The Provincial Government of Guimaras recognized the performing barangays in the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act at The Outstanding Manager (TOMan) for Environmental Management Award held on December 18, 2023 at Caza Guest House, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
Barangay Navalas in the town of Buenavista was hailed champion taking away Php 20,000.00 cash prize and a plaque.
Barangay La Paz in Nueva Valencia placed second and took home Php 15,000.00 and plaque while the second runner-up was San Isidro village in Buenavista which received Php 10,000.00 and plaque.
Barangay Alaguisoc in the Municipality of Jordan received Php 8,000.00 and a plaque as third runner-up while Sebaste in Sibunag is fourth runner-up with a corresponding prize of Php 5,000.00 and a plaque.
Governor JC Rahman Nava said that while the efforts of the community to maintain a clean and green environment are recognized, it is time to expand the initiative to the coastal areas of the province.
“I think it’s high time na nga we will not limit ourselves on the land-based initiative but as well we can go sa aton nga coastal lands. We will not just be here to have clean and green and blue environment but we should be greener than green and bluer than blue,” Governor Nava said.
Such recognitions according to the governor will help raise the awareness of the community about the environmental issues in the province.
Protecting the environment environment is a concern of all communities in Guimaras according to Vice Governor Atty. John Edward Gando.
Along with The Outstanding Manager (TOMan) for Environmental Management Awarding Ceremony, the Certification for Zero Open Defecation was also awarded to 10 barangays in Guimaras.
It includes Zaldivar and Sawang in Buenavista; Bulwangan, Balcon Maravilla, Sinapsapan, and Lawi in Jordan; Ravina and Millian in Sibunag; and Brgy. Cabano in San Lorenzo.
The said barangays received Php 10,000.00 respectively.
Patterned on the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran (GPK), TOMan Awards is one of the mechanisms of the Provincial Government of Guimaras to institutionalize an integrated system of providing incentives and rewards to propel local officials and stakeholders to contribute to an organizational goal of effective environmental governance.
