Iloilo Province Leads in Health Systems and Service Delivery, Says Provincial Health Office Chief

Strategic Insights -

Dr. Maria Socorro Quinon, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, highlighted the province's success in health systems and service delivery during the provincial health summit. Iloilo was recognized as one of the five provinces in the country for its expertise in implementing the Universal Health Care (UHC) and was awarded as the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in Western Visayas by the Department of Health. The province's health system includes an enabling environment, policies, and budget to support service delivery, with the Universal Healthcare Act of 2019 providing impetus for integration. The Iloilo provincial government has formalized an inter-local government unit cooperation with 43 local government units through the signing of a UHC agreement in December 2022, creating the Health Care Provider Network (HCPN). The network aims to provide people-centered and comprehensive care in an integrated and coordinated manner.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iloilo Province was recognized as one of the five provinces in the country for its expertise in implementing the Universal Health Care (UHC).
  • The province was awarded as the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in Western Visayas by the Department of Health.
  • The Universal Health Care Law is considered one of the best things to happen to the healthcare system, with PhilHealth investing its money back into the healthcare system.
  • The Iloilo provincial government has formalized an inter-local government unit cooperation with 43 local government units through the signing of a UHC agreement in December 2022.
  • The Health Care Provider Network (HCPN) aims to provide people-centered and comprehensive care in an integrated and coordinated manner.
  • 27 LGUs in the province have licensed primary care facilities, 31 LGUs have complete primary care worker teams, and 50 LGUs have PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP providers.
  • Statistics show an increasing trend in maternal health care from 2022 to 2024, with the highest accomplishment rate among LGUs in Western Visayas for the immunization program for children.
  • The number of households with access to safely managed drinking water is increasing, at 49.29 percent in 2024, while 98 percent of households have access to basic sanitation services.

Statistics:

  • 27 LGUs in the province have licensed primary care facilities.
  • 31 LGUs have complete primary care worker teams.
  • 50 LGUs in the province have PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP providers.
  • 14 facilities in the province have hired pharmacists.
  • Households with access to safely managed drinking water increased to 49.29 percent in 2024.
  • Households with access to basic sanitation services are at 98 percent.

Sources:

  • "Iloilo province performing well in terms of health systems, service delivery - Dr. Quinon" by Philippines News agency, October 17, 2025.