Davao City (21 October) -- The municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte has once again gained prestige and recognition from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) after having garnered the 1st place in the Regional Search for Best Palengke.

Dubbed as "Best of the Bests" in the recently concluded Consumer Fair Opening Ceremony held at Gaisano Mall Atrium, Davao City last October 11, 2006. The said event was graced by Hon. Mayor Luis C. Bonguyan, ASec Merly M. Cruz, DTI XI who handed the awards to the winners. Other categories were; Best CWD's, Best Consumer Alert, Silver and Bronze DTI-Certified Establishments.

The award was received by no less than Mayor Maximo M. Estela and Ms. Ana Jane C. Gatillo, Market Supervisor.

It can be recalled that Sto. Tomas won as the 2nd Placer in the 2004 search for Best Palengke of which Tagum City came out as the 1st Placer.

Mayor Maximo M. Estela was in high spirits in receiving the award for it has marked the efforts of the municipality in fully implementing solid waste management especially in handling the biodegradable waste generated by the market.

The cleanliness of the market and the competent management of Ms. Gatillo has earned high points in besting other municipalities and cities in the Regional Level. Mayor Estela and Ms. Gatillo are both hopeful that Sto. Tomas will came out as the winner in the Provincial search for Best Palengke in the Municipal category.

The Provincial winners were said to be receiving a project worth of 2 Million pesos which would surely be a big help in the implementation of improvements in the market with regards to infrastructures projects.