Bulacan receives Beyond Compliant Seal of Excellence on 22nd Gawad Kalasag

CITY OF MALOLOS– The Province of Bulacan is found to have exceeded the standards for the establishment and functionality of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices (LDRRMCO) as prescribed in the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 and received its Seal of Excellence as a Beyond Compliant Local Government Unit during the 22nd Gawad Kalasag National Awarding Ceremony held at The Manila Hotel, Manila today.

Citing the World Risk Report 2022 in which the Philippines was named as the country at the highest risk of disasters and calamities out of the 192 countries, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairperson and Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge and Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino, Jr. said that it is imperative that the Philippines continuously improve its capability to effectively address its vulnerabilities.

“Year after year, these uncontrollable calamities ravage our nation physically and in spirit. However, the same overwhelming challenge further proves the resilience of Filipinos. But, beyond our national resilience as a people, we have to be scientifically and technically adept in placing systems and processes that work. We need to continuously elevate so that the next time a disaster comes along, we are more prepared to respond,” Faustino said.

For his part, Governor Daniel R. Fernando thanked the NDRRMC for the recognition and vows to continue to invest in disaster risk reduction and management.

“Ngayong taon, lubos na sinalanta ng sunud-sunod na kalamidad ang ating bayan. Nakalulungkot na may kinailangan pang magbuwis ng buhay sa kasagsagan ng isang malakas na bagyo na dumaan sa ating lalawigan. Kaya naman, patuloy ang ating commitment na pagtutuunan ng pansin ang disaster prevention, preparedness, and response upang maiwasan ang mga ganitong klase ng pangyayari,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the Cities of Malolos, Meycauayan, and San Jose del Monte and the Municipality of Calumpit received a Fully Compliant rating on the same awarding ceremony.

The Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance is the country’s premier recognition program for various stakeholders who implement and promote disaster risk reduction and management programs. ###