By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines –The provincial government’s Environmental Awareness and Education Month celebration culminated in an awarding ceremony led by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO) at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center on December 4,2025.
This year’s observance carried the theme “Kalikasan ay Buhay, Ating Mahalin, Hamon ng Klima Sama-samang Harapin”.
𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
In the Search for “Makakalikasang Barangay,” Barangay Malabing of Kasibu was declared champion in the upland category and received a cash prize of ₱50,000. Barangay Canabuan in Aritao placed first runner-up with ₱40,000, while Barangay Busilac in Bayombong took third place and received ₱30,000.
In the lowland category, Barangay Poblacion of Villaverde was named champion and awarded ₱50,000. Barangay Poblacion of Kasibu placed first runner-up, and Barangay Gabut of Dupax del Sur was second runner-up, receiving ₱40,000 and ₱30,000 respectively.
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝
For the “Pasiklaban sa Proyektong Makalikasan” competition, which featured various secondary schools across the province, Dippog National High School of Quezon took first place for its “Project MRF-Care” (Materials Recovery Facility for Campus Action and Responsible Ecology) and received ₱30,000.
Sta. Fe National High School placed second with its “Plasti-Bric: Converting Plastic Waste into Sustainable Construction Eco-Brix” project and received ₱20,000.
Bintawan National High School secured third place and a ₱10,000 prize for its “Plastic KaBag” or Plastic Litter Alleviation Through Sustainable Thermo-forming and Innovation for Climate Action: Kalingang Bag Against Waste.
𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧
In the “Sayawit para sa Kalikasan” competition, Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School (NVGCHS) emerged champion and received a ₱30,000 cash prize. Muirwoods Academy Inc. placed first runner-up with a ₱20,000 prize, while Bagabag National High School finished as second runner-up and received ₱10,000.
Consolation prize winners in all three competitions each received ₱5,000.
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡-𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
According to Acting Environment and Natural Resources( ENR) Officer Forester Arlene S. Tarranco, the month-long celebration also included synchronized tree planting activities, a “pulot basura” clean-up drive, and an environmental symposium on climate change.
Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, in his message during the program, urged united action in the face of the climate crisis.
“Let us face the climate change with unity, courage and hope. When we act together, small steps become powerful solutions. Protecting nature is protecting life itself,” Gambito said.
