The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) IV-A through its Manila Bay Site Coordinating Management Office 4 (MBSCMO4) recognized the initiative of ten (10) barangays in Tanauan City in establishing sustainable ecological gardens in support of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program.
Barangays Balele, Ulango, Poblacion I, Poblacion III, Poblacion V, Santor, Darasa, Pantay Bata, Trapiche, and Janopol Oriental were awarded with incentives from the DENR IV-A represented by Assistant Regional Director for Management Services, For. Nelson Gorospe; City Government of Tanauan represented by Hon. Mayor Mary Angeline Halili; Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) -Tanauan Chapter thru Mission Director, Efren Macalindong; and Rotary Club of Metro Tanauan and Sto. Tomas (RC METRO TAS) through its Amazing President Lilibeth Quiambao, last July 28, 2021 at Theater Room, New City Hall, Brgy. Natatas, Tanauan City, Batangas.
The first prize of the Search for Best Ecological Garden and Solid Waste Management Practices in Urban and Semi-Urban Barangays was awarded to Brgy. Balele while the second and third prizes were given to Brgys. Ulango and Poblacion III, respectively. Special awards were also awarded to Brgy. Janopol Oriental (Most Impressive Eco-Garden), Brgy. Pantay Bata (Most Resourceful Eco-Garden), Brgy. Poblacion I (Most Transformed Eco-Garden), and Brgy. Poblacion V (Most Innovative Garden).
Halili said the barangay ecological gardens served a great purpose in lessening the amount of wastes ending up in the waterways and sanitary landfills. “Tunay nga namang naging maganda at kapaki-pakinabang ang resulta ng pagtatayo ninyo ng ecological garden. Kaya aming hinihikayat ang iba pang mga barangay dito sa bayan ng Tanauan na magtayo rin ng kanilang sariling eco-garden upang maranasan nila ang mga benepisyong katulad ng nakamit ninyo at patuloy na tinatamasa ng inyong mga residente hanggang ngayon,” Gorospe added.
DENR-MBSCMO4 is set to conduct regular monitoring of the established ecological gardens and launch the same contest in other cities and municipalities across the region to encourage citizens to participate in the Battle for Manila Bay. ###