Typhoon Yolanda aftermath portal utility gains
appreciation from netizens
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA) – The web-based
Yolanda aftermath portal created by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
Caraga bears out usefulness with an increased number of global users.
It can be recalled that
http://piacaragayolandaph.blogspot.com was entirely designed and got portal up
and running, following right after the strike of the typhoon Yolanda
(international name: Haiyan), to bring a wide range of information sources that
are attainable to the netizens. Contents of this site turned out to be an easy
and quick reference of photos, videos, news, and updates of the after effects
of the super typhoon’s wrath.
Northeastern Mindanao information cluster head
and PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga stated that he prefigured it as a
functional device to allow the many Filipinos in catching a glimpse of the
devastation. “I saw the practicality of our plan to set up the portal, which in
turn will knock the hearts of our fellowmen, especially those with kindred
spirits who are eager to extend a help to those stricken with the catastrophic
event,” he said.
The Yolanda aftermath portal serves well its
purpose when netizens visited and utilized the link of “People Finder” engine
to seek status about their relatives and friends. Concerned individuals even
came around the PIA-13 regional office to ask for assistance and obtain
information. “This is our way also of doing whatever we can to serve the
needing public,” Caga added.
Further, Presidential Communications Operations
Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma has recognized the sincere effort of
PIA-13 for initiating the construction of Yolanda aftermath web portal.
Accordingly, the national office has set up a wide screen monitor specifically
intended for browsing and viewing updates.
The creative and maintenance team of said portal
composed of no less that the PIA-13 personnel continue in giving credit to the
various sources and providers of relevant online data to include the Philippine
government official gazette, the national disaster risk reduction management
council (NDRRMC) website, among others.
“It is during this poignant time of overwhelming
tragedy that our capacity to deliver our services is way beyond what is being
expected of us. PIA Caraga will untiringly search for means to facilitate and
integrate practical applications through a gateway on the internet to provide
detailed and up-to-date information,” said Caga. (FEA/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
