Palawan earns third ‘Beyond Compliant’ recognition in Gawad Kalasag

Palawan has been recognized as “Beyond Compliant” again at the 24th Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

The ceremony took place on January 16 at the Manila Prince Hotel in Metro Manila.

Beyond Compliance refers to a level of performance in disaster preparedness and risk reduction that exceeds the basic requirements set by regulatory standards. The designation indicates that the recipients have implemented additional measures, practices, or innovations that surpass the usual criteria for compliance, demonstrating exceptional commitment and effectiveness in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

Jeremias Alili, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, received the award from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) MIMAROPA Regional Office.

Nine municipalities in the province, including Rizal, Sofronio Española, Roxas, Taytay, San Vicente, Culion, Narra, Bataraza, and Brooke’s Point, along with Puerto Princesa City, were also honored as “Beyond Compliant” at the municipal level.

The towns of Busuanga, Aborlan, Quezon, El Nido, Coron, Magsaysay, Linapacan, Dumaran, and Kalayaan were recognized, on the other hand, as “Fully Compliant.”

This is the third time Palawan has received the recognition from the Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal and Special Awards, managed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of the Civil Defense.

The information office of the province said the recognition underlines the province’s commitment to disaster management, a priority under the administration of Governor Dennis Socrates, chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.