TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The regional champions in the recently concluded Gawad Kalasag 2023 were recognized by the Regional Disaster Risk and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region 2 in simple ceremony at Hotel Carmelita, Tuguegarao City.

In conjunction with the third RDRRMC Full Council meeting, Leon DG. Rafael, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense Region 2 and chairperson of RDRRMC 2, conferred a plaque of recognition to SN Aboitiz Power-Magat as the winner for private sector category

He also handed the championship trophy to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center for the hospital category. The Cabagan Rescue Team of Cabagan, Isabela brought home the first-place award in the Government Emergency Management System category while the Bambang Rescue Team was adjudged as the second placer in the same category.

For the school category, Maddela Comprehensive High School in Maddela, Quirino was declared the regional champion, followed by Cauayan City Science High School in Cauayan City, Isabela, while Tumauini National High School of Tumauini, Isabela was declared as the 3rd place winner.

“We do hope that you can make it in the national as you are now representing our region in the highest level of this search,” Rafael said.

Other than these, Rafael also took the opportunity to recognize rescue volunteers from both government and private groups for the conduct of the search and retrieval operations on the Cessna plane that crashed in the Isabela area last January this year.

The agencies that were recognized include the Bureau of Fire Protection offices in Maconacon, Divilacan and Special Rescue Unit; the Philippine National Police offices in Divilacan, Maconacon San Mariano, Special Action Force, Isabela Mobile Force, 142nd Special Action Company, 143rd Special Action Company, 151st Special Action Company, Explosives Division; the Philippine Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion, 502nd Brigade and 5th Infantry Division; the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 2 and other private organizations.

He also gave recognitions to those who participated in the conduct of Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis after the typhoon Egay in Cagayan and Isabela provinces.

Rafael expressed his gratitude to the said awardees for their unwavering support to the council, especially during disaster operations. (OTB/PIA Region 2)