Rescue5 continues being a trailblazer, being the first in the broadcast industry to receive the Gawad KALASAG. Rescue5, led by TV5 Public Service Head Sherryl Yao, received an award for Best Private Organization at the 2013 Metropolitan Manila Regional Gawad KALASAG Awards last August 7, held at the Marikina Convention Center.

Rescue5’s Gawad KALASAG winning entry included its disaster response operations such as the Habagat flooding (August 2012), Typhoons Pedring and Quiel (September – October 2011), and the rescue of a Thai mountaineer during the Mayon explosion (May 2013). It also included its advocacy on disaster preparedness such as the launch of the Rescue 5 activity book for kids which passed the review of the Department of Education (DepEd). Rescue5 is the pioneer in the Philippines, and as cited by CNN, probably the first in the world, in equipping reporters and cameramen in emergency medical service, and other lifesaving skills. Last July, it also made a pioneering move in the broadcast industry, when it partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Philippine Air Force (AFP-PAF) to become an affiliated reserve unit, to be designated as its 500th Search and Rescue Group Reserve, to strengthen its response to calamities.

Gawad KALASAG is conducted annually to recognize exceptional contribution of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) practitioners in strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacities of communities to disaster risks. It also aims to promote the volunteerism spirit among agencies and individuals, providing needed help during the disaster response phase of the DRRM. Gawad KALASAG is organized by the Office of Civil Defense – National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Rescue 5 is one of the best among the regional winners who will compete in the National Gawad KALASAG to be held in October.