Bago City wins ‘Walang Gutom’ award

BACOLOD CITY – The City Government of Bago emerged as one of the top 10 local government units (LGUs) in the country in this year’s Walang Gutom Awards by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Galing Pook Foundation.

Mayor Nicholas Yulo received the award from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, June 26.

Yulo said the national recognition validates the sustained efforts of the city government in implementing programs that promote the welfare and well-being of every Bagonhon.

“We thank the people behind the awards for considering the programs of our city worthy of emulation,” he said.

Mayor Yulo also thanked the men and women of city hall, especially City Agriculturist-Designate Marvin John Blance and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Leah Pilipina Canayon, for their dedication and perseverance.

“At the same time, while we took up the cudgels for the President’s call to end hunger, it’s a challenge for us to sustain and improve our programs,” the mayor stressed.

He emphasized that more than the recognition, the award will further motivate the city government to continue pushing food sufficiency initiatives “as we aim to alleviate the lives of our people and look forward to achieving a food-secure and hunger-free Bago City.”

The Walang Gutom Awards recognize the most innovative and effective LGU programs addressing food security concerns, nutrition challenges, and hunger across the country.

The President, along with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, awarded the city a P2 million funding allocation from the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Bago’s “Food Staples Sufficiency Program” was one of the top 17 national finalists out of 101 entries nationwide. Like other winning entries, it was chosen based on a comprehensive set of criteria including its impact on food security and nutrition, community engagement, innovation, resilience, sustainability, and efficiency in service delivery.

Blance, who joined the mayor during the awarding, said the recognition is a testament to the city’s efforts and the collective dedication of countless individuals and organizations working tirelessly to address food security and malnutrition.

“This serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we have made and the challenges that remain,” he said. “It highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, effective policies, and community-driven solutions.”

The city agriculturist underscored the need for continued collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and communities to create a hunger-free city.

“I am immensely grateful to Mayor Nikko, the team, and all our partners for their unwavering support, commitment, hard work, innovation, and passion,” he said. “Together, we have demonstrated that change is possible and that we can make a difference in the lives of those most in need.”

Also joining the city’s team were Canayon, Newton Camingawan Para Farmers Association Inc. (NECAPAFA) chair Myrna Villa, and Mailum Organic Village Association (MOVA) chair Gina Banowski.