Country's first interactive disaster risk reduction software unveiled

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s first interactive disaster preparedness and risk reduction software program has been unveiled with the emerging town of Sto. Tomas, Batangas as model town adopting the system.

Thess Conroy, president and CEO of Condoza Software Solutions Corp. (CSSC), which developed the software program called the Protective Services, Safety, Health, Environment and Disaster (PSSHED) Management System, said the software program is in response to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, or Republic Act 10121.

The law seeks to strengthen the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system through the adoption of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP).

Sto. Tomas is the first town in the country to adopt the system through the initiative of Mayor Renato Federico, Vice Mayor Armenius Silva and the Sangguniang Bayan since local government units are empowered by the law to implement such a system without delay, considering that they have a responsibility to ensure that they provide a safe community and a sound environment for its constituents. The newest technology in disaster management, PSSHED and its modern Command Center have been designed specifically to provide an interactive Safety and Hazard Management System for every local government unit and private organization.

The system features the establishment of a well-structured planning, information sharing and networking that will greatly improve rescue and relief operations and reduce loss of lives and damage to properties.

In addition, the system will be an added boost to crime prevention efforts of the local law enforcement arm.

The town’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, whose creation was mandated by law, is vested with this task of operating the system and its command center.

The command center will operate on a 24-hour basis every day to monitor the whole town through the help of CCTV cameras installed in strategic areas of the municipality like busy intersections and major roads as deterrent to street crimes and monitor flooding.

Inside the Command Center are two 55” LCD TVs, video server, computers with latest communication technology, trained IT staff to receive calls from people needing help, or people with complaints and grievances.

The CCTV cameras were initially installed, 10 of which at the four villages of the town proper and seven at the neighboring villages of San Miguel and San Roque. 

The system is also hooked up with the town’s various departments, police, fire, health and national disaster agencies, and NGOs.

Ultrasonic flood devices have been installed in designated areas in the town to forewarn the people in case of flooding or forthcoming rush of water from the nearby mountain ranges like Mt. Makiling.

To familiarize the town’s officials and the various barangay chairmen and their members about the software program and equip them with adequate tools, a two-day Disaster Risk Reduction and PSSHED Management Training Seminar was conducted last Feb. 10-11 at the Villa Carandang Resort in Tanauan City, Batangas.

For more information about CSSC, call 814-0516 or 892-2134 or log on to www.csssoftwaresolutions.com.ph.