CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Showing dedication to safeguarding communities from hazards and enhancing their resilience against disasters, the province of Camiguin emerged as a notable achiever in this year’s Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) with a “fully compliant” rating, two local government units attaining “beyond compliant” status, and four LGUs achieving “fully compliant” status.
The local government units (LGUs) of Mambajao and Sagay earned the “beyond compliant rating,” which indicates that the LGUs achieved an exceptional level of compliance, going above and beyond the minimum requirements in DRRM practices. This rating indicates superior performance in preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. It also reflects proactive governance, innovative practices, and significant community impact.
Meanwhile, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, and Catarman got the “fully compliant rating,” which means that they met all the required standards of DRRM. They have also adhered to the guidelines and implemented effective strategies, but they did not exceed expectations to the same degree as those with a “beyond compliant” rating.
“As we gather to honor the exceptional dedication, hard work, and innovation of our local government units and organizations that have made significant strides in disaster risk reduction and management across Northern Mindanao, let us not forget, marami pa tayong dapat gagawin sa ating mga komunidad (we still have a lot to do in our communities),” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-10 Regional Director Antonio Sugarol.
The awards, organized by the Northern Mindanao Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, highlight LGUs that excel in implementing effective disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs.
Sugarol emphasized that the province’s strong disaster risk reduction efforts focus on reducing vulnerabilities, improving coping strategies, and empowering high-risk communities.
This year was historic for Northern Mindanao, with all 98 LGUs joining the Gawad KALASAG assessment, achieving full participation. Camiguin’s achievements highlight the region’s success and the value of local government collaboration in managing disaster risks.
The Gawad KALASAG awards serve as a reminder of the critical role DRRM programs play in protecting lives and properties.
“This event will not only celebrate the remarkable achievement of our leaders, specifically the local chief executives, our disaster risk reduction and management officers, and our national and government agencies, but also inspire and encourage others to pursue leadership in making our communities safer, more resilient, and better prepared to face any force of nature that may come our way,” Sugarol said. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
