Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head (second from left) receiving the Negros Occidental Gawad Kalasag award.*
The province of Negros Occidental and two towns received 2024 Gawad KALASAG Seal for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) awards at the 24th GK National and Regional Awarding Ceremonies at the Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
The Negros Occidental provincial government’s national Gawad Kalasag award was received by Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) head.
EB Magalona’s award was received by Vice Mayor Eric Matulac and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Mary Angeline Gustilo.
Matulac is vice chair of the MDRRM Council, which is chaired by EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon.
This is the fourth consecutive year that E. B. Magalona has won the national award of Gawad KALASAG (2021 to 2024), a press release from the town said.
Manapla town also won a 2024 Gawad Kalasag award.
Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-6 regional director Raul Fernandez, said the awarding ceremony was a “celebration of the exceptional work and dedication of individuals and organizations who have made significant strides in DRRM, Climate Change Adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.”
KALASAG, a term for “shield” used by early Filipinos to protect them from the attacks of enemies, also stands for “KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan.”
Gawad KALASAG serves as the country’s recognition and award scheme for LGUs and other stakeholders that promote disaster risk reduction and management efforts.*