The province of Iloilo claimed the national championsip crown as the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in the country for translating population and development agenda into community-level programs.
Iloilo bested other provinces in the country in the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards search for the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in Localizing the Population and Development (PopDev) Agenda by the Commission on Population and Development.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. received the award for the province of Iloilo along with Vice Gov. Lee Ann Debuque, CPD VI Regional Director Harold Alfred Marshall, and Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von Superio during the awarding ceremony today, November 26, 2025 at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel Grand Ballroom in Quezon City.
Also joining them are Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office officer-in-charge Rani Melvi Cuarte.
They received a plaque and a localization cash prize of P300,000 from Executive Director V and Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales and Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon.
The province of Iloilo was cited for its innovative strategies, programs, and interventions in addressing population issues such as teenage pregnancy and unmeet needs for family planning, mental health issues of adolescents, limited number of teen centers, cases of malnutrition among children below five years old, and low data utilization.
The province of Iloilo holds the record in the country for having the most number of school-based multi-purpose teen centers established in secondary schools.
The provincial government has also capitalized on the establishment of Teen Center 2.0 buildings which serve as an integrated and comprehensive facility in addressing the needs of young people.
As of 2025, Iloilo has established a total of 102 teen centers province-wide. More teen centers are still being constructed.
Iloilo has also embarked on the construction of Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs) in municipalities which serve as a hub for fostering harmonious family ties and strengthening community relations.
PPO also maintains an updated and comprehensive population data bank for all 43 LGUs.
The Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards recognizes the outstanding works and contribution of LGUs in advancing and championing population and development programs and strategies. (Capitol News)
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