THE Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) was cited as the best in Western Visayas during the 21st Gawad Kalasag 2019 of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council held at Smallvile 21 Hotel in Mandurriao district.
“Being awarded as the Best Highly Urbanized City DRRMC in the region is a big achievement, for it truly shows our highest commitment to disaster risk reduction (DRR). Thereby, saving more lives and properties,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, CDRRMC chairperson.
During the regional validation in May, validators were impressed by the various DRR initiatives and best practices of the CDRRMC, particularly on the establishment of Kabalaka Gallery, the only DRR Information and Exhibit Center in the country that serves as repository of learning materials on disaster preparedness.
“We passed all the criteria set, and the indicators for the four thematic
areas namely, Preparedness, Prevention and Mitigation, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery,” CDRRM Office head and CDRRMC secretariat Donna Magno said.
With the recognition, Iloilo City has been qualified as national finalist and was among the three nationwide that were already subjected to final validation in July this year.
The National Validation Committee was composed of representatives from National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and Office of Civil Defense.
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 DRR 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 DRR and Climate Change Adaptation. (PR)