By Nimfa L. Estrellado Media partners participate in the DANA Orientation in Lucena City to strengthen disaster communication efforts in Que...
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| Media partners participate in the DANA Orientation in Lucena City to strengthen disaster communication efforts in Quezon Province. (Lito Giron) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - When communication becomes a lifeline, Quezon Province is boosting preparedness by empowering media and youth to take active roles in emergency information and response. Ensuring rapid and accurate updates helps communities make informed decisions and save lives during disasters.
Media workers participated in a Data Gathering and Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) Orientation on November 19 at M.I. Sevilla’s Resort in Lucena City. They were trained to assess disaster impacts and share accurate information that the public can easily understand and act on.
According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Head Dr. Melchor Avenilla Jr., media organizations serve as a direct lifeline to residents during crises. He stressed that information shared with the public must always be factual to avoid confusion and protect lives.
“A single accurate update can save lives. That is why responsible reporting and clear communication are essential in every disaster situation,” Avenilla said.
Preparedness depends on timely, accurate information reaching communities, Avenilla said. Improved coordination with media aims to support faster and more reliable emergency communication.
“We value our media partners as our strong communicators on the ground,” he added. “You help ensure that warnings and advisories reach even the farthest barangays. Together, we can maintain an informed and ready Quezon.”
Before the technical segment, the PDRRMO reminded media partners that inaccurate information can hinder response and endanger communities. PDRRMO representative Niel Parco explained that the media plays a key role in making technical advisories easier for the public to understand.
“Correct information is the backbone of effective disaster response,” Parco said. “Even a single inaccurate detail can slow down rescue operations and put more people in danger.”
Parco also stressed that timely media reports can directly affect lifesaving decisions during emergencies. He said responsible reporting becomes even more crucial when conditions change quickly.
“When you share verified updates, you become an extension of the response team,” Parco added. “Your reports guide action, protect lives, and help communities recover faster.”
Meanwhile, the province is also enhancing grassroots preparedness by empowering young leaders. The STAND UPPPP ANG QUEZON training provided Basic Life Support, Hands-Only CPR (5Cs), Emergency First Aid Response, and Road and Traffic Emergency Procedures to youth participants on November 17.
SK Provincial Federation President and Ex-Officio Board Member Jackelyn D. Delimos said young people must be recognized as essential partners in disaster preparedness and response. She added that youth involvement helps build stronger confidence and community leadership.
“The youth are not just volunteers — we are first responders in our own neighborhoods,” Delimos said. “We are ready to step up when our communities need us most. Our goal is to ensure that more youth are capable and confident to act in emergencies.”
She said the province aims to form Youth Disaster Emergency Response Teams to provide fast assistance in barangays, especially in remote areas.
“We want every community to have young responders who can act fast and without hesitation,” she said. “Prepared youth can make the difference between life and loss during critical moments.”
The Provincial Government and Sangguniang Panlalawigan reaffirmed continued support for improving media readiness and youth participation in disaster risk reduction. They said both sectors are vital to keeping Quezon safe, informed, and resilient.
“Disaster safety is everyone’s responsibility, and every partnership brings us closer to saving more lives,” Avenilla said. “As long as we work together, Quezon will always stand prepared.”
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