The search, dubbed "Champions for Health Governance Awards," is open to all local government units with commendable health programs conducted at the municipality and city levels.
Participating LGUs will be judged according to the following criteria: local leadership, transparency and accountability, effectiveness, innovation, health resource management, and community engagement.
Their respective health programs, on the other hand, will be evaluated based on how these have worked towards achieving the Millenium Development goals aimed at reducing child mortality rates, improving maternal health, and reducing incidences of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
The health programs eligible for entry to the awards must have been running for at least two years. The winning LGUs will receive a cash grant for their programs.
The nationwide search is a project of Kaya Natin! a multi-sectoral movement dedicated to good governance and ethical leadership, in partnership with MSD Merck, Sharp and Dohme Philippines, the Ateneo School of Government, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Health.
"The local chief executives working with their local health boards have such a critical role to play in improving the health and well-being of the people in the community. The Champions for Health Governance Awards hopes to recognize these best practices, share them with the rest of the country and hopefully have them replicated as model for other LGUs," said Karen Villanueva, External Affairs and Commercial Innovation Director for MSD Philippines.
For his part, Harvey Keh, director for Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship of the Ateneo School of Government, and one of the key movers for Kaya Natin! said the program is a good opportunity to create awareness for the importance of good governance in delivering quality healthcare.
"Kaya Natin! believes that good governance isn't only about whether or not a leader is corrupt or engaged in illegal activities. A leader should also be able to develop key programs and activities that will address the needs of their constituency. We believe that good governance should translate into better healthcare for every Filipino," Keh said.
The deadline for submission of entries is on March 15, 2013. Interested LGUs may visit www.healthgovernance.weebly.com to download application forms.
For more information on the Champions for Health Governance Awards, log on to www.healthgovernance.weebly.com, or facebook.com/HealthGovernance or twitter.com/healthgovawards. Interested parties may also get in touch with Shylynne Castillo or Wade Eusores at (02) 990-3282. (RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)
Refer to link for full article: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=261359424954