ILOILO CITY — To enhance inclusive emergency response, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Public Information Office have introduced communication boards to help responders communicate with deaf-mute individuals.

The boards, which consist of four sets, feature text and images to convey a variety of patient needs, such as requesting help, experiencing pain, feeling sick, bleeding, taking medication, eating, drinking, or sleeping.

These communication boards will be integrated into the emergency kits and equipment used by responders.

CDRRMO Chief Donna Magno emphasized that the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive governance.

“Marginalized sectors, such as the deaf-mute community, often struggle to communicate in emergencies, making it more difficult to provide immediate aid,” she stated in an interview.

The development of the boards was led by CDRRMO’s Partnership and Building Division Officer, Analyn Porras, who drew inspiration from a similar best practice she observed during a 2015 learning visit to Yokohama, Japan, under the Community-Based Adaptation and Resilience Against Disasters Project.

The team worked closely with the local deaf-mute community to ensure the boards’ effectiveness.

The communication boards will be distributed to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, district health centers and ambulances.

Before deployment, CDRRMO will conduct an orientation and refresher course on sign language and the proper use of the materials to maximize their efficiency in emergency situations.