The local government unit (LGU) of Duero, Bohol has just been declared as the 2013 Regional Awardee of the Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA), as announced by the Commission on Population in its congratulatory message to Duero Municipal Population Officer-Designate Dr. Victor Allan Torrefranca, MPA and the town Municipal Mayor, Condrada Amparo. The Popcom Officer Designate of Duero, Dr. Torrefranca has impressed people due to his dedication and dynamism as a public health servant. As the current Municipal Health Officer of Duero, he is also known for his compassion and commitment for improved health services delivery. Proof of this is having been able to implement and adopt different programs of the Department of Health Formula 1 strategies to address the local health/nutrition Popcom challenges.

Aside from his skill to bring himself, the health workers and the public health services closer to the people, he has also mobilized the LGU and the community in establishing support system among its stakeholders. Having a heart for the people and manifesting optimism in extending meaningful public health service, Dr. Torrefranca has also shared significant contributions to the improvement in public Health/Nutrition and Popcom performance and community development. His active involvement in professional, civic and non-government organizations has also widened his avenues to be a catalyst of change. The Rafael M Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA) is designed to perpetuate the legacy of Rafael M Salas by honoring local government units, local chief executives and institutions or individuals for their outstanding contributions in the field of population and development. The Award aims to heighten support and participation among government, non-government officials, individuals, or institutions in the implementation of the population management program. The Award will be given every three years starting 2013. For this year, the award will be conferred on an LGU that has been involved in the field of population and development for at least three years prior to the nomination.