(Photo from DICT – Provincial Office Kalinga)
Kalinga province in the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) maintained stable communications connectivity even during the onslaught of Typhoons Nika (Toraji), Ofel (Usagi), and Pepito (Man-yi), through an initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The DICT, in collaboration with the Kalinga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), deployed Starlink, a satellite internet service, to ensure continuous connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas of the province.
The initiative provided the crucial internet and communication support in the area during the typhoons.
With the satellite internet service provided by DICT, disaster management teams were able to access vital information, issue warnings, and coordinate with national agencies, helping to mitigate the impact of the storms on affected communities.
The DICT said it recognizes the critical need for reliable communication in times of disaster.
“This initiative aimed to facilitate real-time updates and coordination for disaster response teams, enhancing the effectiveness of rescue, relief, and recovery operations,” the ICT agency emphasized.
It highlighted that as the typhoons caused widespread disruption and damage across Kalinga, the use of Starlink Mobile Wifi became essential for the Kalinga PDRRMO to maintain communication with local government units (LGUs) and other emergency services.
Traditional communication infrastructures such as mobile networks and landlines were often rendered inoperable due to the heavy rains and strong winds, it noted.
The DICT said that the partnership between DICT Kalinga and Kalinga PDRRMO underscores the importance of integrating modern technology, such as satellite internet, into disaster preparedness and response strategies.
It highlighted the role of innovation in addressing challenges posed by natural disasters, ensuring that even in the face of widespread communication breakdowns, communities and responders are not left in the dark.
“Through this initiative, Kalinga demonstrated a proactive approach to disaster management, leveraging technology to enhance resilience and save lives during extreme weather events,” the DICT underscored.
