LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF MANOLO FORTICH PARTICIPATES IN THE PROVINCIAL GPK EVALUATION

Provincial GPK Evaluation

November 14, 2023 - The Provincial GPK Evaluation Team visits the Local Government of Manolo Fortich to conduct the yearly provincial GPK evaluation, in pursuant to Executive No. 113, Series 1999, which is ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL GAWAD PANGULO SA KAPALIGIRAN ((KAunlaran ng mga PAmahalaang lokal sa kaLInisan at kapaliGIRang lintiAN).

The Provincial GPK Evaluation aims to recognize Local Government Units of Bukidnon that have shown outstanding efforts in promoting environmental preservation and sustainable development on a Barangay and Municipal level. LGU Manolo Fortich seeks to foster environmental awareness and adopt sustainable practices within the municipality through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), headed by MENRO Sharon Tacbobo.

As the declared winner for the Midland Category during the barangay GPK evaluation held last September 2023, Barangay Mantibugao was chosen to represent the LGU for the barangay level evaluation. Engr. Marie Joy Galleros from DILG Bukidnon led the provincial evaluation team and they were guided by MENRO Senior Environmental Management Specialists Larymae Salingay and Leticia Estacion, together with municipal administrator Engr. Joie Caesar M. Gaid. The GPK Team evaluated the barangay’s waste segregation, Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) building, tree park, Barangay Hall, health center, day care center, among others.

Engr. Gaid pointed out that whatever the results are, the important thing is the feedback and quality of the services the LGU provides. “Ang sa amo ni Mayor, giingon niya sa ako nga dili na importante ang award, that’s a plus, pero ang amo gyud nga tan-awon ang feedback, are we really doing the services to what is due to our constituents? Naa bay kalidad ang mga serbisyo?”, Gaid stated.

At the municipal level, there are three major categories in the evaluation which include the Physical Conditions of Built-up areas, Support System, and Wetland and Water Management.

Under the Physical Conditions of Built-up areas, is cleanliness and space greening. Cleanliness is one of the aspects that was considered in the evaluation, the team assessed if the facilities and areas are well-maintained and if there are existing health and environment friendly facilities. For this, they visited the LGU public market, cemetery, plaza, terminal, slaughterhouse, public restrooms, sanitary landfill, drainage, composting facility, food court, etc. Space greening includes tree parks, municipal playground, landscapes, nursery, and others.

In the Support System Category, the team assessed the functionality of the Solid Waste Management Board and Plan, the adequacy of budget for facilities, and the sufficiency of equipment and manpower.

Lastly, for the Wetland and Water Management category, the team evaluated the LGU’s initiatives for biodiversity conservation and enhancement which focuses on inland wetland water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and streams. They also checked for initiatives regarding water quality management.

After the evaluation, feedbacking was done inside the New Government Center conference room on the same day. MENRO Sharon tacbobo said, “Sa Manolo Fortich duna tay upat ka divisions nga gi-represent ang atong mga accomplishments, naa tay Admin, naa tay enforcement and monitoring, naa tay natural resources ug Solid Waste Management nga divisions. So sa atong administrative divisions mao ni silay gaatiman sa atong mga compliances sa LGU.”

The GPK Evaluation Team were generous with their affirmations and compliments to the LGU of Manolo Fortich. Majority of their remarks are positive, the other parts consist of constructive criticisms for slight improvements. They offered helpful suggestions and recommendations which were gladly taken by the LGU representatives who attended the feedbacking.

Team leader Engr. Galleros introduced the team members and explained Executive No. 113, Series 1999 and its importance, “There is an increase in global recognition of the need for concerted efforts toward a more effective management of the environment. So, ato palang nga time nakita na nila nga kinahanglan gyud ang pagtinabangay sa tibouk naglangkob sa usa ka LGU, both Barangay and Munisipyo.”, stated Galleros. The final results and awarding will be announced in the first quarter of 2024.

Present during the feedbacking was Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr. and Sangguniang Bayan Member Elzevir A. Dagunlay. Also in attendance were personnel from BUSECO (Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative, Inc.), CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office), BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), Barangay Councilors from Mantibugao, among others.