DOH Davao and LGUs win big at 2026 PMNP National Mayors Forum

The event gathered 235 Local Chief Executives and their representatives from  PMNP sites nationwide, highlighting strengthened collaboration in nutrition leadership and  governance under the theme “Strengthening Leadership Competencies. Enhancing Data-Driven  Governance.” 

The forum served as a platform to recognize exemplary performance in implementing nutrition sensitive governance, advancing the First 1,000 Days of Life, and improving convergence  mechanisms at the local level. It also emphasized the importance of shared accountability,  innovation, and sustained partnerships among local government units, health offices, and  development partners. 

The PMNP is a government initiative led by DOH and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, with financing from the World Bank. The project aims to reduce child stunting and improve maternal and child healthcare across 235 vulnerable municipalities nationwide.

Among the distinguished awardees from Davao Region was the Municipality of Magsaysay,  Davao del Sur, which earned multiple accolades including Champion for the Municipal Alagang  Pinas Award for Local-Level Governance and Convergence, 1st Runner-Up for Household  Convergence Scorecard Implementation, and Finalist for Outstanding Implementer. The  recognition highlights the municipality’s strong leadership and effective coordination in delivering  nutrition and health programs at the grassroots level. Magsaysay, Davao del Sur demonstrated  consistent commitment to strengthening community-based interventions and improving service  delivery outcomes. 

Also recognized was Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, which was named 2nd Runner-Up in the  Municipal Alagang Pinas Award for Safeguards Monitoring. The award underscores the  municipality’s dedication to ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards while  maintaining accountability in program implementation. Local leadership and health teams were  commended for their efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive development initiatives. 

Meanwhile, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental was declared Champion in Institutional Project  Accomplishments. The municipality was recognized for its exemplary performance in health and  nutrition program implementation. Demonstrating strong governance, quality data management  and sustained achievement of Project Development Objectives and Intermediate Results  indicators. This achievement reflects the strong collaboration of local health personnel, barangay  workers, and municipal leadership. 

Dr. Ellenietta Herundina Maria Victoria N. Gamolo, OIC Regional Director of the Department of  Health (DOH) Davao Center for Health Development (DOH-DCHD), together with OIC Assistant  Regional Director Dr. Grace Amistoso, Dr. Janis Olavides, Family Health Cluster Head and  Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) Retsebeth Laquihon, RND of the National  Nutrition Council (NNC), and the PMNP Regional Project Management Office (RPMO), were  present during the awards ceremony to show strong regional support for the participating LGUs.  They likewise provided sustained technical and operational assistance throughout program 

implementation, contributing to strengthened local performance that led to the LGUs’ recognition during the event. 

The achievements of the three municipalities underscore the success of the PMNP in  strengthening local governance systems. The recognition serves as both a milestone and  motivation for continued collaboration toward healthier, more resilient communities in the Davao  Region and beyond.