Mr. Miguel Raphael Tongco , BSN Class 2010, is a dedicated nurse and development professional with over a decade of experience in public health and governance, having worked extensively on USAID-funded health projects in the Philippines, as well as with the Department of Health, non-governmental organizations, and the University of the Philippines.
Currently, Mr. Tongco serves as a Health System Specialist for the USAID-funded RenewHealth Project (Expanding Access to Community-based Drug Rehabilitation Services in the Philippines). In this capacity, he works with local government units and national government agencies to provide capacity-building support, policy development, and strategic planning to improve community-based drug rehabilitation programs.
Among his significant contributions is his role in the implementation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Strengthening Institutional Capacities of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (SICAP-BADAC) Program, where he developed training modules instrumental to the initiative. His expertise has also been recognized through invitations to serve as a resource speaker for various DILG regional offices during the program’s nationwide rollout.
In 2023, Mr. Tongco showcased his leadership and innovative approach by authoring the winning case entry in the USAID Health Systems Strengthening Case Competition, which highlighted the successful health system interventions his project implemented in Leyte.
Mr. Tongco is currently advancing his expertise by pursuing a Master in Public Management at the Ateneo de Manila University – School of Government. His academic journey is marked by distinction, having been awarded the Dean Dina Abad Emerging Leaders Fellowship scholarship. Additionally, his research on the “Analysis of the Impact of Local Budget Processes on Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Completion Rates” earned recognition as the Best Research Proposal.
Through his work, Mr. Tongco exemplifies a steadfast commitment to service, innovation, and health system strengthening, making a meaningful impact on public health governance in the Philippines. #SDG3 #SDG4
