CDCC BID BOOK MAKES IT TO THE TOP THREE

By: Celiza Lim

The City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) bid book for Gawad KALASAG has made it to the top three finalists (component city category – National Level) in the Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

After having won the Region XI title as the “Best Prepared City Disaster Coordinating Council”, Tagum City automatically became the official entry to the National level in the component city category. By the 2^nd week of July 2009 the National Validation Team led by the DILG Secretary is expected to have an ocular inspection on the vulnerable and hazardous sites of the city and it is also the chance of the CDCC Team to defend the contents of the bid book and prove its disaster risk management capability.

The rationale of Gawad KALASAG was conceived to protect or shield high risk communities against hazards by encouraging participation of various stakeholders in designing and implementing Disaster Risk Management programs. The word KALASAG stands for KAlamidad at SAkuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan. Kalasag is the Filipino term for “shield’ used by early Filipinos as a means of protection from attacks of enemies or harmful animals.

Gawad KALASAG is awarded to outstanding performance of Local Disaster Coordinating Councils, private/volunteer organizations, local, national and international NGOs, donor agencies and the communities as major stakeholders in implementing significant disaster risk management projects and activities and, in providing humanitarian response and assistance to affected communities. It aims to recognize individuals, groups or institutions that have shown extraordinary courage, heroism, self sacrifice and bravery in times of natural and human made emergencies and disasters.

The distinction of having chosen among the top three (3) finalists nationwide has proven the CDCC’s dedication and hard work to helping Tagumeños in times of tragedies. And the man behind this recognition is the action officer Councilor Robert “Tete” So.