President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday hailed the several individuals and institutions that have contributed to the country’s resilience amid disasters. 

In gracing the 4th Gawad Kalasag National Awarding Ceremony in Pasay City, Marcos touted several awardees for their initiatives that  go “above and beyond” their duties “to ensure the safety and well-being of their respective communities.”

Marcos touted the Gawad Kalasag awardees for their significant roles when in times of crises, particularly those volunteers who have “courageously, compassionately, and selflessly” rescued people in need. 

“You are the innovators who pioneered new technologies for disaster preparedness, organizations that championed people participation for a more [transformative] disaster risk reduction management strategies, and decision-making that ensured that every plan is done properly and is executed efficiently,” he said. 

In his speech, Marcos mentioned students, John Niño Suarez and Emer Jhune Donaire, who have courageously saved a drowning victim despite lacking water rescue training. 

The President also recognized Rafael “Paeng” Valencia for his innovative policies that contributed to the technological advancements, and transformative strategies on climate change and disaster risk reduction management (DRRM). 

Marcos also touted Valencia’s creation of  911 On Call Incorporated; Ang Pailaw at Pabahay Program — helping in the reconstruction of houses in remote and poor areas.

Valencia also pioneered the mobile vaccination initiative to far-flung villages across the county. 

“Ang kaniyang serbisyo ay nagsisilbing patunay na kapag pinagsama ang pagka-malikhain at malasakit sa kapwa, nagbubunga ito ng makabuluhang pagbabago para sa ikabubuti nating lahat (His works serves as a proof  that when creativity and caring come together, it produces meaningful change for the betterment of all of us),” Marcos said. 

The President then called for a collective commitment to building more disaster-resilient communities. 

“It has become imperative that our DRRM system undergoes continuous improvement to address evolving circumstances,” said Marcos.

"It includes our individual obligation to follow proactive, vigilant, and adaptable strategies for our own and our communities’ safety."

The Gawad Kalasag program, pushed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD, targets to recognize the contributions of public offices, educational institutions and private establishments and other stakeholders that have contributed to advancing disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.

It is a recognition program by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) for stakeholders in advancing disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.

Recognizing them as first responders during disasters, Marcos urged anew the NDRRMC and all concerned agencies as well as LGUs “ to continue working together to develop innovative solutions that are science-based, that are sustainable, and are future-ready, and establish clear guidelines for more effective disaster-response.”

“Let us be guided by the ‘Build Back Better strategy in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. It is about coming together as a community, lifting one another, emerging stronger than before,” Marcos said.