Photo courtesy of Perla Lena/PNA
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office recognized 127 local governments, health facilities, workers and development partners during the Health Excellence and Leadership Awards on Thursday.
The awardees received a combined Php 2.93 million in prizes for their contributions to local health systems and public service delivery.
IPHO Health Systems Support Division chief Dr. Wendel Marcelo said the awards honored stakeholders that showed strong performance and leadership in carrying out health programs.
Of the 127 awardees, 117 received program-based citations, while 10 local government units earned major awards for overall implementation of health systems and services.
Passi City ranked first, followed by Pavia, Carles, Batad, Concepcion, Tigbauan, Lambunao, San Enrique, Guimbal and Pototan.
Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares said the recognition would encourage local governments to introduce more health programs. He also noted that the city climbed from 10th place last year to the top spot.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said Iloilo had made notable progress but still faced persistent public health challenges.
He cited malnutrition and literacy concerns and urged local officials and health workers to sustain reforms and improve services across the province.
