The coastal City of Mati in Davao Oriental established a significant partnership on Tuesday with the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) to bolster local preparedness for tsunami hazards.
Recognizing Mati City for its proactive stance on safety and disaster resilience, DOST-Phivolcs and local officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance community awareness and readiness through various educational and community-focused initiatives as part of the World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) 2024 observance.
A central feature of the campaign is the “Tsunami InfoSerYe,” a public information drive utilizing social media, billboards, and messaging alerts to spread crucial safety information throughout Mati City, fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness.
During a press briefing, DOST-Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol emphasized the importance of strengthening preparedness activities.
He noted that of the 82 provinces in the Philippines, 66 are coastal.
He recounted an incident during a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Sarangani in January, residents went to the shore to live-stream the event, instead of evacuating.
“Fortunately, the waves were not significant at that time, but this behavior can be dangerous and lead to casualties,” Bacolcol warned.
He stressed the necessity of educating coastal communities to recognize the natural signs of an impending tsunami.
Bacolcol reiterated the agency’s mission to empower local governments and residents to respond effectively to potential disasters.
The MOU states that DOST-Phivolcs will lead technical preparations and provide expert guidance, while the city will manage local coordination, participant engagement and promotional activities.
Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said the partnership represents a crucial advancement in enhancing Mati City’s preparedness and resilience against tsunami risks, aligning with the broader national observance of WTAD.
“This ongoing dedication to safety and preparedness serves as a model for proactive disaster resilience, ensuring that Mati City and its citizens are well-prepared to confront potential risks,” Rabat said. (PNA)
