By GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA
Tagbilaran City solidified its reputation as a leader in public health innovation by receiving four major accolades at the 2024 Local Health Systems Awards organized by the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD7) on November 22, 2024, at the Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu.
City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc, who also heads the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility (TCPCF), received the awards on behalf of the city during the awarding ceremony which recognized local government units (LGUs) for their outstanding contributions to health systems and services.
Tagbilaran City was among the top honorees, taking home the Dugong Bayani Performance Award, also known as the Emilio Aguinaldo Award, for achieving 0.78% of its target for non-remunerated, voluntary blood donations in 2023, close to the 1% national goal.
The city also earned recognition as the Top Performing LGU in Central Visayas for the implementation of the electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS), an innovative DOH-introduced software that streamlines supply chain management.
Tagbilaran City was the only awardee from Bohol and one of only five LGUs in the entire region to receive this recognition, which came with a laptop prize.
Barangay Cogon Health and Lying-In Center also brought honors to the city, receiving the Excellence Award for Newborn Screening for its outstanding performance in ensuring newborn health services.
Meanwhile, the Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) was recognized with a Plaque of Appreciation for its contribution to institutionalizing Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health (DRRM-H).
Further highlighting the city’s achievements, the Tagbilaran City Mobile Health Clinic was featured in the DOH’s compendium of best practices, titled “Bukhad – Opening the Road to Stronger Health Systems: One Good Practice in Health at a Time,” which showcases innovative health services and systems in the region.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her pride and gratitude for the city’s continued recognition in health initiatives. “These awards reflect our collective effort to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all Tagbilaranons. They inspire us to keep pushing boundaries, innovate, and provide services that directly improve the lives of our people. Congratulations to all the teams involved—you are the backbone of our success,” she said.
These awards not only celebrate Tagbilaran City’s achievements but also reinforce its commitment to building a resilient and inclusive health system that prioritizes the welfare of its residents.