PALO, Leyte— Several local government units in Eastern Visayas were recognized for outstanding implementation of population and development initiatives during the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) regional awarding ceremony held at the Leyte Provincial Capitol mini-theater, this town.
In the municipal category, Merida, Leyte took first place, followed by Gandara, Samar, in second and Mapanas, Northern Samar in third.
For the city category, Tacloban City emerged as the lone awardee.
In the provincial category, Leyte placed first, while Northern Samar finished second with it’s town of Palapag receiving special citation.
Cash incentives were awarded to the top LGUs: P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000 for the first, second and third municipal winners; P70,000 for the city awardee; and P100,000 and P70,000 for the first and second placers in the provincial level.
CPD-8 Regional Director Elnora Pulma, who led the awarding rites, praised the LGUs for their continued commitment to addressing population issues through responsive and data-driven planning.
Among those who received the awards on behalf of their respective LGUs were Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Tacloban City Councilor Bryan Granados, Mapanas Vice Mayor Dr. Ma. Luisa Barbara Tejano , and several municipal population officers.
First-place awardees will advance to the national selection for the RMSKPA.
The RMSKPA, jointly implemented by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), honors provinces, cities, and municipalities with innovative and effective programs promoting responsible parenthood, reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable human development.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
