BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) received its third consecutive Gawad Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (Kalasag) Seal after having been rated as beyond compliant for this year’s performance validation.
The Bontoc MDRRMC has been conferred the same award for 2021 and 2022, after exceeding the standards for the establishment and functionality of the local DRRMC offices as prescribed under Sections 11 and 12 of the Republic Act 10121.
The award was received by Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Johanna Padaen at the Manila Hotel on Dec. 11.
Tudlong said having been conferred the National Gawad Kalasag Seal for the third consecutive year is a testament to the council’s commitment and the unwavering support of its partner agencies and the community.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our constituents. It is a collective effort that involves proactive planning, effective response mechanisms, and continuous community engagement,” he added.
Tudlong reminded the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change.
Padaen expressed her gratitude to the National DRRMC, Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government for their continuous support and guidance in strengthening Bontoc’s resilience to disasters.
The Gawad Kalasag, established in 1998 by the NDRRMC, OCD, and the DILG, aims to honor and recognize stakeholders who excel in promoting and implementing disaster risk reduction and management as well as climate change adaptation. It mandates local government units to comply with sets of standards on humanitarian assistance programs that protect and shield high-risk communities against extreme hazards. – Christy Mae C. Pangesfan
