In a significant effort to assist local government units (LGUs) in developing tsunami-prepared communities, the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), through its Advanced Science and Technology (AST) Division, conducted an information drive and workshop on Tsunami Evacuation and the Integration of BARMM Community Tsunami Alerting Stations (CTAS) into the Philippines’ Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS).

This two-day activity aimed to provide LGUs and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize tsunami warning signs, conduct tsunami drills, and develop tsunami evacuation maps. The training ensures the proper utilization of CTAS and their integration into local tsunami preparedness and evacuation plans. It also assists LGUs in developing tsunami evacuation maps by identifying evacuation routes and safe evacuation areas.

Eight resource speakers from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) delivered comprehensive presentations to help participants acquire critical knowledge and skills for application during calamities.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance tsunami monitoring in BARMM, the team also visited the Sea Level Monitoring Station (SLMS) in Zamboanga. This visit serves as a preparatory step for the establishment of an SLMS in BARMM next year. The planned station will further strengthen the region’s tsunami preparedness.

To date, MOST has installed 15 CTAS in strategic locations across BARMM, including nine in the island provinces. These CTAS serve as vital tools for LGUs in issuing early warnings to communities about potential tsunami threats.

As the Vice-Chair of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation under the Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC), MOST remains committed to the full and effective implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at preventing, mitigating, and limiting the adverse impacts of natural disasters. The ministry consistently advocates for disaster preparedness to safeguard the lives and well-being of Bangsamoro communities.

#MOSTUpdates2024

[Information and Communication]