Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has underscored anew the need to protect the province’s natural resources in the face of the challenges brought by climate change and environmental degradation.

Lacson emphasized this during the unveiling of the signage of the “2021 Galing Pook” award received by the provincial government for the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Area Management Alliance (NOCWAMA) with its entry titled “Network of Alliances for Coastal Wetlands Conservation”.

“I am honored to accept the ‘Galing Pook’ signage here at the Capitol. Aside from being proof of the recognition given to us, it also serves as a reminder that we must remain committed to sustain the program that afforded as the award,” the governor said during the ceremony held at the Capitol Social Hall.

Downstairs at the lobby, Lacson unveiled the signage together with former governor Rafael Coscolluela, the provincial consultant for energy and environment affairs.

In October last year, the NOCWAMA was one of the Top 10 winners of the “Galing Pook Awards”, which recognizes innovative practices by local government units (LGUs).

The NOCWAMA manages the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA) that spans a contiguous wetlands area with a coastline of 109.52 kilometers across 10 LGUs in southern Negros.

The alliance is comprised of local governments, coastal villages, people’s organizations, fisheries, and aquatic management resources councils, and community-based environment law enforcement units in the cities of Bago, Himamaylan, and Kabankalan as well as in the municipalities of Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, and Ilog.

On Oct. 20, 2016, the NOCWCA was declared as the seventh Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) in the Philippines and later, the fourth East Asian Australasian Flyway Site.

Lacson acknowledged the work of the local chief executives of the 10-member LGUs and other sectors that are part of the alliance.

He thanked the Galing Pook Foundation as well for its efforts in promoting innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment, and excellence in local governance.

The “2021 Galing Pook Awards” was presented by the Galing Pook Foundation, Department of the Interior and Local Government Academy, and SM Prime Holdings.

Other officials who attended the event included Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano, chairman of the committee on environment; Provincial Environment Management Office head Julie Ann Bedrio; Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Rostata; Dr. Jose Rene Gayo of the Galing Pook Awards; and SM City Bacolod mall manager George Anthony Jardiolin. (PNA)