DAVAO CITY – Lunhaw Awards organizers are adding new categories to its annual search for green initiatives citywide with the inclusion of the Green Champion and the Outstanding Barangay Green Initiative awards.
“The Green Champion Award takes its cue from the achievements of the late Councilor Leo Avila who was a proponent of several landmark environmental ordinances in the city. This category will be open to outstanding advocates in the area of environmental policy, legislation and environmental management.”, said Lunhaw Awards co-organizer, Mary Ann Fuertes.
For environment advocates to be considered for a Lunhaw Award, the nominee must have a track record for at least 3 years in leadership, vision and action for the protection of the environment. The nominee will also be vetted by award organizers to ensure that s/he is not engaged in activities like mining, quarrying, logging and other unsustainable practices.
The Outstanding Barangay LGU Green Initiative Award, meanwhile, is in support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“This new award is a nod to the UN SDG Goal 11 which calls for more sustainable cities and communities by 2030. By highlighting outstanding initiatives of barangay LGUs in creating green public spaces, and improving community planning through participatory and inclusive methods, we hope to fast track our vision of a greener and sustainable Davao City.”, Fuertes said.
Entries will be judged according to its sustainability, innovation and replicability.
This year’s search is co-organized by the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Davao Association of Colleges and Schools (DACS), Davao City Water District (DCWD), and the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS).
Given annually during the weeklong celebration of the city’s charterhood in March, the Lunhaw Awards is given to Davao’s outstanding environmental initiatives in the areas of Organic Agriculture, Green Building, Forest-based Initiatives, Marine Resource Management, Education and Advocacy, Pollution Control, and Energy or Water Conservation.
Last year, five outstanding green initiatives wer recognized from a shortlist of 21 entries. Among these were Radyo Tacunan’s community on-air organic farming school, MyHotel’s underground rainwater catchment system and Abreeza Mall’s environmental building design.
Application forms can be downloaded online at https://idisphil.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/5th-Lunhaw-Awards-App-Form.pdf (Mindanao Times)