Advocate Spotlight: Edward Otico

Edward Otico, our in-country coordinator for the Food and Nutrition program in the Philippines, shares insights into his role and how his background in industrial engineering and business administration contributes to shaping advocacy. With a wealth of experience in managing projects and engaging with stakeholders, he emphasizes the need for a total systems perspective in global health advocacy.

Can you provide insights into your role and how your background in industrial engineering and business administration contributes to your work? 

As the in-country coordinator, my primary role is to monitor our local partners’ work and provide advice on how to move our advocacy forward. This involves identifying strategic partnerships, navigating work with government, partners, other stakeholders and industry and proactively managing risks. I also support partners to shape messaging across audiences, think strategically across the spectrum of the advocacy work and ensure their coordination is harmonized and synergistic. 

Having managed salt iodization projects for UNICEF, The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Iodine Global Network (IGN), what key lessons have you learned, and how do you apply these experiences to your current role at GHAI? 

My previous work was focused on program management and was tied to very specific, time-bound work plans. I learned to analyze how various elements of programs need to tie together to deliver the overall goal. I also learned how various elements can be driven by different actors with varied priorities and interests. These learnings allow me to look at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator’s (GHAI) advocacy work from a total systems perspective. I also had the opportunity to interact with governments of countries where the situation of iodine nutrition is threatened. It allowed me to observe government actors and dynamics, providing me some knowledge which I can share with our local partners to help the GHAI campaign.    

As someone with a background in industrial engineering, how do you bring a unique perspective to coordinating food and nutrition programs, and how does it shape your problem-solving approach? 

I am very much logic- and systems-oriented and focus on details. I am always interested in ensuring that the various elements of the advocacy work are complementing and syncing with each other. I also appreciate that attention to detail is critical because the industry will always be on the lookout for loopholes and opportunities to undermine policies that they feel threaten their profit goals.

What motivates you most in your role as the in-country coordinator, and how do you stay resilient in the face of challenges in advocating for policy change in the Philippines? 

It is always important for me to work in areas where I can positively impact public health and nutrition – this is my contribution to helping my beloved country. I try to stay even keeled. There will always be ups and downs in the campaign. The key is to maintain a steady course advancing the advocacy. There is always hope in my heart that along the way, the goodness of our advocacy will attract support from many stakeholders and the general public, eventually leading to the passing of a policy which will greatly benefit our children and the future generations.  

In your opinion, what are the most pressing food and nutrition issues in the Philippines, and how does your program address them? 

Stunting, obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) continue to beset the country. The push for a law mandating front of pack warning labels on ultra-processed products can make a significant impact on reducing obesity and NCDs.

On a personal note, outside of your professional life, what interests or hobbies do you pursue, and how do they contribute to your overall well-being and effectiveness in your role? 

I take runs very early in the morning to reduce stress, to clear my head and start the day feeling good. I also do my share of household chores and take care of my two sons.