MMDA deploys mobile command center for SONA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday deployed for the first time its mobile command center in time for President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address.

The mobile command center is “equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems such as a portable command and dispatch system, multimode radio and remote CCTVs and drone capabilities,” acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said, referring to closed-circuit television cameras.

He demonstrated before journalists a drone that transmitted a live video feed to the mobile command center, which was attached to a trailer truck.

The command center also uses satellite internet service to transmit information to the MMDA’s communications and command center at its headquarters in Pasig, Artes added.

The mobile center contains “a surveillance system that has eight deployable cameras that can be monitored through a monitoring video wall,” the MMDA said.

The MMDA’s mobile command center, donated by telecommunications firm Globe Telecom, was parked at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Batasan Road in Quezon City, near the Batasang Pambansa complex where Marcos delivered his third SONA.

According to Artes, the mobile command center “aims to boost its traffic management and public safety monitoring across the metropolis.”

It could also be sent to provinces to respond to emergencies and disasters upon Marcos’ orders, Artes said.