WITH THE onset of COVID-19 pandemic, national government, national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), the local government units (LGUs), the private sector, the various Philippine industries, among others, needed to set up or activate (if already existing) their own crisis communication teams very, very fast.
The teams are supposed to be manned by trained communicators to ensure that crucial information like policies, directions, bulletins, updates, and posts come out are very clear, thought-through, and well-crafted – without room for doubt, confusion, and misinterpretation; fast; and responsive to the needs of the populace.
Privileged to be trained in crisis communication while serving National Power Corporation in the area of public relations for 12 years and National Transmission Corporation for 6 years in corporate communications, I had my share of crisis communication experience in the course of serving the said GOCCs.
When in crisis communication mode, the following are a must:
A) Authoritative and credible Official Spokesperson whose pronouncements, declarations, and information are very clear, concise, and direct to the point. Like I said, no room for confusion.
Chief executives in the case of LGUs, can continue holding their press briefings, press conferences, and the like, but whenever a pressing need demands their serious attention, particularly on assessment and decision-making on matters related to the crisis, among other tasks, the Spokesperson will automatically step in; be available for interview anytime, any day, and any hour of the day;
B) It is critical to keep and maintain only one source of information whether via press releases, info bulletins, advisories, radio and TV plugs or through social media like FB, Twitter, website, and other online platforms. Having more than one source is doomed to fail. It will certainly confuse the public. So synchronize and maintain only one source of information;
C) Sense of urgency. Do not wait for people to ask. Update information every 30 minutes, if possible, but ensure that the information is well-crafted and thought-through. Never post anything without subjecting to the crucible of fire, so to speak. Remember, follow-through is a must in crisis communication. The steady flow of credible and authoritative information is very important;
D) Radio/TV Plugs. Avail of the public affairs programs of Radio Stations and TV Stations by sending your press releases, info bulletins or LGU advisories every hour, if urgently needed, or twice or thrice a day for regularity. It is important to establish regularity. Routine appeases and assures people;
E) Do not underestimate the power of group text messages. Send text blasts to residents/constituents daily. But make sure your contents are very clear, concise, and direct to the point. Again, no room for confusion;
F) Media is your No. 1 ally in crisis communication. Tap them.
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In an EO, all African Swine Fever (ASF)-free areas that raise hogs are directed to supply the major requirements of other regions in the country. This is definitely good news for SOCCSKSARGEN, particularly General Santos City, since the city is ASF-free. The South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (SOCOSPA) with piggeries located in General Santos City, can continue to sell their produce.
It may be recalled that General Santos City is the No. 1 hog producer in Mindanao. “However, beginning 3rd week of February 2020, wet markets of Cebu and Leyte malls have not sold our produce”, explains Chester Warren Tan, Chairperson and President, National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. and past President of SOCOSPA.
“The lockdown in Central Visayas and Southern Leyte starting February 1, 2020 in response to ASF has constrained SOCOSPA’s stock from moving. To make matters worse, the lockdown in Metro Manila starting March 16, 2020 has further limited the movement of our produce”, Tan further explained.
Tan said, “The issuance of Food Passes will not do us any good if our main markets – Cebu and Southern Leyte, will not lift their ban on the delivery/supply of live animals or slaughtered meat”.
SOCOSPA is the No. 1 supplier of hogs and pork meat to Tacloban City, Leyte, and Central Visayas. Although General Santos City continues to supply the Metro Manila market, Cebu and Southern Leyte remain close. Tacloban City and Northern Leyte are open to resume business but Southern Leyte is not, consequently, SOCOSPA is still unable to ship their products there.
Since February 2020, Region 12 has an estimated monthly pork surplus of 4.5-5.0-million kilograms. SOCOSPA assures the national government that SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 is ready to supply its pork products to other regions and provinces.
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com./PN
