The Municipality of Lezo was among the 17 LGUs awarded as Outstanding Population Offices in Western Visayas by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Region 6. The awarding ceremony, held on March 17 at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City, aimed to recognize the remarkable contributions of local government units in implementing POPCOM’s programs in line with the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.
Lezo, a 5th class LGU, was recognized for its outstanding performance in promoting responsible parenthood and family planning, along with Buruanga and Tangalan in Aklan, Belison and Libertad in Antique, San Lorenzo in Guimaras, and Mina, Bingawan, Batad, and San Rafael in Iloilo.
Apart from LGUs, partner agencies and civil society organizations were also honored for their significant role in implementing POPCOM’s programs in the region. Among them were the National Economic and Development Authority-Region VI, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region VI, Department of Health-Western Visayas-Center for Health Development, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Region VI and VII, JCI Iloilo Ilang Ilang, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter, and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology.
Mayor Mary Lenette R. Fernandez expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award is a testament to Lezo’s commitment to providing quality services to its constituents. She added that the award will serve as an inspiration for the LGU to continue its efforts in promoting responsible parenthood and family planning, as well as in implementing other development programs for the betterment of the community. (By Ernan Baldomero)