The top twenty quarter-finalist barangays for the third year of the “Gawad Parangal sa mga Pinakamalinis, Luntiang, Ligtas at Kaayaayang Pamayanan (Pogi Ya Ing Barangay Ku)” contest have been identified. This inter-barangay competition aims to recognize and promote sustainable programs that foster participatory governance, environmental management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction management. Spearheaded by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., the project seeks to build better, more resilient communities through proactive and sustained efforts.
The quarter-finalist barangays are Sapalibutad, Capaya, Tabun, Mining, Sto. Cristo, Pandan, Ninoy Aquino, Malabanias, Sta. Teresita, Pampang, San Nicolas, Sta. Trinidad, Cuayan, Margot, Virgen Delos Remedios, Pulungbulu, Lourdes Sur East, Sto. Rosario, San Jose, and Sto. Domingo. These barangays were selected based on their exemplary performance in the set criteria of the contest, which includes the Urban Farm and Greening Program (35%), Solid Waste Management and General Cleanliness Program (35%), and Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace and Order, Health and Sanitation Program (30%).
A team from the Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO), led by Irish Bonus-Llego, supervised by Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, conducted the initial table top evaluation. The panel of evaluators included Elyza Evilla from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources—EMB Region III, Ladislao Puno III from the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Angeles City, and Lisa Juco from the Office of the Civil Defense Region III. This evaluation took place from June 18-20 at Kapebaluan.
The on-site evaluation for these top 20 quarter-finalist barangays is scheduled for July 17-19, 2024. During this phase, evaluators will visit each barangay to assess their ongoing projects and initiatives in person. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine which barangays have effectively implemented sustainable programs and practices, demonstrating significant community engagement and impact.
Mayor Lazatin emphasized the importance of this contest in promoting long-term community development. “This is to build back better communities which encourage the implementation of intensively and extensively proactive, participative, sound, and sustained programs, projects, and activities on socio-economic, environmental, and risk reduction management,” Lazatin said. The initiative aims to inspire other barangays to adopt similar practices, contributing to the overall improvement of the city’s living conditions.
According to Llego of ACEDIPO, 32 barangays initially joined the contest. From these, 20 were selected as quarter-finalists based on the stringent criteria set forth. The selection process is rigorous, aiming to highlight those barangays that truly excel in their efforts towards cleanliness, greening, and disaster preparedness. This competitive yet collaborative spirit fosters a sense of pride and motivation among the participating communities.
As the contest progresses, the number of contenders will be gradually reduced. “From 20, we will trim it to 12, then top 6, and then finally the top 3,” Bonus-Llego explained. The grand winner will receive a cash incentive of ₱1.5 million, with the second and third placers receiving ₱600,000 and ₱300,000 respectively. Additionally, consolation prizes ranging from ₱150,000 to ₱100,000 will be awarded depending on the barangay’s final standing. This substantial financial support will further enable the winning barangays to continue their sustainable development initiatives.
Photo by: iOrbitNews Online
