MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — A mayor does not normally make his name by digging up bones of the dead. But Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., saw no other way.

The aggressive pursuit for a greener Philippines is one advocacy that local governments are now more than eager to undertake.

With the adverse effects of climate change becoming more apparent and destructive, leaders across government agencies, private companies and cause-oriented groups are hard-pressed to look for ways to ensure a more sustainable, low-carbon path for their respective districts and the rest of the country.

MANILA, Philippines — The use and sale of all plastic bags—including biodegradable ones—and styrofoam packaging will be prohibited in Mandaluyong City in 2014. This was after the city council enacted an ordinance that fixed a timeline for the imposition of the ban. Ordinance 523, Series of 2013, mandates that the use of plastic bags and styrofoam containers in Mandaluyong will be completely phased out by April 20, 2014, the third year of a gradual phaseout plan drafted by the city government.

Although it constantly bears the stigma of being a place for prisoners and the mentally ill, Mandaluyong City can now claim as the best place for children after recently bagging the Presidential Award for the most child-friendly city in the country.

Mandaluyong bested other cities that had won in the regional competitions under the highly urbanized city category such as Baguio, Olongapo, Bacolod and Cebu.