San Carlos LGU evaluated for Gawad KALASAG

San Carlos City in Negros Occidental underwent a regional validation for the 23rd Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal for Local DRRM Councils and Offices, Sept. 7.

The Gawad KALASAG aims to promote and recognize the efforts of local government units, non-government organizations, and private entities in enhancing disaster preparedness and response in their respective communities.

The Regional Validation Committee consisted of Civil Defense Officer Jemaimah Isubal and Administrative Officer Hyacinth Menicable from the Office of Civil Defense. They assessed the city under the following parameters: the structure, competency, management system, enabling policies, knowledge management and advocacy, and partnerships and participation.

During the feedback, Menicable congratulated San Carlos City for passing the desk evaluation and commended the provision of insurance for CDRRMO employees, the ordinance on the camp management plan, and other good practices.

Moreover, Isubal commended the established council that includes representatives from the civil society organization, a well-equipped DRRM Office, provision of training to emergency response teams, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocol despite the absence of Philippine EMS Law.

Among the recommendations made by Menicable and Isubal include documentation on special meetings, specifications of expiration dates of supplies in the inventory, notarization memoranda of agreement and understanding with establishments, the inclusion of vulnerable sector in Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) activities, the standard operating procedure in emergency warning, and traditional technologies like rain gauge.

City DRRM Officer Joe Recalex Alingasa Jr. said if San Carlos City passes the validation for the national entry and is highly compliant, it will be exempted from the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) validation under the disaster preparedness performance area next year.

Aside from the document reviews and interviews, the team also inspected the DRRM Operations Center, the child-friendly space at the Isolation Facility, the supply stock room, and the rescue and patrol boat. (PR)