The media plays a crucial role during disasters, serving as a key source of information for preparedness, response, and recovery. It also functions as a powerful instrument in shaping public perception, discourse, and action. Studies on disaster reporting highlight the frequent use of figurative language to describe natural phenomena and the people affected, thereby framing disaster events in specific ways. This study examines the metaphorical representations of disasters in Philippine media, focusing on the earthquake that struck the island of Bohol, Philippines on 15 October 2013—one of the most devastating earthquakes in the country in the 21st century. The analysis draws from two widely read Filipino-language newspapers, i.e., Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang-Masa, and applies Conceptual Metaphor Theory, which posits that metaphors are not merely linguistic expressions but fundamental features of human cognition. The study explores dominant metaphorical themes and conceptual metaphors used to frame the earthquake, reflecting on their implications for Philippine society’s understanding of disasters and their influence on disaster management and communication practices. By examining how the media constructs disaster narratives through metaphor, this study contributes to a broader discussion on the role of language in shaping societal responses to crises and offers insights into improving resilience-building and policy-making in disaster-prone regions like the Philippines.

Authors:
Jay Israel De Leon, De La Salle University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Jay Israel De Leon is a lecturer and PhD candidate of the Filipino Department, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines. His current research project examines media representation of disasters using conceptual metaphor theory and frame semantics.

Additional website of interest
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4809-2490

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