ANTIQUE – Five local government units (LGUs) in the province of Antique received the Gawad KALASAG Seal of Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.
The LGUs of Barbaza, Culasi, Patnongon, Sibalom, and Valderrama towns were recognized as “fully compliant”.
The capital San Jose de Buenavista, together with the province of Antique, were earlier conferred with the “beyond compliant” Gawad KALASAG Seals.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office 6, this acknowledgment underscores the commendable commitment of these LGUs to adhere to the standards outlined in Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
Gawad KALASAG, which stands for KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan (Combat Disasters and Calamities, Self-Efficiency Ensures Safety), derives its name from the Filipino term “kalasag,” historically used as a shield by early Filipinos for protection against enemies or harmful animals.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 6 recognized these LGUs during the 23rd Gawad Kalasag Seal awarding ceremony held on Feb. 13 at the JCMC Hall in the New Capitol Building, San Jose.
The awarding ceremony, led by the RDRRMC-6 chairperson and OCD-6 director Raul E. Fernandez, featured the presence of key figures such as OCD-6 DRRM division chief Ma. Aletha Nogra, mayors, vice mayors, administrators, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers from the recipient LGUs. They were welcomed by Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta of Antique.
Established in 1998, the Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance has evolved into the country’s premier recognition and award scheme.
It honors various stakeholders who significantly contribute to the promotion and implementation of disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.
These efforts aim to protect high-risk communities from extreme hazards and enhance their capabilities to address vulnerabilities. (With a report from OCD-6)/PN
