Health development assumes a process of social transformation and includes all efforts to improve the health situation of the country and the quality of life of Filipinos. The role of civil society groups in the health development process was explored among members of civil society in health forums commissioned by the DOH and WHO. The methodology for the Second Global Health Forum on Civil Society and Health included a review of related literature, survey of prospective forum participants and the discussion of identified policy issues and recommendations. Qualified inputs to the forum included a sociological discussion in understanding the role of civil society in the evolving health system, discussion of the trends in and influences to the health sector and a presentation of cooperative-driven social health insurance schemes. The forum identified urgent concerns that need to be addressed to strengthen civil society participation in health development as: (1) an immediate review of the framework for partnership between government and civil society groups, (2) clarification of the expected roles of civil society groups in national and local government settings, (3) replication of good practices in collaboration and partnerships specially in convergent programs addressing strategic issues, and (4) the involvement of academic and research organizations to systematize the insights from previous engagements. The operational research initiated by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to expand health insurance coverage of organized groups was identified as one innovative approach in bridging the gap between civil society groups and state institutions. The Bureau of Local Health Development of the Department of Health during the forum, committed to review its programs on Primary Health Care and host more engagements between civil society and state institutions. The conduct of follow-up consultations and interactions with civil society groups were also identified as concrete steps to strengthen civil society participation in health development.