The Provincial Health Office awarded the top performing local government units and its development partners in the delivery of quality health services in the province of Iloilo.

The recognition was conferred during the 2024 Health Excellence and Leadership (HEAL) Awards on December 6, 2024 at the Iloilo Convention Center with the theme, “MoRProGRes Iloilo para sa Kalusugan at Kaunlaran Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The municipality of Mina ranked first among the 2024 Major Heal Awards for Top Performing LGUs in the Universal Health Care Implementation. Mina received a plaque and a cash prize of P200,000.

The runners up are Batad, Passi City, Tubungan, and Concepcion. They received cash prizes worth P175,000, P150,000, P125,000, and P100,000, respectively.

Five municipalities also received the 2024 Heal Award Special Citation such as Pototan, Balasan, Tigbauan, Dueñas, and Barotac Viejo. Each received a plaque of appreciation and a cash prize of P40,000.

The awarding was led by Department of Health Undersecretary and UHC-Health Service Cluster Area III Head for the Visayas Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral; Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion who represented Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr; Department of Health VI Local Health Support Division Chief Dr. Mary Ann Sta. Lucia; Board Member June Mondejar; Provincial Health Office Chief Dr. Maria Soccoro Quiñon; Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Wendel T. Marcelo; and Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Rodney Labis.

Governor Defensor, in his message delivered by Atty. Ventilacion, stressed that health is the cornerstone of his social justice agenda MoRProGRes ILOILO or Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo.

The governor thanked the LGUs, the national government agencies, and other stakeholders for “placing your trust in the province of Iloilo.”

“It is through our partnership and collaboration that we bridge the gap and amplify our impact,” Defensor said.

He added that it is through the help of its partners that the vital health programs of the Iloilo provincial government reach even the most remote households.

“Together, we have elevated the health and well-being of Ilonggos,” the governor said.

The Provincial Health Office also awarded the top performing LGUs and hospitals in health systems support and health service delivery.

Also recognized were the top performing barangay health workers as well as the health retirees. (Capitol News)