Collaboration in action | Workshop participants discuss tsunami evacuation plans with PHIVOLCS experts, ensuring community-specific preparedness strategies. (Photo Credits: DOST Regional Office No. IX)
DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – The local government unit of Sirawai conducted a comprehensive information, education and communication (IEC) campaign and workshop on tsunami evacuation and the integration of the Community Tsunami Alerting Station (CTAS) to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts.
The initiative aimed to equip residents with essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively to tsunami threats by understanding early warning systems, evacuation protocols and hazard assessment techniques.
This effort aligns with the broader goal of minimizing casualties and damage during tsunami events.
A total of 39 residents from 25 barangays actively participated in the IEC session and workshop, which was facilitated by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office-Zamboanga del Norte.
Topics discussed included the Earthquake and Tsunami Alerting Module (ETAM), REDAS-TsuSim, PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), Philippine Tsunami Network, Early Warning System, TEWS Visualization and siren activation.
Moreover, participants developed barangay-specific tsunami evacuation maps using hazard data provided by PHIVOLCS, enhancing their understanding of local risks and evacuation routes.
The interactive nature of the workshop allowed them to tailor preparedness measures to their communities’ unique needs.
This hands-on approach ensured community members could apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios, strengthening local disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
The IEC campaign also fostered a culture of proactive disaster risk reduction, empowering residents to take the lead in safeguarding their communities.
The workshop and IEC session marked a significant step in integrating the newly installed CTAS into Sirawai’s tsunami early warning system, ensuring the municipality is well-prepared for potential tsunami hazards in the future.
(EDT/PJF/CJH-OJT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
