Office of Civil Defense, Rappler renew partnership for disaster cooperation

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Rappler signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, September 12, renewing a previous partnership on disaster cooperation.

The agreement, initiated under Rappler’s Project Agos, allows the two organizations to share resources and utilize technology to protect vulnerable areas and build resilient communities.

OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the role of strategic communications in mitigating disaster risks.

“[T]he biggest challenge that we’re facing — and that’s where Rappler can come in — is on how can we really catch the attention of the would-be victims, who themselves are not really aware of the danger that we are constantly facing every day,” Nepomuceno said.

Back in 2015, the OCD formally partnered with Rappler with the signing of an MOU following a two-year history of coordination.

Extreme weather events are intensifying around the world as the world warms due to climate change.

During the monsoon season, parts of the Philippines are regularly inundated, affecting livelihood and families. The country is prone to earthquakes as it is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, raising the need to prepare for related hazards.

‘Second home’

“We’re so glad to be back,” said Rappler executive editor Glenda Gloria.

Gloria said OCD used to be Rappler’s “second home each time a major disaster struck.”

“As a partner of OCD for Project Agos from 2013 to 2016, we at Rappler deployed our social media and community staff here to work with OCD and other government agencies related to you and in coordination with you,” said Gloria.

“We mapped what needed attention, both for relief and rescue operations,” she added.

Project Agos is a collaborative platform that provides information critical before, during, and after a disaster.

Pia Ranada, head of community at Rappler, said that reporters and civic engagement specialists will also be deployed in times of disasters to cover the OCD’s rescue operations.

“We are really keen to work with the government so that we can have better disaster management and better crisis communication for our citizens and for all sectors,” said Ranada. – Rappler.com