DOST and DILG join forces for the “Maghanda” disaster control project

MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Home and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday signed an agreement for a project called “Maghanda,” which aims to increase information pressure and provide better disaster risk warnings.

“It aims to enable LGUs (local government units), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) offices, local intelligence officers and DRR first responders, including uniformed personnel such as PNP, BFP, etc., to understand response measures,” Philippine told Atmospheric , Geophysical and Vicente Malano, Administrator of the Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

He added that the project aims to provide a clearer understanding of the warnings from frontline science agencies PAGASA and Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to enable a better response among LGUs and the general public.

“The key to adequate preparedness and response would be a clear understanding of an area’s hazards and potential impacts, clear alerts and alerts,” said Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr.

Solidum pointed out that scientists and technical experts often use jargon that leaves the public underinformed.

Maghanda gives local officials and disaster managers a clearer understanding of natural hazard alerts (including earthquakes, storm surges, typhoons, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions) to better respond to disasters and communicate information to the publicly available.

The project is aimed at over 7,500 participants from the seminar workshops in all 17 regions and provides local business leaders, disaster managers and first responders with the latest disaster information and early warnings for appropriate measures.

The project, which will cost over PHP 27 million, will provide a learning management system that LGUs can access for free, as well as the vital information they need to prepare.

“Maghanda” will also produce public service announcements on disaster warning information that will be broadcast across various platforms and media networks.

With the help of the DILG, the project will develop an updated disaster risk reduction and management contingency plan, taking into account the new normal protocols. (PNA)