Negros Occidental’s environmental champions were recognized for their outstanding initiatives and achievements in environmental protection during the culmination ceremony for the 34th Environment Month observance at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) head, Atty. Julie Ann Bedrio, led the awarding of winners in various categories in this year’s Environment Month, on the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”.
The Outstanding ISF Farmer awardees are Dionredo Santillan of Canlandog Pilot Agroforestry Farmers Association, 1st place; Mary Paraso of Pandanon Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Tuguisan Association Inc., 2nd place; and Leo Dizon of Alicabog Small Farmers Association, 3rd place.
The Tag-amlig sang Kabukiran awardees are Benejewan Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association Inc., 1st place; Canlamay ISF and Upland Farmers Association, 2nd place; and Alicabog Small Farmers Association, 3rd place.
Awarded first place in the Baganihan sang Kadagatan Award was Punta Batang Mangrove Planters Association of Himamaylan City; Barangay Patun-an Fishermen Association, Calatrava, 2nd place; and Bocana Mangrove Lovers and Fisherfolks Association, Ilog, 3rd place.
The winners of the 2nd KapitAlam Environmental Quiz, Capitol Employees category, are Jeremiah Diaz and Fred Louie Donguez, champion; Philip Stephen Uychiat and Shanine Dinero, 1st runner-up; and Lysander Lagansoa and Paul Andrew Fernandez, 2nd runner-up.
In the 2nd ENROlympics Environmental Quiz, Environment and Natural Resources Officers category, the winners are Engr. Loreto Sanchez and Christopher Rey Atilano of San Carlos City, champion; Vicente Mesias and Keeshia Rose Nacion of Bago City, 1st runner-up; and Lara Ann Garcia and Rea Heidi Abestano of Victorias City, 2nd runner-up.
The Best PO Product Selling Booth special award winners are Victorias ISF Federation Association and Hiyang-Hiyang Upland Farmers Association, 1st place; Federation of Small Fisherfolk Association in Hinigaran and Kumaliskis ISF Farmers Association Inc., 2nd place; and Benejewan ISF Farmers Association Inc. and Pandanon Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Tuguisan Association Inc., 3rd place.
All winners received plaques, certificates, and cash during the culmination ceremony June 30 attended by representatives from LGUs and national government agencies, environmental partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
The PEMO also expressed thanked provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and Capitol department and office heads for their full support in the successful conduct of the Environment Month activities.
In his message, Lacson urged Negrenses to carry the spirit of environmental stewardship beyond the month-long celebration.
He stressed that addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable resource management requires shared responsibility and strong partnerships among government, communities, and stakeholders, the Capitol said in a press release July 1.
Lacson said the provincial government remains committed to supporting programs that restore forests, protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience while improving the lives of communities. ||
