MANILA, Philippines—The Makati City government said it was given the highest compliance rating by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for disaster risk reduction.

Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said the city was ranked “beyond compliant” at the 22nd Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Assistance for the year 2021.

“We are grateful for this recognition as it affirms our commitment to a disaster-ready and resilient Makati,” Binay said in a statement.

Binay also lauded the city’s disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRM) “for doing an excellent job in making our city safe for residents and other stakeholders.”

The Gawad Kalasag is a mandatory assessment for all local DRRMs.

Gawad Kalasag assesses the performances of DRRMs, including how local DRRM funds were allocated and used.

Makati was earlier named by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction as the first-ever Resilience Hub in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.