The local government units (LGUs) of Pampanga, Mabalacat City and Candaba town, brought home awards in The Outstanding Population Structures (TOPS) 2024-Year 5.
The awarding ceremony was held on Thursday, March 13 at the Social Action Center in the City of San Fernando.
The awards were organized by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region III.
It is aimed to recognize LGUs for their implementation of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028.
TOPS Awards highlight the achievements of Local Population Offices in promoting key programs, including Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP), Adolescent Health and Development (AHD), and Population and Development (POPDEV) Integration.
"The awards are based on criteria such as program effectiveness, innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and overall impact on population health and well-being," the CPD said.
The provincial government of Pampanga placed second in the Best Population Structure category and secured third place in both the Adolescent Health and Development and Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning categories.
Mabalacat City took home several awards, including first place in Adolescent Health and Development, Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning, Population and Development Integration, and Best Population Structure.
The municipal government of Candaba earned second place in the Adolescent Health and Development category, adding to the province’s list of achievements.
“With full devolution in effect, it is crucial for LGUs to proactively respond to the needs of their communities. Scaling up key population strategies ensures that more Filipinos in Central Luzon benefit from these programs,” CPD Region III Regional Director Lourdes P. Nacionales said.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Bataan emerged as the overall top performer, clinching multiple first-place awards and securing a Hall of Fame recognition for its consistent excellence in population and development programs, according to the CPD.