MANILA - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced the launch of its annual search for the most improved and cleanest estero, or waterway, in Metro Manila for 2023. This initiative, known as the 'Gawad Taga-Ilog' (GTI), is part of the DENR's efforts to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in urban waterways.
According to Philippines News Agency, the competition, now in its fourth year, has upgraded its criteria and guidelines to emphasize sustainability in three key areas: economic, environmental enhancement, and social aspects. The GTI competition aims not only to acknowledge the improvements in esteros but also to ensure the sustainability of these efforts, contributing to the broader goal of rehabilitating Manila Bay. This year's competition will be divided into two categories. Category A will be the typical search for the most improved estero, open to new entrants and previous non-winners, targeting seven waterways with each local government unit (LGU) allowed to nominate one estero. Category B, on the other hand, is designed as a battle among past winners to demonstrate the sustained cleanliness and improvement of their respective esteros. This category will feature 14 esteros.
Judging criteria will include the management of solid and liquid waste, informal settler families and illegal structures, habitat and resources, sustainability, and partnerships. These criteria are based on the Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy and will reflect both environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The evaluation process will involve screening, field validation, and deliberation by the DENR-NCR, its Metropolitan Environment Offices, and the judges. All 16 cities and one municipality of Metro Manila are invited to participate and nominate their esteros for the competition.
The Gawad Taga-Ilog 4.0 will run from November 2023 to February 2024, with winners set to be recognized on March 22, 2024, in conjunction with World Water Day. This competition serves as a platform to encourage and showcase effective local initiatives in waterway management and environmental conservation, fostering a sense of community responsibility and pride in urban ecological restoration.