The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), in partnership with DOST- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - CAR, held a hybrid seminar-workshop entitled “PHIVOLCS InfoPress: Understanding and Communicating the ‘Big One’ Scenario in CAR” on 22 June 2023 at Hotel Elizabeth, Baguio City and via Zoom Meeting.

DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol acknowledged the vital role of the media in helping the public understand the risks through science-based warnings to achieve disaster resilience. In his message, he encouraged the members of the press and government information officers to partner with the Institute in providing timely and accurate geohazard information to the public.

The resource persons for the PHIVOLCS InfoPress presented the possible earthquake scenarios that may cause the “Big One” in the region, how to prepare and mitigate the impacts of the earthquake scenarios, and the different information materials from the agency to increase the public’s awareness.

Following the discussions, the participants from various media organizations, member agencies of the regional DRRM council, and local government units were divided into groups for the workshop. The workshop aimed to establish collaboration between DOST-PHIVOLCS and the participants in crafting science-based yet understandable warning messages.

Moreover, DOST-PHIVOLCS, DOST-CAR, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-CAR, Provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province of CAR and the City of Baguio signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Project Deployment of GeoRiskPH Platforms in the region.

DOST-PHIVOLCS, through PHIVOLCS InfoPress, aims to continuously enhance the capacity of media practitioners and government information officers to promote effective science communication.