The City Government of Himamaylan environmental stewardship was recognized in the 2023 Abanse Negrense Good Environmental Governance Awards (Angega), with the awarding ceremony held in a mall in Bacolod City Dec. 5.
The Himamaylan local government unit (LGU) received the Sustainability 2 Award for its outstanding performance in environmental governance, setting an exemplary standard in sustainable practices.
The Himamaylan City Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area was also a finalist in the 2023 Negros Occidental Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award, highlighting the city’s exceptional conservation efforts.
The city also received the Angega Special Award for Compliant LGU, in recognition of its establishment of Coastal Greenbelt Zones. This further affirms Himamaylan’s commitment to environmental preservation.
Mayor Raymund Tongson said in a press release Dec. 7 that these recognitions are a testament that the stewardship of the Himamaylan LGU, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and its stakeholders, resulted in positive impacts for the environment.
“These awards are just the icing on top of the great environmental impacts of our joined efforts,” Tongson stressed.
The West Visayas State University-Himamaylan Campus, meanwhile, was honored with the Green School Award as part of the Negros Occidental Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award, showcasing their dedication to environmental education and conservation.
The Kabankalan-Himamaylan-Ilog Integrated Coastal Area Management Council, chaired by Tongson, was also acknowledged for its exceptional support and active participation as a partner organization of the Provincial Environment Management Office in environmental education, research, and conservation initiatives.
Armela Waldato, Environment and Natural Resources Office designate of the City, was recognized with a plaque of appreciation for her outstanding contributions and active involvement in environmental and natural resources initiatives.
The LGU received P35,000 in cash incentive for these awards.
Executive assistant Emman Castro led the team in receiving the awards, on behalf of the mayor, who was engaged in an essential commitment regarding Himamaylan’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. ||