ILOILO CITY — The Province and City of Iloilo are aggressively vying for top honors at the 2026 Galing Pook Awards, presenting innovative governance programs. The final presentations took place at the SM Prime Holdings Headquarters in Pasay City, highlighting the region's deep commitment to excellent public service.
A Dual Push for National Honors
From 19 national finalists selected from over 200 entries nationwide, only ten local government units will ultimately secure the prestigious award. Iloilo is highly optimistic, banking on transformative initiatives that directly address critical social, health, and environmental challenges.
This dual nomination highlights the strong partnership between the provincial and city governments. By working together on overlapping goals, they ensure that public resources are maximized and that no community is left behind in the pursuit of national recognition.
Uplifting Ilonggo Youth and Health
The provincial government, led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., is pushing for its second Galing Pook win. Their entry, "Tib-ong Kabataan," focuses on total adolescent and youth health development, aiming to uplift the well-being and mental resilience of young Ilonggos.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has reached nearly 50,000 youth across public schools and community settings. It has successfully reduced adolescent births by seven percent and significantly decreased youth suicide deaths by 38 percent, showcasing tangible and lifesaving outcomes.
Governor Defensor believes that investing in the youth is building a stronger province. By providing integrated health services, psychological screening, and counseling, the initiative ensures that the youth are protected, resilient, and ready to become the nation's future leaders.
Decentralizing Disaster Risk Governance
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Government, led by Mayor Raisa Treñas, is presenting the Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARe) Center. This centralized hub revolutionizes disaster preparedness and response by bridging the gap between local offices and barangay communities.
By decentralizing risk governance, the city empowers local residents to actively participate in disaster mitigation and recovery. The ICARe Center ensures faster emergency responses and stronger coordination, vital for a highly vulnerable region facing severe climate threats.
This initiative brings the government closer to the people, ensuring that barangays have the tools and knowledge needed to handle emergencies. It represents a significant shift toward proactive, community-led disaster management that saves lives and protects local properties.
Building a Resilient Future
Both programs underscore a shared vision for sustainable, people-centered development. Governor Defensor emphasized that investing in the youth is paramount, as they represent the country's most crucial human resource and the driving force for national development.
The city's focus on resilience similarly protects its most important asset: its people. As the winners are deliberated, Iloilo stands proud, proving that strong governance creates lasting, inclusive progress for all its constituents.
