Five local government units with exemplary public health programs were recognized as "Champions for Health Governance" on Wednesday.
The CHG award is given by healthcare company MSD in the Philippines, the Kaya Natin! Movement, and the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation.
This year's awardees are: Plaridel, Bulacan; Salcedo, Eastern Samar; San Felipe, Zambales; San Gabriel, La Union; and Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

​At the awarding ceremony, Vice President Leni Robredo emphasized that the issue of public health is a "silent crisis that deserves more attention."
"When our barangay captains, our mayors, and our governors want to get things done, even the impossible becomes possible. And in these extraordinary times, we need heroes like our enlightened local chief executives, who are committed in getting things done, who do not mind setting politics aside, and focus on helping those who need help the most," Robredo said.
"Providing nutrition and protecting our people’s health do not call for new technology or new inventions. They only require our commitment," she added.
A total of 27 entries were approved for the first level of screening by the CHG 2017 selection committee, which included the Department of Interior and Local Government Bureau of Local Government Services Assistant Division Chief Jose Denver Calo; Kaya Natin! Movement executive director Amelia Hernandez; Physicians for Peace Program head Dr. Josephine Bundoc; and Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines national president Dr. Renato Menrige Jr. — BM, GMA News