Nueva Ecija won the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence for the third year, cementing the province’s reputation for its excellence in disaster preparedness and emergency response, including the measures conducted by the province during typhoons, earthquakes and other disasters.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 3 (RDRRMC3) held the awarding at the Laus Group Event Centre in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on 5 December 2025.

According to RDRRMC3, this is the third year that Nueva Ecija won the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) awards the Gawad Kalasag to local government units with excellent performance in disaster preparedness.

A Plaque of Recognition was given to the Provincial Government as recognition for their continued and effective implementation of programs focused on the safety of the residents in Nueva Ecija. According to Governor Aurelio Oyie Matias Umali, this is part of their disaster risk reduction initiatives.

The 23 LGUs of Nueva Ecija also passed the qualification of the Kalasag Seal of Excellence, including Bongabon, Cabiao, Carranglan, Gabaldon, General Mamerto Natividad, General Tinio, Guimba, Licab, Llanera, Nampicuan, Palayan, Pantabangan, Peñaranda, Rizal, San Antonio, Science City of Munoz, San Isidro, San Leonardo, Sta. Rosa, Sto. Domingo, Talavera, Talugtug, Zaragoza and other localities.

According to OCD, some of the primary basis of the award is the good conditions of early warning systems, clear evacuation plans, regular community drills, and quick emergency response, which all adds up in creating a safer and secure community.

All in all, this third consecutive award shows a clear coordination and unified action of the Provincial Government and the LGUs in boosting the disaster preparedness and resiliency of every Novo Ecijano.