For three years running, the University of San Carlos National Service Training Program/National Service Reserve Corps (USC NSTP/NSRC) received a Gawad KALASAG National Award during the 20th Annual Gawad KALASAG (GK) National Awarding Ceremony held at AFP Theater, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City last December 4, 2018.
Out of 177 entries evaluated and validated by GK National Selection Committee, USC is one of the 67 awardees. Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing at Kaligtasan) which is annually organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) remains the “country’s premier annual awards for excellent contributions in DRRM and humanitarian assistance.”
Since its inception in 1998, Gawad KALASAG has been recognizing various sectors, groups, and individuals who have exhibited excellent and sustainable programs, activities, and projects that contributed to the government’s effort to mitigate disaster risks. This annual event continuously aims to promote awareness of the best practices in disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance, and inspire the community to “build a safer, climate change adaptive and disaster resilient Philippines.”
Recognized for its exemplary contribution in the advancement of disaster risk reduction and management (DRMM) under the Higher Education Institution (HEI) category, USC is the only university in Region 7 to receive this prestigious recognition. The award was conferred for the University’s commitment to cultivate “its disaster response capability which has been proven in numerous emergency situations,” provide skillful resource mobilization, equipment and assets (fire truck, ambulance, and other response gear) for disaster response, maintain evacuation centers and other important facilities, and ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and staff through regular conduct of emergency drills and disaster training activities. GK also recognized the University’s strong volunteer corps particularly the well-trained and highly capable disaster response team, that is, the USC Emergency Response Team (USCERT), for its valuable assistance and “dependable response support in any emergency in Cebu City and nearby towns.”
In collaboration with different units and stakeholders, USC NSTP/NSRC also provides regular trainings, workshops, and programs within and outside the campus to capacitate groups and individuals to prepare and respond in numerous emergency situations. Among its activities include fire and earthquake drills, calamity preparedness seminars, disaster risk reduction and management trainings, emergency response trainings, and distribution of promotional awareness materials such as flyers, posters, and tarpaulins.
A plaque of recognition and cash incentive worth Php100,000.00 for DRRM-related programs were awarded to NSTP/NSRC Director Fr. Eugene A. Docoy, SVD and NSTP Officer Emma Selma who attended in behalf of USC president Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD. USC NSTP/NSRC was first conferred the said award in 2016 under the group category and in 2017 under the HEI category.
Tags: Community extension, Witness to the Word