Tuburan earns recognitions for good governance, disaster preparedness

CEBU, Philippines — The municipality of Tuburan, Cebu has vowed to continue its programs following two recent awards the town received–the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the “Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence Beyond Compliant.”

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability in public service,” said Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante in a statement.

“It highlights how we remain steadfast in ensuring that every transaction, purchase, and expenditure is conducted with utmost integrity and transparency. This achievement is a shared victory for every Tuburanon,” Diamante added.

Diamante shared that the award reflects the collaborative effort of their hardworking local government officials, public servants, and the trust and support of their community.

“Together, we continue to set a standard for good governance, aiming to improve the lives of all residents and foster a brighter future for Tuburan. We remain committed to upholding these values as we continue our journey of progress and development. Let us celebrate this milestone as we move forward with the same determination and unity that brought us this far,” he further said.

As for the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence Beyond Compliant” award, Tuburan garnered a rating of 2.65 in the 24th Gawad KALASAG Seal for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) Category for CY 2024.

“The Municipality of Tuburan, Province of Cebu is found to have exceeded the standards for the establishment and functionality of the LDRRMCOs as prescribed in the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act or 2010 or Republic Act NO, 10120,” it says.

The award was personally recieved by Mayor Diamante during the the 24th Gawad KALASAG National Awarding Ceremony at Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City by National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) chairperson Undersecretary Arnel Nepumuceno and NDRRMC chairperson and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr.

Gawad Kalasag is the government’s primary recognition scheme for stakeholders who promote and implement disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs that protect high-risk communities against extreme hazards and disasters.

According to the Office of National Defense, the concept of Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) was adopted from the Filipino term for shield, ‘kalasag,’ used by early Filipinos as a means of protection from attacks of enemies or harmful animals.

It was established as the country’s premier recognition scheme to various stakeholders that design and implement Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) programs that protect and shield high risk communities against hazards and render them more capable of addressing their vulnerabilities and coping from disasters. -