PANABO CITY – The National Selection Committee for the 24th Gawad Kalasag Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance in the Higher Education Institutions category visited Davao del Norte State College on November 5, 2024, to evaluate it as one of the nationwide finalists.
The committee members included lead evaluator Ms. Romina Marasigan from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Ms. Jacqueline Manara from OCD, Ms. Ruth Madrideo from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ms. Rhodelia Divina from the Philippine Information Agency, and Atty. John Jacome from the Coordinating Council for Private Educational Associations of the Philippines. They were accompanied by Ms. Eirene Mahusay from OCD Region XI.
The evaluators were welcomed by DNSC’s management team, Disaster Resiliency and Administration Committee (DRAC), and sociocultural performing arts group. They observed institution-wide earthquake and fire drills, which included first-aid responses to physical injuries and psychosocial responses to mental and emotional reactions during disasters.
A document review followed, with the full participation of the Bachelor of Science in Disaster Resiliency and Management program faculty members. During the closing event, stakeholders from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office – Davao del Norte, City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Panabo City, Panabo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, DNSC adoptive barangay (Brgy. Mabaus, Municipality of Carmen), and Bureau of Fire Protection – Panabo City shared their thoughts on the College’s disaster management and preparedness initiatives.
A representative from PDDRMO highlighted that, despite knowing their contributions and significance to communities by saving lives, their experience with DNSC’s post-crisis psychological support humanized their emotions and experiences.
On behalf of the evaluators, Atty. Jacome remarked, “You deserve to be a finalist. You are carrying the flag of Mindanao in terms of disaster and community resilience. I observed three things: you are proactive, deliberate, and collaborative.”
Lead evaluator Marasigan added, “Although there is room for improvement in systemizing your documents, your strength lies in the testimonies of your stakeholders. You play a crucial role in not just imparting skills and knowledge, but in shaping students with the right attitude, focus, and behavior to be future leaders.”
Vice President for Administration and Finance Reir Erlinda E. Cutad, speaking on behalf of the College, expressed her gratitude during the closing ceremony. She was moved by the activity and the stakeholders’ feedback. “Our greatest asset is our human resource. All our activities are products of their dedication and commitment to serve communities,” she emphasized.
