SAN FERNANDO CITY – Seven local government units and three inland water destinations in the province of La Union received P9-million worth of environment and agri-tourism related projects for being adjudged as cleanest, safest, and greenest entities, respectively, in an awarding ceremony held at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol here Wednesday afternoon.
The awarding ceremony was in accordance with the environment month celebration with the theme, “Beat plastic pollution” conducted by the environment and natural resources division in the office of the provincial government.
The provincial government presented the awards to the municipalities that garnered the highest scores after a validation made by a composite team in 2017, considering several criteria in general cleanliness of the municipality, urban space greening, support systems for environmental management, and protection and people’s participation.
The criteria included public safety and order with respect to indicators and measures on crime statistics and implementation of crime, drug, and road hazard prevention programs.
In the 1st to 3rd class municipality category, Agoo town bagged the first place and received P1.5-M worth of projects, while second place was Naguilian, with P1-M; and third placer Bacnotan, P500,000.
In the 4th to the 5th class category, San Gabriel bagged first place, P1-M, followed by Caba and Santol, second and third places, receiving P750,000 and P500,000, respectively.
The City of San Fernando was given a special award and citation and were received by Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto together with City Environment Natural Resources Office staff for bringing home P1.5–M to be used for environment and agri-tourism related projects.
Meanwhile, the winners of the cleanest inland bodies of water were‘Tapuakan’ River in Pugo town, first place, with P1–M worth of projects; the ‘Tangadan’ falls in San Gabriel town, second place with P750,000, and third, Bagulin River in Bagulin town with P500,000 worth of projects.
The awarding was graced by Assistant Secretary Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, field operations-Luzon, who was the guest of honor and representative of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.
Also in attendance were Vice-Gov. Aureo Agusto Nisce, Director Reynulfo Juan, DENR-region 1, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) ARD. Donald James Gawe, and Ilocos Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera-DENR EMB.ERWIN BELEO/NPN – northboundasia.com