MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Local government units (LGUs) in Lanao del Sur are demonstrating heightened awareness and proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation. This change is evident in the increasing number of LGUs in the province receiving the Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) award.
Only three (3) municipalities – Bubong, Piagapo, and Wao – received the prestigious seal in 2022. This number rose to eight (8) in 2023, to include the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.
“In 2022, we only had three awardees in Lanao del Sur. In 2023, the province of Lanao del Sur and seven component LGUs became awardees. This 2024, we have 17 awardees. It shows that in terms of DRRM, we are moving forward,” said Provincial DRRM Officer Shaminoden Sambitory.
The 2024 ‘fully-compliant’ awardees include the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, and the municipalities of Bacolod Kalawi, Balabagan, Balindong, Binidayan, Buadipuso-Buntong, Bubong, Butig, Calanogas, Kapatagan, Lumba Bayabao, Saguiaran, Pagayawan, Piagapo, Taraka, and Wao.
Sambitory highlighted that as more LGUs are earning the prestigious seal, efforts on improving preparedness and response in the province become stronger, benefiting the communities and strengthening collective resilience.
“We are hoping that the number of our awardees will further increase next year,” he said.
The Gawad KALASAG is an annual search that recognizes LGUs, individuals, and organizations that promote and implement exemplary DRRM and climate change adaptation practices, as well as humanitarian assistance programs. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
