The city government of Baguio improved its standing in the recently adjudged Gawad Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (Kalasag) seal and special awards for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance for calendar year 2023.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong was elated that Baguio City was able to surpass its assessment standing from Fully Compliant last year to Beyond Compliant this year as announced during the 23rd Gawad Kalasag awards.
“Congratulations to our partners in the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. This recognition is a result of the strong and dynamic partnership and collaboration among all main actors involved in risk reduction and management,” the mayor said.
He added Gawad Kalasag award is a testament to the commitment of the CDRRMC partners.
Other LGUs in the Cordillera that were adjudged as Beyond Compliant include Danglas in Abra; Bokod, Buguias, Kibungan, and La Trinidad in Benguet; and Bauko, Bontoc, Sagada, and Tadian in Mountain Province.
The Gawad Kasalag was established in 1998 by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to honor and recognize stakeholders who champion in promoting and implementing disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation.
Gawad Kalasag mandates LGUs to comply with sets of standards on humanitarian assistance programs that protects and shield high-risk communities against extreme hazards in an aim to capacitate LGUs of addressing their own vulnerabilities.
Fully compliant and Beyond Compliant LGUs in the Gawad Kalasag shall be prioritized for NDRRM fund assistance for DRRM projects, subject to policies and procedures. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
