LEGAZPI CITY – At least 55 local government units (LGUs) in the Bicol Region received the prestigious Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance awards on Friday at the Oriental Hotel here.
During the awarding ceremony, Claudio Yucot, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol regional director said GK recognizes outstanding efforts and inspires other LGUs to take action and prepare before, during, and after disaster.
“GK motivates others to follow suit and contribute to the collective goal of building resilient communities. This award has significantly improved our ability to combat disasters, saving countless lives and minimizing the impact on our infrastructure and economy,” Yucot said.
He said nine ‘Beyond Compliant’ and 46 ‘Fully Compliant’ awardees implement Disaster Risk Reduction and Management programs in their communities.
“The region improved to 55 LGU awardees, compared to the previous year’s 12 LGU recipients. Gawad KALASAG stands as an emblem of determination, resilience, and progress. The recognition of exceptional efforts in DRRM strengthens our resolve to continually improve and develop strategies that can effectively mitigate the risks posed by disasters,” he added.
LGU awardees for ‘Beyond Compliant’ or above the required DRRM plans and program are the provinces of Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorogon. For cities and municipalities, Legazpi City and Ligao City of Albay province, Iriga City and Pasacao town of Camarines Sur and Bulan and Bulusan of Sorsogon province.
For ‘Fully Compliant’, awardees are Camalig and Tabaco City of Albay; Daet, Jose Panganiban, Basud and Vinzons of Camarines Norte; Baao, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Calabanga, Minalabac, Balatan, Cabusao, Libmanan, Pamplona, Camaligan, Presentation, Tinambac, Nabua, Bato, Magarao, Ocampo, Ragay, San Fernando and Lupi in Camarines Sur.
Also the towns of Baras, Pandan, Panganiban, and Virac of Catanduanes province; Aroroy, Milagros, Mobo, and Masbate City of Masbate province; Barcelona, Castilla, Irosin, Juban, Casiguran, Donsol, Pilar, Sta. Magdalena and Sorsogon City of Sorsogon province.
Gawad KALASAG is an annual recognition conceived in 1998 for various stakeholders who promote and implement DRRM, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.
Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Administration, Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, OCD Bicol Regional Director Claudio L. Yucot together with the four Vice-Chairs of the Thematic Pillars attended the awarding ceremony. I Connie Calipay
