Pioneering Collaboration for Pediatric Palliative Care in Palawan: Reflections on Our First Meeting

By Xiohara E. Gentica, MD; Sunflower Children’s Network Leadership Program Scholar.

On April 30, 2025, we reached an important milestone in the journey toward building pediatric palliative care in Palawan. Our first stakeholders’ meeting was held via Zoom, bringing together leaders and representatives from key institutions: the Philippine Medical Association, Palawan Medical Society, Ospital ng Palawan, Palawan State University School of Medicine, and Hospice Philippines. While representatives from the Palawan Provincial Government were unable to attend this initial gathering, their involvement remains anticipated in the project’s next phases.

This meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to address a deeply important need: building a responsive and sustainable palliative care framework for children and their families. As project lead, I had the responsibility of convening diverse voices and laying the foundation for shared understanding, commitment, and action. The presence and active participation of each organization made this first step both meaningful and promising.

Setting the Stage: Purpose and Objectives

The primary aim of the meeting was to orient stakeholders to the background and vision of the pediatric palliative care project, the Compassion Island Project. We provided an overview of the initiative’s scope, the expected outcomes, and the specific roles that each partner organization could play in ensuring the project’s success. This included capacity-building, community engagement, and advocacy.

Equally important was initiating a conversation around the nature and importance of palliative care—what it is, what it is not, and how early, integrated support can profoundly improve quality of life for children facing life-limiting conditions. The meeting was designed not only to inform but also to inspire ownership and dialogue among all parties.

Collaborative Insights and Leadership Engagement

One of the most valuable aspects of the meeting was the openness with which stakeholders shared their perspectives and experiences. Several representatives offered insights into previous health initiatives they had led or participated in, along with practical advice on overcoming institutional barriers, fostering local partnerships, and ensuring continuity of care. Their input added depth to the discussion and underscored the collective wisdom already present within the group.

Themes of leadership, advocacy, and inclusivity were central. It was encouraging to witness how each institution—whether academic, clinical, or organizational—recognized its potential role in shaping the landscape of palliative care in the province. From expanding curricular content on palliative care in medical education to ensuring hospital-based support systems, participants demonstrated both foresight and commitment.

Reflections on Meaningful Beginnings

Personally, this meeting served as a reminder of what can be achieved when people unite around a common purpose. Despite differences in roles and backgrounds, there was an evident alignment in values: compassion, dignity, and the desire to deliver meaningful care to children and their families.

I was particularly moved by the spirit of willingness expressed by attendees. In a world often marked by administrative complexity and institutional limitations, it is both refreshing and reassuring to witness collaboration rooted in empathy and action. I have come to believe, even more strongly, that identifying the right partners and building purposeful, trusting relationships is essential to achieving lasting impact in health initiatives.

This meeting was not merely a formality—it was a declaration of intent. We have begun to build a network, and within it, a sense of shared ownership. That, to me, is the most important outcome of all.

Looking Ahead

While this first step laid the foundation, the real work lies ahead. In the coming months, we will develop concrete action plans, align institutional support, and begin capacity-building activities to ensure this initiative can grow sustainably. Continued dialogue with additional stakeholders, including government partners, will further strengthen our approach.

We are excited to move forward, and we are grateful to those who have already committed their time, insight, and expertise to this journey. With shared vision and continued collaboration, we are confident that we can create a future where palliative care is accessible, well-integrated, and centred on the needs of the most vulnerable—our children.

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