‘Buti pa NDRRMC, consistent’: A downpour of witticisms, ‘hugots’ over monsoon text alerts

There is nothing constant in this world but inconsistency, so goes an old saying. But for some netizens caught in the gray, inclement weather, the only standout consistency is the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

As the monsoon continues to dump buckets of rain and even pose threat of flooding and landslides in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the NDRRMC dutifully sends text messages to advise the public about the dangers of the yellow, orange, and red alert levels as well as remind them to keep safe.

A text alert from the NDDRMC reads like this: “1/2 Orange Heavy Rainfall Warning: Matinding pag-ulan sa Metro Manila, Bataan, Batangas at Cavite ang mararanasan dulot ng Habagat…2/2 Nagbabadyang matinding pagbaha. Maging alerto at handa.”

For a lot of people, it may just be a plain text message from the disaster agency, which the law mandates to give emergency broadcasts and warning updates when calamities like typhoons and man-made disasters arise. But for some netizens, there’s more interesting – more so funny – in those text alerts than meets the eye.

As the falling rain makes a water world in the metropolis, netizens bask in unleashing their witticisms and “hugots,” finding even a bit of solace amid the gloomy weather that, at least, the NDRRMC, is consistent.

Serving the mandate

Under Republic Act 10639 or “The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act” signed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III, the NDRRMC is tasked to send text message alerts at regular intervals in case of impending natural disasters and calamities.

With the help of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and mobile network service providers, the agency is expected to perform its mandate of notifying and informing the people about calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, and some other risky conditions through the form of text messages in order “to prevent injuries, destruction and loss of lives and property.”

The NDRRMC is also working hand-in-hand with other relevant agencies such as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to dispense accurate text alerts, which are sent at no cost and can also be in the form of multimedia messages (MMS) or electronic mails (email).

Republic Act 10639 was enacted after super typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in the country in 2013.

‘Buti pa si NDRRMC, consistent’

Netizens and mobile phone subscribers within the affected areas have expressed gratitude for receiving text alerts from the “concern” NDRRMC, saying that its efforts and “consistency” is commendable.

https://twitter.com/teztikelz/status/1006153041744048131

I would like to express my appreciation NDRRMC for always texting me. I appreciate your time and effort. I think I’m falling for you–

— Jam Ong (@hausofjam) June 14, 2018

https://twitter.com/reyesjeremia/status/1006734287553552385

https://twitter.com/AinaAguirre/status/1005720641847287808

https://twitter.com/gempauline_/status/1006112977500553216

salute to #NDRRMC in ur consistency to warn us- filipino citizens of d prevailing weather🙌🏻👏🏽👍🏿🌨

— motherquotez (@akosimami) June 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/justindwayne17/status/1005513946923556864

https://twitter.com/clrzvctr/status/1006888658526351360

https://twitter.com/clrzvctr/status/1006888658526351360

Some even joked about getting a partner who is “thoughtful”, “caring”, and who “always checks up on you” just like what the NDRRMC has been doing.

https://twitter.com/threestuun/status/1006080405307396097

https://twitter.com/zuleika_quizon/status/1006080228685254656

Find you a man that cares about you as much as NDRRMC does

— 1carloar🍹 (@1carloar) June 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/david_balmes/status/1006508557515100160

me: I want someone who's clingy and concerned of my well-being

NDRRMC: pic.twitter.com/PQX1NVrLWg

— Rum (@StrangeMeow_) June 14, 2018

However, for some, you don’t even need “someone” if you have NDRRMC in your messaging list.

https://twitter.com/jercasm_/status/1006119230469693440

DEAR PARENTS: JUST BC UR CHILD IS SMILING WHILE ON HIS/HER PHONE DOESN’T MEAN THEY HAVE A JOWA NA??????? SOMETIMES TALAGA ITS JUST BC NAG-TEXT NA NAMAN NDRRMC SA KANILA OKAY pic.twitter.com/52sRf8WaOm

— clem !!!! 🇵🇸 (@_ephemerelle) June 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/msescobar9/status/1007139020298579968

https://twitter.com/ellacorralxx/status/1006471990931124226

Thanks sa concern NDRRMC, sana lahat char

— Princess Maquiñana (@imsesz) June 11, 2018

So, if you’re consistently receiving text alerts about the bad weather from the NDRRMC lately, now you know there’s a reason behind it, and just maybe, you will miss them if they stop sending you texts.  /kga

https://twitter.com/_jannahlrnz/status/1006911730180448256