The Gawad KALASAG is considered the highest award given to local government units in the country that have shown notable disaster risk reduction and management response, as well as humanitarian assistance programs.
The city has won three similar awards in the past making it the first Local Government Unit (LGU) in the Philippines to have been inducted as a Hall of Famer.
The plaque given by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) was handed over by the regional office of the Civil Defense Region 11, Regional Director, Ednar Dayanghirang, to the Davao City LGU during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Feb. 26 at City Hall grounds.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head, Alfredo Baloran, said that the award is significant in boosting the morale of their personnel who work 24/7 on the ground to deliver efficient emergency medical response to Davaoeños.
“This is a prestigious award since it is the first time that someone won a Hall of Famer in the government emergency response services award from the National Risk Reduction and Management Council. This is a huge honor for Davao City,” he said in a report from the City Information Office.
Baloran thanked the city mayor for his unceasing support to the city’s disaster response teams. He said the mayor instructed his office to further enhance its resources and activities to ensure that all Dabawenyos receive efficient service.
Baloran, meanwhile, said that part of their office’s best practices, which led to the achievement, was their quick response to emergency reports, as well as the dedication of their personnel in their line of work.
According to him, he dedicated the award to the Central 911 personnel for their dedication to providing Dabawenyos with reliable emergency response services.
Central 911 was founded 22 years ago and serves as the frontline office for emergency and disaster response of the city.
Central 911 which was launched on September 27, 2002 is now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced resource equipment and tools.
NDRRMC awards the Gawad KALASAG Seal to LGUs who adhere to the standards for the establishment and functionality of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices as mandated under Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
Photos from Davao City Government
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