TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, January 5 (PIA) — After earning a consistent “fully compliant” rating in disaster and risk reduction and management (DRRM), Bohol has attained a “beyond compliant” rating recently.
Bohol is the only province in Central Visayas that achieved this rating in 2023.
During the 2023 Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Conferment for 2023, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado along with the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council representatives received the award from Department of National Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The Gawad Kalasag Awarding Ceremony is an annual event to recognize local disaster coordinating councils, non-government organizations, private organizations, and stakeholders for their outstanding contributions in the field of Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance.
Sharing the limelight with the governor are five DRRM councils of Alburquerque, Anda, Candijay, Sikatuna, and Tagbilaran City, which have proven to be active and functional in popularizing community participation in DRM.
Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates, Anda Mayor Angelina Simacio, Candijay Mayor Thamar Olaivar, Sikatuna Mayor Justiniana Ellorimo and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap received their awards for their respective DRRM councils.
Another 28 Bohol local DRRMCs have also been found to be fully compliant.
According to Bohol PDRRMC Administrative Officer Ryan Palma, Bohol has been fully compliant in the DRRM assessments in the past.
During the Kapihan sa PIA program, Palma said the “beyond compliant” achievement is a result of the councils’ motivation to innovate in order to save the resources that the council thrives on.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense has monitored the compliance of local DRRMS at the local government level and their functionality based on Sections 11 and 12 of the Philippine Disaster and Risk Management Act.
The local DRRM councils approve, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the local disaster risk reduction and management plans and regularly review and test the plan to ensure integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into local development plans.
They also recommend the implementation of forced or preemptive evacuation of local residents.
The councils also convene the local council, establish and institutionalize Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office which shall be responsible for setting the direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programs within their jurisdiction.
Other local government units in Central Visayas that achieved the “beyond compliant” ratings are Bogo City, Madrediejos, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Sogod in Cebu; and Bayawan City, Bindoy, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
The Kapihan sa PIA is a radio forum that is streamed live over PIA Bohol Facebook page and YouTube channel in this link: http://bit.ly/3SbLfvv. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)
Bohol PDRRMO Admin Officer Ryan Palma (right) shares the good news of the service award that Bohol obtained for its disaster risk reduction and management efforts during the Kapihan sa PIA program. (PIA Bohol)
