While the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2024 emphasizes linking early warning systems with risk communication, representatives from various government agencies and civil society organizations officially established the Crisis Communication Cluster in the Davao Region on Tuesday to boost interaction methods.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, Rene Carbayas, regional director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 11 (Davao Region), said the cluster is designed to ensure an end-to-end communication system that reaches the “last mile,” effectively reducing the impact of disasters.
He noted that the region faces ongoing threats from floods, landslides, and the effects of climate change.
“In the midst of crisis, let us remember: communication is the first responder,” Carbayas said, adding that the group aims to calm fears, save lives through accurate information, and maintain public order.
The cluster will adopt the Joint Information System, integrating incident data and public affairs into a cohesive framework that ensures consistent, accurate, accessible, timely, and comprehensive information during crisis operations.
“We are formally establishing the mandate and defining the specific roles and responsibilities of each member of this body, in line with the NDRRMP and the recent directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for its full implementation,” Carbayas said.
Once activated, the Crisis Communication Cluster will establish the Joint Information Center (JIC), which PIA-11 will lead.
The JIC will serve as the nerve center for the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (RDRRMC) news and information operations, and as the central point of contact for all media outlets.
The JIC–Region will also accelerate collaboration and coordination among RDRRMC Response and Early Recovery member-agencies, ensuring unified messaging and efficient information sharing. (PNA)
