Philippine cities won awards from the prestigious 15th International Awards for Liveable Communities in Songpa, Seoul, South Korea on October 31. Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis Cruz said the Philippines' showing is a testament to officials' commitment to promote their constituents' welfare. "That the Philippines took home several awards from such a prestigious competition is a testament to the tireless commitment of our leaders in promoting the welfare of our people, as well as the support given by the public to the programs of our local and national governments," Cruz said. The International Awards for Liveable Communities is a competition among local governments worldwide, focusing on quality of life, environmental management and best practices. Some 77 cities from 26 nations took part in the international competition. Among the Philippine cities that won awards were:
San Carlos City: second in Category C of the Whole City Awards (population of 75,001 to 150,000). Parañaque City: the Bursary Awards, together with a grant of approximately £10,000, for its capacity-building programs addressing hunger and malnutrition. Batangas City: the Project Awards for its socio-economic program on the City E-Code. Drafted in 2007 and implemented this year, the strategic policy codifies national, local and environmental laws to implement them locally through volunteerism and community involvement. Iloilo City: a Special Project Award for its program on Advancing the Iloilo River Development Initiatives for Integrated Sustainable Management. San Carlos City: received two Special Awards. Other cities on shortlist The other Philippine cities that successfully made the shortlist included Dagupan, San Fernando in Pampanga, and Las Piñas. From October 28 to 30, participants that made the shortlist to the final stages of the competition made presentations in South Korea about their respective communities. The judges include international environmental and landscape management professionals. The criteria included: enhancement of the natural and built landscapes, arts, culture and heritage environmental best practices community participation and empowerment healthy lifestyle strategic planning. - VVP/HS, GMA News 
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