ILOILO City – For three consecutive years, Iloilo City has set the benchmark for disaster resilience, earning the coveted “Beyond Compliant” distinction at the Gawad KALASAG Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.
The city was conferred “Beyond Compliant” for garnering a rating of 2.78, the highest in Western Visayas, in the 24th Gawad KALASAG Seal for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) Category.
An annual award ceremony recognizing significant initiatives in the promotion and advancement of DRRM in the country, the Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) is presented by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council.
According to the NDRRMC, Iloilo City has exceeded the standards for the establishment and functionality of the LDRRMCOs as prescribed in the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 or Republic Act No. 10121.
For Donna Magno, head of the Iloilo City DRRM Office, the recognition underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens and pioneering initiatives in the field of risk reduction and resilience.
“This is a recognition of the collective efforts of the members of the Iloilo City DRRM Council in addressing our disaster risks. This is possible because of the strong support of our City Mayor, Jerry P. Treñas and our legislative Council in terms of policy-making,” said Magno.
She personally received the award during the 24th KALASAG National and Regional Awarding Ceremonies held in Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.
With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, Magno said the city government and its resilience partners from the academe, private sector, scientific communities, and PWDs continuously strive to find solutions to evolving risks.
“This award challenges us to do more for our beloved city,” she added.
Treñas, chairperson of the Iloilo City DRRM Council, said Iloilo City is honored to be recognized for the third consecutive year.
He emphasized that the achievement reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of every Ilonggo family.
“This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the DRRM Office and our resilience partners. Their tireless efforts and innovative strategies have allowed us to remain at the forefront of DRRM excellence in the country,” he stressed.
He added that the award is not just for the local government but for every Ilonggo who shares the vision of a safer and stronger Iloilo City.
“Nagapakita lamang ini nga pinaagi sa aton collaboration kag innovation, we can rise above challenges and protect our beloved city from the impacts of any disaster,” he added, as he assured that the city will continue to strive for excellence and prioritize the welfare of its people while building a more disaster-resilient city.
The establishment of Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARE) Centers in strategic areas across the city is one of the city’s outstanding best practices.
A brainchild of Mayor Treñas, each ICARE Center, which houses frontline services including the police, CDRRMO, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, and fire personnel, caters to a certain area of responsibility, which decentralizes the emergency response and makes the emergency services closer, more available, and more accessible to people in the community.
Currently, there are seven operational ICARE Centers located in Barangay Calumpang, Molo; Barangay Balantang and Ungka, Jaro; Barangay Sooc, Arevalo; Barangay Tanza Esperanza, City Proper; Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz and ICARE-Gaisano.
The ICARE Command Center in Gaisano City Center, Mandurriao district, serves as a central unit connecting with each center.
Last year, Magno showcased this city’s best practice in resilient infrastructure during the Kwentong Tagumpay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Metro Manila.
Participants coming from various local government units in the country were impressed by the initiatives of Iloilo City in ensuring resiliency, livability and sustainability.
Kwentong Tagumpay, themed “Innovative Practices in Local Infrastructure Governance”, provided a unique platform for acquiring insights into the latest technological and practical innovations in local infrastructure governance.
It served as a conduit for LGUs across the country to both learn from and showcase distinctive and inventive developments in their delivery of essential services to their constituents./PN
