A cleaner future begins in Tinglayan: Municipality earns prestigious BADANG Award

FEATURE

Tinglayan, Kalinga – Nestled among the towering mountains of Kalinga, the Municipality of Tinglayan has long been admired for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Today, it is earning recognition for something equally valuable—its commitment to protecting the environment.

That commitment was recently affirmed when the municipality received the Best Adherence to Discipline for Advancing National Green Governance (BADANG) Award from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Cordillera during the 9th Cordillera Environment Summit held on June 30 at the Newtown Plaza Hotel in Baguio City.

Led by Mayor Charles Abay, officials and personnel of the Municipal Local Government Unit traveled to Baguio City to receive the prestigious environmental recognition, which reflects years of sustained efforts to promote responsible waste management, environmental protection, and good governance.

Beyond the BADANG Award, Tinglayan also received recognition for its outstanding performance in operating and sustaining an EMB-assisted Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), as well as for its innovative waste diversion and resource recovery initiatives that transform waste into useful products.

The municipality formally presented the awards to employees and officials during the flag-raising ceremony on July 6, celebrating another milestone in Tinglayan's continuing pursuit of sustainable development.

A badge of environmental excellence

The BADANG Award is one of the Environmental Management Bureau-Cordillera's highest recognitions for local government units and partner institutions that consistently demonstrate excellence in environmental governance.

Recipients are evaluated based on their compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, particularly in implementing effective solid waste management programs, maintaining functional waste management systems, promoting environmental sustainability, and keeping a clean record free from active environmental complaints or notices of violation.

The BADANG citation, according to the EMB-CAR, serves as a symbol of accountability and responsible governance. It recognizes local governments that successfully balance development with environmental protection while encouraging communities to actively participate in preserving their natural surroundings for future generations.

Progress with nature at its heart

For Mayor Charles Abay, the recognition reinforces the belief that genuine progress should never come at the expense of the environment.

As the municipality continues to pursue infrastructure, tourism, and economic development, he emphasized that every initiative undertaken by his administration is guided by the responsibility to protect Tinglayan's forests, rivers, mountains, and other natural resources.

The mayor also credited the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) for its dedication in implementing environmental programs and ensuring compliance with national environmental laws.

Abay likewise expressed gratitude to the people of Tinglayan, whose cooperation in proper waste management, environmental conservation, and observance of environmental regulations has helped make the municipality deserving of the recognition.

For Tinglayan, the awards are reminders that preserving the environment is a shared responsibility—and that lasting progress is achieved when development and nature move forward together.