Dagupan City named finalist in 'livable communities' awards

MANILA, Philippines - In recognition of its environmentally sustainable projects and best practice, Dagupan City was chosen by the judging panel of the 2011 LivCom Awards (International Awards for Livable Communities) to participate in the Whole City, Project and Bursary Award finals to be held in Songpa, South Korea from Oct. 27 to 31.

The LivCom Awards, the world’s only competition for local communities, focuses on environmental management and the creation of livable communities. The objective of the project is to encourage best practice, innovation and leadership in providing a vibrant, environmentally-sustainable community that improves the quality of life.

Dagupan qualifies in the Whole City Category E for best practice, innovation and leadership in providing a vibrant, environmentally sustainable community; Bursary Award for its floating fish cage program, and LivCom Project Awards Category E for its “Ilog Ko, Bilay Ko (My River, My Life)” project which resulted in the launching of the city’s Dawel River Cruise.

City administrator Vladimir Mata said this gives a sense of pride to Dagupeños because it’s the city’s first time to participate and be chosen as one of the finalists in the world.

If the city wins in the Bursary Award, it would be given 50 per cent equity from the International Awards for Livable Communities to support its floating fish cage program.

“Certainly, Dagupan would be placed again on the world map as a livable city,” Mata said.

The LivCom website said the awards were launched in 1997 and are endorsed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). LivCom is non-political, embracing all nations and cultures, and over 50 countries have been represented within the Awards.