After being conferred as the regional ‘Kalasag’ awardee four times in the past seven years, this time the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) of Malaybalay City cemented its name at the national stage during the 19th Gawad Kalasag National Awards, in component City category.

Out of 89 local government units in independent component city category, Malaybalay City bagged third place. Santiago City landed in top spot while Batangas City secured the second place.

Gawad Kalasag recognized the City for its exemplary performance in the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs, covering the four thematic areas particularly in advancing the capacity and awareness to impending threat of calamity and its commitment in strengthening mechanisms and ensuring the reduction of disaster risk especially to our vulnerable communities may it be natural or human-induced.

Department of Interior and Local Government recognized the City by assessing these thematic areas focused on preparedness, response, mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation.

City Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri, as chair of the CDRRMC has been very active and committed in strengthening the capacity and capability of the City in relation to the best practices of DRRM-related programs and activities.

In preparedness, many people were involved. Mayor Zubiri hired 33 persons employed in the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

CDRRMO personnel conducted trainings annually to strengthen our capacity and capability in the area of disaster preparedness and response. Since 2013 a total of 920 individuals were trained which 20 participants per barangay in all 46 barangays.

Strong partnership and cooperation among public schools were also established through trainings of at least 120 teachers.

In addition to our commitment in gearing for a resilient City which we are aiming for a zero casualty, CDRRMO also trained a total of 296 accredited community disaster volunteers comprised of nine groups.

City Planning and Development Coordinator Adrian Gamboa and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Alan Comiso along with the Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Liza Mazo received the prestigious award at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Manila on December 11, 2017.

The City was an awardee in regional level, first place in 2016 and 2017; third in 2015; and second in 2010.