The Davao City Health Office (CHO) emerged as a major awardee during the Department of Health's prestigious Harmonized Health Awards 2025. The ceremony took place at the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Friday, November 20, 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements in public health across the region.
Multiple Accolades for Davao's Health System
Davao City received wide-ranging recognition for its integrated and effective health programs. The city was officially acknowledged as a universal health care integrated site, highlighting its systematic approach to healthcare access. Furthermore, its efforts in promoting healthy workplaces were commended, and it ranked as Top 2 in the Davao Region for the Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd-Healthy Learning Institutions (OKD-HLI) Program.
The CHO itself was specifically honored for its outstanding commitment to child health, particularly for successfully adopting and implementing the Mandatory Immunization for Infants program. Its supportive role to the DOH-Davao and the DOH-Davao-CHD Family Health Cluster, along with its status as a Mother-baby Friendly Workplace, were also key factors in its recognition.
Recognition for Specific Units and Facilities
Several specific units under the CHO's umbrella were celebrated for their excellence. The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (Cesu) was recognized as a functional local epidemiology and surveillance unit. For this achievement, the unit received a laptop and a monetary incentive of P100,000.
Meanwhile, the CHO Birthing Home in Tibungco was named the Top Performing Newborn Screening Facility. Its reward consisted of 20 Newborn Screening kits valued at P35,000.
Marilog District Hospital also stood out, securing multiple awards. Its honors included an appreciation for Excellence and Responsiveness, a Timely Service Award, Outstanding Partnership Support, and the title of Most Innovative Health Facility. The hospital also attained a very satisfactory overall score for the Integrated Hospital Operations and Management Program and was certified as a Mother-baby Friendly Workplace.
In a related achievement, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City also received the Mother-Baby Workplace award.
A Testament to Dedication and Leadership
CHO Acting Assistant Health Officer for Operations Margie B. Roa-Rubio, in an interview on Monday, November 24, 2025, stated that these achievements demonstrate the city's dedication to building a responsive health system. "These achievements show our dedication to building a responsive city-wide health system and delivering quality care to all Dabawenyos," Rubio said.
She emphasized that the awards position the CHO and Davao City as front-runners in implementing various health programs. Rubio credited the success to the strong leadership of the chief local executive and Acting Health Officer Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, as well as partnerships with agencies like the Department of Education and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Rubio also highlighted the crucial role of the city's health workers, whose daily commitment ensures quality service delivery. She added that the trust and support from all Dabawenyos solidify these accomplishments.
Sustaining Excellence for a Healthier Davao
Looking forward, Rubio outlined the city's strategy to maintain these high standards. "The City Government will ensure the continuity of best practices through a combination of strategic planning," she explained. This involves developing sustainable plans, coordinating with stakeholders, improving worker competency, and continuously reviewing procedures.
The ultimate goal, as stated by Rubio, is to reduce morbidity and mortality, thereby making Davao City a healthier and more livable community for all its residents.
