TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The Regional Gawad KALASAG search of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Region 2 has already commenced.

The evaluation for the school category is ongoing in which, of the six entries, three passed the desk evaluation and are now subject to field validation.

These include schools in Cauayan City, Isabela; Maddela, Quirino; and Tumauini, Isabela.

The Gawad Kalasag is a search for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance.  

Mary May Baclig, focal person from Office of the Civil Defense Region 2, said validation for the other categories will also start next week to include hospitals, government emergency response, private organizations, and local DRRM council categories.

During the field validation at Cauayan City Science and Technology High School and Maddela Comprehensive High School, the students demonstrate their skills in conducting the duck, cover and hold procedures, and evacuation during earthquake.

The Junior Watch Team, an organized students for search, rescue and response operations in the school, in both schools also demonstrate their skills in conducting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as well as in responding to injuries and other emergencies.

The regional evaluators for the school category include representatives from Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Information Agency and Office of the Civil Defense. (OTB/PIA 2)