ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: MANOLO FORTICH UNDERGOES PROVINCIAL GPK EVALUATION

Galing sa Pangagalaga ng Kalikasan Provincial Evaluation

Manolo Fortich welcomed 15 personnel from the Province of Bukidnon as they visited and personally evaluated the municipality for the Galing sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan (GPK) Provincial Evaluation on July 9, 2025. Prior to the on-site visit, a brief program was held at the New Government Center conference room in Barangay Tankulan to facilitate introductions and provide an overview of the evaluation.

Legal Officer Atty. Ricci A. Jamila, along with LGU personnel, cordially received the guests. The team of evaluators was led by Pollution Control Division Head Johnny Mancawan of the Bukidnon Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO). He introduced the team, outlining the evaluation’s objectives, the areas they would be visiting, the aspects they would be assessing, and the indicators they would be identifying.

The Provincial GPK Evaluation is conducted to measure the municipality’s efforts in environmental conservation. It aims to ensure that every LGU actively participates in environmental initiatives and complies with the rules, regulations, and mandates of the provincial government. “Kaniadto part ni siya sa National Level ang Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, karon gi-localize na siya mao na nga gi-ingon siya nga Galing sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan. Usa ka purpose nganong nag-conduct ta sa atong evaluation is to recognize the best performance sa municipal and barangay local government units in the Province of Bukidnon, regarding their efforts and commitment toward a more effective management of the environment,” Pollution Control Division Head Mancawan explained.

The provincial team conducted evaluations at both the barangay and municipal levels, taking note of locally initiated projects, programs, and activities related to environmental protection and preservation. Since Barangay Dahilayan won in the Hinterland Category of the Municipal GPK Evaluation, it was selected for the barangay-level assessment. The team was welcomed by Barangay Captain Weneleo Sahonlay and the Barangay Council of Dahilayan. In addition to assessing the Barangay Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), Barangay Tree Park, Utanan sa Paaralan, and Communal Garden, the team also conducted random house inspections to check for the availability of sanitary toilets.

For the municipal evaluation, the team reviewed beautification efforts and the maintenance of heritage parks. They also visited the Sanitary Landfill, the new Municipal Public Cemetery, the dry and wet markets, and other public utilities, including public toilets—checking for the availability of comfort rooms for Differently Abled Persons (DAP). More importantly, they verified the Means of Verification (MOVs) for clean-up drives, municipally initiated tree planting activities, advocacy campaigns, environmental summits, and Information Education Campaigns (IECs) for environmental awareness, among other initiatives. Solid Waste Management was also prioritized, with inspections conducted on trash bins and garbage disposal facilities in public areas and households. Additionally, evaluators reviewed data related to water quality management initiatives.

The evaluators came from various provincial offices, including BENRO, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Provincial Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Budget Office (PBO), Public Affairs, Information and Assistance (PAIA), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), and PALAG Mindanao.

A feedback session followed the on-site visit, during which the team shared their evaluations and observations of the areas assessed. They also offered insights and recommendations for areas that need improvement—guidance that the LGU can consider for future planning and development. Overall, their evaluations reflected positive outcomes, highlighting the LGU’s sustainable practices and its commitment to promoting a greener and cleaner environment for its residents.