Valenzuela City Search and Rescue was recognized as the 18^th Gawad KALASAG for the National Capital Region’s (NCR) Best in Government Emergency Management (GEM) - Urban Search and Rescue Category during the awarding ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel, December 9.

Gawad KALASAG or the Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance is the premiere award on disaster preparedness in the country. It was given to the city for maintaining an outstanding system of operations and facilities in place, which allows rescue personnel to respond at the soonest possible time without jeopardizing both their and the client’s safety.

“Ang best reason siguro kung bakit tayo nanalo ay ‘yung support ng local chief executive (Mayor REX Gatchalian) natin dahil priority niya ‘yung disaster preparedness (The best reason why we got the award is due to the support of the local chief executive (Mayor REX Gatchalian) since he prioritizes disaster preparedness),” said Dr. Arnaldo Antonio, Head of Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO).

He also added that the proper allocation of the city’s fund and the dedicated rescuers who render their services beyond measure are the other reasons why the VCDRRMO won.

Aside from the Valenzuela Search and Rescue, Pio Valenzuela Elementary School bagged the 2^nd Place in the Public School Category, while Polo National High School received a Certificate of Appreciation for joining in this year’s search.

National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) conducts the annual Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) search to encourage the participation of different groups, institutions, and individuals in fulfilling the disaster risk and reduction-related policies and strategies in protecting the communities that are prone from calamities brought about by nature and humans.