Guimaras, five towns earn Region 6 DRRM silver award

The Province of Guimaras and its five municipalities received a Silver Award from the 2026 Region VI Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Assessment Recognition Program during rites held Jan. 29, 2026, at the Kapitolyo Probinsiyal sang Guimaras.

The Silver Award signifies that the local government units are fully compliant with the standards and indicators under the regional DRRM assessment, underscoring their work in preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Guimaras Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Teresita Siason accepted the award on behalf of the Provincial Government of Guimaras.

The awards for Guimaras’ five municipalities were received by their respective Municipal DRRM Officers.

In her message, Nava expressed gratitude for the recognition and said the province is focused on proactive disaster preparedness with strong coordination among its municipalities.

“We are very honored to have received this very important award. Nagapakita nga very resilient and protected ang Guimarasnons because we are doing our best. What we would like to do is to build a resilient and more protected Guimaras. We cannot do that without the cooperation of all the municipalities. Ang aton lang guid aim is i-reduce ta ang aton disaster vulnerabilities and if ever there is, we would like to manage ang mga consequences sang sina nga calamities. We will not be reactive. We have to be proactive so, we prepare. Amo guid na ang mandate sang aton nga program, to prepare our province to whatever unexpected,” she said.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI Officer-in-Charge Atty. Melissa P. Banias also commended Guimaras and its local government units for sustained and collaborative efforts to strengthen local DRRM systems.

“This is to recognize the continued efforts of the LGU to strengthen local DRRM. Guimaras has taken the deliberate steps to strengthen preparedness and coordination. We acknowledge the province’s efforts in enhancing early warning systems, inter-municipal disaster coordination for municipal response, and integrating community-based DRRM into local planning and implementation,” Banias said.

Banias said the recognition reflects collective work across local leaders, DRRM offices, responders, volunteers and partners supporting disaster preparedness on the island.

“The result is not work of one person alone but a product of teamwork among lCEs, among local DRRMs, among responders, volunteers and stakeholders.”

The recognition highlights Guimaras’ continuing push to build resilient communities, strengthen inter-LGU cooperation, and advance proactive and inclusive disaster risk governance aimed at protecting Guimarasnons.