Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc received the “Honorary Governor of the Year” award at the Nation Builders and World Most Sustainable and Livable MOSLIV Awards 2021 for “excellent and successful leadership” from the Sustainability Standards Inc., at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila, last November 26.
Sustainability Standards Inc. is an international award-giving body recognizing individuals, local government units, communities, and organizations, among others, championing the principles of a “smarter, sustainable, and greener community.”
“I would like to share this recognition with my colleagues at the Provincial Government, our public servants at the city, municipal, and barangay levels, our community leaders, and most importantly, our extraordinary provincemates.
“This is a true testament to them and their concerted efforts of both the public and private sector,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc expressed.
Notably, the Province of Ilocos Norte was also awarded “Most Sustainable and Livable Province” for its successful implementation of sustainable development and green initiative projects.
“These will serve as added motivation to provide better opportunities and a more enabling environment for our people,” he added.
In his acceptance speech, Gov. Marcos Manotoc highlighted that early in his term, he was confronted by the challenge of “rebuilding” after a tropical storm battered Ilocos Norte and left over a billion pesos in agriculture and infrastructure damage. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the situation and challenged the stability of the province.
“Fortunately, through our collective resolve, I am proud to say that we have made sure Ilocos Norte is a safe home for every Ilokano,”he remarked.
Furthermore, he underscored the concern and assistance from Ilokano communities both local and abroad, which “greatly helped in the recovery of Ilocos Norte.”
For his competence as IIocos Norte’s Senior Board Member from 2017 to 2019, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an “Outstanding Local Legislator” by another award-giving body.
“As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize essential measures for the rapid recovery of Ilocos Norte . We will exhaust all efforts to provide quality healthcare, employment and livelihood opportunities in harmony with our continued major investments in agriculture, tourism, the environment and education.
“Today we pledge to continue to adapt and improve to work toward a more sustainable province with healthier people and to make sure that every Ilokano could pursue his or her dream here in Ilocos Norte, “Gov. Marcos Manatoc ended.－Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO
