First Capacity Enhancement Workshop of the Local Chief Executives – a critical step of the project was taken when the first Capacity Enchancement Workshop for the local chief executives was held in Cebu lat Sept. 2-3. A total of mayors and their staff attended the two day event where the participants did intensive analysis of their respective localities.
Salubungan Sa Tacloban and Surigao – finally, the long awaited Salubungan took place last August 19 (Surigao) and Aug 20 (Tacloban). After spending two weeks inside the classroom, the doctor volunteers began their two year stint in their respective municipalities with a grand welcome and get-together in the cities of Tacloban (for those assigned to Region 
and Surigao (for those assigned to CARAGA). Each site had its own special program to highlight the event. But in both areas, there were surely a lot of excitement, energy, music, dancing, and of course, food.
Two Week Classes of the Doctor Volunteers – After months of preparation, the doctor volunteers finally went through the first two weeks of the first semester of the Master in Health Care Management of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business last August 5-16, 2002. After being out of the classroom for many years, a number of the doctors had to adjust to academic life as piles and piles of readings and numerous academic exercises were hurdled at them by the faculty. Among the subjects they undertook were: Health, Culture and Society, Public Sector Governance and Policymaking in Health, Principles and Concepts in Health and Development, and Health Informatics, Measurements and Methods of Research.
Two Day Retreat of Doctor Volunteers – In preparation for the expectedly rigorous two year program of the LHP, the doctor volunteers undertook a two day retreat that sought to prepare them psychologically and emotionally for the challenges that lay ahead of them. The doctor volunteers were able to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Program, as well as get to know themselves and each other. In the process, bonds between the doctor volunteers were strengthened and commitment to the program affirmed.
Orientation to LHP of Local Chief Executives – Bringing the local chief executives on board the principles and framework of LHP is critical. It was for this reason that a two workshop was conducted solely to orient the mayors on the features and activities of the LHP. Through a series of activities and lectures, the mayors had a more intensive orientation of what the Program is offering, and most important, what the Program requires from them.
Orientation and Planning Workshop with DOH Regional Directors – For a good delivery and management of the project in sites, this workshop was conducted to orient regional teams from Region 5, Region 8, and CARAGA Region on how to implement the project in the sites and to arrive at a common appreciation of the project rationale, goals and principles, operations, deliverables and requirements for success.
Signing of MOA between LHP Partners – It was a quiet event but its significance was not lost to those who were there. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between principals of three partners of the LHP, Secretary Manuel Dayrit for the DOH, Dr. Alran Bengzon for the AGSB and Mr. Gerry Bacarro for Pfizer Philippines took place in the Secretary’s office at the DOH Compound last February 18, 2002. For the signatories and their respective staff, the signing was a culmination of many months of intense preparation to bring the LHP to fruition. But many also saw it as just the start of a project that many hoped will bring great benefits to the communities and to the country. The signing was what many hoped was as Secretary Dayrit put it a revolution that started in a quiet place.
