Enhancing Tropical Cyclone Early Warning System in the Philippines: A Study on Public Perception of PAGASA’s Early Digital Platforms in Barangay Rizal, Sorsogon City

Abstract

Digitalization has caused a massive leap in the way humans respond to tropical cyclones. Conveying early warning messages related to tropical cyclones requires certain standards to establish trust and facilitate response from affected communities. Timeliness, credibility and clarity of information from official sources are significant in ensuring the safety of the population at risk given that the Philippines is among the disaster-prone countries due to its geographical features. This study examines public perception and the point of view of residents in the coastal barangay of Barangay Rizal, in Sorsogon City, Bicol on PAGASA’s tropical cyclone early warnings through digital platforms. This study employs the Uses and Gratification Theory which highlights the people’s use of media to satisfy certain needs. In the event of a tropical cyclone, people consult PAGASA for early warning information through online media such as Facebook and Youtube to fulfill their needs for tropical cyclone warnings.

This study collected survey data from 100 respondents in Barangay Rizal in Sorsogon City. Additionally, key informants as representatives of larger groups within the community were engaged in a focus group discussion to substantiate the findings. Results showed the respondents’ trust PAGASA’s early warning messages through Facebook and YouTube because information is timely delivered, accessible, clear and reliable, making them effective. Likewise, there is a meaningful relationship between digital access and the public’s ability to respond effectively to tropical cyclone warnings because it is through PAGASA’s digital media that the respondents are provided with the information they need and eventually act or respond to it accordingly. However, connectivity issues remain a persistent challenge. But despite this limitation, results showed that respondents still hold high regard for PAGASA as the official source of tropical cyclone early warning information. Given this, this study recommends a more inclusive collaboration among the members of the community in terms of disaster preparedness and response as guided by PAGASA’s early warnings prior to a tropical cyclone. Also, PAGASA is encouraged to continue enhancing its digital platforms and messages to make them fit for all demographics, even to the understanding of grassroots communities. One way is to make disaster information user-friendly and more localized. On a broader perspective, efforts to implement digital literacy programs in disaster-prone communities are further recommended.