ARDCI Microfinance Corp. and the municipal government of San Andres are among the winners in the recent 20th Saringaya Awards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol.
ARDCI was among the winners in the Industry category while San Andres LGU placed second in the Local Government Unit category.
During the celebration of the annual Environment Month, DENR Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III, in partnership with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bicol and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Bicol, gave due recognition to deserving individuals, local government units and industries who excelled in environmental protection and management, with the conferment of 20th Saringaya Awards on June 28, 2022 at Hotel St. Ellis, Legazpi City as the highlight.
The Saringaya Awardee for Industries Category was the Libmanan Water District, which was recognized for constant partnership with private and government institutions which led them to effectively and efficiently manage the watershed area through remote sensing, with the low-cost digitalization and automation solution of water distribution systems through electronic devices efficiently recording both volume and pressure of water.
ARDCI of Virac, Catanduanes and Mt. Labo Exploration and Development Corporation were also recipients of the award for the Industry Category.
Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro of the City of Tabaco received the Saringaya Award for the Local Government Unit (LGU) Category as the City of Tabaco in Albay was lauded for its sustained, fruitful and innovative Ecological Solid Waste Management practices recognized particularly in their Hiraya Manawari Nature Park, which highlights the LGU’s creative act repurposing and transformation through upcycling.
Likewise, LGU San Andres, Catanduanes and LGU Donsol, Sorsogon were also awardees for the LGU Category.
Libmanan Caves National Park (LCNP) was adjudged as the Best Protected Area (PA) in the Bicol Region, with Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP), Bongsanglay Natural Park (BongNP) and Matang-Tubig Watershed Forest Reserve (MTWFR) also recognized as Best PAs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Santiago K. Cervantes of MINP-PAMB was recognized as Outstanding Protected Area Management Board Member (PAMB) in Bicol Region. Engr. Maribeth L. Fruto from the Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS) Protected Area, Mr. Rolando F. Palma from Abasig-Matogdon Mananap Natural Biotic Area (AMMNBA) Protected Area and Mr. Generoso R. Marquez from Libmanan Caves National Park (LCNP) were also awarded as Best PAMB Members.
RED Milla said that the conferment of Saringaya Awards to the individuals, institutions and LGUs is a symbol of great work and honor to those who endeavor to preserve, sustain, manage and protect our biodiversity and the environment that we live in.
Saringaya is a Bicol term, which means lush or abundance of growth.