LUBAO, Pampanga–Environment managers in Central Luzon have recognized the efforts of the local government unit here to implement measures to protect Mother Nature.
In an awarding held Friday at the Kingsborough International Convention Center in the City of San Fernando, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conferred to Municipality of Lubao two citations for its efficient implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or Republic Act 9003.
EMB Regional Director Lormelyn Claudio handed the plaques of recognition to the LGU represented by Municipal Administrator Elizalde D. Bernal and Engr. Danilo Aquino, Municipal Planning and Development Officer and acting Municipal Budget Officer.
Lubao got the most number of awards among all recipients in Environmental Recognition Ceremony held as culmination of a two-day environmental summit.
Lubao was named Exemplary implementer of RA 9003 along with Maria Aurora (Aurora), San Felipe (Zambales), Balanga City (Bataan), Palayan City (Nueva Ecija), Moncada (Tarlac), and Plaridel (Bulacan).
It was also cited for Sustainable Practices in RA 9003 in the roster that included Guiguinto (Bulacan), City of SJDM (Bulacan), and Brgy. Pagas, Cabanatuan City.
Lubao was also a recipient of numerous environmental awards in the past thanks to its sound ecological practices particularly its garbage collection and disposal system.
The LGU has deviced a collection system that encourages proper waste segregation at source and is managing a well-maintained materials recovery facility that significantly minimizes the need to dump garbage to government-sanctioned sanitary landfills.
Its bamboo propagation program has also become a benchmark for other local government units in the country.
The town holds an annual tree-planting activity in time for Arbor Day. This year the event will be held on July 7 at the Lubao Bamboo Hub and Eco-Park in Barangay Sta. Catalina.
Engr. Aquino, who also oversees the municipal environment and natural resources office, said the various programs installed in Lubao are Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab’s commitment to help save the environment.
For her part, Mayor Cayabyab thanked the constituents of Lubao for their cooperation in garbage segregation and congratulated barangay officials who are also doing their share in achieving the objectives of RA 9003.
Friday’s awarding was also highlighted by a memorandum of agreement signing between EMB and LGUs for the government’s assistance in the integrated solid waste management system of concerned cities and municipalities.
“It’s a small amount but we want you to feel that we are your partner [in the implementation of RA 9003],” Claudio told the LGU representatives.
The other awardees were the following:
Outstanding Non-Government Organization (NGO) Supporting RA 9003–Sagip Kalikasan Dulot ay Pangkabuhayan Inc.; Outstanding Schools Implementating RA 9003–Angeles University Foundation, San Rafael National High School, and Sampaloc Elementary School. –Albert B. Lacanlale