Kaya Natin, MSD open search for LGUs with best public health programs

The Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, in partnership with Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) Philippines and the Jesse Robredo Foundation, is now accepting applications from local government units (LGUs) with outstanding public health initiatives for the 2017 Champions for Health Governance (CHG) Awards.

In line with the United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals on Health and the Department of Health (DOH) framework to achieve universal health care for all Filipinos, the CHG Awards gives recognition to LGUs that have implemented effective and innovative health programs. The chosen top five LGUs will receive a trophy and cash prize of P100,000.00 each, granted by MSD.

“The CHG Awards is one of the ways in which we showcase the success stories of LGUs that have made an impact in their communities, particularly in public health. In the spirit of Kaya Natin, we want to acknowledge local leaders who uphold transparent and accountable governance through their programs,” Vice Mayor Amelia Hernandez, Executive Director of Kaya Natin said.

The call for entries opened last November 24, 2016 with a launch at the Office of the Vice President. Vice President Leni Robredo gave the keynote message, which centered on how local governments play a huge role in providing people’s needs at the grassroots level. She says if these are achieved, then it will show tangible results in taking people out of poverty.

Aside from DOH, the awards are also supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In the launch, Assistant Secretary Josefina Castilla-Go gave a message on the importance of equipping and empowering LGUs to deliver basic services to the people.

The awards will evaluate LGUs according to a set of criteria based on good governance and public health gover nance.