Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s “Basta Dabawenyo, D.C.Plinado” campaign earned the city the honor of being Ranked No.2 in the List of Cleanest Cities in Southeast Asia.
The 2024 Mid-Year Numbeo Pollution Index reported that Davao City has a pollution index score of 55.6 with Singapore topping the list with an impressive score of 32.5.
The Dabawenyo D.C.Plinado campaign has actively pushed for Environmental Stewardship, Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement, Respect for Laws and Regulations, Cultural Sensitivity and Gender Equality, Personal Discipline and Ethical Division, Information and Digital Ethics, Culture of Security. and Financial Literacy.
Davao City has surpassed other major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (65.4), Bandung, Indonesia (67.9), and Baguio, Philippines (72.9).
The rankings were determined by population density, the availability of parks and green areas, waste disposal systems, noise pollution, and water and air quality.
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. attributed this recognition to the efforts of the Dabawenyos, who positively responded to the campaign by the mayor.
“Ranking second is impressive and is by no means an easy feat considering we are pitted against more developed cities. My congratulations to every Dabawenyo and the offices, departments, and agencies concerned for this achievement can only happen with the collective efforts and cooperation of everyone, staying true to the “Dabawenyo D.C.Plinado” slogan initiated by our Mayor Sebastian Duterte,” Quitain told Edge Davao.
In a statement, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) lauded Davao City for topping the list stating that the recognition is a testament not only to the efforts of the mayor and the city council but also to the collective discipline and commitment of the entire Dabawenyo community.
“The motto, “Basta Dabawenyo, D.C.Plinado,” encapsulates the culture of responsibility and discipline that has played a crucial role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability. The collaborative efforts of Dabawenyos, under the leadership of local officials, have made Davao a model city for cleanliness and livability not only in the Philippines but also across Southeast Asia,” the statement said.
The full rankings and ratings are Singapore, 32.5; Davao City, Philippines, 55.6; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 65.4; Bandung, Indonesia, 67.9; Baguio, Philippines, 72.9; Chiang Mai, Thailand, 77.8; Bangkok, Thailand, 77.9; Bali, Indonesia: 78; Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 79.2; Cebu, Philippines, 84.0; Jakarta, Indonesia, 84.8; Pattaya, Thailand, 87.0; Hanoi, Vietnam, 89.4; Manila, Philippines, 89.8; Yangon, Myanmar, 90.9; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 92.5.
