MMDA and Rappler partner to make Metro Manila earthquake-ready

Lou Gepuela

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MMDA and Rappler partner to make Metro Manila earthquake-ready
This year's #MMShakeDrill takes place on Wednesday, June 22, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – To increase public awareness and preparedness for a major earthquake that could strike anytime, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has partnered with Agos, Rappler’s disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation arm.

Agos, powered by eBayanihan, is a collaborative platform that combines top-down government action with bottom-up civic engagement to help communities learn about disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, as well as geohazards in their area.

It harnesses social media and technology to ensure that critical information flows to those who need it, before, during, and after a disaster. It is operated by MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm.

SEPARATED. Metro Manila is divided into four quadrants for effective earthquake disaster response. Screen grab of Agos map by Lou Gepuela / Rappler

The MMDA and Rappler signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, May 13, during a simple ceremony at the Rappler office in Pasig City.

In attendance were MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos, MMDA general manager Cora Jimenez, Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa, and Move.PH executive director Rupert Ambil.

Both organizations have been working together since the successful #MMShakeDrill held on July 30, 2015, the first metro-wide earthquake drill.  

Rappler helped amplify and drive public awareness of the event, and the hashtag #MMShakeDrill reached over 2 billion views on Twitter, and trended in the Philippines and internationally.

#MMShakeDrill 2016

Another #MMShakeDrill is scheduled for June 22, 2016, with business, religious sectors, communities and ordinary citizens invited to participate. (READ: Authorities set stage for second #MMShakeDrill)

This year, Rappler will be helping the MMDA with volunteer information management, social media engagement, and information dissemination.

PREPAREDNESS. MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos emphasises the need for everyone to prepare for an earthquake. Rappler screengrab.  

“Based on prior studies, Metro Manila will be divided because of fires and collapsed bridges,” said MMDA’s Carlos in an interview after the memorandum signing. 

Jimenez echoed the need for preparedness. “The threat is there. Know the hazards and know what to do,”she said. – Rappler.com

Do you want to take an active part in the #MMShakeDrill? Email move.ph@rappler.com for more details!

 

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