Introduction
Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan, is known not only for its natural wonders such as the Underground River and Honda Bay but also for its pioneering efforts in sustainable governance and environmental stewardship. Over the decades, the city has been consistently recognized for its innovative programs in cleanliness, green governance, tourism promotion, and community participation. This article provides a detailed chronicle of the city’s awards from the early 1990s up to the present, underscoring Puerto Princesa’s reputation as the eco-tourism capital of the Philippines.
Early Awards (1993–1997)
The early 1990s marked Puerto Princesa’s rise to national prominence as a model city in cleanliness, order, and environmental protection. Some of the most notable awards during this period include:
- Earth Day Award (1993): Recognized for its pioneering eco-governance initiatives.
- “Hoy! Gising” Award (1993): Acknowledged for civic discipline and cleanliness campaigns.
- Best Local Government Unit Award (1994): For excellence in local governance.
- Macli-ing Dulag Environmental Achievement Award (1994): Honoring environmental leadership.
- Galing Pook Award (1994): For the Bantay Puerto Program, a community-based coastal protection initiative.
- Award of Excellence: Cleanest and Greenest Component City (1994, 1995, 1996): Establishing Puerto Princesa as a model city for cleanliness.
- Best Tourist Destination (1994): Recognized for its natural attractions and tourism growth.
- Peace Award (1995): Honored for maintaining peace and order.
- Commerce and Conscience Award (1995): Acknowledging ethical business practices in partnership with governance.
- Nutrition Green Banner Award (1995): For excellence in nutrition programs.
- Most Outstanding Performer of the Year (1996): Awarded to the city’s leadership.
- Management Awards of Asia (1996): For development management innovation.
- Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (1996): Recognizing cultural and heritage preservation.
- Likas-Yaman Awards for Environmental Excellence (1996): For sustainable resource management.
- Most Active Proponent of Coastal Clean-up (1996): For active participation in global coastal clean-up drives.
- Hall of Fame Award (Regional Clean and Green, 1996): For consistent wins in regional competitions.
- Global 500 Roll of Honour (1997, UNEP): One of the most prestigious environmental recognitions worldwide.
- Galing Pook Award (1997): For the Carabao and Tractor Pool Program.
- Hall of Fame Award (1997, AIM): From the Asian Institute of Management for governance excellence.
Environmental and Cleanliness Awards
Puerto Princesa has consistently been lauded for its commitment to cleanliness and environmental conservation. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, the city became synonymous with being the “cleanest and greenest” in the Philippines. Initiatives such as waste segregation, mangrove protection, marine conservation, and eco-friendly policies set benchmarks for other local governments.
Among its notable achievements are repeated wins in the National Clean and Green Program, making Puerto Princesa a Hall of Famer. The city also received numerous citations for coastal and river management, particularly for the Iwahig and Babuyan Rivers and Honda Bay.
Tourism and Heritage Awards
With the rise of eco-tourism, Puerto Princesa also gained national and international recognition as a premier destination. In the early 2000s, it was awarded as one of the Top Tourist Destinations in the Philippines, with special emphasis on the Underground River and Honda Bay.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and later a New7Wonders of Nature in 2012 amplified the city’s status. These recognitions highlighted the city’s success in balancing conservation with tourism.
Governance and Civic Awards
Puerto Princesa’s local government has been consistently recognized for good governance. It has earned repeated Galing Pook Awards for innovative programs in health, education, and environmental protection. Programs like Oplan Linis, satellite hospitals, and community libraries were early examples of participatory governance.
In more recent years, Puerto Princesa received Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), further solidifying its reputation as a model local government unit.
International Recognitions
The city’s global recognitions go beyond the Underground River. Puerto Princesa has been cited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and various international NGOs for efforts in biodiversity protection, marine conservation, and sustainable eco-tourism.
These international citations highlight Puerto Princesa as a global case study for balancing urban development with environmental protection.
Recent Awards (2000s–Present)
From the 2000s onward, Puerto Princesa has continued to earn awards across governance, tourism, and environmental protection:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1999): Subterranean River National Park.
- ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award (2017, 2020, 2022): Recognized for sustainable tourism practices.
- New7Wonders of Nature (2012): Underground River voted among the world’s seven natural wonders.
- Seal of Good Local Governance (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022): For excellence in governance.
- Most Competitive City Awards (2018–2022): Consistently ranked highly by the National Competitiveness Council in infrastructure, governance, and economic dynamism.
- ASEAN Eco-Tourism Award (2019): Highlighting community-based tourism programs.
- Tourism Awards from the Department of Tourism: For consistently being one of the country’s top destinations.
- World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp (2021): For adopting global health and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Environmental Compliance Awards (Ongoing): For waste management, renewable energy programs, and mangrove reforestation.
These recent recognitions affirm Puerto Princesa’s ability to remain at the forefront of environmental and governance excellence while adapting to modern challenges such as sustainable development and public health crises.
Puerto Princesa Awards
The long list of awards and recognitions received by Puerto Princesa City is a testament to its leadership in environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and effective governance. From its early recognition as the Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines to its global fame through the Underground River, Puerto Princesa has consistently proven itself as a model for cities worldwide.
As it continues to face new challenges in climate change, urban growth, and tourism management, Puerto Princesa’s tradition of excellence ensures that it will remain a beacon of sustainable development and a proud symbol of Palawan’s identity.
