Mandaue traffic team acquires drone

CEBU, Philippines - The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue is intensifying its disaster response and traffic management strategies with the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone.

The TEAM recently acquired the equipment that will help in checking the flow of traffic in the city, as well as in responding to disasters such as fires and landslides.

According to TEAM chief Glenn Antigua, the drone is a big help to assist disaster response teams. He added that the drone can be used in viewing the areas of the city where response teams can easily access.

“Sa disaster nato, kanang naa’y sunog, landslide… inig palupad ani makapahibawo ta’g asa nato paagion ang mga fire truck, at the same time kung naa sa’y landslide. Kahibawo man gyud ta kun naa’y landslide, di man gyud na maagian. Mas easy siya makakita sa access,” Antigua said.

The drone, bought in Hong Kong, cost P200,000. It is equipped with a 4,000-megapixel camera that helps in giving a clearer view of the city’s areas.

The drone can also fly as high as 3,000 feet and can last up to 20 minutes in the air. It has two remote controls: the first one allows the pilot to focus on the drone’s flight while the other manages the direction the drone’s camera.

The drone can also carry objects up to two kilograms.

Antigua said the drone has an auto-home button which allows it to go back from where it took off.

“Inig tan-aw pud niya (drone) nga ang (nahabilin) sa iyang battery, one minute na lang igo ra siya makabalik, automatic ni siya mobalik. Mouli ni siya. Naa pa ni siya’y chance nga maka-landing,” Antigua said.

He said the city may possibly buy another one if it will be proven effective in helping in disaster response and traffic management. — Jave A. Matugas (FREEMAN)