Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines— South Cotabato is among the Top 5 finalists in the national Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards, alongside Iloilo, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Bataan, Provincial Population Officer Melanie Chiva confirmed.
The Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) is a national recognition given to outstanding local government units that excel in population and development programs. Named after Rafael M. Salas, former Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund and regarded as the “Father of Population and Development,” the award honors his pioneering work in linking population management with national and local development.
In her message during the provincial flag ceremony, Chiva emphasized the significance of the recognition for the Provincial Government.
“It is with much pride and honor to inform everybody that the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Population Officer, has been listed as one of the top five performing local government units in the provincial category at the national level,” she said.
“This is our second time to reach this stage. We are now competing with some of the most competitive provinces in the country.”
Chiva noted that the award builds on the province’s strong record in population initiatives. She recalled that in 2022, South Cotabato was nationally recognized when Esther Ante of Tupi was named Most Outstanding Population Program Volunteer.
The evaluation process for the RMSKPA finalists is set to commence this month.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has expressed its readiness to present its programs and best practices.
It will also showcase documentation highlighting its efforts in advancing family welfare, reproductive health, and human development.
The recognition affirms the provincial government’s consistent commitment to drive innovative, evidence-based, and people-centered programs that advance inclusive growth.
