• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City in Negros Occidental was again recognized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for its unwavering commitment to safety, preparedness, and humanitarian assistance.
The NDRRMC, through its National Gawad KALASAG Selection Committee, declared Victorias City “Fully Compliant” with the Gawad KALASAG Seal and awarded the city with the Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance for 2024, under the Local DRRM Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) Category.
Victorias City joins the province of Negros Occidental in receiving the awards on December 11 in Iloilo City.
In 2023, Victorias City also received similar awards from the NDRRMC.
The recognition highlights the efforts of the Victorias City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO) led by VCDRRMO Rodolfo Retirado and his dedicated team, whose innovative strategies and steadfast dedication have set the standard for disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation, a statement from the City Public Information Office said.
The NDRRMC awards the Gawad KALASAG Seal to Local Government Units (LGUs) that adhere to the standards for the establishment and functionality of the LDRRMCs and LDRRMOs, as mandated under Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
Derived from the Filipino term for “shield,” kalasag historically served as a protective barrier against adversaries and harmful elements. Correspondingly, the recognition was conceived to function as a shield for high-risk communities, fostering the active engagement of various stakeholders in designing and implementing effective DRRM programs.*
