CLARK FREEPORT — The Provincial Government of Zambales, along with four local government units and one village organization in the province, collected a total of seven awards in the Environmental Summit 2025 held here at the Widus Hotel on Aug. 28 to 29.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Central Luzon organized the event with the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution” to honor environmental protectors and promote sustainable solutions to the growing problem of plastic wastes.

The provincial government received a citation for “Provincial Excellence in the Implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management Program,” which was received by Board Member Jun Rundstedt C. Ebdane on behalf of Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr.

The municipality of Iba, meanwhile, won an award for “Excellence in Implementing the Approved 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan,” while San Marcelino town was named for “Excellence in Composting Practices.”

Botolan, which was named “Outstanding Local Government Unit in Solid Waste Enforcement and Implementation,” received another citation for being a participant in the trade exhibit during the two-day summit.

Meanwhile, Barangay Aglao in San Marcelino won an award for “Outstanding Performance in Barangay-Level Material Recovery Facility Operation.”

The Alon and Araw Eco-Village in Cabangan, on the other hand, received an award for “Distinguished Innovation in Circular Economy Implementation.”

The DENR-EMB also recognized the Ecology Center of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority with the “Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Practices Award” for its plastics collection and recycling program.

In the two-day event, Botolan LGU gained attention for its exhibit of the town’s innovative solid waste management program that highlighted community efforts in recycling through its “Junkshop on Wheels” project.

Botolan also exhibited its “Trash to Art” project, which turn wastes into artworks; Envi-Vlog Contest, which provides a platform for environmental stories; Eco-Brick Production, which repurposes wastes into building materials; and FAA & Eco-Soil Production, which transforms biodegradable wastes into organic fertilizer. – Taktikom News & Features