Passi City clinched the top spot in this year’s Health Excellence and Leadership (HEAL) Awards after outperforming other local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo province during the awarding ceremony held on July 30.
The recognition highlighted the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen healthcare programs and improve the delivery of public health services.
Receiving the distinction on behalf of the city, Mayor Stephen Palmares credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the city government, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the City Health Office.
He said the local government’s commitment to collaboration has enabled it to deliver better healthcare services to residents.
“Builigay gid. The local government unit, the chief executive, the Sanggunian, kag ang aton nga mga empleyado sa Health Office. In that way, we could and we can and we will deliver the best and quality health services to our respective constituents,” Palmares said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon said the annual awards recognize the dedication of LGUs and healthcare workers in strengthening healthcare services throughout the province.
She added that the recognition serves as the provincial government’s way of honoring the commitment and achievements of its partners.
“We owe it [to] them, that’s why we give back, that’s why we celebrate their wins, we celebrate their success, and that is why we are having this 4th HEAL Awards because our LGUs, our partners, deserve this recognition,” Quiñon said.
Department of Health (DOH-6) Regional Director Dr. Mar Wynn D. Bello, who served as the keynote speaker, also lauded local governments and healthcare workers for their contributions to the implementation of the Universal Health Care program.
“Today, we are going to honor all of you, because all of you are winners in fostering health for all the people in Iloilo. Kung wala po kayo, walang mangyayari sa implementasyon ng ating Universal Health Care,” she said.
Along with the championship title, Passi City received a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive worth P200,000.
Pavia followed as the first runner-up and received P170,000, while Carles placed second and took home P150,000.
Batad finished as the third runner-up and received P120,000, while Concepcion secured the fourth runner-up with P100,000.
Tigbauan, Lambunao, San Enrique, Guimbal, and Pototan also secured spots in the Top 10 and each received cash incentives worth P50,000 in recognition of their achievements.
This year’s victory marked a significant milestone for Passi City after placing among the Top 10 in the previous edition of the awards.
First launched in 2023 by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, the HEAL Awards recognizes local government units, hospitals, healthcare workers, and partner institutions that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving public health services throughout the province.Jose Alphonso Ceria, WVSU-COC intern/IMT
