Iloilo City Named Global Self-Reliant City for Health

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Challenge Initiative has recognized Iloilo City as a “Global Self-Reliant City” for its outstanding efforts in family planning and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

The award, presented during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, April 28, highlights the city’s leadership and commitment to providing accessible and impactful services for family planning and youth health.

Since joining TCI in May 2023, Iloilo City has made significant strides in enhancing the local implementation of family planning and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health initiatives.

These efforts led to achievements such as the training of 601 community health workers, 252 postpartum family planning providers, 831 mobile outreach service providers, and 290 adolescent-friendly health service providers.

The city also achieved a milestone, with 100% of eligible facilities now offering postpartum family planning and adolescent-friendly health services.

Additionally, Iloilo City conducted 95 mobile outreach activities and 480 demand-generation campaigns, directly engaging communities and raising awareness about reproductive health.

The success of these programs is attributed to the leadership of Mayor Jerry Treñas, City Health Officer Dr. Annabelle Tang, City Population Officer Ma. Cecilla Guillergan, and other dedicated stakeholders.

Their efforts were supported by the Office of the City Population Officer, City Health Office, Social Welfare and Development Office, Schools Division Office, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, Local Youth Development Office, and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter.