ILOILO City has been qualified as finalist to the 21st Gawad Kalasag National Search for the Highly Urbanized City - City Category of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
“Seven highly urbanized cities in the whole country vied for selection in the national validation, and we are proud that Iloilo City is one of the three chosen to undergo the final evaluation,” City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Donna Magno said.
A field validation will be conducted in Iloilo City by the National Selection Committee (NSC) on July 1 t 4.
The NSC is composed of representatives from National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), and OCD.
The Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) was based on the Filipino term for shield or “kalasag,” which means protection (from attacks of enemies or harmful animals).
It aims to recognize various stakeholders that design and implement Disaster Risk Reduction and Management projects that protect and shield high risk communities against hazards and help them address their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms from disasters.
The search has major categories and recognitions intended for government agencies and institutions, local government units, civil society organizations, private sectors, and individuals who have engaged in the promotion of inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. (PR)