Balanga City has added a much-coveted feather in its cap when it landed third runner-up in the most recent “2021 Para El Mar Award” for mangrove protection project.
The best mangrove award went to Prieto Diaz Mangrove Ecosystem of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon province. First runner-up went to Palompon, Leyte; while second runner-up, was Ibajay, Leyte.
Nerissa Mateo, city environment and natural resources officer, said the feat is surprising enough considering that Balanga City competes with Leyte, Aklan and Sorsogon provinces.
“Hamakin nyo nakipagsabayan tayo sa kanila,” she said.
The “Para El Mar” award and recognition is a biennial event that aims to showcase the country’s best performing marine protected areas (MPA) and provide venue for Philippine MPA champions to share experiences and learn from each other. It was organized by MPA support network, the German Federal Ministry for Environment, UP, DENR, DA and BFAR.
