CENRO Samal Island

31/03/2026

IGaCoS Shares Best Practices on Sanitary Landfill Operations with Region XI LGUs

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) of the Island Garden City of Samal took part in the Sanitary Landfill Operations Training conducted on March 30–31, 2026, at Camp Holiday Resort, organized by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region XI.

The activity gathered LGU representatives across Region XI with established sanitary landfills in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, aiming to further strengthen technical knowledge, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in sanitary landfill management.

During the training, the City ENRO of IGaCoS served as one of the presenters and shared its Sanitary Landfill Operations Manual, highlighting the City’s experience and best practices as the first LGU in Davao del Norte to establish a sanitary landfill in 2015. The presentation emphasized key operational systems, monitoring protocols, documentation, and environmental safeguards implemented by the City.

To complement the discussions, participants also joined a field visit to the Ecopark Facility located in Sitio Sampao, Barangay Mambago-A, Island Garden City of Samal. The visit provided a firsthand look at the City’s integrated solid waste management facilities, including:

• Sanitary Landfill Facility (SLF)
• Wastewater Treatment Facility (Leachate Treatment System)
• Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
• Other essential components of the Ecopark

The activity fostered knowledge-sharing and collaboration among LGUs, reinforcing the commitment of local governments to sustainable and compliant solid waste management systems.

The City ENRO of IGaCoS remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote environmental protection and the continuous improvement of solid waste management practices.

30/03/2026

On March 27, 2026, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) successfully conducted the testing and dry run of the newly installed weighbridge at the Ecopark located in Sitio Sampao, Barangay Mambago-A, Samal District.

This project is part of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership Programme, funded by a €60 million (₱3.67 billion) grant from the European Union and implemented from 2023 to 2028. The programme is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It also forms part of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes sustainable investments and green transition among partner countries.

The weighbridge is one of the key equipment provided to the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the project, alongside other support facilities aimed at strengthening the City’s solid waste management system. Its installation marks a significant step toward improving the accuracy and efficiency of waste data collection across Samal Island, ensuring proper monitoring, reporting, and evidence-based planning.

Furthermore, this initiative is under the Circular Economy Portfolio implemented by UNDP Philippines. The Island Garden City of Samal is honored to be among the first ten (10) Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country selected under Tier 1-A of the programme.

Through initiatives like this, the City continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable waste management through a circular economy approach

28/03/2026

28/03/2026

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) successfully conducted a two-day Podcast Production and Content Creation Training on March 25–26, 2026, at the Samal Island Senior Citizen Community Care Center, in collaboration with UNDP-IC Podcast Ms. Katelyn Belle Tamine, together with her team.

Funded by a P3.67 billion (€60 million) grant from the European Union, the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership will run from 2023-2028 with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the main implementing agency, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Energy, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The programme is part of EU’s Global Gateway initiative, the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as the transition to a green economy and the advancement of digital infrastructure, among others.

The training aimed to introduce participants that are trained students and teachers from Samal Island City College, Samal National High School, Samal Senior High School, Cogon Elementary School, Angel Villarica Central Elementary School and Sta. Cruz National High School from Talikud Island to innovative approaches in promoting the Samal Circular Economy through social media platforms. It sought to enhance public awareness among both local residents and wider audiences regarding the concept of a circular economy and its role in reducing daily waste generation.

Furthermore, the activity provided valuable insights from guest speakers on the transition from a linear to a circular economy. It emphasized not only effective waste management practices but also the importance of adopting sustainable behaviors that can help Samalenyos minimize waste and contribute to environmental preservation.

24/03/2026

23/03/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT || The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be conducting a One-Stop Shop dubbed as DENR Services on Wheels on March 24, 2026, at the City Hall Atrium, Barangay Peñaplata.

14/03/2026

12/03/2026

Green Runway Samal Eco-Trashion Show 2026

As part of the 28th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), the Green Runway Samal Eco-Trashion Show 2026 showcased the creativity and environmental advocacy of high school students across the city through fashion made from recycled and sustainable materials.

What made this year’s competition unique is its focus on repurposing old textiles, as participants creatively transformed old clothing, thrifted garments, curtains, and other fabric materials into stylish and innovative eco-fashion pieces—giving new life to items that might otherwise end up as waste.

The event highlighted how innovation, style, and sustainability can come together to promote environmental awareness and responsible waste management.

Green Runway Samal Eco-Trashion Show 2026 Winners

👑 Green Fashion Ambassador 2026
VJ Carsido – San Isidro Integrated School
(Most Creative Design & Best in Sustainability Concept)

🥈 1st Runner-Up
Wrench Cadungog - Anonang National High School
(Best Runway Presentation)

🥉 2nd Runner-Up – Ameginne Culanggo (Limao National High School)

🏅 3rd Runner-Up – Juliana Getingan (Gamban Dadatan National High School)

🏅 4th Runner-Up – Madison Occena (Nieves Villarica National High School)

The City Government of the Island Garden City of Samal, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), congratulates all participating students and schools for demonstrating that sustainability can be creative, inspiring, and impactful.

