QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is actively conducting promotional roadshows to further encourage the local government units (LGUs)  in the National Capital Region (NCR) to participate in its annual environmental competition, Gawad Taga-Ilog. 

The DENR-NCR brought the said promotional activity to the city governments of Valenzuela and Malabon on Thursday, August 3, to showcase the sustainable outcomes of implementing development projects and interventions that will address waste management issues. 

Launched in 2020, the Gawad Taga-Ilog (GTI) is a search for the most improved estero or waterways in barangays within Metro Manila through a nomination basis. It evaluates not only the external characteristics of the waterways but also the LGU-initiated interventions through which the water quality is being improved and maintained. 

The award likewise gives importance to the management schemes spearheaded by the LGUs to ensure the sustainability of programs that are anchored on the cleanliness of waterways. These include the establishment of a functional committee responsible for waste management, implementation of sanitary facilities, as well as the conduct of information drives to elicit community participation. 

More significantly, through recognizing the environmental efforts of city governments, the GTI aims to engage more individuals and organizations in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and its vital tributaries. 

“Sa tulong ng kampanyang ito, mas mapapabilis ang rehabilitasyon ng Manila Bay. Kaya naman, buo ang aming suporta masiguro na napapangalagaan ang mga daluyan ng tubig sa aming lungsod (With the help of this campaign, we can expedite the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. That’s why, we are in full support of ensuring that our in-city waterways will be taken care of),” said Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval during the roadshow. 

Meanwhile, Valenzuela local chief executive Wes Gatchalian highlighted the proactive initiatives of barangays in keeping a healthy environment. 

“Kung maicocompare natin sa ibang siyudad, ay hindi na kailangan pa sabihan ng Mayor bago kumilos ang Kapitan. Sila mismo ay may sariling initiative, sariling investment….. Kaya congratulations sa ating mga Barangay (If we are to compare it to other cities, the Mayor doesn't have to instruct before the Captain acts. They have their own initiative, their own investments... Congratulations to our Barangays),” said Gatchalian, placing a premium on the GTI accolades received by the city government. 

In 2020, Valenzuela was hailed as the Grand Champion of the GTI award for its Lingunan Creek in Barangay Lingunan. The city’s Polo River in Barangay Malinta also clinched the 3rd runner-up award in 2022 and garnered the 4th runner-up as well as the Sustainability and Partnership Management Champion award in 2023 for the Veinte Reales creek. 

The DENR-NCR continuously strives to include all 17 NCR LGUs in the GTI. (PIA-NCR)