Laoag wins title as 2013 cleanest, safest, greenest city in Region 1

LAOAG CITY, May 9 – This city has bested other component cities in Ilocos region and romped away with the title as the 2013 Cleanest, Safest, and Greenest City in Region 1.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) launched the search last year to promote environmental protection programs and public safety and recognize local governments which implemented and adopted best practices.

City Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas said the award was a community achievement noting that residents and city leaders both worked together to attain this feat.

She cited the city’s peace and order situation as a major area in earning the award.

“We are very proud that our city had the lowest crime rate as compared to other cities in the region last year. Now, we aim to (further) reduce this crime rate to sustain the award this year,” she said.

The RDC evaluated local governments according to environmental management, public safety, and peace and order.

Under the first parameter, general cleanliness made – up half of the score, and involves all structures, idle lands, trees, sewerage systems, canals, toilets, water supply, plants, and all other physical aspects under the city’s jurisdiction.

It also included the urban space greening that covers greenbelt areas, streets and thoroughfares planted with ornamental plants and trees, public places like schools, parks and playgrounds.

The support systems made – up the other half of the physical conditions to include programs and projects of clean and green, waste management and other related efforts like budgetary support, equipment, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, presence of well-defined systems and procedures, implementation of laws and ordinances regarding physical cleanliness, health, and sanitation, and other related areas.

Public safety and peace and order covered the peace and order council and its meetings, the presence of an integrated community area public safety plan, crime statistics, crime prevention program, drug prevention program and road hazard prevention program. (FREDDIE G. LAZARO)