BAGUIO CITY – City officials recently commended and congratulated the University of the Cordilleras (UC) for bagging the national Gawad Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (KALASAG) Award in the Higher Education Institution Category held last December 13, 2024 at the Philippine International convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.
In a resolution, local legislators stated that the local government is likewise immensely honored to extend its recognition to a higher education institution that has continually dedicated its time, resources and passion to help provide a safer, resilient and adoptive community.
UC bagged the national Gawad KALASAG Award in the Higher Education Institution Category for its outstanding contribution in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through innovative initiatives that include Project Health, Education, Livelihood, Environment Nurturance (HELEN) where a water treatment facility for the university and bringing in a Master of Science in Geomatics and Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in their curriculum, among others.
The council claimed that consistent awardee at both the regional and national levels, UC continues to lead in disaster risk reduction and management through pioneering research, effective climate adaptation technologies and a robust safety and security framework embedded in its school policy.
Established in 1998, the Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Assistance is a recognition and award scheme for various stakeholders who promote and implement disaster risk reduction and management, climate change and adaptation and humanitarian assistance programs that protect and shield high risk communities against extreme hazards and render them capable of addressing their vulnerability.
The Gawad KALSAG is the government’s mechanism for obtaining sustained commitment and support by recognizing the exceptional motivations of DRRM practitioners and strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacities of the nation.
Further, the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) bestowed the Gawad KALASAG Seal to outstanding local government units, groups and individuals who actively promoted and implemented disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and humanitarian assistance programs.
The 24th Gawad KALASAG awarding ceremony was presided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who personally handed the plaques of recognition, assisted by Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the UC administration for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
