DILG 5 Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., CESO III, served as the keynote speaker during the 14th Serbisyong Salud Bikolnon Awards with the theme “Matanos na Serbisyong Salud Bikolnon: Orgolyo kan Kabikolan” on December 16, 2025, at The Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay.

The Serbisyong Salud Bikolnon Awards is an annual recognition program spearheaded by Department of Health (DOH) Region 5, headed by OIC Regional Director Rosa Maria B. Rempillo, MD, MCHM, CESE, that highlights excellence in public health governance, innovation, and service delivery among LGUs and partner agencies. Now on its 14th year, the awards aim to encourage local governments and health institutions to continuously improve health systems, ensure accessibility of services, and promote the well-being of all Bicolanos.

In his keynote message, RD Escober commended the awardees for their dedication, strong leadership, and commitment to delivering quality health services. He emphasized the importance of accountable governance and collaboration between local governments and health partners in achieving Universal Health Care in the region.

The event gathered local health offices, national government agencies, private organizations, and LGUs recognizing their exceptional service and contributions to the health sector. Awardees were celebrated for translating policies into tangible results that directly impact communities and improve health outcomes.

DILG 5 RD Escober concluded his message with a call to all LGUs and partners to continue raising the bar in public service, strengthen health systems, and sustain the momentum toward providing efficient, responsive, and compassionate health care to every Bikolano.