Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. represented the Province of Iloilo at the Second Meeting of the Philippine–Pacific Health Initiative in Manila, where he served as a panel discussant during the high-level session on “Impacts of Energy Uncertainty on Health Systems and Human Resources for Health.”
The WHO-led forum brought together national leaders, Pacific ministers, and global health experts to advance resilient and sustainable health systems across the region.
Joining the Governor was Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon, Provincial Health Officer II, who participated as a WHO Temporary Technical Adviser.
She was invited to provide technical expertise on hypertension programme implementation and to share Iloilo’s successful Healthy Hearts Program, the pioneering model that became the foundation of the Philippine Government’s nationwide hypertension initiative, now implemented by the Department of Health across the country under Proteksyon Para sa Altapresyon program.
A defining moment of the event was Governor Defensor’s meeting with Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, who personally thanked the Province of Iloilo for its leadership in pioneering the Healthy Hearts Program and for demonstrating how local innovations can shape national public health policy.
This international recognition affirms that transformative public health solutions can begin in local communities and grow into national movements.
Iloilo continues to inspire the Philippines and the Pacific through innovation, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to building healthier and more resilient communities.
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