The Makati City local government has once again been recognized for its programs and initiatives focusing on disaster risk response and reduction, further cementing its role as a pioneer in disaster resilience not just in Metro Manila but in the entire country.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay announced that the city has been given the "Beyond Compliant" rating during the 22nd Gawad KALASAG awards spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Gawad KALASAG is a seal and special award for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance. It's also a performance assessment mechanism for all local government units in implementing their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs.
“I am delighted with the results of the 22nd Gawad KALASAG. We are grateful for this recognition as it affirms our commitment to a disaster-ready and resilient Makati. Thank you to the NDRRMC for recognizing our efforts,” Binay said.
The mayor also lauded the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) for successfully implementing programs and projects for the safety of Makatizens.
According to NDRRMC Circular 02 of 2022, the Local DRRM Councils and Offices will receive a GK Seal of Excellence via virtual awarding this year.
The city was ranked based on the following pillars: Structure (8 indicators), Competency (14 indicators), Management Systems (3 indicators), Enabling Policies (1 indicator), Knowledge Management and Advocacy (2 indicators), and Partnership and Participation (2 indicators).
The Gawad KALASAG is a mandatory assessment of all Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) as they implement the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 of the Republic Act No. 10121, or the institutionalization of the LDRRMOs or LDRRMCs, including the allocation and utilization of the Local DRRM Fund.
After being proclaimed as the country’s first Resilience Hub by the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) during its International Disaster Resilience Leaders Forum in Incheon, South Korea, Makati Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) Research and Planning Division Head Liza Ramos disclosed the city’s disaster response and management programs, including the plan to build the DRR academy.
“We are committed to sharing our disaster risk reduction practices within the Philippines, the region, and beyond. We will do this through our knowledge portals, city-to-city cooperation. We are also opening a DRR academy to support capacity-building,” Ramos said.
Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori also praised the city government for its DRR methods and Covid-19 response.
“The city has been a longstanding leader on disaster risk reduction and has continued to demonstrate this leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. Makati’s success will be a great example for other cities,” Mizutori said.
The UNDRR defines resilience hubs as cities, municipalities, or local authorities that have political and technical commitment to take actions to address disaster and climate risks.
It said that in order to qualify as a resilience hub, a city must have reached a high level of resilience building commitments, showed sustained mechanism for DRR/resilience investments, and with an expertise and interest in disseminating best practices to other cities joining the MCR2030.
MCR2030 aims to contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) and other global frameworks by empowering cities to become inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by 2030.
MCR2030 resilience hubs may also host international events related to the MCR2030; coordinate study tours to showcase practical examples and share experience; twin up with other cities to provide support in the expertise area; provide technical assistance and support training to enhance resilience awareness and in the development and implementation of the DRR/Resilience strategies; publish and disseminate knowledge products, lessons learned and good practices; provide access to partners who can support the journey of twinned cities along the Resilience Roadmap; inject seed financing; and provide assistance with credit ratings and development of municipal bond markets.