BACOLOD City – The province of Negros Occidental and its two component cities – Bago and Victorias – were declared as 2024 National Gawad KALASAG Seal awardees by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The province has been declared as “Beyond Compliant” of the Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance for Calendar Year 2024 under Local DRRM Councils and Offices category.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson was invited to the 4th Gawad Kalasag National and Regional Awarding Ceremony at the Diversion 21 Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City on December 11.
For Bago City, Dr. Merijene Ortizo, LDRRM Officer IV, said the award is the third for the city government in three years.
Also, the City of Bago Emergency Response Team was one of the regional finalists for the special award in the local government emergency category.
For his part, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said the prestigious recognition for Victorias City as “Fully Compliant” highlights the tireless efforts of the City DRRMO led by Rodolfo Retirado.
“Their innovative strategies and steadfast dedication have set the standard for disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation,” the city mayor said.
He added: “Your hard work, resilience and commitment to safeguarding the lives of Victoriasanons inspire us all.”
Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) award is a prestigious recognition presented by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) under the NDRRMC. Winners are evaluated based on their implementation of programs aligned with the national government.
Established in 1998, the award acknowledges outstanding contributions of local government units, non-governmental organizations, private entities, and individuals to disaster risk reduction and management, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of safety and resilience in communities.
It also serves as a benchmark for DRRM practices, inspiring others to adopt innovative strategies that reduce vulnerabilities and save lives./PN
