LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Health has given the Manuel L. Quezon Award on the governor of Albay for the province’s successful health programs.
Outgoing Gov. Joey Salceda was recognized for having devoted “time, and untiring effort and commitment towards achieving a tuberculosis-free country.” The award is named after Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon who succumbed to tuberculosis overseas during World War II.
The governor said several factors helped his province get the distinction: an all-out effort of a unified community; the passion of a well-trained cadre of health professionals; the engagement of foreign aid agencies; and an enabling context—a growing economy and an enlightened citizenry such that of Albay.
The poverty rate in Albay dropped from 33 percent to 25 percent in the past nine years.
Four other health officials, led by Albay provincial health officer Nathaniel B. Rempillo, received the Bayani ng Kalusugan Award for their efforts in related programs aimed at bringing the country “closer to Universal Health care, through excellence in work, commitment and innovation and leadership.”
The three other recipients were Dr. Antonio Ludovice, Gay Gloria Bracia and Gilda Moyo. Rempillo has been a prime mover of multi-awarded Team Albay, the province’s emergency response team.
