Local Governments Win Cash Prizes for Environmental Initiatives

According to the PIA and the Provincial Government, several local government units and community groups received cash prizes on November 20 for their outstanding environmental initiatives during an annual ecological search. The awards recognize achievements in cleanliness, safety, and green practices, with winning communities receiving funds to finance local conservation and waste management projects.

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) held the awarding ceremony at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center to honor the top performers of the Search for the Cleanest, Safest, and Greenest (CSG) local government units. This incentive program is mandated under Provincial Ordinance No. 267-2020 to encourage towns to maintain clean and safe environments.

In the first- to third-class municipality category, Bacnotan won the championship and a P1.5 million incentive. Balaoan secured second place with P1 million, while San Juan finished third, receiving P500,000.

For the fourth- to fifth-class category, Sudipen took the top spot and P1.5 million. Santol placed second with P1 million, followed by Burgos with P500,000.

The province also recognized barangays under the “Magsidalus ti Arubayan” cleanup program. Casilagan in San Juan won the rural category, while Barangay Poblacion in Sudipen topped the urban category.

For natural attractions, Bulalakaw Falls in Santol won the freshwater category, and the Quirino Surfing Area in Bacnotan topped the coastal category. Sudipen Mayor Wendy Joy Dengayan stated that the recognition reflects the community’s cooperation in maintaining environmental order.

According to Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) head Annalyn Rosario-Valdez, the winners will use the cash prizes to fund local ecological protection projects and purchase environmental equipment.

SOURCE: PIA