LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Still savoring its recent victory as the Cleanest, Safest, and Greenest province in Region I, the provincial government of Pangasinan gave out similar awards to the Cleanest, Greenest and Safest LGUs in the province during Pistay Dayat’s commemorative and awarding ceremonies held at the Bañaga Bridge recently.
The winning municipality that showed support to the provincial government’s advocacy to protect and preserve the environment which received trophies and cash prizes were chosen under four categories that include barangays, component cities, municipalities under the 4th and 5th municipalities and municipalities under the 1st and 3rd class municipalities.
The search aimed to increase awareness among the communities of the importance of caring for the environment as Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., who himself has been a strong advocate of environmental protection, has always stressed the need to for people to have environmental awareness to further the cause of environmental protection not only in Pangasinan but also throughout the country.
Winners of the Cleanest, Greenest and Safest LGUs for Category A selected from the 1st to 3rd class municipalities are Tayug-2nd runner up, Mangaldan-1st runner-up, and Villasis as the champion municipality.
For Category B comprised of the 4th and 5th class municipalities, Sta. Maria town romped off as the champion municipality with Balungao and Natividad as 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively.
Category C which include component cities had Urdaneta City as the search champ with alaminos City grabbing the 1st runner-up slot and San Carlos City as 2nd runner-up.
Barangay Arnedo in Bolinao grabbed the top spot under Category D for barangays with Brgy. Nancalobasaan, Urdaneta as 1st runner-up, and Brgy. David, Mangaldan as 3rd runner-up.
Meanwhile, the best floats during the Banca Parada also received trophies and cash prizes from the provincial government.
From the 150 boats which joined the fluvial parade that were artistically-decorated with indigenous materials while promoting the theme “I Love Pangasinan, winners were selected under two categories.
For Category A which was composed of participants from the barangays, the Best Fluvial Float was notched by Barangay Cabalitian, Sual; 1st runner-up was Brgy. Dulag, Binmaley and 2nd runner-up went to Brgy. Baybay Lopez also of Binmaley.
For Category B comprised of LGUs, National agencies, NGOs and other institutions, the Best Fluvial Float was won by Anda with Bugallon and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively.
Winners for the Banca Parada received cash prizes in the amount of P25, 000 for the champion, P20, 000 for 1st runner-up and P15, 000 for the 2nd runner-up.
By Dexter A. See