CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Provincial Government of Pampanga through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) braces itself for the Regional Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Award by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (RDRRMO). Gawad Kalasag is an annual search for the outstanding organizations, institutions, groups, and individuals who have exemplary measures and preparations in disaster prevention and response as well as climate change adaptation programs.
The Regional Gawad Kalasag validation team visited the Provincial Capitol and reviewed the best practices of the provinces provided by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) headed by Angelina Blanco. The team was composed by Michael Dumlao from Office of Civil Defense-3, Glenn Cosio from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Muffy Gopez from National Economic Development Authority, Estrella Salta from the Department of Health, and Carlo Lorenzo Datu from Philippine Information Agency.
Provincial Administrator Attorney Andres S. Pangilinan, Jr. welcomed the validation team as well as the members of the PDRRMC. He also said that it is the nature of Kapampangan’s resiliency that has made the province survive various calamities that passed.
He added that the provincial government is very proud of the yearly nomination of Pampanga in the Gawad Kalasag award.
“We are proud na kami ay nano-nominate for our efforts and now we are vying for our fifth award, as well as the national award if God allows it,” he said.
Vice-Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda congratulated the PDRRMO for preparing the requirements needed for the award. He also said that it is a fitting reward for the efforts laid by the provincial government in preventing and responding to various disasters and situations.
“Bonus na lang sa amin ito kapag nakuha naming ang award. Lagi naman kaming nakaantabay sa tuwing may sakuna at hindi kami magsasawang magserbisyo para sa lahat,” he added.
The Province of Pampanga already bagged the Regional Gawad Kalasag award since 2013 up to 2017. Pampanga now eyes to garner the National Gawad Kalasag award for this year complimenting the intense preparations by the PDRRMO.
PHILIP OCAMPO
