Abangers’ no more? DILG to deliver timely, science-based updates

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla defended the agency’s unconventional, often humorous approach to announcing class and work suspensions, following mixed reactions from netizens and an eventual public apology.

“Iyong mga abangers, naman hindi naman kalokohan iyan, lahat talaga nag-aabang kung ano ang anunsyo,” Remulla said during a recent briefing by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

(The so-called ‘abangers’ are not a joke — everyone really waits for the announcements.)

The term "abangers" has become a popular reference to netizens eagerly awaiting late-night announcements, especially during inclement weather. Since adopting a more engaging tone on social media, the DILG’s following has surged from just 3,000 to 1.2 million, according to Remulla.

“Naghahanap sila ng liderato kung paano gagawin iyan, naghahanap sila ng sistema kung paano i-announce iyan.”

(They are looking for leadership and a system on how the announcements should be made.)

Remulla said the DILG's social media team now employs a more institutionalized approach to deliver timely, science-based updates, guided by geo-hazard reports from agencies like DOST and feedback from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Despite the rapid growth of the agency’s online following, the humorous tone of some posts has drawn criticism, with some netizens calling them insensitive or unprofessional. This prompted Remulla to issue a public apology.

“Kung may nasaktan, we're sorry. Baka hindi nila naintindihan ang intent,” said Remulla.

(If anyone was hurt, we’re sorry. Maybe they didn’t understand the intent.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News