TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), has recognized 106 local disaster risk reduction and management councils and offices (LDRRMCOs), along with four institutions, for their outstanding contributions to disaster preparedness and resilience in Eastern Visayas.

The recognition highlights the efforts of local councils and partner institutions in strengthening community resilience, enhancing preparedness measures, and improving disaster response capabilities across the region.

Top-performing councils and offices were also honored after achieving the highest performance ratings at the regional level. The council likewise expressed gratitude to DRRM frontliners, local officials, and partner agencies for their dedication.

“Your hard work, commitment, and dedication have paid off,” the council said, underscoring the collective effort that continues to reinforce the region’s resilience.

For the 2025 DRRM Champions, Southern Leyte was named top provincial awardee, followed by Samar. Ormoc City received recognition as the lone awardee in the independent component city category.

In the component city category, Borongan City topped the list, followed by Maasin City and Catbalogan City.

Among 1st–3rd class municipalities, Catarman in Northern Samar ranked first, with Sogod in Southern Leyte placing second and Laoang in Northern Samar third.

For 4th–5th class municipalities, Silago in Southern Leyte secured the top award, followed by Catarman and San Roque, both in Northern Samar.

Awards were also given to LDRRMCs and offices across Biliran, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Southern Leyte for exemplary DRRM performance.

Special citations went to Biliran Provincial Hospital (Top Local Government Hospital Award), the Philippine National Police Eastern Visayas (Special Organization Award), Southern Leyte State University (Higher Education Institution Award), and the Catarman Emergency Response Unit (Advanced Local Government Emergency Response Team Award).

The RDRRMC said the awards aim to encourage local governments and institutions to further strengthen their disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives.