Quezon achieves "Beyond Compliant" status in 24th Gawad KALASAG Awards

By Nimfa Estrellado Governor Tan receives the "Beyond Compliant Province" award alongside Provincial Social Welfare and Developmen...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Governor Tan receives the "Beyond Compliant Province" award alongside Provincial Social Welfare and Development Head Sonia Leysonand Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Despite several major calamities that struck the province in 2024, Quezon has been recognized as “Beyond Compliant” at the 24th Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance. 1 This marks the 4th time Quezon, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), has received this prestigious award.

Governor Doktora Helen Tan officially accepted the award for Quezon Province as a "Beyond Compliant Province" at the awarding ceremony of the 24th Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal, held at Twin Lakes Hotel in Laurel, Batangas on Tuesday, January 28.



Quezon achieved a high rating of 2.81, earning this prestigious recognition bestowed by the government, led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The award recognizes Local Government Units (LGUs), individuals, and organizations with outstanding contributions to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Response, as well as Humanitarian Assistance.

This prestigious national award highlights Quezon Province's exceptional performance in exceeding the standards for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. Under Governor Tan's leadership, the province has implemented comprehensive programs such as community-based disaster preparedness training, strengthening early warning systems, investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Governor Tan expressed gratitude for the award, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in building a safer and more resilient Quezon Province. She dedicated the award to the people of Quezon and reaffirmed her commitment to their safety and well-being. Provincial Social Welfare and Development Head Sonia Leyson and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla joined Governor Tan in accepting the award.

Several municipalities within Quezon Province were also recognized for their exceptional performance. Achieving "Beyond Compliant" status were the towns of Calauag, General Nakar, Infanta, Mauban, Pagbilao, and Lucena City. The municipalities of Buenavista, Candelaria, Dolores, General Luna, Gumaca, Lucban, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Perez, Pitogo, Real, Sampaloc, San Antonio, and Sariaya were recognized as "Fully Compliant Local Government Units."

During the ceremony, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the NDRRMC delivered an impactful address. A proud native of Quezon Province, Undersecretary Nepomuceno expressed his honor in presenting the award to his home province. He commended the leadership of Governor Tan and the dedication of the people of Quezon in prioritizing disaster resilience.

Undersecretary Nepomuceno also highlighted the overall readiness of the CALABARZON region in disaster preparedness and response, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in mitigating the impacts of disasters. Furthermore, he acknowledged the crucial role of local government units and the Philippine Coast Guard in disaster response and vowed continued support from the NDRRMC.

The “GAWAD KALASAG Seal of Excellence Beyond Compliant,” is a prestigious recognition for LGUs in the country aimed at promoting excellence in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and humanitarian assistance. It acknowledges the efforts of LGUs in implementing programs and initiatives that strengthen the capacity of communities to withstand and recover from the impacts of disasters.