The local government, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Public Information Office, has introduced an initiative to enhance communication with deaf-mute individuals during emergencies, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance.

“The development of communication boards reflects our commitment to inclusive governance. Marginalized sectors, such as the deaf-mute community, often struggle to communicate in emergencies, making it harder to provide immediate aid,” CDRRMO chief Donna Magno said in an interview on Wednesday.

The communication board comes in four sets. They will form part of the kits and equipment of responders during emergencies.

These boards feature text and images depicting various patient needs, such as requesting help, experiencing pain, feeling sick, bleeding, taking medication, eating, drinking, or sleeping.

CDRRMO’s partnership and building division officer Analyn Porras said she was inspired to develop the tool after seeing a similar best practice in Yokohama, Japan, during a 2015 learning visit under the Community-Based Adaptation and Resilience Against Disasters (CBARAD) Project.

The communication boards will be distributed to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, district health centers, and ambulances.

Before deployment, CDRRMO will conduct an orientation and refresher course on sign language and the use of the materials, developed in consultation with the local deaf-mute community. (PNA)