QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- During the Kaunlarang Pantao Award 2022 last March 23, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Region 5 Regional Director (RD) Joyce Hilvano reads POPCOM National Capital Region’s (NCR) late RD Lydio Español’s message, where it highlighted the importance of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling in improving healthcare programs in local government units (LGUs).
RD Español wrote, “With the Madanas-Garcia ruling, we see better opportunities to partner with our local government units (LGUs) and strengthen, improve the capacity of our localities in delivering the Philippine Population and Development Program (PPDP) to Filipino families and communities.”
The COVID19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of population and development initiatives in the country's ability to deal with the current health crisis. However, this has created difficulties in the implementation of population development (POPDEV) activities in LGUs, requiring the development of more innovative strategies to ensure the delivery of services to the people.
And to recognize the outstanding LGUs in effectively implementing POPDEV activities, despite the threat of COVID-19, POPCOM NCR honors LGUs for each of the three (3) search categories this year:
1. Implementation of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP);
2. Adolescent Health and Development (AHD);
3. Use and Integration of Population Data and Information in Development Initiatives.
Muntinlupa City wins the three (3) search categories and is pronounced as the regional winner of NCR, who will compete for the national level.
Muntinlupa City receives plaque of recognition during the Kaunlarang Pantao Award 2022 (photo courtesy of City Government of Muntinlupa - OFFICIAL FB page)
In Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi’s acceptance message, he said that the award will serve as an inspiration to do better in providing its services to those living in Muntinlupa. He ensures that despite the pandemic, the city government will continue its non-COVID 19 related programs.
The Mandanas-Garcia ruling was the outcome of a 2013 Supreme Court petition filed by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas and former Bataan Governor Enrique Garcia, Jr., together with other local elected officials, over LGU portions of the internal income allotment (IRA). It aims to transfer or devolve basic service delivery to LGUs. (PIA-NCR)
