THE city of Davao was awarded bronze at the 2023 International Awards for Livable Communities (LivCom Awards) for its greening and sustainability efforts.
Out of 232 entries from different cities around the world, Davao City is part of the 22 global finalists and one of the eight awardees under Category E for cities with a population of more than 400,000.
It received the bronze award alongside Narayanganj City in Bangladesh and Eskişehir City in Turkey.
According to Engr. Ivan Cortez, head of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, Davao City is the only Southeast Asian country awarded in the said category.
“This is an evaluation of the efforts of the city in terms of greening and sustainability. They took notice of our efforts in terms of parks development, waste management, peace and security,” Cortez said during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday.
He added that the city’s effort in protecting urban forests, through different city ordinances and regulations, and urban greening initiatives were also considered.
The recognition was awarded last June 2 in Malta. Although Davao City was not able to personally receive the award, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office led by Engr. Marivic Reyes was still able to virtually present the salient points of the city’s environment and greening efforts.
Other awardees under Category E include Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Xinyang City in China, and Ankara City Turkey which won gold; Katowice City in Poland and Avcilar City in Turkey which received the silver award.
Moving forward, Cortez said the city government to further strengthen the greening efforts that paved the way for Davao City’s recognition in the LivCom Awards.
“We have a standing order from Mayor Sebastian Duterte to improve the greening efforts of the city. We are introducing greening efforts in sidewalks and center islands because we want to lessen the urban heat effect, especially in our downtown areas,” he said.
The LivCom Awards, recognized by the United Nations, is a major awards competition focusing on international best practices regarding the management of the local environment and development. ICM
It aims to improve the living quality of citizens around the world through the creation of “liveable communities.”