Caraga recognizes LGUs in Population, Dev’t Excellence Award
BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Caraga announced the winners of this year’s Population and Development Excellence Award, recognizing exceptional local government units (LGUs) for their efforts in localizing the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028, held at the Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the region.
Winners by Category:
Provincial Category:
· 1st Place: Surigao del Sur
· 2nd Place: Province of Dinagat Islands
· 3rd Place: Agusan del Norte
City Category:
· 1st Place: Bislig City
· 2nd Place: Cabadbaran City
Municipal Category:
· 1st Place: Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
· 2nd Place: San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
· 3rd Place: San Agustin, Surigao del Sur
The awardees were adjudged based on the comprehensive mechanics and guidelines approved and adopted by the RDC-Social Development Committee and the Regional Population Executive Board (RPEB). The criteria are align with the PPD-POA 2023-2028, endorsed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Memorandum Circular No. 40, emphasizing strategies for gender equality, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.
The Population and Development Excellence Award recognizes LGUs for excellence in implementing the PPD-POA, focusing on innovative, effective strategies that enhance population management and sustainable development. The criteria for these awards include:
1. Commitment and Implementation: Evaluating LGUs' dedication to PPD-POA goals through documented
plans and executed strategies.
2. Capability Building: Assessing the training and development activities that equip LGU
personnel with the skills necessary to implement population and development
initiatives.
3. Policy Support: Reviewing policies that LGUs have enacted to support the PPD-POA's
goals and objectives, enhancing local governance and community engagement.
4. Innovation and Adaptability: Recognizing LGUs that demonstrate creativity in adapting PPD-POA
strategies to local contexts and challenges.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Gauging the effectiveness of implemented strategies through systematic
review and assessment, ensuring outcomes align with intended population and
development goals.
CPD Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano, also the chairperson of the RPEB, underscored the importance of these awards as a testament to LGUs’ successful localization of the PPD-POA. “Winning this award demonstrates the LGUs’ dedication to addressing population and development issues at the grassroots level, showcasing how localized initiatives contribute to the region's sustainable progress,” said Dir. Makinano.
The results of this prestigious award will be presented during the 1st quarter 2025 RDC-Social Development Committee meeting, where the best practices of the winning LGUs will be highlighted. These stories will inspire other LGUs in Caraga to strengthen their roles in managing population and development programs.
CPD Caraga remains committed to fostering partnerships with LGUs and stakeholders, empowering them to advance innovative solutions for population management, gender equity, and community development. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD Caraga/PIA Caraga)
