BOTOLAN, Zambales — Zambales received recognition from the Department of Health’s Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) and the Commission on Population Development (CPD) in Region III for hosting the 2025 Central Luzon Men’s Health Month Celebration on June 27 at the Botolan People’s Plaza.

The province was also cited during the program for promoting gender-responsive and inclusive health programs, and for supporting the welfare of menfolk in Central Luzon.

The activity, which had the theme “Kalusugan ni Juan, Lakas ng Bayan: Sama-samang Aksyon para sa Kapakanan ng mga Kalalakihan,” marked the first time for such celebration to be held at the regional level.

Among the resource speakers in the program were Dr. Madonna Rodriguez-Alegado, who discussed prostate health, urinary stones, and erectile dysfunction; Michael Hugh G. Carrera of Commission on Population-Zambales, who shared insights on responsible parenthood and family planning; Dr. Rica Cruz and Dr. Herminio Cawagas, who tackled issues on sexual health and contraception.

Those who gave statements of support, meanwhile, included Region 3 Commission on Population Regional Director Lourdes P. Nacionales, Zambales Provincial Health Dr. Noel C. Bueno, Dr. Janet Miclat of DOH CLCHD, and Loida Almendares, program department head of DKT Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Province of Zambales received an 81% score equivalent to a “Highly Functional” rating in last year’s assessment of Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC).

The recognition was given by the Department of Interior and Local Government in Region 3, which evaluated 137 local government units in Central Luzon.

The LCAT-VAWC is a mechanism established to coordinate and monitor the implementation of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, and Republic Act No. 9262, also known as Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.

The annual assessment evaluates the effectiveness of local committees in addressing violence against women and children and human trafficking, and helps strengthen the LCAT-VAWC’s capacity to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure the implementation of relevant laws and programs. 

The DILG said that a total of 134 LGUs out of the 137 evaluated, or 97.81%, received “Highly Functional” ratings based on their 2024 performance. 