OCD, Smart to launch SMS alert system for disaster-prone areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is forging a partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. to set up a system that will alert disaster-prone areas through text messaging.

OCD Administrator Eduardo del Rosario said yesterday that the objective of the system is to save lives through timely, fast and accurate information.

“In disaster management, one of the keys is an early warning system and this is a very viable potent system that is free of charge,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario said local leaders would be given free Smart SIM cards so they could avail of the service.

“This is part of their social responsibility,” he said, referring to Smart.

Del Rosario said under the system being developed, all the mobile phone numbers of mayors, governors, barangay chairmen, and disaster management officials would be gathered so they could be part of a database.

The officials in the database would be able to receive text message warnings about an upcoming disaster so they could undertake the necessary preparations and mobilizations.

The system would also enable the people on the ground to send their feedbacks or reports.

Del Rosario said the system would cover about 42,000 barangays nationwide.

OCD and Smart would soon sign a memorandum of agreement to formalize the system, he added.

OCD expects the database to be completed by next week. The system may be launched within the year and may be fully operational next year.

Smart is a subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., whose multimedia arm Mediaquest Holdings Inc. has a 20 percent stake in The STAR.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday turned over 26 rubber boats to local governments in preparation for the rainy season.

Del Rosario said the rigid hull inflatable boats, which cost P750,000 each, could be used in rivers and the open sea.

The boats were turned over to the provinces of Eastern Samar and La Union, the municipalities of Delfin Albano in Isabela, Enrile in Cagayan, Calumpit in Bulacan, Rodriguez in Rizal, Victoria in Oriental Mindoro, Tinambac in Camarines Sur, Libon in Albay Nabua and Bato in Camarines Sur, Maribojoc in Bohol, Tudela in Misamis Occidental, Kapatagan in Lanao del Norte, Lambayong in Sulta Kudarat, Dolores and Bucay in Abra, and Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte.