Barangay Malabanias has triumphed in the third annual 𝐏𝐨𝐠𝐢 𝐘𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐮 contest, a citywide competition among Angeles City barangays aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and safer communities. Outperforming 31 other barangays, Malabanias achieved a top score of 93.7%, securing the P1.5 million grand prize.

Launched by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., the 𝐏𝐨𝐠𝐢 𝐘𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐮, also known as 𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬, 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐬, 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐲𝐚-𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧, is part of his ongoing initiative to encourage participatory governance, environmental responsibility, and community preparedness. “Congratulations to all our barangays for setting a high standard,” Lazatin said. “You are all winners for your dedication and hard work in our inter-barangay contest.”

The awarding ceremony is set for November 18 at Royce Hotel, where other top-performing barangays will also be recognized. Barangay Pampang, with a score of 91%, takes second place with a P600,000 cash prize, followed by Barangay Margot, scoring 90.5%, with a P300,000 prize.

Remaining participating barangays will receive cash incentives based on their performance levels, from P100,000 to P150,000. Barangays Agapito del Rosario, Amsic, Anunas, Balibago, Claro M. Recto, Cutcut, Cutud, Lourdes Northwest, Lourdes Sur, Pulung Cacutud, Pulung Maragul, and Salapungan will receive P100,000 each.

Top 20 barangays, including Capaya, Cuayan, San Jose, San Nicolas, Sta. Trinidad, Sto. Cristo, Sto. Domingo, and Tabun, will be awarded P120,000 each, while semi-finalist barangays Virgen Delos Remedios, Sto. Rosario, Lourdes Sur East, and Sta. Teresita will each receive P130,000.

Eight finalists, including Pandan, Pulungbulu, Ninoy Aquino, Sapalibutad, and Mining, will each receive P150,000. Special “Peri-urban” awards will also be presented to Sto. Rosario and Virgen Delos Remedios, recognizing their efforts in managing the unique challenges of transitioning between rural and urban environments.

This year’s contest was evaluated by experts including Elyza Evilla from DENR-EMB Region III, Ladislao Puno III from DILG—Angeles City, Lisa Juco of OCD Region III, and environmental advocate Cecile Yumul. Judging criteria emphasized Urban Farm and Greening Programs (35%), Solid Waste Management and Cleanliness (35%), and Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace and Order, and Health and Sanitation Programs (30%).

The 𝐏𝐨𝐠𝐢 𝐘𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐮 contest continues to serve as a driving force in building sustainable communities, inspiring barangays to improve in key areas that contribute to a thriving Angeles City.