Gawad Kalasag awards Cam Sur, 4 towns with ‘fully compliant’ seal
By Ana-Liza Macatangay
PILI, Camarines Sur --- The Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, along with the Local DRRMCs of Magarao, Nabua, Pasacao, and Iriga City, received the 2022 Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) “fully compliant” seal for effectively addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in times of disaster.
The provinces of Camarines Norte and Albay also received the same award.
Other cities and municipalities that passed the NDRRMCs “fully compliant” assessment include the LDRRMCs of Aroroy and Pio V. Corpuz in Masbate, and Bulan and Bulusan in Sorsogon.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) awards the GK Seal to Local DRRM councils and offices for adhering to the "standards for the establishment and functionality of the local DRRM Councils and local DRRM Offices" outlined in Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
RA 10121 was crafted to strengthen the Philippine DRRM system, reinforce the NDRRM framework and institutionalize the NDRRM plan.
PDRRMC Camarines Sur, chaired by Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi R. Villafuerte has always exhibited its preparedness whenever a typhoon or possible flooding is imminent by conducting regular meetings with LDRRMOs. During the meeting, every LDRRMO is tasked to report a pre-assessment of their respective areas of jurisdiction for proper implementation of pre-emptive disaster plans.
Before the onset of any weather disturbance or impending flooding report, PDRRMC immediately establishes its Emergency Operations Center, including the activation of municipal EOCs and the setting up of a Communications group on stand-by 24/7.
The Comms Team made sure that all advisories are cascaded to all City and Municipal DRRMOs, down to the barangay levels.
PDRRMC CamSur instilled these practices a few years back that made coordination with LGUs and members easier every time there is a calamity.
The 2022 Gawad KALASAG Seal for Local DRRM Councils and Offices (LDRRMO) award is a clear manifestation of Cam Sur PDRRMC’s commitment and dedication to building a resilient community and creating a pool of effective and steadfast council members and responders.
PDRRMC Camarines Sur continuously conducts training, including Training of Trainers, Basic Incident Command Course program, orientation, and local DRRM activities, among others to hone the skills of its members.
NDRRMC also invites volunteer organizations, people’s organizations, local civil society organizations, local emergency management and Response teams (GEMs), private organizations, and special recognition for individuals and organizations to participate in the Gk Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)