Search for the 20th Gawad KALASAGopens

THE CORDILLERA Gawad KALASAG Regional Selection Committee through the Office of Civil Defense is now calling for entries for the 2018 search for excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

The RSC is now accepting entries under different categories – Local DRRM Councils, Civil Society Organizations, People’s Organizations, Volunteer Organizations, School, Early Learning Centers, Government Emergency and Management Services Teams, Higher Education Institutions, Hospitals, Private category for corporate and businesses, Heroic Act, and the special recognition award.

Gawad KALASAG stands for “Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sarling Galing ang Kaligtasan”, a fully institutionalized program of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

It is one of the country’s mechanisms in obtaining sustained commitment and support by recognizing exceptional contributions of various stakeholders in the field of DRRM.

In its 20th year, it continues to promote the spirit of volunteerism among agencies and individuals, and measures the capacity and capability of government and nongovernment instrumentalities.

“Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience means investing for better future of Filipino communities. Aside from the cash prizes and recognition, the best reward is the fact that in one way or

another, we have helped our fellow citizens in preparing for, and responding to disasters,” said Dir. Andrew Alex Uy, CRDRRMC Chairperson.

Four among the winners during the 19th National Gawad KALASAG 2017 hailed from the region. The University of the Cordilleras was recognized as the Best Higher Educational Institution in the country, while the Lepanto National High School is the 2nd Best School for the Public-Rural Category.

Meanwhile, the Municpality of La Trinidad, Benguet bagged the 2nd place for the Best Municipal DRRMC (1st to 3rd class) Category and the Mountain Province was named as the 3rd Best Provincial DRRMC.

Interested entrants are encouraged to submit requirements using the 2017 Gawad KALASAG Checklists on or before 15 March 2018. Submit three (3) hardbound documents to the OCD Cordillera, 2nd Floor AFPSLAI Building, Camp Henry Allen, Baguio City.

Regional applicants may access all documents for the Guidelines, Checklists and Guidance Notes, through this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1VCCzMLZFgoODRmNG5zbUdSX0E.

For inquiries, OCD Cordillera’s lines are open. You may call 0939-799-9008 for Smart subscribers and 0916-507-0989 for Globe, and look for Ms. Rachelle Cacas. You may also call (074) 444-5289 or 304-2256, and email at car@ocd.gov.ph.