TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 2 has recognized local government units and private partners for their exemplary performance in promoting and implementing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs in Cagayan Valley.

During the recognition ceremonies held at the Pulsar Hotel in Tuguegarao City, a total of 46 LGUs regionwide received commendations for achieving beyond and fully compliant with DRRM based on the results of the regional assessment for Local DRRM councils and offices.

Fully compliant generally adheres to the standards while beyond compliant are those that exceeded the bar for the establishment and functionality of the LDRRMCOs as prescribed under Sections 11 and 12 of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 or the RA 10121.

Beyond compliant LGUs include Quirino Province, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, and Delfin Albano, Cauayan City and City of Ilagan in Isabela.

The provinces of Isabela and Cagayan; municipality of Mahatao in Batanes; Nagtipunan and Diffun in Quirino; Lallo, Lasam, Allacapan, Solana, Camalaniugan, Sanchez Mira, Penablanca, Rizal and Baggao in Cagayan; Santiago City, Echague, Jones, Ramon, San Guillermo, Roxas, Cordon, San Mariano, Mallig, Reina Mercedes, Naguilian, San Mateo, Tumauini, Cabagan, San Isidro, Divilacan and Quirino in Isabela; and Aritao, Bambang, Ambaguio, Alfonso Castañeda, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur and Diadi in Nueva Vizcaya achieved a fully compliant score.

Meanwhile, SN Aboitiz Power Magat, Inc. was hailed as the regional champion for the GK Special Awards under the Private Organization category.

Cagayan Valley DRRM Council Chairperson and OCD 2 Regional Director Leon DG. Rafael Jr. highlighted the impact of commitment and support from the field counterparts and other stakeholders.

“Your involvement in managing and reducing disaster risks eases the burden that helps us to focus more on other aspects of DRRM,” Rafael said.

The regional director also expressed his anticipation for their continuous support of DRRM programs and initiatives to fully establish  safer, adaptive and resilient communities.