ILOILO – The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) honored local government units (LGUs) for their initiatives and achievements in ecological solid waste management systems during the 2024 Gawad Probinsya sa Palibot Awarding Ceremony on Monday, November 25.
The event was held as part of the 3rd Provincial Environment Awareness Month Celebration.
According to Mitzi Peñaflorida, PGENRO’s senior environmental management specialist, the recognition stemmed from the Search for Outstanding LGUs on Ecological and Sustainable Solid Waste Management System (E+3S), now in its eighth year. The program commends LGUs and their respective Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs) for their efforts in advancing ecological solid waste management practices.
Top Performers
LGUs were categorized into four performance tiers: Excellent, Ideal, Very Satisfactory, and Satisfactory.
Five municipalities were recognized for their “Excellent Performance”, each receiving P200,000 in cash prizes and an additional P20,000 for their Municipal ENROs:
* Oton
* Tigbauan
* Bingawan
* Janiuay
* San Enrique
Peñaflorida said these LGUs excelled in all performance areas, including implementing final disposal facilities, source segregation, collection systems, waste diversion strategies, and enforcement. Community involvement played a crucial role in their success.
“LGUs with Ideal Performance” received P150,000 each, with Municipal ENROs awarded P15,000. They included Leganes, New Lucena, Mina, Dumangas; and City of Passi.
LGUs achieving “Very Satisfactory Performance were awarded P100,000 each, with P10,000 for their Municipal ENROs. These included San Miguel, Zarraga, Lambunao, Banate, Dingle, and Ajuy.
Meanwhile, LGUs with “Satisfactory Performance” received P50,000 each, with P5,000 for their Municipal ENROs. These LGUs included Pavia, Santa Barbara, Anilao, Barotac Viejo, and Lemery.
LGUs with “Good Performance” received P30,000 each, with P3,000 for their Municipal ENROs. This category included Guimbal, Igbaras, Tubungan, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, Alimodian, Leon, Badiangan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Maasin, Pototan, Barotac Nuevo, Dueñas, Balasan, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, San Dionisio, San Rafael, and Sara.
The awards underscore the critical role of LGUs in enhancing ecological solid waste management systems through collaboration, enforcement, and active community participation./PN
