The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Batangas issued an official apology for incorporating a “trending line” in its announcement regarding the 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Calatagan, Batangas, on January 20th. The post was critiqued for its tone, which some found inappropriate for the seriousness of the topic.
Some social media users praised the post for being engaging and effectively drawing attention to science and technology, while others criticized its casual approach. One commenter questioned why politicians can employ playful tones when giving updates, but the younger generation or bright minds are restricted from doing so.
There were speculations about the legitimacy of the DOST-Batangas Facebook account due to the unconventional tone of its advisory. The organization acknowledged the concerns and promised to be more thoughtful in crafting its communications in the future.
In the official statement, DOST-Batangas clarified that the intention behind the post was to provide timely updates about the earthquake incident. The agency asserted that their goal is to promote a greater appreciation for science, technology, and innovation, and they had no intention of trivializing the seriousness of earthquakes or undermining the credibility of organizations like PHIVOLCS.
The agency assured the public of its respect for PHIVOLCS' critical role in ensuring public safety and awareness about seismic activities. They extended apologies to PHIVOLCS for any misunderstanding caused by the post and promised to be more mindful in their communication efforts moving forward.
The post was later revised to a more neutral tone, thanking the audience for engagement and hinting at forthcoming updates. The agency's attempt at engaging the community in science and technology updates garnered mixed reactions from netizens, with some appreciating the approach while others criticized it for being too casual.