The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through its Provincial Population Office, hosted the 2024 Population Congress at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center. The event, themed “Putting People at the Center of Development,” honored the significant contributions of program partners and volunteers to various population programs.
A total of 308 volunteers and partners from the province’s 10 municipalities participated in the congress, which emphasized camaraderie and sportsmanship through a variety of activities.
The event aimed to recognize the selfless efforts of individuals involved in programs such as Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning, Adolescent Health and Development, and Gender and Development.
Key awards presented during the ceremony included:
Most Outstanding Local Population Officer
– Winner: Kenneth F. Cruz (Sto. Niño)
– 1st Runner-up: Pstr. Isaac L. Valdez, Jr. (Tantangan)
– 2nd Runner-up: Michelle Ann J. Octaviano (Norala)
Most Improved Local Population Officer
– Lowell L. Lozaga (Surallah)
Most Outstanding Population Program Volunteer
– Winner: Mary Jhoy P. Lloren (Brgy. Poblacion, Polomolok)
– 1st Runner-up: Felisa C. Legaste (Brgy. Dumadalig, Tantangan)
– 2nd Runner-up: Elizabeth T. Ello (Brgy. Colongulo, Surallah)
The event included parlor games for program volunteers, a Population Education Quiz Show, and an awards ceremony. Hon. Junette I. Hurtado, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member and Committee Chairperson on Women and Family Relations, and Mr. Alvin Dwight F. Asentista, Population Program Officer III from the Commission on Population and Development XII, graced the occasion.
The Provincial Population Congress served as an opportunity to express gratitude for the invaluable contributions of volunteers and partners, reinforcing the importance of placing people at the heart of development efforts.
