Laoag, Batac eye reg’l cleanest, safest, greenest search

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Batac City—The city governments of Laoag and Batac are both eyeing the top award in the annual search for the Cleanest, Safest and Greenest (CSG) city in region I.

National Economic Development Authority representative Maryjane Cacanindin made this statement after evaluating Batac for the regional search. Laoag and Batac will represent the province in the component city category.

Of the nine cities in Region I, Ms. Cacanindin said that they only validated seven as Candon and Vigan, both in Ilocos Sur, failed to join the search due to ongoing projects and the rehabilitation of their respective dumpsites.

Laoag was earlier evaluated in December of last year.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) Performance Awards has five categories: CSG province, cities, municipalities in the 1^st to 3^rd class and 4^th to 6^th class and the inland bodies of water.

Ms. Cacanindin said they look into two major criteria. They are environmental management, which is 75%, and this include physical conditions, and urban and space greening. The remaining 25% account for peace, security and order.

Ms. Cacanindin also identified many sites during their evaluation like the dumpsites/landfill, reforestation/greening areas, public places like city hall, plaza, plant nurseries, slaughter house, market, schools, rural barangays and others.

Laoag City has won the regional search for two consecutive years. Another win this year would elevate Laoag to the search’s Hall of Fame. The winner will also represent the region in the national search.

Winners will be announced in April.

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