FOR the third time in a row, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has been awarded as the top disaster body in Central Visayas.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 7, through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Central Visayas, annually recognizes the outstanding performance of the government, private sectors, non-government organizations, individuals and stakeholders who have shown acts of heroism before, during or after disasters or emergencies and continue to render exemplary contribution in promoting and implementing significant and gender-sensitive disaster, climate change adaptation programs and innovations that would build community resiliency in the long term.
According to the official website of the OCD, the concept of Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) was adopted from “kalasag” (Filipino term for shield), which was as a means of protection from attacks of enemies or harmful animals.
It was established as the country’s premier recognition scheme to various stakeholders that design and implement Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) programs that “protect and shield high risk communities against hazards and render them more capable of addressing their vulnerabilities and coping from disasters.”
The Capitol’s award was received by Rhee Telen Jr. of the PDRRMO and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office officer-in-charge Wilson Ramos on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019 at One Central Hotel in Cebu City.
In his closing message, OCD 7 Director Eugene Cabrera dedicated the ceremony to former PDRRMO chief Baltazar Tribunalo Jr., who left his post earlier this month after his office was downgraded into a division under the Office of the Governor.
“I know that the legacy is still there present and we just need to continue and enhance it,” Cabrera said.
The OCD 7 chief added that the awarding ceremony is held to recognize the heroic and outstanding efforts of each stakeholder in Central Visayas in DRRM and humanitarian assistance. (RTF)