ILOILO — The province of Iloilo has emerged as Western Visayas’ benchmark for public health governance.
It has been hailed by the Department of Health (DOH) as the most outstanding local government unit (LGU) in the Province/Highly Urbanized City category for Local Health Systems.
The recognition, conferred during the Western Visayas Harmonized Health Excellence Awards on October 3 in Iloilo City, cements the province’s position as the region’s model for effective and inclusive delivery of health services.
Beyond the accolade, the award highlights Iloilo’s sweeping reforms and integrated approach to healthcare — from maternal care and immunization to disaster preparedness and disease prevention — that have strengthened its health infrastructure across municipalities.
In acknowledgment of its achievements, the province received a plaque of honor and a P600,000 cash prize from the DOH.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) was lauded for the successful implementation of multiple flagship programs, including the National Immunization Program and Cold Chain Management, National Safe Motherhood Program, Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH), Nutrition Programs, and the Philippine Package of Essential Non-communicable Diseases Services (PhilPEN).
It also earned praise for its Rabies Prevention and Control Program, HIV Prevention and Control Program, National Tuberculosis Program, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health (DRRM-H), among others — each contributing to improved community health outcomes.
Other initiatives such as the Access to Safe Basic Water, Road Safety Program, Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Program, and Barangay Health Workers Program reflect the province’s holistic and community-based approach to health care delivery.
“Together, the Iloilo community takes strides towards a healthier future for all its residents,” the IPHO stated, emphasizing that the honor belongs to all health workers, program implementers, and stakeholders who work tirelessly to sustain these gains.
Officials said the award affirms the province’s commitment to quality healthcare and its vision of making health access equitable for every Ilonggo — a standard now seen as the benchmark for the rest of Western Visayas./PN
