Passi City tops Iloilo’s 2026 HEAL Awards

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Health Office recognized the province’s top-performing local government units for excellence in health service delivery during the 2026 Health Excellence and Leadership Awards on July 30 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.

Now in its fourth year, the annual awards recognize local governments that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to improving health care services and advancing universal health care in their communities.

Passi City emerged as the overall champion and received a PHP 200,000 cash incentive.

Pavia was named first runner-up and received PHP 170,000.

Carles placed second runner-up and received PHP 150,000.

Batad was named third runner-up and received PHP 120,000.

Concepcion placed fourth runner-up and received PHP 100,000.

Tigbauan, Lambunao, San Enrique, Guimbal, and Pototan completed the top 10 and each received PHP 50,000 for their performance.

Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares attributed the city’s success to the collective efforts of the local government, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the City Health Office.

“It has always been a collaborative effort among the local government, the city chief executive, the City Council, and our personnel in the Health Office. Through that teamwork, we have been able—and will continue—to deliver quality health services to our constituents,” he said.

Aside from the overall awards, local governments competed in various health service delivery and health systems support categories.

The categories covered maternal and child health, nutrition, infectious disease control, mental health, epidemiology, health information systems, logistics management, and human resources for health.

The Provincial Health Office also recognized all 13 provincial and district hospitals, with each receiving PHP 20,000 for service recognition.

Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon said the awards serve as a tribute to local governments for their continued efforts to strengthen local health systems and improve the well-being of their constituents.

“We owe it to them. That’s why we give back, celebrate their victories, and recognize their success. That is why we continue holding the HEAL Awards—because our LGUs, our partners, deserve this recognition,” Quiñon said.

She emphasized that local governments remain the health office’s key partners in implementing health programs across the province.

Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Mar Wynn D. Bello also praised local chief executives, health workers, and partner agencies for advancing the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.

“Today, we honor all of you because each of you is a winner in promoting health for all the people of Iloilo. Without your support, the implementation of Universal Health Care would not be possible,” Bello said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias challenged local governments to address what he described as Iloilo’s “dual burden” of child malnutrition and poor learning outcomes, citing findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education.

“This is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We cannot accept a reality where our classrooms are filled with students who are too malnourished to learn,” Banias said.

He urged local governments and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in addressing nutrition and education concerns.

Banias stressed that improving children’s health is essential to supporting their learning and overall development.