CLARK FREEPORT — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Central Luzon has recognized the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its successful programs in waste management and upcycling.

The DENR-EMB presented the recognition to the SBMA Ecology Center during the Environmental Summit 2024 held on June 28 at the Widus Hotel here at the Clark Freeport Zone as a culminating event for the Environment Month.

Themed “Celebrating the Excellence and Partnership of Environmental Champions,” the DENR summit cited local government units, industries and stakeholders with best practices in waste management.

SBMA OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group and Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana received the award for “Outstanding Practice in Upcycling Operation” and acknowledged the various SBMA offices, as well as Subic stakeholders, for their all-out support to the Ecology Center’s programs and projects.

“We are very grateful to the EMB for recognizing our efforts in solid waste management, especially in recycling and upcycling,” Dela Llana said in accepting the award.

“It is with pride and honor that the Ecology Center shares this award with the entire agency. It is only through the support of other SBMA departments and offices and our stakeholders that we are able to achieve this,” she added.

Dela Llana also gave the assurance that the SBMA Ecology Center, together with the entire agency, will always innovate programs to address solid waste management concerns.

The Environmental Summit was attended by representatives of various DENR units, Central Luzon LGUs, economic zone officials and investors.

The SBMA Ecology Center received the award for its continuous conduct of Recyclable Collection Events, “Scrap to Craft” contests in collaboration with schools in Subic Freeport, Green Runway Fashion competition, and other environmental projects to promote efforts to reduce, recycle and upcycle wastes.

The activities were regularly witnessed by personnel from the Waste Management Division of EMB-Region 3.

Other awards given out to recognize the promotion of environmental protection and waste management were: “Most compliant in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Best Materials Recovery Facility,” “Best Composting Innovation,” “Outstanding Support in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” and “Industry Partners in Environmental Protection, Enhancement and Restoration.” 

TOP PHOTO: OIC-SDA for Regulatory Group and Ecology Center Manager Amethya Dela Llana-Koval (4th right) receives the award for upcycling program from Central Luzon DENR-EMB officials