The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) presented the recognition at the 24th Gawad Kalasag Awards in Cagayan de Oro City.
Vice Gov. Rowena Gutierrez accepted the award on behalf of Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, who was unable to attend the ceremony. The recognition highlights the province’s commitment to implementing effective disaster risk reduction strategies and ensuring the safety and resilience of its communities.

The Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence is given to local government units (LGUs) that demonstrate exceptional efforts in disaster risk management.
Misamis Occidental’s award is a testament to the proactive measures taken by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, enhance disaster preparedness, and strengthen response capabilities.
Oaminal expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
“This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of our PDRRMO and our entire team in ensuring the safety and resilience of our province. We are committed to continuing these efforts to build a disaster-prepared and resilient community for our people,” Oaminal said.
The Gawad Kalasag Awards, which honor outstanding practices in disaster risk management, serve as a benchmark for local government units across the Philippines. They aim to inspire and encourage other provinces and cities to improve their disaster response systems, ensuring the safety of their residents in the face of increasingly frequent and severe natural hazards.
Misamis Occidental’s recognition reinforces its standing as a leader in disaster preparedness in the region, setting a standard for others to follow in safeguarding communities from the effects of natural disasters. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)