THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region received the Health Equity Champion Award (Fund Utilization) during the national awarding ceremony held by the Bureau of Local Health Systems Development (BLHSD) on July 17, 2025 in Tuguegarao, Cagayan.
The award recognizes initiatives made by the regional office in promoting health equity, and highlights the effective use of resources to address health disparities and ensure access to healthcare for all, particularly in underserved areas.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco extended her appreciation to the awarding body and stated that the award was due to the collaborative effort of people working tirelessly to promote health equity across sectors and communities to address health disparities and create a more just and equitable system for the benefit of all.
She added that health inequalities are often avoidable and unfair, and addressing these disparities requires action on the social determinants of health.
Likewise, BHW Regional Coordinator Ms. Maria Lourdes Ducusin was also conferred the Health Equity Champion for initiating projects that directly benefit BHWs, providing incentives and support which strengthened the sustainability and impact of the BHW Program in the region.
‘Rest assure that the regional office will continue its efforts in achieving health equity and encourage advocacy, policy changes, and community-based initiatives to address health disparities for a healthier future for all.”
The award was presented by Undersecretary of Health for UHC HSC Area 1 Glenn Mathew G. Baggao and BLHSD Director Mar Wynn Bello.
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