Thirteen (13) local chief executives (LCEs), along with their respective municipal health officers (MHOs), who comprise the second batch of trainees from the Bicol region received their certificates of completion at the colloquium and awarding ceremony for the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) in March.

The colloquium presenters and awardees include:  Pili  Mayor Alexis San Luis II, Cabusao Mayor Nebb Santiago, Calabanga Mayor Eduardo Severo, and Nabua Mayor Delia Simbulan of Camarines Sur; Casiguran Mayor Ester Hamor, Matnog Mayor Emilio Ubaldo, and Castilla Mayor Olivia Bermillo of Sorsogon;  Jovellar Mayor Jorem Arcangel, Libon Mayor John Dycoco, and Malinao Mayor Alicia Morales of Albay;  Paracale Mayor Romeo Moreno, Jose Panganiban Mayor Ricarte Padilla, and Labo Mayor Joseph Ascutia of Camarines Norte. In their presentations, the LCEs shared their experiences, learnings, difficulties and improvements in executing health reforms in their respective municipalities.

Former Health Secretary and current Dean of the Ateneo De Manila School of Medicine, Dr. Manuel M. Dayrit, was the Guest Speaker.  Also present at the event were DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr., DOH Region V Director Gloria J. Balboa, DILG Region V Director Elouisa T. Pastor, Bicol University Dean Noemi L. Ibo, DAP Graduate School Associate Dean Maria Corazon Tapang-Lopez, DAP Graduate School Director  Evelyn C. Cruzada and DAP Senior Fellow Gabriel Ma. J.  Lopez.

The MLGP is a one-year, two module program on local health systems development designed for LCES and MHOs jointly implemented by the Department of Health (DOH), Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Development Academy of the Philippines.