ILOILO – The Province of Iloilo has advanced to the Top 5 finalists of the 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards (RMSKPA), bringing national recognition to its population and development programs that directly address the needs of families and youth.
The award, considered the highest citation for local governments in localizing the Population and Development (POPDEV) agenda, honors the Most Outstanding LGUs that integrate population management into development planning.
On Sept. 11, a National Validation Team composed of representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) conducted an in-depth field validation in Iloilo.
The team was led by DEPDev Director Girlie Grace Casimero-Igtiben with CPD Central Office’s Gloren R. Hinlo, and supported by CPD-6’s Director Harold Alfred P. Marshall and Roilo Vincent Laguna.
They held interviews and focus group discussions to assess Iloilo’s entry, with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Provincial Population Officer Ruel Von Superio presenting flagship initiatives for families and young people.
“This recognition honors our innovative strategies that put people at the center of development,” Defensor said.
Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Iloilo president Mayor Suzette A. Mamon, and other department heads also highlighted policies and programs designed to enhance community welfare. Validators toured key provincial and municipal facilities, including the Teen’s Nook Teen Center at Pavia National High School, which caters to adolescent concerns.
Iloilo’s inclusion in the Top 5 builds on a track record of success, with the Provincial Population Office and municipal population satellite offices of Cabatuan, Lambunao, and Dueñas previously bagging national RMSKPA honors.
In August, Iloilo Province and Iloilo City both won first place in their respective categories at the regional RMSKPA, alongside Pontevedra, Capiz in the municipal category, giving Western Visayas strong representation at the national level.
“These awards underscore the dedication of local government units to implementing evidence-based programs that promote reproductive health, responsible parenthood, and youth development,” the CPD said, noting the alignment of LGU efforts with the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023–2028./PN
