Another Likas Yaman award for Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Philippines – For the second consecutive year, Pangasinan has bagged the regional Likas Yaman award for the Best LGU-Initiated Environmental Project (provincial category).

The provincial government won the coveted trophy for its mangrove reforestation project during the Environment Month awarding and culminating rites held at Oasis Country Resort in San Fernando, La Union last June 29.

The province was also adjudged champion for its massive implementation of province-wide mangrove reforestation projects, setting up of mangrove information and learning centers in Barangay Arnedo in Bolinao and Barangay Libsong in Lingayen, construction of a mangrove nursery also in Arnedo, Bolinao, and the promotion of coastal resource management advocacy.

Pangasinan topped Likas Yaman last year for its “Ilog Ko, Bilayen tan Aroen Ko” program.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. viewed the award as a “very remarkable accomplishment of the provincial government,” adding that Pangasinan is the only province in Region 1 that operates its own mangrove nursery.

Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, together with provincial board member Von Mark Mendoza, received the award on behalf of Espino.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional director Samuel Penaflor and National Economic Development Authority regional director and concurrent acting Regional Development Council chairman Juan Ngalob, who presided over the awarding ceremony, cited Pangasinan and all the other Likas Yaman awardees for their commitment and dedication to the protection and conservation of the environment.

Other awardees from Pangasinan included the Doliman Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Infanta, Best Community-based Upland Development Project; and Edgar Guevara of Bayambang, and Most Outstanding Man in Environment.

The RLL Group of Companies, Jollibee, Dagupan City, Team Energy Foundation Inc., Team Energy Sual Power Corp. and the San Isidro National High School in San Nicolas were recognized as vital partners in the protection of the environment and implementation of clean and green projects.