ILOILO City — Passi City emerged as the overall champion in the 2026 Health Excellence and Leadership (HEAL) Awards. It topped several key performance categories, as the Iloilo Provincial Government honored local government units (LGUs) and hospitals that have significantly strengthened health service delivery and advanced the implementation of Universal Health Care across the province.
The annual awards, organized by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), recognized outstanding performance in local health governance, policy implementation, human resources, barangay health programs, licensing and accreditation, and hospital services.
Passi City dominated this year’s competition by placing first in Human Resources for Health and Policy Adoption, third in the Barangay Health Workers Program, and earning recognition as one of the province’s top-performing LGUs in licensing and accreditation programs.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon said the awards recognize LGUs whose commitment has helped improve healthcare systems and services throughout Iloilo.
She added that the awards also serve as a venue to celebrate the achievements of LGUs and health facilities, stressing that they deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.
Passi’s Mayor Stephen Palmares personally received the championship trophy and a ₱200,000 cash incentive together with the city’s health personnel.
He credited the achievement to teamwork among the city government, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the City Health Office.
Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Wendel Tupas-Marcelo described the awards as the provincial government’s humble way of recognizing the efforts of LGUs, health facilities, and healthcare workers in improving health service delivery.
Pavia was named first runner-up and received ₱170,000, followed by Carles with ₱150,000, Batad with ₱120,000, and Concepcion with ₱100,000.
Tigbauan, Lambunao, San Enrique, Guimbal, and Pototan completed the Top 10 and each received ₱50,000.
IPHO Health Service Delivery Division chief Dr. Rodney Labis said the recognition reminds healthcare workers, LGUs, and partners that their efforts are appreciated.
“All of their accomplishments, big or small have contributed in making Iloilo as of the leading province in the whole of country in terms of health program implementation,” Labis said.
Among hospitals, Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog was recognized as the top-performing hospital in implementing the No Balance Billing Program.
Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan placed second, while Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian finished third.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias congratulated the awardees and lauded health workers for translating the vision of Universal Health Care into reality across Iloilo’s communities.
“Your work is the bedrock upon which this province stands. We have achieved much. But as we hand out these awards today, we must also have the courage to look at the horizon. We must acknowledge that numerous public health issues are still confronting us,” Banias said.
He cited EDCOM 2 data identifying 15 Iloilo LGUs with both high child stunting rates and large numbers of struggling readers, calling on local governments and stakeholders to work together in addressing the intertwined challenges of nutrition and education.
“This is a great challenge of our time. We cannot accept a reality where our classrooms are filled with students who are too malnourished to learn,” Banias said./PN
