Hailed as the Best Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the 2025 Regional Gawad Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (KALASAG) Special Awards by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 3 (RDRRMC3), Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) has been selected to represent the Central Luzon region at the national level.

The selection process was based on a scoring system that evaluated DRRM practices across four key criteria: Policy and Plans (30 points), Capability and Capacity (50 points), Emergency Preparedness and Response (15 points), and Partnerships or Stakeholder Agreements (5 points), for a total of 100 points.

The Office of Civil Defense Region 3 conducted the field validation of Pampanga State U on June 26, 2025, through the Occupational Safety and Health Office (OSHO).

“The most significant effort that helped our university achieve the Gawad KALASAG Regional Award is the widespread implementation of comprehensive safety and disaster preparedness programs, including regular drills, training, and attention to hazard identification and risk reduction,” said Rhiziel Manalese, OSHO Director, in an interview.

According to Rhiziel Manalese, the award also serves as an inspiration to further strengthen the university’s disaster preparedness initiatives and to act as a model for other schools in the region and across the country. This was made possible through the support of the University’s top management, led by Dr. Enrique Baking, University President; Engr. Reden Hernandez, Executive Vice President; Dr. Ranie Canlas, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension; and Dr. Dolores Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.

The National Gawad KALASAG Awards serve as the premier recognition for excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and humanitarian assistance across the Philippines.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit

{makeGallery}

path=</images/2025/News/July/Pampanga State U to represent Central Luzon in Natl Gawad KALASAG Awards/07102025 - OSHO Gawad Kalasag >

count=10

{/makeGallery}