In observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD), DOST-PHIVOLCS conducted a hybrid (face-to-face and online) seminar entitled “PHIVOLCS InfoPress: Understanding the Science of Tsunami” on 4 November 2022 at the PHIVOLCS Auditorium and via Zoom.
PHIVOLCS InfoPress is a regular activity of the agency. It serves as an avenue to define the commonly-used tsunami terms and concepts; and to orient media participants on the Philippine Tsunami Information and proper response procedures. In addition, this is to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the messages being relayed to the public and to promote effective science communication.
Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge, highlighted the key role of the media in providing proper information among people to help mitigate the disasters our country might face during an onslaught of a tsunami.
Among the speakers were Supervising Science Research Specialists, Ms. Joan C. Salcedo and Mr. Ishmael C. Narag, who discussed Tsunami-Ready Philippines and Tsunami 101, respectively. Parañaque City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office representative, Ms. Zareena Trixia I. Lamberte, presented the initiatives of their city in terms of tsunami resilience.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the InfoPress to signify a stronger partnership between DOST-PHIVOLCS and the Parañaque City Government. A part of this was the tsunami orientation for selected community members conducted on October 28, 2022 at the Bulungan Seafood Market, Parañaque City. An open forum was also held during the program joined by Dr. Bacolcol and the speakers of the InfoPress.
Dr. Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, Chief Science Research Specialist, delivered her closing remarks by emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in preparations especially during disasters.
In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared every 5th of November as the World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD).
