OCD to local officials : “Localize, Laymanize” typhoon data

DAVAO CITY — In an effort to improve preparations for typhoons, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has instructed local disaster officials to localize and simplify the data provided by national government agencies.

This initiative aims to enhance the effective dissemination of crucial typhoon updates.

“I see a gap in local dissemination,” said OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno during a pre-disaster risk assessment this afternoon. His comments come in the wake of feedback regarding the transmission of vital information related to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which recently affected numerous areas across the country.

“Let’s take on the challenge. We need to leverage the capabilities of regional officials to translate important data into local dialects, making it more practical, understandable, and relevant for communities and decision-makers such as local government units (LGUs),” Nepomuceno emphasized.

He also called for the prompt distribution of advisories to LGUs and media outlets to ensure timely information flow.

Additionally, Nepomuceno has requested the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to provide immediate and continuous updates on any unusual or urgent advisories to the OCD.

Ednar Dayanghirang, OCD XI regional director emphasized that using the layman’s term will help the residents understand the typhoon data and make them understand for them to prepare back home.