Carmen Mayor Che Toribio de los Reyes yesterday led the array of well-wishers of a proud Carmenanon who was an exemplary public service awardee for pocketing the coveted Most Outstanding Municipal Health Officer of the Philippines. The Association of the Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (AMHOP), Bohol Chapter, has earned another great honor for the province after one of its members, the Municipal Health Officer of Carmen, Bohol was named Exemplary Public Service Awardee and Most Outstanding Municipal Health Officer on the National Level last March 11 during fitting ceremonies at the Manila Hotel, Philippines with Senator Franklin Drilon as guest of honor. The winner, Dr. Josephine B. Jabonillo was well applauded as she went up stage to receive her prize in recognition of her Excellence in Medicine, Humanitarian Endeavor and Compassion for the Medical Welfare of Humanity including her meritorious achievements and sterling performance rendered to the people and community pertaining to the line of duties benefiting the fellowmen coupled with handworks, honesty, integrity and efficiency dedicated to the ideals of the new Republic of the Philippines.

The honors, bestowed by the National Press Media Affairs Center afforded the Boholano medical practitioners another feather in their cap considering the award as categorized under the national level. Signatories of the Plaque of Recognition are Andra Agravante, Chairwoman of the Committee on Awards and Miguel Obias, Jr., the Chief of the Research and Evaluation Committee. Jabonillo was also a national finalist in the 20 th Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Awards in her performance in the Community, Leadership, Government, Service, Clinical Practice, Academe & Research. This competition was done in Search of the Filipino Physicians of Distinction – a project done through the partnership program of PMA & UNILAB initiated by the Southern Tagalog Association of Medical Practitioners (STAMP). Dr. Jabonillo and her humble ways have made her a favorite among her peers and her patients. She beams with pride every time she recalls her student days where she had to sacrifice some luxuries in life just so she could help her parents in her education. She was always an outstanding student from her elementary grades until she graduated from her Medical Course.

She is described by her friends as a determined person with a strong motivation to help everyone in need. These traits have made her a frequent nominee to national competitions and events. As the current Municipal Health Officer of Carmen, Bohol, she was named by the LGU-Carmen Praise Committee as Outstanding Employee based on the 8 Norms of Conduct pursuant to RA 6713. This led to her nomination as finalist of the Dangal Ng Bayan Awards. She is an active advocate and organizer of Economic & Enhanced-Safe Motherhood Program in the locality and the whole province as well. She was able to outsource funds from various NGOs like UNFPA, ANESVAD Spain and Home Reach Foundation, Inc. for free instruments and medicines. She was also able to organize the Federation of Barangay Kagawads on Health & CAREHIM (Carmen Reproductive Health Involvement in Men) advocating VAWC, STI/HIV-AIDS and Responsible Parenthood and preservation of the environment.

She does not limit her services in her hometown. She goes as far as Batuan, Bilar, Sierra Bullones, Dagohoy and Sagbayan making RHU Carmen as a frequent site for Lakbay Aral Visitors of the different municipalities and provinces all over the Philippines. She is called the doctor with a heart!. Eight years ago, her husband died and being a single mother is not a hindrance to sending her four children to good schools. Julienne Deo is taking up Medicine in Cebu City. Krizzia Rae is a B.S. Biology Student at the University of the Philippines in Dilliman, Quezon City and member of the UP Singing Ambassadors. Joram Paul is taking up Bachelor or Science in Linguistics & Literature at the University of San Carlos while the youngest, Josef Rampete, is in high school at the Bohol Wisdom School of this City.

Dr. Jabonillo who permanently resides at Poblacion Sur, Carmen town was born in Butuan City on Novembe 14, 1962. The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Petronilo Cesar Bag-ao, Dr. Jabonillo is affiliated with the Bohol Medical Society as a member of the Board of Directors from 2008-09; AMHOP as vice president in the same year; Association of Productive Health Practitioners for the Visayas as Member of the Board of Directors in 2010. Some of her Research Work, Publications, Professional Standing and Achievements include the following: National - Ripples of Hope Sub-Topic Behind the Wheels (Publication of UNFPA)2006, The Pride of Bohol – Success Stories in Building Healthy and Sustainable Communities (Publication of UNFPA); Local - The Economical and Enhanced Safe Motherhood Program in 2005. Ministry. Her religious involvement sees her as a Lay Liturgical Minister, Psalmist, Lecturer and Sector Coordinator of the Couples for Christ Movement, Lecturer of the Youth for Christ, Chapter Head of the Kids for Christ and Member of the Music Ministry.