Cebu province received multiple honors for its health programs and services during the Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas’ 2026 Local Health Systems Awards, with Gov. Pamela Baricuatro also earning the regional Director’s Award.
The provincial government secured recognitions covering blood services, immunization, tuberculosis control, HIV testing, rabies prevention and community health promotion during the ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6.
Baricuatro used the occasion to discuss the changes her administration had pursued since taking office, citing staffing shortages, inadequate equipment and gaps in the province’s healthcare system.
“When we came in last year, our provincial health system was struggling. The Provincial Health Board hadn’t met in six years. Our hospitals were short on people and short on basic equipment,” she said.
She said the provincial government increased the number of doctors assigned to its 16 Capitol-run hospitals from 177 to 303 in less than a year.
The administration also revived the Provincial Health Board and implemented Executive Order 42, which ensures that patients do not have to pay first before receiving emergency care.
“So, we started with the basics. We brought the Provincial Health Board back to the table. Our doctors across the 16 Capitol-run hospitals went from 177 to 303 in less than a year. And through Executive Order 42, no patient has to pay first before getting emergency care,” Baricuatro said.
Among the province’s other distinctions were the Gold Outstanding Performance Award for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) compliance and the Juan Luna Award under the National Voluntary Blood Services Program.
It also received a plaque of appreciation under the National Immunization Program and recognition for its tuberculosis treatment success rate and Provider-Initiated HIV Counseling and Testing services.
The province earned further recognition for its participation in the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program and its Healthy Community initiatives.
The awards recognize the performance of local health systems in delivering essential services, preventing and treating diseases, and promoting community health.
This year’s ceremony carried the theme, “Advancing Universal Health Care through UNA Para sa Kalusugan: Stronger Health Systems, Healthier Communities, A Healthier Philippines by 2040.”
More than 300 local government units, institutions, private partners, national government agencies and media organizations received recognition during the regional event.
Baricuatro said the provincial government would continue working with municipal and city officials, local health officers, the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to strengthen healthcare services across Cebu.
She said the administration aims to ensure that improvements in the provincial health system result in accessible and quality medical services for residents.
📷 Capitol PIO
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