PASSI CITY, Iloilo — After landing in the Top 10 last year, Passi City rose to the very top, claiming the championship at the 4th Health Excellence and Leadership (HEAL) Awards on July 30, 2026. The victory spotlighted a city that turned collective effort into measurable health gains for its people.
From Top 10 to Champion
The awarding ceremony unfolded at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City, where Passi City was called to the stage as the overall winner. Mayor Stephen Palmares received the trophy alongside a ₱200,000 cash incentive, a tangible reward for the local government’s dedication to strengthening its health system. The leap from last year’s finish reflected more than luck.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon explained that the HEAL Awards evaluate local government units based on concrete health outcomes, not merely intentions. The rigorous assessment covers health system management, service delivery, and community impact. Passi City’s rise demonstrated that sustained effort can dramatically improve a community’s well‑being.
Teamwork Fuels Success
Mayor Palmares was quick to credit the people behind the trophy. He pointed to the seamless collaboration between the executive office, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the City Health Office. “Builigay gid,” he said, emphasizing that working together is not just about winning but about delivering the best health services to constituents.
The mayor’s words resonated with other awardees. Pavia took first runner‑up with ₱170,000, followed by Carles (₱150,000), Batad (₱120,000), and Concepcion (₱100,000). Municipalities from Tigbauan to Pototan also received ₱50,000 each for placing in the Top 10. A total of ₱2.93 million was distributed, celebrating 117 program‑specific awards alongside the major honors.
Health Beyond Awards
The ceremony also addressed deeper challenges. Provincial Administrator Raul Banias cited EDCOM 2 data linking poor child nutrition to low literacy in Iloilo’s dual‑burden areas. He challenged local leaders to ensure that classrooms are not filled with children too malnourished to learn, framing the HEAL Awards as a call to action, not just a celebration.
Department of Health Regional Director Dr. Mar Wynn D. Bello thanked the front‑line health workers who bring Universal Health Care to life. He acknowledged that without their daily sacrifices, national health policies would remain on paper. The awards were a salute to those who turn policy into practice, one barangay at a time.
Celebrating All Champions
The 4th HEAL Awards gathered 127 health stakeholders, from municipal health officers to barangay nutrition scholars. Dr. Quiñon noted that the event was designed to give back, to celebrate wins, and to honor partners who make healthcare accessible. For Passi City, the championship was both a milestone and a motivator to keep pushing forward.
