Media, PIA attend US Embassy seminar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27): Media, PIA attend US Embassy seminar

Selected private media practitioners and information officers from the Philippine Information Agency underwent a two-day seminar on disaster preparedness, courtesy of the United States Embassy.

The 7th US Embassy Seminar for Regional Media focused on the role of media in disaster preparedness and emergency management.

Included in the discussions during the seminar were humanitarian assistance protocols and partnerships with non-government organizations and local governments, information to mitigate disasters, particularly Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) of the Department of Science and Technology, and Communicating programs and initiatives in disaster preparedness and emergency management.

The initiatives of the Philippine Information Agency in responding to citizens’ communication needs in times of disasters and emergency, use of web and mobile technology during disasters, disaster reporting for television, and mobilizing the community press in times of disasters were likewise given emphasis.

External Affairs Director Oscar Victor Lizardo of the DOST’s Project NOAH stressed that there is a need for media to effectively communicate the risks through disaster awareness programs, visual information and bridging the gap between the media and science for the general public.

He also said that localizing the information and the importance of local leaders, communicating the disasters that did not happen, and use of ambassadors to get the message across are important in communicating the risks.

Science and Technology Institute Deputy Director Alan Taule pointed out to mediamen the six focal points to be considered in covering disaster events such as the danger and killer factors, location of the communities at risk, scale and magnitude to determine the needed level of response and coordination, timing and duration of disaster event, impact or hazard’s effects on the community, and response.

For her part, Molly Koscina US Embassy incoming Information Officer in Public Affairs thanked the participants of  the training and expects that whatever they learned will be applied  for the betterment of their respective communities.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991474876248/media-pia-attend-us-embassy-seminar