PGLU, Component LGUs Recognized as 2024 Gawad Kalasag Fully and Beyond Compliant
By: Sherrene S. Ostrea, GPC - SP | Photos By: GPC-SP | Date: December 2024
Highlighting its continuous efforts to prioritize disaster preparedness, strengthen institutional mechanisms, and ensure the safety and well-being of its constituents, the Provincial Government of La Union has been recognized by the Regional Selection Committee of the Office of the Civil Defense Regional Office I as Fully Compliant in the 2024 Gawad Kalasag Recognition Program held at Vista la Vita, San Vicente, San Fernando City, La Union.
In addition to La Union’s feat, component local government units (LGUs) of La Union were also recognized as 2024 Gawad Kalasag Fully Compliant which includes the Municipalities of Luna, Rosario, Balaoan, Naguilian, Bauang, San Juan, Tubao, Pugo, Santol, Caba, Burgos, Sudipen, San Gabriel, and Bagulin.
Further, five component LGUs of La Union were conferred the 2024 Gawad Kalasag Beyond Compliant which includes the City of San Fernando, and the Municipalities of Aringay, Bacnotan, Bangar, Agoo, and Santo Tomas, for going above and beyond their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David has been a steadfast supporter of disaster risk reduction and management initiatives, consistently advocating for proactive measures and capacity-building programs to ensure the safety and resilience of La Union. Her leadership has inspired a culture of preparedness among the province's LGUs, aligning with the principles of La Union PROBINSYAnihan.
In the Governor’s message during the awarding ceremony delivered by Dr. Alvin Cruz, OIC-Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, she reminded everyone the importance of proactive and collaborative disaster risk reduction and management.
“No single province, municipality, or agency can do this alone…disaster resilience is a responsibility that cuts across all sectors of society. It calls for a united approach to mitigating risks, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring swift recovery efforts when disasters strike. Here in La Union, we have taken this principle to heart through our La Union PROBINSYAnihan. It reflects our commitment to oneness, bayanihan, and collective action,” Gov. Rafy’s stated.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Management and Relief Services, Hon. Gerard G. Ostrea, praised the diligence and collaboration of local officials, DRRM officers, and the community in building resilient and disaster-ready municipalities in his privilege speech during the 23rd SP’s 129th Regular Session.
“This designation highlights their exceptional performance and innovative strategies in DRRM, which serve as benchmarks of excellence not only for our province but for the entire country. These achievements affirm that we, as public servants, are fulfilling our duty to ensure that our province and its municipalities are safe, resilient, and prepared for any challenge,” he stated.
He also moved to adopt a Resolution of Congratulations to honor the Province of La Union along with the component city and municipalities for their continued commitment for excellence in DRRM.
Gawad Kalasag or the Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan, is the country’s premier recognition program for the outstanding contributions of LGUs to DRRM humanitarian assistance, and climate change adaptation. The Provincial Government of La Union continues to forward La Union PROBINSYAnihan to sustain its disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response efforts.
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