President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday recognized the individuals and institutions who contributed to the country’s resilience amid disasters.
The President led the 4th Gawad KALASAG National Awarding Ceremony in Pasay City where he highlighted the initiatives of the awardees to go “above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of their respective communities.”
“Tunay pong ipinapakita ninyo ang pagmamahal at pakikipag-kapwa. At sa gitna ng mga hamon sa buhay, pinili ninyong maglingkod sa inyong komunidad para sa ating mga kababayan,” the President said.
“Courageous, compassionate, and determined—our selfless volunteers faced strong currents to rescue those in need; you are the innovators who pioneered new technologies for disaster preparedness, organizations that championed people participation for a more [transformative] DRRM strategies, and decision-making that is ensured that every plan is done properly and is executed efficiently,” he added.
Among the awardees were students John Niño Suarez at Emer Jhune Donaire, who despite not having enough training on water rescue, exhibited courage by saving a drowning victim.
“Tunay na kapuri-puri ang pinakita nilang tapang at karapat-dapat na tawagin sila bilang bayani,” President Marcos said.
The President also acknowledged Rafael “Paeng” Valencia for his contribution through innovative policies, technological advancements, and transformative strategies on climate change and DRRM.
Among these is the creation of the 911 On Call Incorporated; ang Pailaw at Pabahay Program to aid in the reconstruction of houses in remote and poor areas.
Valencia also spearheaded the initiative on mobile vaccination to far-flung barangays.
“Ang kaniyang serbisyo ay nagsisilbing patunay na kapag pinagsama ang pagka-malikhain at malasakit sa kapwa, nagbubunga ito ng makabuluhang pagbabago para sa ikabubuti nating lahat” the President said.
“Dahil dito, kaisa ko ang sambayanang Pilipino sa pagsasaludo at pagkikilala sa inyong mahahalagang kontribusyon at tagumpay. Maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo, sa inyong pagsusumikap, at sa inyong dedikasyon,” he added.
The program also recognized the contributions of public offices, educational institutions and private establishments.
The Gawad Kalasag is a recognition program by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) for stakeholders in advancing disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs. – PND
