Senator Aquino urges netizens to help save lives as Ruby enters NCR

Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino. Photo from Aquino’s official Facebook page.

MANILA — Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV on Monday urged netizens to use the power of social media in mitigating disasters such as typhoons and other occurrences as typhoon “Ruby” enters Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Let us use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to aid in the efforts of rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts during calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes and armed conflicts,” said Aquino in an emailed press statement.

“We can harness the vast power of social media and the Internet to help save lives of fellow Filipinos who are in danger during calamities and other incidents,” the senator emphasized.

Aquino said netizens play a big role during calamities as they can help disseminate relevant news to others though social media, using the right hashtags to get the messages across.

“Let us share relevant information to our social media circles – storm signal warnings, emergency tips, monitoring of rescue operations, and call for volunteers for relief operations,” Aquino said.

“With the advanced technology that we have such as Internet-capable smartphones and cameras, we can play a big part in saving lives during these challenging times for our people,” he added.

Aquino also urged netizens to follow important agencies like Department of Science and Technology-Philippines Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, NDRRMC, PAGASA/DOST and news agencies on Twitter and Facebook for important updates during calamities.

Based on latest PAGASA updates, Ruby has weakened into tropical storm two days after it made its first landfall in Eastern Samar.