The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has commended the local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for their outstanding contributions to climate resilience. These efforts were recognized through the prestigious 24th Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal and Special Awards.

The Gawad KALASAG Awards, organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster preparedness and resilience. This year, 74 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management councils and 13 special awardees were honored for their achievements in advancing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The CCC underscores the significance of these achievements, noting that 95.18 percent of LGUs in CAR have submitted their Local Climate Change Action Plans, a vital requirement for the Gawad KALASAG Seal.

“This reflects the effectiveness of your local policies on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. This also serves as the backbone for your risk-informed actions, from tech innovations in disaster response to the deep community engagement that truly saves lives,“ Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of CCC, said in a press statement.

He further encouraged stakeholders to sustain their efforts in the fight against climate change. “Resilience is not built overnight — it requires continuous effort, collaboration, and innovation. Let’s aim for a Cordillera where every LGU, every community and every citizen is prepared for the uncertainties ahead,” Borje added.

Regional director Albert A. Mogol, chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Office of the Civil Defense-CAR, underscores the importance of unified response in a global crisis.

“In this situation, a unified response is crucial to confront these challenges, particularly as multi-stakeholder efforts pave the way for effective disaster management,” Mogol said. He underscored that the collaboration and active involvement of various stakeholders are vital to enhance readiness and ensure swift action.

Awardees include LGUs from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province for their exemplary leadership and initiatives in disaster risk reduction management (DRRM).

Special awards were also presented to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, SN Aboitiz the private sector category, recognizing their efforts in implementing DRRM and climate change action plans across the four thematic areas of the National Adaptation Plan. The University of the Cordilleras also received an award for their innovative approaches and resilience in overcoming challenges.

The CCC remains committed to support LGUs to translate climate plans into actionable strategies and encourages greater participation in resilience-building programs. The CCC urges LGUs to continue enhancing their LCCAPs and integrate them with broader national efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and preparedness.