Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has launched an inter-barangay contest aimed to promote sustainable programs for participatory governance, environmental management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction management.

Dubbed as “Gawad Parangal sa mga Pinakamalinis, Luntiang, Ligtas at Kaayaayang Pamayanan (Pogi Ya Ing Barangay Ko)”, Mayor Lazatin said this project is also to “Build Back Better” communities to encourage implementation of intensively and extensively proactive, participative, sound, and sustained programs, projects, and activities on socio-economic, environmental, and risk reduction management.

Under the said project, the barangays are encouraged to undertake programmed and sustained activities on the fields of participatory governance, environmental management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction management for a year, starting in January to December 2022.

The barangay which will be the grand winner will receive a dump truck worth of ₱1.2 million with ₱300,000 cash incentive; second placer will get ₱600,000; 3rd placer will receive₱300,000; and consolation prize is ₱100,000.

Among the criteria for judging are Urban Farm and Greening Program (35%); Solid Waste Management and General Cleanliness Program (35%); and Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace and Order, Health and Sanitation Program (30%).

All barangays which would like to participate have to submit their entry forms at the Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO) containing a compilation of photo documentation and letter of intent signed by the barangay council.

The participating barangays will be evaluated quarterly by the panel of evaluators composed of representatives from Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, academe, media, and civil society organizations with interest on environmental management and disaster risk reduction.

On January 12, City Engineer Donato Dizon, Angeles City Traffic Development Officer Kiko Pangilinan, and ACEDIPO Head Irish Bonus-Llego met with the barangay captains to discuss the guidelines and mechanics of the project.

During the meeting, the Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project was also tackled, which aims to collect recyclable plastics from Angeleño households in exchange for rice.

Lazatin’s Chief Adviser IC Calaguas also said that the Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project aims to encourage Angeleño households to practice waste segregation at source, in their own homes, as well as to reduce if not eliminate the use of plastics.

Mayor Lazatin said that the city needs programs to proactively cope with future disasters in order to further raise the resiliency of communities, institutions and sectors.