BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headed by the Office of Civil Defense recognized this year’s outstanding Cordillera DRRM program implementers and advocates during the Gawad KALASAG ceremony held at Baguio Country Club last week.
The awardees were Lepanto National High School for the School Category; University of the Cordilleras for the Higher Educational Institution Category; La Trinidad, Benguet for the Municipal (1st to 3rd class) DRRM Council category, and Mountain Province for the Provincial DRRM Council Category.
OCD Administrator and National DRRM Council Executive Director USEC Ricardo Jalad, assisted by CRDRRMC chair and OCD – CAR Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy and AFP 5th Infantry Brigade Commander MGen Paul Atal, led the awarding of plaque of recognition and cash prizes to the winners.
The Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) is the country’s premier annual awards for outstanding contribution in the fields of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and humanitarian assistance.
Plaque of participation were also awarded to the 15 other nominees for the 2017 GK regional search while certificates of recognition were given to CRDRRMC members who served as Regional Screening Committee.
The CRDRRMC also recognized its members and media partners who have provided invaluable contribution in increasing DRRM awareness and advocacy in the region, as well as CRDRRMC responder groups and individuals who showed firm commitment in DRRM works and services.
Jalad, in his keynote message, expressed the NDRRMC and OCD’s appreciation to the awardees for their efforts and commitment as he called for continuing partnership in ensuring a safe, adaptive and resilient nation.
The achievements that are being recognized here today showcase your commitment to the principles of disaster risk reduction and management, he said.
He also stressed that there is no room for the government and its partners to be complacent as disaster risk reduction and management is a continuing work and learning experience, not only to ensure readiness but also to spur all stakeholders to improve and do more.
Jalad challenged all DRRM partners and stakeholders to remain forever pro – active and vigilant and to continue to work as an individual, group or institution in achieving excellence in DRRM disaster risk reduction and management for the sake of the nation and the Filipino people. /PIA CAR
