Barangays assessed for mayor's awards

CEBU, Philippines - The city government is evaluating the 80 barangays in the city for the upcoming Mayor’s environmental awards with over P2 million in prizes.

Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr., chairman of the search committee and board of judges, said this year’s recognition is anchored on the theme, “Solid waste management is everyone’s concern” and on the programs of Mayor Michael Rama, including the “Gubat sa Basura” and no segregation, no collection policy on garbage.

Rama said recognizing the barangays shows the city government’s desire to further encourage the barangays to practice solid waste management. The evaluation, which began last month, will end on November 2011.

Three awards – the mayor’s environmental award for model coastal barangay, urban barangay and upland barangay – will be given out in December.

The first prize winner in each category will receive P500,000 while the second prize winner will receive P200,000. Participating barangays will receive P3,000 as incentive.

The criteria for judging include MRF operations (20 percent), household composting (10 percent); implementation of no segregation and no collection policy (20 percent); compliance of RA 9003 (10 percent); health and sanitation (20 percent) and creativity and innovation on environmental concerns (20 percent).

The other members of the search committee include Engr. Anatacio Almocera and representatives from the Coastline Management Board, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor and Employment, Dapartment of Trade and Industry, Cebu City Police Office, Bantay Dagat commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Social Welfare Services and Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor of the city government. — (FREEMAN)