PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) secured its place as the second-best higher education institution nationwide for its “exceptional contributions to enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacities of local communities” during the Office of Civil Defense’s 2024 Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards Ceremony held on December 9, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City.
The award was received by DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa, Disaster Resiliency and Administration Committee Head Boyeth C. Pelone, and College Nurse Gemma G. Cervantes. Supporting the occasion as masters of ceremony were DNSC representatives, Mr. Mer Jun Q. Cañas and Ms. Khristine Liezle S. Arnilla.
Gawad KALASAG, an annual recognition program, acknowledges outstanding efforts in disaster risk reduction and management by stakeholders, including local government units, hospitals, and schools. DNSC stood out for its pioneering initiatives, including the launching the country’s first-ever Bachelor of Science in Disaster Resiliency and Management program, institutionalizing the Student Emergency Response Team (SERT), and implementing a Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP) with a disaster risk reduction and response component.
As the regional best and a top national contender, DNSC continues to set a benchmark for disaster resiliency in higher education, reinforcing its commitment to empowering communities and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.
