The local government here launched its search for the healthiest village on Monday.

Dr. Rachel Dilla, the city health officer, said the “Mahimsog nga Barangay” initiative is part of Mayor Rolando Uy’s development agenda on empowering healthcare service response and delivery.

“We have two categories, the named barangays and the numbered barangays,” Dilla said.

Half of the city’s 80 villages have names while the others are number 1 to 40.

A technical working group will screen the documents and conduct site visits.

The indicators required for the Seal of Good Local Governance include comprehensive plans for barangay health, environmental sanitation, ecological solid waste management and a nutrition program.

Other requirements are Barangay Executive Order or issuance of the designation of a nutrition action officer and the annual investment program for health integrated into the approved barangay development plan.

The awarding ceremony will be held on Dec. 2. (PNA)