DOST-PHIVOLCS highlights science-based info dissemination, reporting on volcano-related activities
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department
of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(DOST-PHIVOLCS) convened the media and the information officers from the
different regions of the country during the InfoPress via Zoom platform. This
is to promote science communication and update the media and the public on the
science of volcanoes.
DOST Usec. Renato Solidum, OIC-PHIVOLCS, emphasized the need to have a better understanding of the science of volcanoes and the right/appropriate measures/response to be undertaken during volcanic activity. He also expressed gratitude to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) for facilitating the InfoPress with participating media and information officers from the different regions of the country.
Solidum also thanked all the media
and information officers for their active participation and reiterated that the
media play a vital role in inculcating to the minds of the people the right
information about the volcanic eruption and how they would be able to survive
from it.
He added that the media have been a
constant partner of DOST-PHIVOLCS in disseminating factual and reliable
information to the public and in promoting the agency's advocacy and IEC
materials. "Should you need any other information, you may visit the
DOST-PHIVOLCS website," added Solidum.
Ma. Antonia Bornas of DOST-PHIVOLCS
discussed thoroughly the science of volcanoes including its classification.
"A volcano is a vent, hill, or mountain which molten or hot rocks with
gaseous material have been ejected. In the country, there are 300 volcanoes
wherein most are inactive and 24 are considered active," she cited.
Winchelle Ian Sevilla of
DOST-PHIVOLCS also elaborated that the public should rely only on information
materials about volcanoes that are science-based. “We should avoid reading and
sharing fake news. This will only give us wrong concepts, perspectives on
things like this that we need to know about,” he bared.
Sevilla also encouraged everyone to
download the DOST-PHIVOLCS mobile application to learn more about safety tips
during any disaster.
In her closing message, Dir. Ma. Florinda Princess Duque of PCOO highlighted that the PCOO with all its attached agencies will continue to share and disseminate relevant information and updates from DOST-PHIVOLCS to make the general public well informed and alert citizens. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
