BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Tuesday commended members of the Baguio-Benguet Public Information Civic and Action Group, Inc. (BB-PICAG).
The group was recently awarded the Gawad Kalasag Award last October 25 for emerging first place winner for the Best Volunteer Organization entire the country during the annual search for excellence in disaster risk reduction management and humanitarian assistance given by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and management Council (NDRRMC).
Domogan said, "The BB-PICAG has always been a partner of the City Government especially in humanitarian service and volunteer work and that he takes pride in what volunteer groups in the city have accomplished and continue to contribute."
The Gawad Kalasag Award is the country's premier annual award for outstanding contribution in the field of disaster risk management and humanitarian action.
Aside from the BB-PICAG, the mayor also commended Marimar Agnawa who also received a Gawad Kalasag Award in Individual Category and the Baguio City Emergency Medical Service (BCEMS).
The 11-year-old Agnawa saved her baby sister from their burning house in Barangay Inonas, Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet last April 11, 2012.
The BB-PICAG has already received four awards so far, 3rd in 2004, 2nd in 2009, 3rd in 2010 and 1st this year.
The award was received by Neftali Marilla, BB-PICAG president during the national awarding at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officer Club, Cam General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City last October 25.
Key officials graced the event during the awarding ceremonies in the persons of NDRRMC Executive Director Eduardo Del Rosario, DILG Sec. Mar Roxas and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin. (Paul Rillorta)