BAGUIO CITY – The Province of Apayao has added another feather on its cap as its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Council was adjudged the best in the Cordilleras in the 2016 Gawad KALASAG annual search for excellence in disaster risk management and human assistance, outshining in its first inclusion the 2015 best council, Mt. Province.
Apayao Governor Elias Bulut, Jr. and Provincial Administrator Vincent Talattag, Chairman and Co-Chairman of the PDRRM Council, respectively, accepted the plaque of recognition and cash award amounting to P50,000 during the 2016 Gawad KALASAG Awards Night at CAP Convention Center, Camp John Hay in Baguio City.
Governor Bulut commended the PDRRM Office personnel staff including the PDRRM Council members who steered and assisted the team not only during the evaluation period but also in times when there were needs to convene and address issues before, during and after the occurrence of disaster.
According to Governor Bulut, from the start he fully supports all the programs and projects of PDRRMO considering the necessity of a more resilient community in times of disaster due to Apayao’s geographical location.
Meanwhile, Mr. Talattag in his message acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the PDRRM Office personnel highlighting their sacrifices in prioritizing the welfare of disaster prone constituents and of saving lives over personal family concerns.
“I am touched to see PDRRMO personnel leaving a family member who is hospitalized just to participate in rescue missions mindful of his duty to save lives even if the lives of love ones are at stake. This is the kind of dedication and commitment that has brought Apayao this award.” he exclaimed.
Mr. Talattag said the hardships and sacrifices of the entire Apayao PDRRMO staff paid off since they needed to double their efforts and allotted more time in providing and completing all the requirements while being on their toes in times of emergencies.
As the president of the Cordillera Association of LDRRMOs, Mr. Talattag wished to share the award with other LGUs believing that it may serve as a continuing inspiration and motivation in ensuring the wellness and welfare of the constituents especially in times of disaster and calamities.
“May we continuously learn from each other, share experiences and best practices, knowledge and resources and work together in fostering a more disaster resilient Cordillera,” he concluded.
Annually, the Office of Civil Defense recognizes outstanding performances of government entities, non-government instrumentalities and individuals who have rendered exemplary contribution in promoting and implementing significant Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) programs and innovations that build community resiliency in the long term.
The recognition is through Gawad KALASAG: Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance. It is now established that Gawad KALASAG which stands for “Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan” remains to be one of the country’s fully institutionalized program that promotes the spirit of volunteerism among agencies and individuals.
The Gawad KALASAG Regional Selection Committee (RSC) convened on July 14, 2016 and evaluated thirteen (13) entries that advanced for the field validation. Only those entries with 80% and above would be qualified to the next level. There were only 10 entries who qualified for field validation which included Apayao PDRRMO and Luna MDRRMO.
Apayao PDRRM Council has taken first place ahead of Mt. Province while Luna Municipal DRRM Council has placed second behind La Trinidad, Benguet.
The first placers received P50,000 while second placers were awarded P30,000 as cash prizes. By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN