THE Provincial Government of Pampanga, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), braces anew 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 PDRRMO headed by Angelina Blanco.
The team was composed of Michael Dumlao from Office of Civil Defense III, 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 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.
He added that the provincial government is very proud of the yearly nomination of Pampanga in the Gawad Kalasag award.
“We are proud that we have been nominated 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 said it is a fitting reward for the efforts laid by the provincial government in preventing and responding to various disasters and situations.
“This is just a bonus if we win the award. We are always ready for any disaster or calamity and we will never get tired of serving people,” 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 complementing the intense preparations by the PDRRMO. (PR)