Manila: An official of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has urged barangay (village) officials in Eastern Visayas to develop communication plans to ensure that residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas, receive timely warnings and evacuation instructions during disasters. Assistant Secretary Laurence Mina, OCD deputy administrator for operations, said barangay officials should prepare alternative means of communication in case mobile phone and internet signals become unavailable during emergencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mina emphasized the necessity for barangay officials to create a communication plan outlining how to reach residents in vulnerable areas if signals are lost. This, he stressed, is crucial for saving lives. He made these remarks during a multisectoral forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency on Wednesday, which gathered representatives from national government agencies and barangay officials under the theme, 'Building Resilient Communities.'

Mina advised local officials not to rely solely on modern communication technologies, suggesting traditional methods as alternatives to alert residents of impending hazards. He mentioned practices such as having a designated crier walk through neighborhoods or using a megaphone to announce imminent dangers and evacuation orders. Historically, bells were used to communicate warnings, with rhythmic or rapid tolling serving as an immediate, loud auditory signal to warn residents of rising floodwaters or approaching storms.

In addition to establishing communication plans, Mina stressed the importance of barangay officials understanding the risks in their communities and identifying residents particularly vulnerable to disasters. He also urged government agencies, local government units, and communities to make disaster preparedness a sustained, everyday responsibility. According to Mina, disaster resilience should not be confined to a month-long campaign but should be integrated into daily governance and community life.