Iloilo province has been hailed as the country’s top performer in Population and Development, taking home the prestigious Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award for Most Outstanding Province in Localizing the PopDev Agenda.
The formal awarding took place in Quezon City on November 26, with Executive Director V and Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales, along with Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon, personally handing over the plaque and a P300,000 cash prize to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and the Provincial Population Office team.
“PopDev is about the development of the most important resource of our country—our people. There is nothing more important than our people,” Defensor said, praising the province’s relentless efforts to empower communities and strengthen Filipino families.
Iloilo earned the recognition for its innovative programs tackling teenage pregnancy, unmet family planning needs, adolescent mental health issues, child malnutrition, limited access to teen centers, and low utilization of population data.
The province now boasts the country’s highest number of school-based multi-purpose teen centers, with 102 already established in secondary schools and more under construction. These facilities, including the upgraded Teen Center 2.0 buildings, act as holistic hubs for the needs of young people.
In addition, Family and Youth Development Centers have been set up across various municipalities, reinforcing family ties and community engagement.
The Provincial Population Office also maintains a comprehensive population data bank covering all 43 local government units, enabling evidence-based policy-making and program implementation.
The Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards recognize local government units that excel in championing population and development programs, and Iloilo’s win highlights its leadership in inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and building resilient families.
Defensor specifically lauded the efforts of the Provincial Population Office, led by Atty. Ruel Von Superio, crediting their dedication for putting Iloilo in the national spotlight.IMT
