South Cotabato, Philippines | October 6,2025 — The Province of South Cotabato once again proved its strong commitment to public health excellence after receiving multiple recognitions during the Pugay Pangkalusugan Regional Awards organized by the Department of Health – Center for Health Development SOCCSKSARGEN Region on October 2, 2025, at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City.
South Cotabato garnered several major awards, including:
- Achievement of at least 70% of the Level 3 Local Health Systems Maturity Level Key Result Areas
- Outstanding Province in Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) Reporting
- Outstanding Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surveillance
- Functional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit
- Malaria-Free Sustainability Award
- Pulang Laso Excellence Award
- Kampeon ng Kalusugan
According to John Codilla, Infectious Disease Program Head of South Cotabato, these awards reflect the province’s collective effort to sustain health programs that respond to both emerging and persistent challenges.
“These recognitions are not just about numbers or citations—they represent the hard work of our health workers, surveillance teams, and local leaders who tirelessly ensure that every community receives quality health services,” Codilla said.
He added, “Our surveillance and prevention systems are stronger today because of collaboration at all levels of government,”
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Conrado Braña expressed pride in the province’s continued success in public health and its alignment with the Universal Health Care framework.
“South Cotabato’s achievements affirm our commitment to building a responsive and resilient health system,” Dr. Braña said.
He emphasized that these awards encourage South Cotabato to keep innovating and strengthening partnerships so that health care remains accessible to every South Cotabateño.
The Pugay Pangkalusugan Awards serve as a platform to celebrate local government innovations and milestones that advance the country’s health agenda.
With its multiple awards this year, South Cotabato continues to lead the region in implementing programs that embody the spirit of “Health for All, Always.”
The annual awarding ceremony aims to recognize Local Government Units (LGUs) and health partners for their valuable contributions and outstanding performance in implementing various health programs aligned with the 8 Priority Action Agenda (PAA) toward the achievement of Universal Health Care (UHC).