12/03/2026

In celebration of the 28th Founding Anniversary of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), the City Government under the leadership of Mayor Lemuel T. Reyes, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), successfully held Little Eco-Heroes Day: Enviro-Fiesta for Kids, the Green Runway Samal Eco-Trashion Show 2026, and the Eco-Partners Booth Exhibition at the Mega Tent, New City Hall, Barangay Peñaplata.

Now on its third year, this vibrant environmental celebration highlights the creativity, talent, and environmental awareness of young Samalenyos through fun, educational, and interactive activities.

Participants also attended a learning symposium on sustainability, featuring sessions on the Circular Economy by UNDP Philippines and the Ridge-to-Reef Approach by IDIS, both emphasizing sustainable practices and ecosystem protection relevant to island communities like Samal.

The celebration also featured the Eco-Partners Booth Exhibition, where partner stakeholders showcased innovative environmental programs and sustainable initiatives.

A total of 8 secondary schools and 10 elementary schools participated, creating an exciting and inspiring atmosphere where students proudly showcased their eco-friendly ideas and talents.

✨ Event Highlights

🏆 Enviro-Quiz Bee
Champion – Anonang Elementary School
2nd Placer – Angel Villarica Central Elementary School
3rd Placer – Kaputian Central Elementary School

🏃 WAC Rush Game
Winner – Kaputian Central Elementary School

🎨 Poster Making Contest
Champion – Peñaplata Central Elementary School SPED Center
2nd Placer – Mambago-A Elementary School
3rd Placer – San Jose Elementary School

🌱 Eco-Booth Exhibit
Champion – LimaDOL

The LGU of the Island Garden City of Samal thanks all participating schools, students, coaches, and partner stakeholders for making this celebration meaningful and successful.

09/03/2026

Meet Samal’s Newest Environmental Ambassadors! 🐢🦉

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) proudly launched the newest Environmental Ambassadors of the Island Garden City of Samal — Pawpaw the Sea Turtle and Kuku the Owl during the Enviro-Fiesta for Kids held on March 6, 2025.

The activity gathered enthusiastic elementary and high school students from various schools across the island, who participated in engaging environmental games and learning activities aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and responsibility among the youth.

Pawpaw the Sea Turtle symbolizes the importance of protecting Samal’s rich marine ecosystems, while Kuku the Owl represents wisdom and the protection of our forests and wildlife. These animals were chosen as the City’s environmental ambassadors because they are species commonly seen within the island and are often rescued by the City ENRO and City Veterinarian’s Office, reflecting that these species continue to thrive in the natural environment of Samal.

Their presence highlights the importance of protecting our natural habitats so that wildlife can continue to live and flourish within the island.

The introduction of Pawpaw and Kuku also marks a new and creative way for the City ENRO to connect with the community, especially the youth, in promoting environmental stewardship. In the coming months, these mascots will be present in various environmental programs, campaigns, and activities organized by the City ENRO, helping spread awareness about conservation, waste management, and the protection of our natural resources.

Through Pawpaw and Kuku, the City ENRO hopes to inspire the youth of Samal to become future champions of environmental protection, ensuring that the Island Garden City of Samal remains a safe haven for both people and wildlife for generations to come.

04/03/2026

On February 28, 2026, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) conducted a Sanipaan Conservation Day “dubbed” as Sama-Samang Aksyon Para sa Kalikasan,” as one of the highlights in the 28th Founding Anniversary of the Island Garden City of Samal. It is a day dedicated to spreading awareness and protecting our natural resources like water, marine life and wildlife. The activity focused on the removal of excessive barnacle build-up in response to concerns regarding the condition of mangroves as one of the marine protected areas of IGaCoS.

Over accumulation of barnacle can increase the weight on mangrove roots, obstruct gas exchange, and place stress on young trees, thereby affecting their ability to absorb oxygen and nutrients. Barnacle removal is therefore undertaken in conservation and restoration areas when overgrowth threatens root function, recognizing that barnacles are natural beneficial to our ecosystems. In addition to barnacle removal, a regular coastal clean-up was conducted also to help ensure the overall health of the marine environment and to protect marine organisms from waste materials carried ashore by waves.

The activity was participated in by various local offices of the LGU, in collaboration from the Office of Sangguniang Panlungsod. This collective effort demonstrates that coordinated action, guided by a clear environmental objective, can produce meaningful outcomes that benefit both the community and the broader ecosystem. 🐋🌳