Citynet, “the largest association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region,” recognized Muntinlupa City’s efforts to address climate change.
Muntinlupa was given the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Award on City Climate Action Category by CityNet at the conclusion of its 43rd Executive Committee Meeting in Suwon City, South Korea.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon receiving the award for the city for climate change policies in South Korea (Photos from Muntinlupa PIO)
"With great gratitude, the City Government of Muntinlupa humbly accepts this SDG Award. Much needs to be done but we know that we are on the right and perfect direction--to create a smart, resilient city that complements an ecologically-balanced environment gearing towards our transition to a low carbon future," said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
According to Biazon, Muntinlupa led the way among counterpart local government units in the country in the institutionalization of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) by enacting its own Local Energy Code and developing a Local Energy Efficiency Plan.
This approach has, in turn, provided the city the necessary policy framework for energy efficient technologies, practice of energy conservation measures, and tapping and investing in renewable energy.
Biazon also recognized the city's commitment to come up with programs, projects, and policies supportive of both the Philippine Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act and the United Nations SDGs.
"While we need to address challenges on stakeholders' engagement, limited financial capacity, and dynamics on social and behavioral change among our constituents, we want to make EEC a way of life of each and every Muntinlupeño," he said.
Muntinlupa has been a member of CityNet, the global network of cities working together for sustainable development, for more than 20 years.
On the agenda of the meeting in Suwon City are urgent concerns of cities in the Asia Pacific Region such as housing, urban development, and climate change.