Davao Oriental has been awarded the 2023 National Gawad Kalasag for being the leading province for disaster preparedness and management.

In a statement, Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr., who received the accolade during a ceremony in Manila on Monday, said the province achieved a rating of 2.8 percent, securing the top score among provinces designated as “beyond compliant.”

“The provincial government has prioritized disaster preparedness and management, particularly given Davao Oriental’s susceptibility to natural disasters, such as typhoons, monsoon flooding, and landslides, and its location along the Philippine Faultline,” he said.

Meanwhile, Uy emphasized the necessity of collaborating with national agencies and stakeholders to strengthen capabilities for a more comprehensive and efficient response.

Interior Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. and National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. presented the award to the province. (PNA)