The City of San Fernando Rescue Unit (SAFRU) was included in the list of candidates for the Gawad KALASAG (GK) Regional Awards this year under the Best Government Emergency Management and Response Team (GEMs) Category.
Gawad KALASAG is the country’s top award for excellence in disaster management and climate change adaptation.
GEMs category recognizes teams that demonstrate effective coordination, swift response, and successful mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies.
Last week, the SAFRU, represented by City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Raymond Del Rosario underwent on-site validation by the Central Luzon GK Field Validation Team, comprised of officers from various government agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense and Regional DRRM Council.
SAFRU's documents were validated for accuracy as well as on-site checking of the team’s activities and the CDRRMO’s implementation of programs.
Del Rosario was joined by other City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) members including City Public Employment Services Officer Mary Ann Biliwang and Acting City Human Resource Management Officer Gian Carlo Angeles.
The CDRRMC, where the SAFRU is also a member, currently holds a Beyond Compliant Seal from the GK in 2024.
The organizers cited that this seal shows that the council “exceeded the standards of the KALASAG committee” and has “shown exceptional contributions to strengthening resilience of communities against disaster risks.” via CSF Information Office