In line with the celebration of Environmental Awareness Month this coming November, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO) headed by Acting ENRO and PEAET Co- Chairperson Arlene S. Tarranco, convened the Provincial Evaluation Team (PET) at the NV Livelihood and Pasalubong Center, Bayombong on September 12, 2025 to discuss the criteria for the “Search for Makakalikasang Barangay”.
This year’s search focuses on the implementation and sustainability of Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM), with the goal of recognizing and rewarding barangays that exemplify environmental responsibility and effective waste management practices.
The initiative is a vital part of the province’s ongoing mission to foster ecological balance, sustainability, and community engagement in environmental protection. It encourages municipal local government units (MLGUs) to nominate one upland and one lowland barangay each, reflecting the variety of environmental solutions in different areas. Participating barangays will be evaluated in November 2025, alongside the national celebration of Environmental Awareness Month.
To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process, the Provincial Environmental Awareness and Education Team (PEAET) passed Resolution No. 3, Series of 2025, which created the Provincial Evaluation Team (PET). This team is composed of representatives from Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) as the Chairperson, along with members from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Nueva Vizcaya, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO), and the Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO), with the Public Affairs and Information Assistance Division (PAIAD) of the Governor’s Office serving as the documenter. The team is responsible for developing evaluation criteria, monitoring compliance, conducting site visits, and determining the winners.
Barangays will be judged based on their compliance with solid waste management laws and the sustainability of their programs. Key parameters include implementation of waste management in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and sport complex; innovation and best practices in reducing, reusing, and recycling; and the presence of proper facilities such as Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). Deductions will be given for environmental violations such as open burning and illegal dumping, with the possibility of citation tickets being issued.
The winners will be announced and awarded during the culminating program in November. Prizes and recognition will be given to barangays that demonstrate outstanding and replicable solid waste management practices. Through this competition, the provincial government aims to inspire more communities to adopt sustainable environmental practices and contribute meaningfully to ecological preservation. #jmcb
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