Bataan - The City of Balanga and the Municipality of Samal successfully underwent the Local Government Unit Compliance Assessment (LGUCA) for the Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP) on July 3-4, 2025, reaffirming their commitment to effective environmental governance and sustainable local development.


The two-day assessment was conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region III (DILG R3) in collaboration with key national agencies from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), National Housing Authority (NHA), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The evaluators assessed the LGUs’ compliance in critical program areas such as solid waste management, liquid waste management and informal settler management, within the Manila Bay watershed.


Both LGUs emerged as part of the Top 10 Finalists in Region III, with Balanga representing the city category and Samal representing the municipal category—a strong testament to their consistent performance and dedication to environmental reform.


Being part of the Top 10 Finalists in Region III is a proud moment for both Balanga City and the Municipality of Samal. It shows their hard work and strong commitment to protecting the environment and serving their communities well. As they aim for the top spot, both LGUs remain focused on creating cleaner, safer, and more sustainable places for their people.