Nestled on the outskirts of the municipality of Diadi lies a hidden gem, the vibrant and environmentally conscious Barangay Butao, under the leadership of Barangay Captain Dominick L. Bandao. Known for its strong commitment to ecological preservation and community involvement, Barangay Butao is now under the spotlight as the Provincial Evaluation Team (PET) continues its assessment for the ongoing Search for the ‘Makakalikasang Barangay’.
Following prior evaluations in Runruno and Darubba, Quezon, PET proceeded to Barangay Butao on October 14, 2025, to evaluate its environmental practices, cleanliness, waste management systems, and community initiatives. The PET is composed of evaluators from various provincial government offices and partner agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO), and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO).
During the site visit, the evaluators noted the impressive cleanliness and orderliness of the barangay, including its individual zones or ‘puroks’. The team observed that each purok had developed its own sustainable waste management initiatives, featuring reading hubs and properly segregated waste collection points for plastics, plastic bottles, glass bottles, and cans. These are further supported by active composting systems, including both vermi composting and heap composting, indicating a deep-rooted culture of environmental responsibility within the community.
A particular point of commendation was Barangay Butao’s strict adherence to proper piggery waste management practices. Residents and business owners engaged in pig farming are mandated to construct septic tanks to manage animal waste. Barangay Captain Bandao firmly reiterated that no piggery business is allowed to operate without a septic tank, as unregulated waste disposal poses serious risks, including water contamination in nearby creeks and the potential spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). This proactive policy showcases the barangay’s preventive approach to both public health and environmental conservation.
Another area highlighted during the evaluation was the role of enforcers in the barangay’s solid waste management efforts. PET evaluators recommended further strengthening the training of these enforcers to guarantee that best practices are not only enforced but also cascaded effectively to other barangay officials. The training focuses on the functions of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and is anchored on the implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. It aims to equip local enforcers with the skills to properly implement waste segregation policies, raise public awareness, and issue appropriate citations for violations.
With such promising practices in place, the big question now is: Will Barangay Butao secure a spot among the finalists in the Search for the ‘Makakalikasang Barangay’? There’s only one way to find out. The final evaluation is set to be conducted on November 10-14, 2025.
The remaining schedule for the evaluation of the North District is set for October 15-17, 2025, while the evaluation of barangays in the South District will take place on October 20-24, 2025. Under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO), the province continues to champion environmental sustainability, one barangay at a time. #jmcb
