South Cotabato bags DILG SDG Award for free hospitalization program
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Province of South Cotabato has been recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Achievement Champion under SDG Goal No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being, following the successful implementation of its Free Hospitalization Program. As part of the recognition, the […]
South Cotabato announces diverse venues for Measles-Rubella vaccination blitz
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | January 12, 2026 — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is taking a “community-first” approach for the upcoming Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), designating a wide array of non-traditional venues to ensure the vaccine is easily accessible to all families. Eldon Serame, Health Education and Promotions Officer, confirmed that the campaign—running […]
Gov. Tamayo strengthens partnerships with national agencies to advance people-centered services in South Cotabato
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | January 12, 2026 — Strengthening collaboration between the provincial government and national agencies remains a key priority of South Cotabato as Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. continues to lead efforts toward inclusive, people-centered development. In a series of high-level meetings with the regional offices of the Department of Health (DOH), […]
Proposed ordinance on free hospitalization in South Cotabato now 90 percent complete
KORONADAL CITY — The proposed ordinance institutionalizing zero-balance billing or free hospitalization in provincial government hospitals in South Cotabato is now 90 percent complete, according to Provincial Board Member Irvin Luntao, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Nutrition and Sanitation. In an interview, Board Member Luntao said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is already in the […]
South Cotabato logs 52 firework-related injuries, up 47% from previous year
South Cotabato, Philippines | January 5, 2026— What should have been moments of celebration turned into scenes of injury and emergency as the province recorded a sharp spike in firework-related injuries (FWRI) this holiday season. As of 6:00 a.m., January 5, 2026, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer has documented 52 cases of firework-related […]
South Cotabato records 8 fireworks-related injuries, shows 43% decrease compared to last year
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) under the Office of the Provincial Health Officer has recorded a total of eight (8) fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) in South Cotabato from December 21 up to 6:00 AM of December 27, 2025, based on FWRI Surveillance Report No. 4. Data show a 43 […]
South Cotabato receives ₱80.6M final PhilHealth primary care provider network payment
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato| December 23, 2025 — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has officially received the final Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN) payment from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) amounting to ₱80,597,543.96, marking the full settlement of PhilHealth’s obligations under the PCPN Sandbox Site Implementation. The check was received by Provincial Health […]
Nutritionist urges moderation and smart food choices this holiday season
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | December 21, 2025— As Christmas and New Year celebrations bring an abundance of food to Filipino households, a nutrition expert from the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital is reminding the public that enjoying holiday meals can still be done in a healthy and responsible way. Ivy Caras, nutritionist-dietitian of the South […]
Gov. Tamayo clarifies use of ₱50M loan, hits back at online misinformation
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Philippines | December 16, 2025 — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. clarified that only ₱50 million out of the ₱1-billion loan facility approved in 2018 has been utilized by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, countering online claims questioning the use of public funds and alleging excessive borrowing. According to Governor Tamayo, […]
PHO urges safe, firecracker-free celebrations as fireworks injuries rise
Koronadal City, South Cotabato | December 15, 2025 —The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) has renewed its call for safe and firecracker-free Christmas and New Year celebrations following a rise in fireworks-related injuries in South Cotabato, according to Eldon Serame, Health Education and Promotions Officer of OPHO. “A complete celebration,” Serame emphasized, “means […]