The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has declared three Negros Occidental local government units 2024 Gawad KALASAG Awardees.
Victorias City headed by Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Sipalay City by Mayor Gina Lizares, and E.B. Magalona by Mayor Marvin Malacon were declared fully compliant with the Gawad KALASAG Seal for their unwavering commitment to safety, preparedness, and humanitarian assistance.
The awards will be formally conferred during the Gawad KALASAG National and Regional Awarding Ceremony in Iloilo City on December 11.
Victorias City and EB Magalona will receive Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance for CY 2024 under the Local DRRM Councils and Offices category.
Sipalay City will receive an award for ranking third as Best Government Emergency Management and Response Team in the Western Visayas.
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 system for LGUs and other stakeholders that promote disaster risk reduction and management efforts.*