In celebration of the 2025 National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), the Department of Agriculture–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Section (DRRMS) held the inaugural “Tanglaw Katatagan Awards: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Ehemplo ng Katatagan sa Sektor ng Agrikultura at Pangingisda” on July 17, 2025.

The event recognized outstanding DRRM personnel and offices for their exceptional contributions and steadfast dedication to strengthening resilience within the agriculture and fisheries sectors across the country.

Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo underscored the vital role of DRRM focal persons in effectively responding to and managing disasters.

“As an active member of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the DA implements programs, projects, and activities across the four key pillars of DRRM—Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Early Recovery and Rehabilitation—to build safer, more adaptive, and disaster-resilient Filipino communities in pursuit of sustainable development,” Asec. Manalo said.

He also reiterated the message of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. during the 2025 NDRM kick-off ceremony, stressing that disaster risk reduction and management is a shared responsibility that demands collective effort.

Awardees were selected for the significant impact of their initiatives in reducing disaster risks in their communities, their innovative and effective solutions, and their strong engagement and collaboration with local governments, communities, and the private sector.

Honorees included the following individuals and offices:

• Pillar of Resilience Award:
Joedel Leliza (DA-RFO XI);
 Jimmy Eledia Jr. (DA-RFO VI);
Maria Teresa Carido (DA-RFO IV-B);
Jemrick Ramos (Agricultural Credit Policy Council)
• DRRM Regional Support Recognition:
DA-RFOs II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, XI, and XII
• The Exemplary NDRRMP Reporting Award:
DA-RFO VIII and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
• The Story of Resilience Achievement Award:
DA-RFOs II and VIII, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute
• Award for Diligence in Recovery Monitoring:
3rd Place – DA-RFO V;
2nd Place – DA-RFO II;
1st Place – DA-RFO VI
• Excellence in Rehabilitation and Recovery Implementation Award:
DA-RFO V
• DRRMIS Advocate Award:
DA-RFOs IV-B, XII, and CAR

### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)