Pudtol LGU is ‘Beyond Compliant Awardee’ in 2024 Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence

Pudtol, Apayao - Pudtol Local government Unit emerged anew in CAR as one of the 19 ‘Beyond Compliant Awardees’ for the 24th Gawad KALASAG Seal of Excellence in Disaster response and Humanitarian Assistance, the RDRRMC announced on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) is an annual recognition for LGUs and various stakeholders, promoting and implementing DRRM strategies, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.

LDRRM Officer Rina Visitacion said the distinction was an outcome of passing the LDRRMC six functionality indicators including structure, competency, management system, enabling policies, knowledge management and advocacy, and partnership and participation.

Moreover, Visitacion said two evacuation centers across the municipality have been operational providing refuge and temporary shelter for residents during calamities.

LDRRM Chair Mayor Hector Reuel D. Pascua said, “this is the 3rd consecutive Gawad Kalasag for the LGU.’’

In his statements, Pascua said the award “symbolizes resilience, excellent management and outstanding functionality of the LDRRMC, manifesting the collective efforts of the LDRRMC members which include rescuers, responders, social workers, volunteers, drivers, health workers, planners, barangay officials and everyone who contributed to the impactful functionality of our LDRRMC in rescuing lives, saving properties and proper response during evacuations, relief operations, validations, heavy paper works, trainings and other undertakings and efforts despite the dangerous situations brought about by national disasters.”

The Mayor encouraged the LGU officialdom to continue saving lives and deliver the needed services despite criticism, saying the recognition was a success that defines and answers everything – especially in emergency response efficiency.

The municipalities of Santa Marcela, Flora, Luna, Calanasan, Conner, Kabugao and the Province of Apayao, meantime, have been awarded as ‘Fully Compliant.’