Zamboanga City was recognized as one of the country’s top model cities “to have a leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the environment” and was conferred the “Green Thumb Award” during ceremonies held Wednesday, September 25 at the New World Manila Bay Hotel.

Initiated by the oldest existing English newspaper Manila Times, the Top Model Cities Award is a yearly undertaking that recognizes outstanding urban centers across the Philippines.

Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and City Administrator Apple Go led the Zamboanga delegation in receiving the Green Thumb Award- Top Model Cities from Manila Times executives Dante Francis Ang II and Blanca Mercado and Dezza Paras, marketing manager of Wilcon Depot.

Zamboanga City bagged the award on the basis of having a leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the environment that the city even proclaimed its own “Cleanest and Greenest Barangay” cleanliness competition in line with Ordinance 2016-176 that establishes the Integrated Solid Waste Management System.

“The city is also paving the way for the conversion of the 4.6 hectare former dumpsite into an eco-park that will cater waste recycling facilities with the goal of reducing plastic waste and prolonging the life of the sanitary landfill (SLF) along with the various clean-up drives and activities,” the Manila Times said. The Manila Times is not only the Philippines’ oldest English newspaper but also one of the top and most respected news organizations in the country. Its wide readership base covers the A and B and C markets through its nationwide distribution and online accessibility. (Sheila Covarrubias)