LEGAZPI CITY - - - The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Legazpi was awarded the 2008 Gawad Kalasag for a voluntary organization which actively participated in disaster rescue and rehabilitation operation in the aftermath of typhoon Reming in Legazpi City and Albay in 2006.

       The plaque of recognition was received from President Macapagal-Arroyo by Atty. Alfredo Garbin (Legazpi City Councilor) and JCI Member during national awarding ceremonies held in Malacañang recently.

       The citation reads in part: “ National Disaster Coordinatin Council (NDCC) confers the Gawad Kalasag to Junior Chamber International (JCI) Legazpi City, Best Private/Volunteer Organization in recognition and appreciation of the valuable services and involvement in typhoon Reming operations in Albay and Legazpi City...”

       Other Gawad Kalasag Awardees from Bicol include: Municipality of Labo, Camarines Norte received the Hall of Fame Award, the Children International of Tabaco City, Albay for Gawad Kalasag for nongovernment organization (NGO) on Humanitarian Assistance.

       Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), received a special citation for his active role in disaster management.

       Awardees from other provinces: the Province of Sarangani won the Gawad Kalasag for Best provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC); Olongapo City, Best CDCC (highly urbanized city); Bayawan City (component city); Maragusan, Campostela Valley, Best MDCC (1st-3rd class); St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, Best MDCC (4th-6th class); Brgy Maa, Davao City, Best BDCC (urban); and Brgy. Pis-anan, SIbalom, Antique (rural category).

       KALASAG (shield) is an acronym for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan.