South Cotabato Wins 2nd Place in 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award

The Province of South Cotabato has once again earned national recognition after securing 2nd Place in the 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA): Search for the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in Localizing the Population and Development (PopDev) Agenda.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) conferred the award in acknowledgment of South Cotabato’s exemplary performance, excellent initiatives, and effective interventions in advancing the goals of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action. South Cotabato was cited for its strong commitment to integrating population management strategies into local development planning, ensuring that programs on health, education, youth welfare, family development, and community resilience are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

Driven by a data-informed and community-centered approach, the province has shown significant progress in key PopDev indicators such as responsible parenthood and family planning, adolescent health, demographic planning, and social protection. Its strengthened collaboration with barangays, national government agencies, and civil society organizations has also ensured wider program reach and more efficient delivery of population-related services across communities.

Provincial Population Officer Melanie Chiva received the award on behalf of the provincial government and dedicated the recognition to population officers and volunteers in South Cotabato who tirelessly carry out their mandate in far-flung areas.

“Kahit ilang bundok man ang inaakyat at kahit ilang ilog man o sapa ang tinatawid natin upang maibigay ang serbisyong pampopulasyon,” she said, emphasizing the dedication of field workers and the vital role of the population development program in sustaining the province’s growth and development.

“This is our second RMSKPA national award after bagging the Most Outstanding Population Program Volunteer in 2023,” Chiva added in her Facebook post, noting that the latest recognition reflects the continued passion and commitment of South Cotabato’s PopDev sector.

The award further reinforces South Cotabato’s position as a leading province in people-centered development and its unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of every South Cotabateño.