DICT beefs up disaster readiness

CEBU, Philippines — As calamities become more frequent, the Department of Information and Communications Technology in Central Visayas (DICT)-7 has strengthened its disaster preparedness measures, especially in terms of emergency telecommunications.

DICT’s focal person for Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) projects, Engr. Ira Bermudo, explained the agency's efforts in supporting local government units (LGUs) and emergency response teams across the region.

Part of the effort is the strategic deployment of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite units to 20 key locations, ensuring rapid communication in situations where standard networks are unavailable.

According to Gertner.com, VSAT is a “small-sized earth station used in the transmit/receive of data, voice and video signals over a satellite communication network, excluding broadcast television.”

Aside from VSAT, Starlink is also available for emergency use, providing stable internet access for quick deployment.

Starlink is a satellite internet system that provides broadband internet access to remote and rural areas.

Bermudo added that they are equipped with Mobile Operation Vehicles for Emergency (MOVE) that provide vital communication support when telecommunications networks are down.

To strengthen preparedness, the DICT provided VSAT units to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-7, as their center acts as the regional Emergency Operations Center.

Also provided is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 in order to help them in case of essential aid distribution in the aftermath of disasters," Bermudo noted.

The DICT-7 emphasizes that "communication is aid" – effective response and relief depend on reliable information from affected areas. Recognizing this, the agency has launched a regional training initiative to prepare LGUs for communications failures.

“DICT is now investing more on communication assets especially in satellite communication sa technology na kay its easy to deploy, no need connectivity nga wired so dali nato ma deploy,” said Bermudo.

Emphasizing that “Communication is aid,” Bermudo said that effective response and relief depend on reliable information from those affected areas that’s why the agency has launched a regional training initiative to prepare LGUs for communications failures.

The training consists of a four-day ICT Incident Response Management (IRM) course, combining three days of theoretical training with a final day of practical exercises.

“We are conducting training but as a province wide. For all the provinces we already provided training but for selected LGUS only unlike Siquijor nga silang tanan,” said Bermudo.

Moreover, DICT-7 assistant regional Director Ramil Jeff N. Taboso highlighted transformative programs but also building robust digital infrastructures that ensure inclusivity for everyone.

“We are shaping up a resilient that connects power and protects every Filipino from expanding hi-speed connectivity in underserved areas and improving e-governance to safeguard our digital space,” said Taboso. –/FPL (FREEMAN)