CAPIZ — Roxas City was named a category winner at the CityNet 4th SDG Cities Awards held on October 27 in Denpasar, Indonesia, a prestigious event recognizing innovation and leadership in sustainable urban development across the Asia-Pacific region.
The awards, which drew over 100 entries from 51 countries, spotlighted cities that are implementing effective and creative strategies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mayor Ronnie Dadivas personally received the award on behalf of the city government.
Organized by CityNet, the SDG Cities Awards aim to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration among cities committed to sustainable growth. The recognition celebrates local governments that demonstrate strong leadership in addressing urban challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
Roxas City’s winning entry, “Bugas para sa taga-Roxas: From Aid to Empowerment,” was lauded for its innovative approach to ensuring food security and community empowerment. Originally launched to respond to food shortages, the program evolved into a comprehensive initiative focused on supporting local farmers, improving agricultural productivity, promoting sustainability practices, and providing education and livelihood training.
“The award is not only a recognition of our efforts but also an inspiration to continue pushing for inclusive and sustainable development in our city,” Mayor Dadivas said, expressing pride and gratitude for the international recognition.
The CityNet awards also recognized other Philippine cities for their sustainable initiatives—Muntinlupa City for its commitment to green urban planning, and Quezon City, which placed among the top three category winners. Their inclusion underscores the growing leadership of Philippine cities in advancing sustainable practices.
As Roxas City marks this milestone, the local government hopes to build on this achievement by attracting new partnerships and investments to further strengthen its sustainability programs. It also plans to share best practices with other municipalities, reinforcing the value of community-driven approaches in local development.
More than just an accolade, the award symbolizes Roxas City’s steadfast commitment to creating a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for its people./PN
