The Municipal Government of Itogon was conferred the Gold Award in the 2025 GAWIS (Governance in Action, Working Towards Inclusivity and Safer) Cordillera, during the annual recognition program for disaster resilience initiatives spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense–Cordillera (OCD-CAR) and the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on December 16, 2025 in Baguio City.
Among 75 municipal local government units in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Itogon earned the Gold Award, recognizing its sustained commitment to disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and inclusive governance.
The GAWIS Kordilyera program serves as a platform to honor outstanding initiatives, innovations, and collaborative efforts of local governments and partners that strengthen disaster resilience and promote safer, more inclusive communities.
Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, together with Municipal DRRM Officer Engr. Cyril Batcaga, formally received the award. The recognition was conferred by Undersecretary Harold N. Cabreros, National DRRMC Executive Director, and OCD-CAR Regional Director Albert A. Mogol.
In addition to the municipal Gold Award, several special awards were also bestowed on Itogon stakeholders:
* The Itogon Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) led by Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña, under the Best Local Government Emergency Management and Response Teams (GEMS) Advance Category;
* Nurse Rossan Balisto under the Individual Category; and
* SN Aboitiz Power–Benguet, Inc. under the Private Organization Category.
These recognitions underscore Itogon’s strong multi-sectoral collaboration and unwavering dedication to building a disaster-resilient and prepared community.
