Davao City emergency response management bags excellence award

The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office – Central 911 won the Best Government Emergency Management Systems and Response Teams (GEMs) award in the 22nd Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.

The award, given at the Manila Hotel on December 7, included a P300,000 cash prize.

Led by The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Gawad KALASAG Awards recognizes the local DRRM offices, public response teams, civil society organizations, and individuals who make exemplary contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and climate change adaptation.

CDRRMO Chief Alfredo Baloran, in an interview during the Madayaw Program aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Friday, said the award is not only a commendation to the exemplary efforts of the Central 911 and the CDRRMO but is also a testament to the city’s overall emergency management program and the participation of the people.

“Kani nga award represents ang mga best practices and initiatives na gihimo sa atong opsina sa Central 911, sa CDRRMO for emergency responses. Dili lang pud ni para sa atong opisina but for all the offices of the city government of Davao and mostly sa atong mga kaigsoonan na nag-support pud sa atong mga services nga gina-extend pud sa ilaha (This award represents the best practices and initiatives of the Central 911, the CDRRMO for emergency responses. This is not for our office alone but also for all the office of the city government of Davao and mostly for our fellow citizens who also support the services we extend to them),” said Baloran.

Although the Gawad KALASAG award proves Davao City has an exceptional disaster preparedness and emergency response teams, Baloran said the CDRRMO will continue implementing its best practices and DRRM programs.

Baloran said people can expect more trainings and drills that will increase their knowledge on how to respond to emergencies.

“We will continue to conduct trainings and orientations dili lang sa mga government offices but it includes mga private offices ug mga establishments (We will continue to conduct trainings and orientations not just in government offices but including private offices and establishments),” he said.

The CDRRMO will also train more personnel who will be qualified to give orientations on disaster preparedness and emergency response, said the CDDRMO chief, as they intend to increase the number of trainers and instructors next year. CIO