San Enrique, Iloilo, was awarded as the second top-performing local government unit (LGU) in the achievement of key result areas on Local Health System – Maturity Level (LHS-ML) for Universal Health Care in the province for 2022. This prestigious recognition highlights the municipality’s commitment to advancing public health and improving health outcomes for its residents.

Mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez of San Enrique received the award, accompanied by notable figures such as Dr. Rodney Labis and Dr. Wendel Tupas Marcelo of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Director of the National Nutrition Council, and Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO. The award was presented during the Provincial Health Summit 2023 and the Recognition/Awarding Ceremony of the Best Performing Municipalities and City in the Implementation of Various Health Programs in the Province, known as the HEAL Awards.

The HEAL Awards, which stand for Health Excellence and Leadership Award, honor LGUs, health facilities, and health workers for their outstanding performance and leadership in health. Dr. Quiñon emphasized the significance of these awards, acknowledging the vital contributions made by these entities in enhancing health systems, promoting health equity, and fostering health innovation within Iloilo Province.

San Enrique’s achievements in various health initiatives were also recognized in several categories:

  • Top Performing LGUs in the Implementation of National Immunization Program: San Enrique achieved a coverage rate of 96.95%, earning a cash award of P30,000.
  • Implementation of 2023 Measles-Rubella and Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA): San Enrique had an impressive coverage rate of 104.73%, receiving a cash award of P10,000.
  • Implementation of Family Planning Program: San Enrique recorded a contraceptive prevalence rate of 48.23%, earning a cash award of P10,000.
  • Implementation of National Voluntary Blood Services Program (2022): With a performance rate of 1.35%, San Enrique was awarded P10,000.
  • Top Performing LGUs on FHSIS Implementation: San Enrique was recognized with a cash award of P20,000 for its excellence in implementing the Field Health Services Information System.

These awards reflect San Enrique’s dedication to delivering high-quality health services and programs to its community. Mayor Fernandez expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to continuing its efforts to improve health outcomes and achieve universal health care for all residents.

The provincial government and the IPHO, led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, recognized the exceptional work of LGUs like San Enrique in strengthening the province’s health system. Their efforts play a crucial role in addressing public health challenges and ensuring the well-being of the people of Iloilo.

The health summit and awards ceremony underscored the collaborative efforts between the provincial government, local health offices, and community leaders in advancing public health initiatives and building a resilient, sustainable health infrastructure for the future.