UPV Receives Hiligaynon Disaster Preparedness Books

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) officially turned over two pioneering Hiligaynon sourcebooks on disaster preparedness to the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Iloilo City Campus on Feb. 4.

The books, titled Paglaragway sa mga Katalagman sang Linog and Sourcebook on the Descriptions of Kanlaon Volcanic Hazards in Hiligaynon and Cebuano, are part of the DANAS Project: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Disaster Narrative for an Experiential Knowledge-Based Science Communication.

Dr. Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, DANAS Project Leader and Deputy Director of DOST-PHIVOLCS, emphasized that the initiative aims to make scientific information more accessible by incorporating local languages into science communication.

The sourcebooks simplify complex scientific concepts while including firsthand accounts from individuals affected by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, providing a localized and relatable perspective.

The books cover a wide range of topics, from geological threats to disaster narratives, offering clear and localized descriptions of natural hazards.

These Hiligaynon volumes are part of a broader collection of 12 sourcebooks launched by PHIVOLCS, focusing on disaster resiliency and utilizing various Philippine languages.

UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of multilingualism in disaster communication.

“It’s crucial for agencies like PHIVOLCS, the DOST, and universities to appreciate local language and experiences,” Camposano said.

To further enhance accessibility, the project will also produce accompanying videos in Hiligaynon.

The Iloilo City government has expressed plans to reprint and distribute the sourcebooks to barangays.

“These narratives will help people in the barangays understand and protect themselves from hazards,” said City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Donna Magno.

The project is a collaborative effort between DOST-PHIVOLCS, UPV, and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union.