Baguio City is showing how local data can help governments better understand the needs of their communities and deliver health and social services where they are needed most.
The City of Pines received the “Data for Equity: Informing Action, Improving Health” award at the 2026 WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards in Sydney, Australia, on September 1. The recognition was given during the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities.
Mapping Health Needs Across Barangays
A key part of Baguio’s approach is its barangay-level Livability Index, developed by the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office.
The index looks at differences in health, social conditions, and access to basic services across the city’s communities. By examining these factors at the barangay level, officials can identify areas where residents may be experiencing greater difficulties.
This gives the local government a clearer picture of the challenges faced by different communities instead of relying only on citywide data.
Data Helps Direct Government Action
The information gathered through the Livability Index is used to guide decisions on planning, budgeting, and investments.
With a better understanding of where gaps exist, the city can prioritize programs and resources for communities with greater needs. The approach also helps ensure that government interventions are based on actual conditions experienced by residents.
In this way, data becomes more than a collection of statistics. It serves as a tool for deciding where support can make the greatest difference.
Recognition for Baguio’s Healthy Cities Efforts
The WHO recognized Baguio for its contribution to the health and well-being of its residents and its efforts to advance the Healthy Cities goals in the Western Pacific.
The latest award adds to Baguio’s track record in the program. The city previously received the same Data for Equity recognition in 2021 for its Smoke-Free Baguio campaign.
Through its continued use of evidence in policymaking, Baguio is demonstrating how local governments can turn community-level data into more targeted and responsive public services.
