executive Director, Philippine Hospital Association

The Philippine Hospital Association’s Affiliate Program is a strategic initiative that fosters collaboration among healthcare institutions, professional organizations, and industry partners to elevate hospital standards, share innovations, and strengthen advocacy for better health systems nationwide. 

In a healthcare landscape as diverse and rapidly evolving as the Philippines’, no hospital stands alone. The Philippine Hospital Association (PHA), long recognized as the voice of institutional healthcare in the country, understands this deeply. That’s why its Affiliate Program has become a cornerstone of its mission—not just to represent hospitals, but to connect them with the broader ecosystem of health professionals, suppliers, educators, and advocates.

At its core, the Affiliate Program is about building bridges. It invites organizations that are not hospitals—such as medical societies, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and health technology firms—to formally align with PHA’s vision of quality, accessible, and ethically grounded healthcare. These affiliates don’t just observe from the sidelines; they participate in shaping policy discussions, sharing innovations, and co-hosting educational initiatives.

A Platform for Shared Purpose

The program offers affiliates access to PHA’s national conferences, working groups, and policy forums. These spaces are more than networking opportunities—they’re venues for co-creating solutions to systemic challenges like hospital accreditation, workforce shortages, and digital transformation.

For example, during the 2024 PHA Annual Convention, affiliate partners played a key role in presenting case studies on AI-assisted diagnostics, hospital sustainability models, and community-based disaster response. These contributions didn’t just inform—they inspired action among hospital leaders.

Why It Matters

In a country where healthcare delivery is fragmented across public and private sectors, urban and rural settings, and varying levels of infrastructure, collaboration is not optional—it’s essential. The Affiliate Program helps unify efforts, ensuring that innovations and best practices are shared, not siloed.

It also strengthens PHA’s advocacy. When pushing for reforms—whether in PhilHealth reimbursement, DOH licensing, or workforce development—PHA draws on the expertise and support of its affiliates to present a more comprehensive, evidence-based case to policymakers.

A Human-Centered Strategy

What sets the program apart is its emphasis on human relationships. Affiliates are not just vendors or observers; they’re partners in care. Whether it’s a tech firm helping digitize patient records or a nursing school contributing to workforce planning, each affiliate brings a unique lens—and a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Jaime Almora, PHA Past President, once said, “Hospitals are the heart of healthcare, but we need every artery—every partner—to keep that heart beating strong.” The Affiliate Program is how PHA ensures those arteries stay connected, nourished, and responsive.

If you’re an organization looking to make a meaningful impact in Philippine healthcare, affiliating with PHA isn’t just a strategic move—it’s a statement of purpose. It says you’re ready to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for a system that works better for everyone.

Interested organizations, companies, and institutions can sign up here: https://tally.so/r/wL4qO2