The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday, March 16, to boost information caravan for disaster preparedness.

The Meteorological and Geological Hazard Advisories, Warning, and Notifications for Decisive Action (MAGHANDA) seeks to provide a clearer understanding of warning messages on natural hazards such as earthquakes, storm surges, typhoons, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions for a better response action among local government units (LGUs).

With the looming threat of natural hazards and disasters during the Covid-19 pandemic, DOST Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. stressed the importance of MAGHANDA amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

"PAGASA and Phivolcs understand very well the critical role of effectively communicating hazards to the public in an easy to understand and multi-platform packages to drive positive and most importantly, appropriate response, particularly from those living in vulnerable communities and attain our goal of reducing casualties and impacts by empowering them to act accordingly during various natural hazards," Solidum said.

"Sa pangalan pa lang ng proyektong ito, nais nating iparating sa ating mga kababayan ang kahalagahan ng tamang impormasyon tungkol sa panganib na dulot ng mga kalamidad na maaaring maiwasan ang pagkasira ng mga ari-arian at pagkawala ng mga buhay kung tayo lamang ay nakapaghanda dahil sa wastong kaalaman (True to the project's name, we want to convey to the Filipinos the importance of proper information about the dangers posed by disasters and that loss of livelihood and lives is preventable only if we are prepared and equipped with proper knowledge)," he added.

Meanwhile, PAGASA Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Dr. Esperanza Cayanan said the MAGHANDA project is "timely" as the country slowly shifts to the new normal.

"It is indeed very timely that we have this another workshop," Cayanan noted.

The project targets at least 7,549 participants from the seminar workshops in all 17 regions and is expected to capacitate local chief executives, disaster managers, and first responders on the latest disaster information and early warnings for appropriate actions.

"The key to appropriate preparedness and response would be a clear understanding of hazards and risks and most importantly the impacts of these natural hazards to certain areas," she continued.

MAGHANDA will also produce public service announcements on disaster warning information to be broadcast on various platforms and media networks.

Through the help of the DILG, MAGHANDA will develop an updated disaster risk reduction and management contingency plan with considerations of the new normal protocols.

DOST and DILG previously held similar information and education campaigns in 2014 to capacitate LGUs on disaster preparedness and its appropriate technologies on monitoring and decision-making tools.