PICC, Pasay City
December 13, 2024
“The bravery, the resilience, the ingenuity, and compassion of the Filipinos always prevail, especially in times of crises. We are proud of these qualities, though sometimes borne out of harsh necessity… Today, we honor and give recognition to individuals, LGUs, academic institutions, medical facilities, individuals and other organizations who have demonstrated the unwavering commitment towards achieving resilience,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the 24th Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance.
Gawad Kalasag is the primary recognition scheme for stakeholders who promote and implement DRRM, climate change adaptation and humanitarian assistance programs that protect high-risk communities against extreme hazards and disasters. During the event, the President bestowed recognition to groups and individuals who have demonstrated unyielding commitment towards achieving a resilient future for all.
“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,” he conveyed. In his speech, he mentioned notable individuals who selflessly demonstrated extraordinary acts to rescue those in need, as well as pioneered new technologies for disaster preparedness.
John Niño Suarez and Emer Jhune Donaire are students who, despite lacking enough training for water rescue, braved strong currents to rescue a drowning victim in Poro, Cebu last March 2023. Meanwhile, Rafael ‘Paeng’ Valencia made significant contributions through innovative policies, technological advancements and transformative strategies on climate change and DRRM.
“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, citing other measures implemented for the collective commitment to building more disaster-resilient communities.
The Chief Executive recently signed the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act mandating the establishment of designated evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide, providing temporary but secured shelter to displaced Filipinos during calamities and disasters.
He called on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and all concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs) to continue working together to develop innovative solutions that are science-based, sustainable and future-ready and establish clear guidelines for more effective disaster response.
“In the spirit of this holiday season, let us remember our fellow Filipinos in need, especially those who were affected by recent calamities. Let us extend a helping hand and include them in our daily prayers,” he said.
“As long as we are united in helping uplift each other, I am certain that we can turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a safer, stronger, and more secure Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.
* * *