‘Most Healthy Barangay’ search to promote grassroots health, wellness

THE City Council committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, has taken a significant step towards promoting health and wellness at the grassroots level with the proposed establishment of the “Search for the Most Healthy Barangay: Himsog nga Kagay-anon para sa Syudad nga Lig-on.”

During last week’s committee discussion, Dr. Rachel Dilla, City Health Officer, emphasized the initiative's importance, aligning it with the city’s continuing efforts to get the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

She pointed out that the program integrates crucial SGLG indicators such as barangay level governance and adolescent-friendly initiatives.

“This is very timely as the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) is also looking into the barangays now, so we are somewhat ahead in this aspect. Helping barangays to prepare themselves for city-wide recognition ensures that they meet the SGLG indicators, provided they can fulfill them,” Dr. Dilla explained.

Dr. Dilla also mentioned that they are drafting the ordinance to sustain the program.

In fact, a specialized team has been developing the competition criteria and certifying barangays against these requirements. The team comprises members of the Child-Friendly Barangay movement, who propose including child-friendly criteria in the competition's structure.

The reward structure for the winning barangays was also discussed. Initially, the grand prize was P1 million, but Dr. Dilla proposed a revision to allow for multiple winners, splitting the competition into two districts.

“We at the CHO have divided the city into four geographical divisions—east, west, highland, and central—to ensure equitable distribution of prizes. There will also be consolation prizes to recognize all efforts,” she stated.

Currently, 22 barangays are participating, with the evaluation based on the previous year’s performance. Barangay captains have been notified, but some barangays withdrew from the competition due to documentary requirements.

“Means of verification are essential, such as minutes of meetings, and some barangays found it challenging to comply,” Dr. Dilla added.

Councilor Gaane emphasized the need for proper funding allocation and compliance with legal requirements.

“Since funding is involved, approval from the City Local Finance Committee is necessary for the Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF), along with the legal opinion of the City Legal Office,” she said.

The committee is set to refine the initiative to ensure its successful implementation, aiming not only to enhance barangay health standards but also to support the city’s goal of achieving SGLG recognition. (JAOclarit/SP)