October 7, 2025 – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Panabo received a 106% evaluation rating during the National Validation of the Red Orchid Award held at the 3rd Floor, Function Hall, Panabo City Hall.
This score reflects more than 100% implementation and sustainability of the LGU’s smoke-free programs, which is one of the criteria for maintaining Panabo LGU’s Hall of Fame status as a model 100% smoke-free local government unit.
The Department of Health’s (DOH) Red Orchid Award is an annual recognition given to LGUs, hospitals, and government agencies that implement a 100% Tobacco-Free Environment in their premises.
Panabo City is once again a Hall of Fame awardee due to its consecutive successes in tobacco control efforts for three (3) years. The assessment aimed to determine whether the city continues to sustain its anti-smoking programs in line with the MPOWER strategy of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The validation team from the DOH Davao Region, representing the national validation team, included Development Management Officer V Dr. Gracita Berguia, and Development Management Officers IV Geofford Montejo, Roger Palec, and Jerimi Manhila.
During the event, City Health Officer Dr. Algae Hechanova was present along with Barangay Health Workers, uniformed personnel, and community representatives.
The validation team stated that the 106% rating is evidence of strong collaboration among the LGU Panabo, City Health Office, and the community.
Because of this, there is a high possibility that Panabo City will continue its leadership as a model 100% smoke-free city, inspiring other local government units in the region and the country.
A. Dagno
Louie Panagsagan