BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – This southern city emerged anew as one of the awardees for the 23rd Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance for the Local DRRM Councils and Offices category.
The city was among the 256 cities and municipalities declared as “Beyond Compliant” on Monday, Nov. 27.
Gawad KALASAG, which stands for “Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing Ang Kaligtasan”, is a National Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.
“I’m very proud of our CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council). I think sa Region 6 daw pila lang ka bilog (awardees). Sa Iloilo, duha lang, Iloilo City and Pavia. So it’s a great recognition and para sa akon ang ini nga recognition importante because we really want to be resilient,” Treñas said.
The city mayor lauded the resiliency programs of the CDRRMO headed by Donna Magno. The constructions of Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) Centers, he added, was also a big factor for the award.
“Amo na to sa one day seminar-workshop nanday Donna (Magno) sa Diversion 21, they highlighted resiliency because we want to prepare everyone for natural calamities like typhoons, earthquakes and the likes,” he said.
Earlier, Treñas announced the expansion of ICARE Centers, aimed at boosting emergency response efficiency across the city. The expansion will include new centers in the Jaro district.
Currently, operational ICARE Centers are located in the barangays of Calumpang, Balantang, Ungka, and Sooc, with a command center at Gaisano Diversion. Additionally, construction is underway for three more centers in Esperanza, Nabitasan, and Megaworld.
Meanwhile, aside from Iloilo City and Pavia, other cities and municipalities in Western Visayas awarded as “Beyond Compliant” are the following:
* Malay, Aklan
* Ibajay, Aklan
* Panitan, Capiz
* Bago City, Negros Occidental
* Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
* San Jose de Buenavista, Antique/PN
