GOVPH

To enhance disaster preparedness in Northern and Central Luzon against earthquakes and tsunamis, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched the Disaster Narratives for Experiential Knowledge-based Science Communication, or DANAS Sourcebook, written in the Ilokano language.

The sourcebook was developed by the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) in collaboration with Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union, the University of the Philippines – Visayas, and DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

DANAS includes documented personal accounts from individuals who have experienced past earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic events in the region. By sharing these vivid accounts in local languages, experts believe the sourcebook will enhance disaster preparedness in the country through increased awareness.

Charmaine Villamil, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-PHIVOLCS, stated that the Philippines has over 300 named and unnamed volcanoes, with 24 classified as active and 27 as potentially active. Ten of these volcanoes—including Mt. Pinatubo, Taal, Iriga, Isarog, Mayon, Bulusan, Kanlaon, Hibok-hibok, Matutum, and Parker—are closely monitored by DOST-PHIVOLCS.

“More than just tools, the DANAS Ilokano Sourcebooks serve as bridges connecting experts with the experiences of various communities, linking technical knowledge with cultural understanding,” said Teresita A. Tabaog, Director of DOST Regional Office I. She added, “The DANAS Project aims to make disaster preparedness information more accessible by blending scientific data with community experiences in local languages.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey S. Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist at DOST-PHIVOLCS, shared that the country experiences an average of 30 earthquakes per day. The sourcebook highlights local experiences from significant earthquakes, including the 1983 magnitude 6.5 Laoag earthquake, the 1990 magnitude 7.8 Luzon earthquake, the 2019 magnitude 6.1 Central Luzon earthquake, and the 2022 magnitude 7 Northwestern Luzon earthquake.

Lucille Rose Sanico, DANAS component leader, emphasized that the project aims to bridge the language gap in communicating science to local communities. She explained that the DANAS sourcebooks contain personal stories, experiences, and descriptions from locals who have endured natural disasters while retaining some technical terms to inform residents about planning.

Additionally, Sanico noted that the sourcebooks can serve as references for teachers and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) officers to strengthen DRR management. The sourcebooks, along with accompanying video packages, are also available in Cebuano (for Mindanao and the Visayas), Hiligaynon, Tagalog, and Kapampangan. (By Abigael S. Omana, DOST-STII)