(Photo courtesy of OCD)
MANILA – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), awarded a posthumous "Heroic Act Award" to five Bulacan rescuers who died in the line of duty during a flash flood caused by Super Typhoon Karding last year.
In a statement Tuesday, the OCD said the award was given in recognition of their valor and sacrifice during Monday's "Gawad Kalasag" rites at The Manila Hotel.
The families of the "Fallen Five of Bulacan" – George E. Agustin, Troy Justin P. Agustin, Marby B. Bartolome, Jerson L. Resurrecion, and Narciso Calayag Jr. – received the Heroic Act Award during the 23rd Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance.
Each family received a plaque and cash incentive worth PHP120,000.
These five rescuers tragically lost their lives during a flash flood that swept through San Miguel, Bulacan at the height of the onslaught of Karding in September 2022.
On Oct. 6, 2022, the NDRRMC released a resolution declaring the five rescuers as heroes.
The House of Representatives and Senate also adopted similar resolutions, honoring the rescuers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
This tragedy has sparked calls for continuous improvement in the disaster risk reduction and management system at all levels, encompassing planning, development, operational work, and the welfare of its workers.
The “Gawad Kalasag” (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) is an annual recognition for various stakeholders who promote and implement DRRM, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.
Meanwhile, 256 local DRRMCs (LDRRMCs) exceeded the standards of the National Gawad KALASAG Committee headed by the NDRRMC, placing them in the prestigious “Beyond Compliant” category.
A total of 723 other LDRRMCs were also cited under the "Fully Compliant" category for their exceptional dedication and expertise in disaster management and planning.
The top five performing LDRRMCs in the municipal category are Gloria Oriental, Mindoro; Kiamba, Sarangani; Narra, Palawan; Mabinay, Negros Oriental; and Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte
Makati City led the top five performing cities, followed by Dipolog City, San Pedro City, Calapan City, and Zamboanga City.
In the provincial category, Agusan del Norte topped the list, followed by Occidental Mindoro, Mountain Province, Benguet, and Davao Oriental. (with report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
