If there is a city that will be called “the green city of the Phillipines” it will be Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The little city of Malaybalay is located in one of the highlands in Mindanao, near Manolo Fortich and Valencia City. I consider Malaybalay as “Little Baguio” because of the similar outfits worn by the citizens. Jackets, Bonets and boots is required in circling and walking in the streets of Malaybalay.
4 reasons why Malaybalay an eco-friendly and a pro-environment place to live...
1st, Malaybalay has a poor rate of pollutants. Pollution is not a problem in the town because of less vehicles and old trees living in every block. The town uses PUV Tricycles as transportation which is very economical in terms of gasoline; it produces lesser carbon molecules unlike cars. The tricycles are in “van-shaped” design which has capacity of 10 passengers without any discomforts on riding it. In this way, the more passengers at a time, the lesser tricycles for PUV, the LESSER POLLUTION .
2nd, the town has a high percentage of ORGANIC products in the market. From Poultry, Cattles, vegetables and fruits, it can be chemical-free because of the rich and abundant lands in Bukidnon. The famous Roadhouse steak restaurant serves organic meat in their menu; As a matter of fact it is ingenuous because Bukidnon has grasslands which is really rich in protein. Cattles (cows and sheeps) is not necessary for injections of vaccines and other hazardous chemicals same thing in the vegetables and fruits. Thus, this is the only place in Mindanao where I have seen a cow with black and white spots like in New Zealand. No wonder Carabao and Cow Center is located in this area. 
3rd, Malaybalay is a town of TREES. There is a forest-park in the middle in the town with just few walks from the Municipal Hall. The forest-park is one of the tourist spots in Bukidnon, hence, biodiversity is very rich in that area, trees and plants such as “Giant Bamboos”, “Balete”, “Giant Falcattas”, “Gemelinas”, “Giant Ippils”, “Giant Norfolks”, “Acacias” and more rainforest species. The government and citizens also organized a lot of Tree Planting programs inside and outside of the forest-area to preserve and protect their forestry. A lot of Fruit-bearing and hardwood seedlings are sold especially in the season of Kaamulan Festival which is held annually from mid-February to March. In streets and buildings, wild and gigantic trees are living every area, which is not a problem walking around the town in 12 o’clock in mid-day.
4th, Malaybalay is living by an “ECO-GOVERNMENT” policies and regulations. The Zubiri Family are known to be great environmental leaders in the Philippine government. Former Senator Migz Zubiri is an eco-crusader and one of the founders of Pilipinas Eco-Warriors Organization. Alongside City Mayor Ignacio Zubiri, the Governors and Barangay Officials has a lot of environmental advocacies, projects, and protection programs in the city. The DENR is highly strict in forestry and agricultural inspections in their area to make sure logging and quarry is controlled. Nevertheless Mining companies will have conflicts in dealing with the government.
Just like Mayor Uy’s Tagum City in Davao del Norte, pro-environment is also the theme in their government. Protection of Malaybalay should maintain responsibility and restrictions because it could be the last pioneers of rich biodiversities and natural resources in Mindanao.
Green and Organic Living, it's more fun in the Philippines...
More FUN in Malaybalay!
