THE 11th Lunhaw Awards is now accepting entries from individuals, organizations, businesses, and barangays in Davao City that showcase innovative and sustainable environmental or agricultural practices.
The annual awards aim to recognize replicable green initiatives that support the city’s goals of environmental protection and economic growth.
Engr. Lakandiwa Orcullo, head of the Environmental Waste Management Division of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), encouraged Dabawenyos to take part in the city-wide search for outstanding green practices.
“The Lunhaw Awards, now in its 11th year. It's an annual city-wide search for good environmental and agricultural practices that promote and contribute to a green lifestyle… it's best na muapil, submit entries para ma recognize, ma showcase sa syudad unsa ang mga nindot na mga innovations towards environmental protection (We encourage everyone to submit entries so the city can recognize and showcase these efforts),” Orcullo said during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the City Mayor’s Office.
This year, organizers are hoping for entries in the Green Building and Urban Greening category. So far, only Toyota and Abreeza have been recognized as Lunhaw Awardees in this category. Organizers are calling on building owners, contractors, and developers to highlight their use of eco-friendly designs and technologies, such as solar panels, green roofing, gardens, and rainwater harvesting systems.
“Naga panawagan unta mi na mas daghan pa mga green building diri sa Davao na naga promote ug Natural Base solution (We’re calling for more green buildings in Davao that promote nature-based solutions),” said Judy Ann Legaspi, Watershed Network Coordinator of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis).
Legaspi said that recognizing these innovations helps spread good practices across communities, noting that several past winners received additional support after being awarded.
The Lunhaw Awards cover various categories, including forest-based initiatives, organic farming in both rural and urban areas, and energy and water conservation. Special citations include the Green Champion Award for environmental advocates and a category dedicated to sustainable practices by local government units.
Application forms are available at Cenro, the City Agriculturist Office, and the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS). Interested applicants may also request the forms via the Lunhaw Awards website or Facebook page. Completed forms must be submitted to lunhawawards@gmail.com on or before July 26, 2025.
The awarding ceremony is set for September 26, 2025, when this year’s most impactful green champions will be celebrated. Ashley Kate L. Panaligan, Spamast Intern