Pangasinan gets Likas Yaman award for environment proj

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Efforts of the provincial government of Pangasinan and the city government here to clean the rivers won for them the Likas Yaman award for environmental excellence given at the end of the celebration of Environment Month at the Oasis Country Resort here on June 30.

Pangasinan was adjudged Best LGU (local government unit) with initiated environmental project in the provincial level in recognition of the province’s achievements on environment and natural resources conservation and protection.

The “Ilog Ko Bilayen Tan Aroen Ko (My River, I Wll Love It) project was launched by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. with its component programs, successfully passed the comprehensive scrutiny of project evaluators.

The component programs include the river clean-up with Task Force Kalikasan formed by the governor to spearhead the clearing of rivers like dredging activities and dismantling of illegal fish structures, mangrove planting, fingerlings dispersal, seedling distribution, reforestation and provision of livelihood to affected stake¬holders.

Six out of nine awards went to Pangasinan LGUs that include the Best Partner from Industry for SM Rosales; Best LGU-Initiated Environmental Project for Dagupan City and the municipality of Sta. Maria, Pangasinan; Most Outstanding Individual Initiative in Environmental Protection and Most Outstanding NGO Partner for the Balincaguing Conservancy in Mabini, Pangasinan for the protection and conservation of the caves.

 The award was conferred to Espino Jr. who was represented by Vice-Gov, Jose Ferdinand Calimlim.

Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim together with City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina personally received the award from Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Executive Director Samuel Peñafiel.

Dagupan was awarded for successfully implementing its project “Ilog Ko, Bilayen Ko,” Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) and its river cruise project along the Dawel-Watak River that contributed to the rehabilitation of coastal and marine resources and for the promotion of   eco-tourism in the city.

Peñafiel said the Likas Yaman award for environmental excellence is a celebration of greatness and excellence in environmental performance.