THE Baguio-Benguet Public Information and Civic Action Group (BB PICAG) is gunning for the Hall of Fame award in this year’s national search of the Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at SAkuna LAban, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Best Volunteer Organization category.
Already a winner for two consecutive years in the national search, the BBPICAG is again the Cordillera’s bet this year after winning anew in the regional level.
Other winners in the regional search and will vie for the national award are; the Baguio City Emergency Medical Service (BCEMS) as best government emergency response management, University of the Cordilleras as best school and La Trinidad Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council as best municipal DRRMC.
Gawad KALASAG aims to recognize outstanding performance of the local DRRM Councils, hospitals and other major stakeholders in promoting significant programs and innovation on disaster preparedness and response. It also commends heroic act of individuals, groups or institutions during natural and human induced disasters.
This recognition scheme was initiated in 1998 and obtained commitment and support by recognizing exceptional contributions of DRRM practitioners in strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacities of the nation and communities to disaster risk. It also endeavors to promote spirit of volunteerism among agencies and individuals.
According to Alex Uy, chairman of the Cordillera Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council , they are presenting the award as a recognition scheme in its search for excellence on DRM and humanitarian assistance.
The award provides the mechanism in obtaining sustained commitment and support from the highest level of government by recognizing the exceptional contributions of the various disasters, Uy added.
Last year, two Cordillera regional awardees won in the national tilt - the BB-PICAG for the Gawad Kalasag National Award for Best Volunteer Organization and teenager Marimar Agnawa for the Heroic Act category.
The BB-PICAG is a volunteer group of civic-spirited members of the Baguio-Benguet community who are fully mobilized especially during emergency situations like natural calamities and disasters. (Joseph Zambrano)