Ten urban barangays in Santa Rosa, Laguna underwent the final judging for the “Search for the Best Ecological Garden and Solid Waste Management Practice” contest of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON through the Manila Bay Site Coordinating and Management Office (MBSCMO)-Laguna this March 2022.

These barangays include Sinalhan, Market Area, Aplaya, Caingin, Ibaba, Tagapo, Labas, Macabling, Don Jose, and Pulong Sta. Cruz. Santa Rosa River, one of the priority rivers of the DENR-MBSCMO Laguna under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, has been chosen as the pilot area for the project.

The contest was launched in October 19, 2021 in partnership with Santa Rosa City Environment and Natural Resources Office. It was opened to all urban barangays within the said city. At the onset of the contest, DENR-MBSCMO Laguna provided the participating barangays planting materials and other necessary equipment for the establishment of eco gardens and the implementation of the ecological solid waste management (SWM) program. Per mechanics of the contest, the said barangays should showcase in its respective eco gardens different eco-friendly technologies which include composting, vermiculture hydroponics, vertical gardening, 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and others.

Among the participating barangays, 10 barangays were selected by the City LGU as final candidates. A pre-judging was already conducted on December 14-15, 2021.

The said contest is one of the major activities identified by the DENR-MBSCMO Laguna for the protection and restoration of the rivers within its jurisdiction. It primarily aims to promote sustainable living in urban barangays through the practice of organic farming, composting, recycling, and other sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Specifically, the contest aims to give due recognition and incentives to barangays that will establish the most creative and sustainable eco-garden and will actively contribute to the reduction of wastes generation in Santa Rosa City; create a demo eco-garden that will serve as idea for other barangays and institutions; reduce waste entering Santa Rosa River; encourage urban communities to practice waste segregation and transform biodegradable wastes into compost that can be used to produce compost fertilizers for their gardens; encourage communities to recycle non-biodegradable wastes by converting them into creative eco-planters;   increase food production by encouraging communities to practice sustainable backyard farming/gardening; and create a clean and healthy environment for a healthier and virus-free communities.

The schedule of the awarding of the Best Ecological Garden and SWM Practice in Santa Rosa City is yet to be determined.

The DENR CALABARZON urges the public to practice SWM in their respective households through proper waste segregation and disposal.###

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 11 March 2022