THE University of the Cordilleras (UC) was among the Top 3 finalists for Best Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance in the 2018 National Gawad Kalasag held last December 4, at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This is UC’s third stride in the national Gawad Kalasag after claiming the National Kalasag for Best School in the Private-Urban Category in 2015 and Best HEI in 2017.

Gawad Kalasag, which stands for KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan, is the annual awards hosted by the Department of National Defense - National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense that honors the exemplary DRRM and humanitarian initiatives of individuals, institutions, and local and provincial governments.

The UC was cited for its commitment in the advancement of DRRM programs through innovative research programs, the use of effective climate-change adaptation technology, and embedding safety and security as part of its core policies.

The university was also recognized for its comprehensive Disaster and Readiness Program which covers its constituents’ safety from evacuation to rehabilitation. UC constantly hosts DRRM trainings with their local partners rendered to its students and staff.

Trainings include regular fire and earthquake drills and first aid and rescue trainings.

The UC’s humanitarian initiatives through its community arm Project Helen has launched several programs under its five major components namely health, education, livelihood, environment, and nurturance.

The UC is also bent on strengthening its partners’ work in DRRM specifically in the areas of early warning systems and emergency telecommunications.

Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, executive director of the NDRRMC and Civil Defense administrator, and Deputy Civil Defense administrator assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima awarded the P100,000 cash prize and plaque.

“UC’s consistency in the implementation of safety and security programs have ensured that all members of the university community are protected from all threats and hazards,” the citation read.