DOST-Batangas says sorry for Facebook quake advisory with 'trending' line

The Batangas field office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has apologized to the public and its own central agency over a recent Facebook post that used a "trending line" when it should have conveyed urgency about an earthquake that jolted the province.

In a statement posted Tuesday evening, DOST-Batangas said it acknowledges "concern raised" regarding its Facebook post, which was intended to "provide timely information" and prompt audiences to stay informed about further earthquake updates.

Just last Monday, a magnitude-5.5 earthquake was recorded off Lubang in Occidental Mindoro, with intensities reported as far as Bulacan, Bataan, and parts of Muntinlupa City.

Explaining the tone used in its advisory, DOST-Batangas said, "Additionally, we admit that we have incorporated a trending line that resonates with today's digital culture."

"We wish to clarify that our intention was never to downplay the seriousness of earthquakes or undermine the credibility of our organization," it continued.

DOST-Batangas did not specify which particular post caused concern.

In a series of now-edited posts, DOST-Batangas on Monday captioned its earthquake updates with lines such as "Opo, lumindol," which garned 10,000 reactions before it was revised.

A later post carried the caption, "Ganun daw ba dapat mag-update ng lindol? Alangan naman pong 'juskupo, juskupo!'" It gained over 4,800 reactions before it was revised.

DOST-Batangas assured, however, that earthquakes are a "critical matter," and that it "deeply respect[s] the role of PHIVOLCS in ensuring public safety and awareness."

"If the tone or context of the post was misconstrued, we sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding it may have caused," DOST-Batangas said.

"Likewise, we sincerely extend our apologies to PHIVOLCS for this incident and assure everyone that we will be more mindful in crafting our communications, all with the aim of fostering a deeper appreciation for science, technology, and innovation among Filipinos," it said.

Sought for comment on the matter, the DOST Central Office referred GMA News Online to its Calabarzon regional office, which in turn referred this reporter to the Batangas field office's apology.

Last Monday's earthquake was tectonic in nature and struck at 6:42 p.m., with a depth of 116 kilometers. — VDV, GMA Integrated News