THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recognized Pampanga’s efforts in the Manila Bay rehabilitation program as one of the Manila Bay-ani Award regional awardees.

The Pampanga was presented the award during a ceremony held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila this Tuesday, June 14.

The province obtained a high score in the assessment conducted by the agency on all local government units (LGUs) in the Manila Bay area.

The award was presented to provincial administrator Charlie Chua and provincial environment and natural resources officer Arthur Punzalan by Senator Cynthia Villar, Acting DENR Secretary Jim Sampulna, former DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, Palawan 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn, and Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr.

According to Punzalan, the award is the result of the cooperation of officials in Pampanga, led by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda.

"Under the Pineda administration, we have had regular clean-up drives and we have further extended our waste management programs," Punzalan said.

The purpose of the Manila Bay-ani Award is to recognize the orderly and responsible performance of LGUs in their mandates and responsibilities under the environmental laws that support the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.