Sunday, May 31, 2009

ASU Bags Best Public Sector Projects Award

The “Isla Kapispisan Mangrove Reforestation and Eco-tourism Project” bagged the 1st Place in the Best Public Sector Projects Awards (BPSPA) for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Category. A cash prize of P70,000.00 and a Presidential Trophy were awarded by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the Aklan State University (ASU) represented by its President, Dr. Benny A. Palma, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, Executive Director ASU-College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS), and Mr. Jonathan Ruiz, President of Isla Kapispisan Fisherfolks Association.

The project is the Regional Development Council’s (RDC VI) this year’s best of Region VI’s public sector projects for economic, social and administration develop-ment. The award ceremony was held on May 14, 2009 at the Bacolod City New Government Center.

The project is implemented by the ASU-CFMS in New Washington, Aklan in partnership with LGU-New Washington, the Provincial Government and the Congressional District Office of Aklan, other cooperating agencies and fisherfolks organization.

The project converted an abandoned fishpond into a model people-managed and multi-sector supported mangrove reforestation, aquasilviculture and eco-tourism site. It is now serving as a convergence demo-learning area for the agri-fishery-ecotourism sector’s efforts to recreate a wholesome coastal resource environment. It is also serving as the College’s laboratory site to support its functions in instruction, research and extension.

Meanwhile, the Project “Livelihoodand Entre-preneurial Skills Enhance-ment for Rural Develop-ment,” is awarded Certificate of Recognition being one of the finalists in the Search. Dr. Palma, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, Extension and Community Services Director and Dr. Elenita B. Andrade, retired Dean of CFMS received the award.

Hosted by the RDC VI, the BPSPA recognizes and emulates good public sector projects, excellence in governance, and effective program and project implementation initiated by regional line agencies, SUCs, and local government units to uplift and improve the lives of the people.

The contest covers the following categories: 1) provincial and city government units, 2) regional line agencies, 3) state universities and colleges, and 4) municipal government units.

Now on its third year of implementation, the BPSPA pays tribute to the winners and finalists for programs and project that have major impact on and direct contribution to local, regional and national development goals and objectives. /MP

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