LOCAL environmental advocates and community groups in Tagum City will gain recognition through the launch of the Duyog Awards on Monday, March 30, 2026.
The Mindanao-based environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability Inc. (IDIS), in partnership with the Tagum City government, leads the program to highlight grassroots environmental champions and strengthen community-driven conservation efforts.
The inaugural awards ceremony is set for April 24 and will honor nine awardees in categories such as coastal and marine resource management, education and policy advocacy, and forest conservation. Organizers said the initiative aims to recognize often-overlooked community efforts in promoting sustainability and protecting the environment.
Organizers are encouraging nominations from grassroots sectors, including barangay groups, people’s organizations, and informal environmental advocates. They said many innovative conservation efforts happen at the community level, where groups address environmental challenges despite limited resources.
“The Duyog Awards is not just a recognition program; it is a platform for learning and exchange,” said Idis environmental planner Lemuel Lloyd I. Manalo. He said best practices from awardees will be documented and shared through forums, exhibits, and knowledge-sharing activities to help communities replicate successful strategies.
Manalo said the program draws inspiration from initiatives such as the Lunhaw Awards and Banwa Awards, which spotlight local conservation efforts.
“It can attract investment and tourism kapag maayo-approfiling sa ato ang mga recognized sustainable practices,” he said. By highlighting successful initiatives, the awards can not only promote environmental stewardship but also open economic and developmental opportunities for participating communities.
He added that the program can also boost community engagement, long-term environmental education, and global recognition.
Idis Watershed Network Coordinator Judy Ann E. Legaspi said the name “Duyog” reflects collaboration.
“Kung maka-dungog tag word na duyog, meaning ana ang panag-uban (When we hear the word ‘duyog,’ it means coming together),” she said.
She said the awards aim to recognize groups that work collectively to advance environmental advocacy.
Organizers said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to institutionalize recognition for grassroots environmental work. By promoting citizen-led efforts, the program seeks to strengthen partnerships among communities, local government units, and other stakeholders, positioning Tagum as a hub for inclusive and sustainable environmental action.
They added that beyond recognition, the awards aim to encourage innovation and replication of effective conservation practices, helping build a culture of environmental awareness and participation.
In a region facing challenges such as deforestation, coastal degradation, and biodiversity loss, organizers said initiatives like the Duyog Awards play a key role in mobilizing communities and sustaining conservation efforts.
By combining recognition with knowledge-sharing, the program aims to turn individual initiatives into wider community impact across Tagum and neighboring areas. DEF