The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO), led by Acting Environmental and Natural Resources Officer Arlene S. Tarranco, spearheaded the Culminating Activity of the National Environmental Awareness and Education Month at Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center (CMPCC), Capitol Compound, Bayombong on December 4, 2025.
The event highlighted the achievements of barangays in the “Search for Makakalikasang Barangay 2025,” with finalists from both upland and lowland categories attending the awarding ceremony. In the upland category, Barangay Malabing of Kasibu emerged as champion, followed by Canabuan, Aritao as 1st runner-up; Busilac, Bayombong as 2nd runner-up; Butao, Diadi as 3rd runner-up; and Cabuluan, Villaverde as 4th runner-up.
On the lowland category, Poblacion, Villaverde claimed the championship, with Poblacion, Kasibu as 1st runner-up; Gabut, Dupax del Sur as 2nd runner-up; Tuao North, Bagabag as 3rd runner-up; and Balete, Sta. Fe as 4th runner-up.
The evaluation was conducted by a panel of experts including Alan Mel M. Soriano of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Dr. Shierel F. Vallesteros of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), Nikko Lai B. Taon of Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO), Juliet Udaundo of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Charmaine Navarro of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO).
The awardees showcased exemplary best practices in environmental stewardship and community development. Their initiatives included transforming waste into durable plant pots, cultivating mushrooms, using banana peels as natural fertilizers, and beautifying community kiosks and reading hubs. They also developed productive backyard gardens, efficiently managed Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), implemented vermicomposting, and created useful items such as rugs, bags, pillows, hats, and aprons from recycled materials. In addition, they demonstrated sustainable livelihood practices through recycling, strict waste segregation, repurposing repaired knives into income-generating products, and maintaining clean, healthy, and well-managed communities.
The Culminating Activity not only honored the outstanding environmental initiatives of the barangays but also strengthened the commitment of the provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, through PENARO in fostering eco-conscious communities in the province. Through such programs, the province continues to promote sustainable practices, responsible waste management, and heightened public awareness on environmental protection. #jmcb
