KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- DOST-PAGASA is set to multiply its efforts to boost its information drive with Project #MAGHANDA: Meteorological and Geological Hazards Advisories, Warning and Notifications for Decisive Action.

Jaymar Artigas, Chief Meteorological Officer of Buayan - Malungon River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (BMRBFFWC) said, #MAGHANDA aims to develop skills of local government units in understanding warning messages from PAGASA and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to facilitate better planning for response actions in Disaster Risk Reduction efforts.

“All in all, full collaboration po ito ng DRRM. Lahat ng LGU kasama para ipaunawa yung mga terms para magamit nila bilang paghahanda kung may kalamidad na posibleng dumating,” Artigas said.

He added that the project also seeks to capacitate information officers and the media in the development of news reports and articles for better dissemination of warning messages to the general public.

Initially, the learning sessions were scheduled to be conducted in Soccsksargen in August, but was moved to September.

“Magkakaroon ng discussion, workshop and training. Isa ito sa IEC dissemination natin upang madaling maunawaan ng taumbayan ang mga technical terms and jargons,” the official said.

Artigas also warned the public to avoid spreading misinformation and fake news to prevent panic, especially during onset of heavy rains.

“Kung ano yung nakukuha nating impormasyon sa PAGASA, totohanin natin at isaisip natin. Ito ay importante, nakasalalay po yung ating buhay at property. Maging handa tayo araw-araw at maging responsible sa pagpapakalat ng balita,” he added.