President Arroyo handed out a total of P11 million to seven barangays nationwide with the most efficient ecological solid waste management systems (ESWM) for 2006 and 2007.
One million each had previously been given to the seven barangays, which were chosen from a list of 300 barangays.
In ceremonies at Malacañang yesterday, an additional P4 million was given to the seven barangays.
Awarded P800,000 each were barangays Old Centro in San Mateo and San Antonio in Cauayan, both in Isabela; and Lingsat in San Fernando, La Union.
Given P400,000 each were barangays San Marcos in San Mateo, Isabela; Butubut Norte in Balaoan, La Union; Bagong Silang in Maramag, Bukidnon; and Oring-oring in Brooks Point, Palawan.
“This awarding ceremony for the winners is an important event since it recognizes the efforts in the grassroots level to successfully implement an efficient waste management system,” Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said in a statement.
The ESWM is provided under Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. – Marvin Sy