CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (September 24) — THIRTY-TWO local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao received gold recognition in this year’s Gawad Kalasag for their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) performance, with Cagayan de Oro City accounting for the region’s lone gold award under the Highly Urbanized City (HUC) category.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Northern Mindanao announced Wednesday that 31 provincial LGUs received gold recognition: 13 from Bukidnon, eight from Lanao del Norte, six from Misamis Oriental, and two each from Misamis Occidental and Camiguin.
Cagayan de Oro City brings the total to 32 gold awardees, receiving the recognition under the HUC category.
Another 30 LGUs received silver recognition, including Iligan City under the HUC category, while 17 LGUs received bronze recognition, bringing the total number of recognized LGUs in the three award levels to 79.
The gold recognition is given to LGUs that exceeded prescribed standards for establishing and operating their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Local DRRM Offices under Sections 11 and 12 of Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
OCD-Northern Mindanao said the recognition reflects the LGUs’ continuing efforts to strengthen local DRRM systems and improve community preparedness for disasters and emergencies.
AWARD VS. ACTUAL READINESS
The recognition provides a measure of compliance and performance under the national DRRM framework.
But for communities, preparedness is ultimately tested when disasters strike—when evacuation centers have to function, warnings have to reach households, rescue teams have to respond and relief must reach people quickly.
A gold rating does not by itself eliminate disaster risks faced by communities, particularly those exposed to flooding, landslides, earthquakes, severe weather and other hazards.
The continuing challenge for LGUs is to translate DRRM structures, plans and training into fast, inclusive and accountable action on the ground.
The annual Gawad Kalasag is the country’s premier recognition program for outstanding performance and innovation in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance. It is spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through the OCD.
