Manila:Northern Mindanao A total of 32 local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao have been recognized with gold awards in the annual "Gawad Kalasag" for their outstanding disaster resilience and response efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office granted gold recognitions to 32 LGUs, which include 13 from Bukidnon province, eight from Lanao del Norte, six from Misamis Oriental, and two each from Misamis Occidental and Camiguin. The city government in this region was also awarded under the Highly Urbanized City (HUC) category.

The gold recognition is given to LGUs that surpass the standards for establishing and operating their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Councils and Offices, as outlined in Sections 11 and 12 of Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

"This recognition reflects the LGUs' continued efforts to strengthen local disaster risk reduction and management systems and to ensure their communities are better prepared to face disasters and emergencies," stated the OCD-Northern Mindanao.

Additionally, 30 LGUs were awarded silver recognition, including Iligan City for the HUC category, while 17 LGUs received bronze recognition. The Gawad Kalasag is the country's leading awards program to honor exceptional excellence and innovation in DRRM and humanitarian assistance, led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through the OCD.