And I’m so jealous.

Every year, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) conducts a search for the towns and cities with the best disaster management and humanitarian assistance programs.  The “Gawad Kalasag” aims to recognize the outstanding performance of Disaster Coordinating Councils (DCCs) in the provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels.

This year the Municipality of Pontevedra won the National Award in the 3rd Class Municipality category.  I am proud to say that my father, Jimmy Gavan, will be receiving the award at the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday to be awarded by the Madame President herself (that’s what the memo says).  He has been the active member of the Pontevedra Emergency and Rescue Unit (PERU) and one of the main man in the group.  He would leave the house at midnight to respond to road accidents, go to river banks to help victims of floods and drive the ambulance for 40km to Bacolod if there a patient needed for transfer.  He was also the key person in the municipality in providing preventive measures to the Guimaras oil spill issue last year.  Thus, it was just right for him to receive the award in behalf of the people of Pontevedra.

I was hoping family members can attend the awarding ceremonies at Malacanang.  Sad to say, only two persons are allowed to attend.  That will be my father and the mayor.  I was also hoping I can get a share of the cash award.  Too bad, according to what I’ve read, they will receive a plaque worth 3,000Php.  No cash prizes were mentioned.

At least papa will get a free trip to Manila this year.  He will be staying with us after the awarding until Sunday, maybe.  My problem is, I don’t know where I would bring my father if he extends his stay.  Glorietta?  He’s not really fond of shopping.  Enchanted Kingdom?  Too childish for a 57 year old.  Intramuros?  He doesn’t dig history.  Beer houses?  That will be a first time for me.