Iloilo guv is outstanding local chief executive in Visayas

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has been feted as an Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines, for the Provincial Category for Visayas Island.

The award was conferred by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ALSWDOPI).

“The innovative programs and services of your administration in uplifting the general well-being of the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of your locality are highly commendable which put your Gawad Parangal nomination for Social Welfare and Development Champions on top of the rank,” said ALSWDOPI National President Jhunleymar D. Abella.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is headed by Sarah Barayuga.

According to a report from Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo, the award was based on the three-year implementation and delivery of social welfare and development programs, services, innovations, and initiatives by the provincial government from 2022 to 2023.

Defensor is set to receive the award during the Gawad Parangal Awarding Ceremony on May 15, 2024 at the Iloilo Convention Center as part of the 27th National Social Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique Lazaro also won the Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines for the 1st to 3rd Class Municipality Category for Visayas Island.

The Gawad Parangal is an annual award conferred by ALSWDOPI to outstanding local chief executives.

ALSWDOPI is a professional organization of social welfare and development workers envisioning a strong, viable, and proactive association with functional provincial, municipal, and city chapters.