The Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas has been awarded the “Beyond Compliant” distinction at the 24th Gawad KALASAG: Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.
The award which was presented at the Ion Hotel in Baguio City recognizes the various efforts of the province in disaster preparedness, risk management, and humanitarian support.
The “Beyond Compliant” recognition, conferred by the Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR), is awarded to local government units (LGUs) that score between 2.5 and 3 in rigorous evaluations, showing their innovations in disaster response that go beyond basic compliance with DRRM standards.
Governor Diclas extended his congratulations to the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), praising their continued collaborative efforts that ensure the safety and resilience of the communities in Benguet.
“This recognition is a result of our shared efforts in the province. It shows how we work together–municipalities, agencies, and organizations–in order to safeguard lives and build resilience for the people of Benguet,” he said.
The award was received by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Abner Lawangen, who acknowledged the contributions of local government units (LGUs), including the municipal DRRMCs of Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kibungan, La Trinidad, and Mankayan, which also received the Seal of Excellence (Beyond Compliant) during the ceremony.
In addition, seven other municipalities in Benguet were recognized as Fully Compliant LGUs, earning plaques of recognition for their excellent DRRM practices. These municipalities—Tublay, Tuba, Sablan, Kapangan, Kabayan, Bakun, and Atok—were lauded for their commitment to disaster preparedness and response.
Another Plaque of Recognition was awarded to the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) headed by Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, Chief of Hospital III, for Exemplary DRRM Programs in the Local Government Hospital category.
Mankayan National High School was also named the Gawad KALASAG Regional Winner for the Cordillera Region recognizing the school’s outstanding contribution to disaster preparedness and management.
The Gawad KALASAG awards, established by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), serve as the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management, as well as humanitarian assistance.
