Philippines: Disaster-ready cities in Central Luzon awarded

The Office of Civil Defense conferred citations to the 2011 Gawad Kalasag winners in Central Luzon region, reports the Sun Star. National winners are set to be announced in October in time for the observance of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Day for Disaster Management and the International Day for Disaster Reduction. The Gawad Kalasag is given to individuals, local coordinating councils, non-governmental organizations, private groups, schools and hospitals in recognition of their achievements in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation.