Galing Pook Foundation has chosen five cities in Metro Manila as its 2009 achievers in local programs.
“The awardees capture our imagination and strengthen our faith that good governance can and does prosper in our beloved country,” said Rafael Coscolluela, foundation chairman.
The national selection committee led by Professor Solita Monsod picked five awardees from Mindanao, two from Visayas and seven from Luzon, five of which were Quezon City along with Marikina, Taguig, Makati and Parañaque.
Quezon City saw the development of the La Mesa Eco Park, the CP Garcia Park, North Olympus Park and the Tandang Sora Shrine, among other projects down to the barangays. The citation said beyond image-building, the parks have helped increase property values, improve the residents’ well-being and promote peace and order.
In Makati, waste was reduced by up to 84,196 tons of equivalent carbon dioxide while increasing the income of indigent households by turning in recyclables. The Baratilyo ng Basura sa Barangay involves the Kapisanan ng mga Junkshop Operators sa Makati to cluster schedules for efficient collection.
Marikina’s Clean Food and Water Laboratory extended information on safety and hygiene through training of vendors while requiring continuous monitoring. Neighboring cities have started availing of the city’s laboratory services with Muntinlupa setting up its own facilities.
Taguig launched its Citycard, an ID card system to widen access to various social services, and priority in employment opportunities. This year, free college education has begun to be offered to Citycard holders. Professional fees for doctors at the Taguig City Hospital are waived. Free funeral services, senior citizen birthday gifts, socialized housing, and other benefits are given to some 20,488 Citycard holders.
Parañaque’s Adolescent- Friendly Reproductive Health Services involved planning, implementing and evaluating different interventions with centers handling special counseling and consultations. A referral system helped promote a healthy lifestyle with indicators showing a continuing decline in the rate of teenage pregnancy, abortion and sexually-transmitted diseases.
The other Galing Pook 2009 awardees are Barangay Luz, Cebu City; Sarangani Province; Midsayap, Cotabato; Bayawan City; Surallah, South Cotabato; Malaybalay City; Barangay Barobo, Valencia City; Tabuk, Kalinga; and Bulacan province.
Awarding will be held on Dec. 3 at the Malacañan Palace.
