SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center won the prestigious award for “Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Practices” at the Environmental Summit 2026 organized by the Environmental Management Bureau Regional Office III (EMB-R3).

Amethya dela Llana, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for the Regulatory Group, and Rosel Abuyo, OIC of the Ecology Center, received the award held on Wednesday, August 19, at the Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.

The summit recognized outstanding municipal local government units (LGUs) and regional stakeholders that demonstrated exceptional commitment to ecological solid waste management and environmental stewardship.

The SBMA said the award is a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and its dedication to advancing a circular economy to promote a cleaner and greener future.

“This achievement inspires us to continue pushing forward with sustainable waste management solutions that benefit the community and the environment alike,” Dela Llana said.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Management Bureau Region 3,” she added.

The award marks both a milestone and a motivation to further enhance solid waste management efforts that align with global environmental standards, the SBMA said in a statement.

“The recognition not only celebrates the hard work and innovative solutions implemented by the agency through the Ecology Center, but also acknowledges its strong collaboration with Freeport stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have played an integral role in the success of the Center’s Solid Waste Management program,” it added. ▲