By PR | 07:25 PM December 14, 2023
The provincial government through the Provincial Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Board gave recognition to the best practices of local government units (LGUs) and barangays during the 4th quarter meeting held at the Bohol Cultural Center on Dec. 14.
Ten LGUs were cited for sustainable practices and exemplary efforts in the implementation of ESWM from 2021-2023.
Trinidad topped the list followed by Pilar, Ubay, Catigbian, Jagna, San Miguel, Tubigon, Balilihan, Dauis and Antequera.
The LGUs received corresponding cash incentives of P300,000 for the top LGU, P275,000 for second place; P250,000, third; P225,000, fourth; P200,000, fifth; P175,000, sixth; P160,000, seventh; P140,000, eighth; P120,000, ninth; and P100,000, tenth.
Best practices at the barangay level were also given recognition with a P15,000 cash prize.
The best barangay in environmental governance was Tanguhay, Dimiao; while best barangay in SWM documentation was Lumbay, Pilar.
Also cited best in barangay composting was Hinlayagan Ilaud, Trinidad; and best solid waste recycling Bitaugan, Antequera.
The best managed barangay Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) was Linawan, Anda; while best barangay ESWM committee was Yanangan, Loay.
On the other hand, the cleanest coastal-urban barangay was Tapon, Ubay; the best in IEC Mahanay Island, Getafe; and best in SWM legislation was Caimbang, San Isidro.
Special awards were also given to the LGUs of Bien Unido for best innovative MLGU in solid waste management; Clarin for most improved central MRF; Tubigon for most consistent LGU on diversion operation; Jagna for best integrated recycling operation; President Carlos P. Garcia for best integrated solid waste management system of collection and Limocon Ilaud, Dimiao for best innovative barangay solid waste management.
The most consistent LGUs in composting operation were Catigbian, Duero and Trinidad.
Also awarded for the establishment of their Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) with MENRO plantilla position were Candijay, Jagna, Pilar, Ubay, and San Miguel.
Jovencia Ganub, head of the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) led the giving of plaques and cash incentives to the awardees.
The ESWM awardees underwent a comprehensive and competitive evaluation process by the provincial ESWM team led by Leonilo Lafuente, BPEMO ESWM division head, along with representatives of the Provincial Health Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Environmental Management Bureau.
The team inspected households, schools, public markets, barangay halls, rural health units and MRFs in the management of their solid wastes.
Dr. Anne Mariquit Oppus, Provincial Human Resource Management Officer, delivered the message of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado for the occasion.
The governor congratulated awardees, calling them “shining stars in the paving the path towards a greener Bohol.”
He added that this is consistent with the strategic change agenda on environmental sustainability and is aligned with the province’s designation as UNESCO Global Geopark.
“The journey to green and clean continues towards a resilient and sustainable province one step at a time,” Aumentado’s message read.
Karl Michael Din, BPEMO resident geologist, also shared about the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark in the meeting that was presided over by Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto.
Among ESWM milestones as reported by Jeffrey Escaso, pollution control section head of BPEMO, were the approved 10-year SWM plans, enacted and enforced ESWM ordinances and ordinances on plastic regulation, established cost recovery systems, and use of waste reduction and diversion strategies. (PIMO/LMS)
