CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) cited outstanding local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon in the field of environmental management.
DILG Regional Director Anthony Nuyda said “Pagmaya 2024: Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Pamahalaang Lokal sa Larangan ng Kalinisan at Kapayapaan” serves as a reflection of collective appreciation, admiration, and respect for the dedication and concern of barangays and local governments in promoting a cleaner community.
He also stressed that maintaining cleanliness is an important foundation towards the development of a society, noting that it is the duty of public servants to leave to the future generations a cleaner, safer, and peaceful community.
“Today’s awarding ceremony is not just about recognition. It showcases the fruits of your labor in the diligent performance of your duties. Your leadership goal is creating opportunities for people to live healthier and safer lives. This awarding serves as a rewards to your diligent response to the needs of your community. You serve as good examples for all of us,” he stressed.
For her part, DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision Director Debbie Torres said cleanliness is not just part of governance goals, but is one of the tenets upon which healthy, thriving, and safe communities are built.
“It extends beyond physical cleanliness. It denotes a way of life that nurtures health and respects the environment. The LGUs that were recognized have demonstrated exemplary leadership in carrying out this cultural value through actions and programs that safeguard our environment and promote sustainable development,” she said.
She also cited that cleanliness is not just an abstract idea, but a reality, adding that governance is essential in transforming these mere idea into tangible reality where there is clean, fair, and stable community for the people.
The said awarding consists of three categories including the Fisheries Compliance Assessment (FishCA) which looks into the efficiency of coastal LGUs in the protection of municipal waters and compliance with the Fisheries Code.
Regional FishCA awardees, who were given P200,000 each were the municipalities of Macabebe and Sasmuan in Pampanga; as well as the City of Balanga and Municipality of Samal in Bataan.
Meanwhile, six LGUs were also conferred with the Manila Bayani Awards and Incentives. This award assesses LGU compliance to Manila Bay watershed area, as well as laws and policies on solid waste management, liquid waste management, informal settler families management, and information, education and communication activities.
Awardees under the municipal category include Guiguinto, Bulacan; Floridablanca, Pampanga; and Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan as first, second, and third placers, respectively.
For the city category, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija bested other LGUs; with City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Mabalacat City, Pampanga as runners-up, respectively.
The winners received P300,000 for first placers; P200,000 for second placers; and P100,000 for third placers.
Meanwhile, under the Barangay Environmental Compliance Audit (BECA), Barangay Babo Sacan, Porac garnered the top spot in the municipal category; with Barangay San Antonio, Bagac as second place, and Barangay Bulihan, Plaridel as third place.
For the city category, Barangay Pagas, Cabanatuan City was adjudged as the best; with Barangay Kaypian, City of San Jose del Monte and Barangay Lote Pto. Rivas, Balanga City as runners-up.
The winners received P150,000 for first placers; P100,000 for second placers; and P80,000 for third placers.
Aside from the winners, five more LGUs were also nominated to the search and were given cash incentives including barangays Pesa, Bongabon; Matayumtayum, La Paz; Lourdes Sur East, Angeles City; Malpitic, City of San Fernando; and San Jose, Tarlac City.
The BECA assesses solid waste management practices of the community, the importance of the role of each barangay in the management of cleanliness and order, public awareness, materials recovery facility maintenance, and maintenance of barangay community gardens. (CLJD/MJSC/PIA Region 3, Pampanga)
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