SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has declared that it is prepared to restore much-needed communications in disaster-affected areas where commercial telco infrastructure are down.
The agency said it has put on standby in strategic locations the Government Emergency Communications System-Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency, or the GECS-MOVE, a rapidly deployable emergency communications system.
The state-of-the-art system is designed to provide critical information and communications technology (ICT) support in times of calamities, ensuring the crucial coordination of efforts among government entities.
A GECS-MOVE unit consists of a (a) hub or mobile operation and coordinating center with an integrated communications system housed in a custom-made, heavy-duty truck; (b) dispatch or an off-road vehicle with a self-reliant connectivity hub that extends the reach of the hub; (c) off-road motorcycle, equipped with communications equipment that can navigate remote terrains; and (d) heavy-duty drones to further extend connectivity reach.
The cutting-edge mobile emergency telecommunications unit is also equipped with satellite communication, radio systems, and other features to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity in disaster-hit areas.
Recently, the DICT Regional Office 6 brought a GECS-MOVE unit to Antique to demonstrate its capabilities to the members of various local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMOs) and other stakeholders.
During the GECS-MOVE orientation and demonstration, DICT-6 Technical Operations Division OIC Jimuel Española underscored the importance of reliable and effective communication systems, internet connectivity, and interoperability in both disaster preparedness and response.
Meanwhile, Gov. Rhodora Cadiao and Provincial DRRM Office (PDRRMO) chief Broderick Train acknowledged the capability of GECS-MOVE to boost disaster response and coordination.
“This will be very helpful to us because, as we all know, electricity and mobile services tend to be cut off when there is a calamity. [Through GECS-MOVE, our coordination and response will be guaranteed in remote areas,” Train said. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)
