Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | September 22, 2025 —-South Cotabato has honored 33 barangays that demonstrated innovation and strong community engagement in public health program delivery, achieving the indicators required under the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) Health Scorecard.
In the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) category, Barangay Ambalgan, Sto. Niño placed first, followed by Barangay Little Baguio, Surallah in second, and Barangay Miason, Tupi in third.
For barangays with populations below 5,000, the winners were Barangay Esperanza, Norala (1st), Barangay Crossing Rubber (2nd), and Barangay Desawo (3rd).
Meanwhile, in the above 5,000 population category, Barangay San Isidro of the City of Koronadal secured first place, followed by Barangay Poblacion, Tampakan in second, and Barangay Dumadalig in third.
The Office of the Provincial Health Officer also recognized municipalities and the city for achieving more than one percent of their population in Mobile Blood Donation. Barangays New Panay (Sto. Niño) and Talisay (Lake Sebu) tied for third place in the Kadugo Award, while Barangay Luhib (Lake Sebu) placed second with 5.5 percent, and Barangay Lower Maculan (Lake Sebu) claimed first with 6 percent.
In addition, the annual Provincial Health Summit presented the Manuel L. Quezon Award for the best-performing LGUs in the tuberculosis elimination program to Tantangan, Tampakan, and Tupi, ranking first to third, respectively.
The Animal Bite Treatment Center Quality Service Award was conferred to the LGUs of Sto. Niño, Tampakan, Polomolok, Tantangan, Norala, and the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital. Barangay Palo of Tampakan was also cited for its effective implementation of the “Bantay Rabies sa Barangay” Program.
Under the STI/HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, the municipalities of Tantangan, Polomolok, and Tupi received the Pulang Laso Award. The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit was recognized as the top-performing local unit, while the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit topped among hospitals. At the barangay level, the Laconon Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit was awarded.
For the Family Health Program, the Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Tantangan received the Provincial Purple Ribbon Award, while the MHO of Surallah was recognized as the top maternal and child health implementer.
Lastly, the summit acknowledged outstanding contributions to the National Immunization Program, naming the MHO of Norala as best performer, while Sto. Niño was recognized as the best-performing MHO for the Adolescent Health Program.
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. underscored the importance of collective effort in achieving progress, likening his role to that of a driver navigating governance according to the direction the people desire. He emphasized that good governance and cooperation are vital in building a healthier and more progressive South Cotabato.
This milestone highlights the province’s commitment to empowering barangays as active partners in advancing public health and ensuring that families across South Cotabato have access to better health services.
The recognition was held during the Provincial Health Summit.
