SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 1 is localizing its information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to better prepare communities for the rainy season and related hazards.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Ilocos forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 1 on May 9, OCD regional director Lawrence E. Mina emphasized the need to improve community awareness using relatable and accessible content.
“With thunderstorms already being reported and the typhoon season approaching, we are strengthening our IEC initiatives to reach all community levels,” he said.
One major effort is the posting of tarpaulins in barangay halls, municipal offices, and schools. These materials carry simple, visual reminders tailored-fit to local risks such flooding and landslides.
The OCD also uses videos produced in Ilocano, shown on LED displays in public areas – to make preparedness messages easier to understand.
“Even students and children can grasp the safety messages because the videos are delivered in the local language,” he added.
Rhoven Panit, a resident of Bauang town, said that the localized IEC materials, especially those translated into Iloco, have helped raise public awareness during sudden weather changes.
“We often see the Ilocano posters at the barangay hall and even online. It’s easier for us to understand the warnings and prepare since the instructions are in our own language,” he said.
Adreanne Pagsolingan, Information Officer II of the OCD 1, also noted the role of local DRRM offices in supporting these efforts.
“Many of our LDRRMOs now create their own localized IEC materials. Even on our RDRRMC1 Facebook page, we include Iloco translations. These efforts help remind and inform our communities about messages they need to know,” Pagsolingan said.
To widen their reach, OCD works with media partners and the PIA to ensure timely release of weather updates and safety bulletins.
This is part of a multi-platform strategy involving media briefings, community outreach, and online updates.
Mina said that while national alert systems are available, OCD 1 is also working on localized systems to make information more community-specific.
“We plan to enhance our text alert systems so that critical messages reach residents immediately, especially during emergencies,” he said.
To further boost readiness, the agency has activated Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and Incident Management Teams (IMTs) across the region. These teams coordinate with local DRRM councils to respond swiftly to incidents.
Mina called on the public to stay alert, follow official bulletins, prepare emergency supplies, and report hazards right away.
“We’re ready, but we need communities to be equally alert. Quick reporting means faster response,” he said. (CCMT, AIHR/PIA Region 1)
