President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr on Friday stressed the need for science-based innovations on disaster response, calling the country’s top disaster management office and local government units to work together for the cause.

In his message at the 24th Gawad KALASAG National Awarding Ceremony in Pasay City, President Marcos said it is crucial for disaster risk reduction and the response system to continuously improve.

“It has become imperative that our DRRM system undergoes continuous improvement to address evolving circumstances. It includes our individual obligation to follow proactive, vigilant, and adaptable strategies for our own and our communities’ safety,” the President said.

“I once again call on the NDRRMC and all other concerned agencies and the LGUs – our always our first responders – to continue working together to develop innovative solutions that are science-based, that are sustainable, and are future-ready, and establish clear guidelines for more effective disaster-response,” he added.

The President said the initiative for disaster response should be guided by the “Build Back Better” strategy in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

President Marcos also led the conferment of the Gawad Kalasag Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.

The event is the country’s premier recognition program for various stakeholders implementing and promoting DRRM, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance programs.

The program aims to recognize and honor the courage, sacrifice, and heroism shown by individuals, groups, or institutions before, during, and after emergency situations resulting from natural or human-induced hazards. |PND