ILOILO City – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) was cited as the best in Western Visayas during the 21st Gawad KALASAG Awarding Ceremony 2019 of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council thru the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) at Smallvile 21 Hotel in Mandurriao district.
“Being awarded as the Best Highly Urbanized City DRRMC in the region is a big achievement. It truly shows our highest commitment to disaster risk reduction (DRR), thereby saving more lives and properties,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas, CDRRMC chairperson.
During the regional assessment in May, validators were impressed by the various DRR initiatives and best practices of the CDRRMC, particularly the establishment of Kabalaka Gallery, the only DRR Information and Exhibit Center in the country that serves as repository of learning materials on disaster preparedness.
“We passed all the criteria set, and the indicators for the four thematic areas namely, Preparedness, Prevention and Mitigation, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery,” said Donna Magno, CDRRM office head and CDRRMC secretariat.
The regional recognition qualified Iloilo City as finalist in the national edition of the 21st Gawad KALASAG. In fact, it was one of three nationwide that were already subjected to final validation in July this year.
The National Validation Committee was composed of representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and OCD.
The Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) recognizes various stakeholders that design and implement DRR projects protecting high-risk communities against hazards and helping them address their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms from disasters.
“Kalasag” is also a Filipino term for shield used by early Filipinos as a means of protection from attacks of enemies or harmful animals.
The search has major categories and recognitions intended for government agencies and institutions, local government units, civil society organizations, private sectors, and individuals who have engaged in the promotion of inclusive DRR and Climate Change Adaptation./PN
