LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has turned over a mobile emergency communications van to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)-Ilocos Norte to enhance its disaster response capability.
The custom-built van, officially named as Government Emergency Communications System-Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS-MOVE), was funded by the WFP.
Designed to equip disaster response teams with the latest communication tools, the GECS-MOVE ensures that responders can efficiently manage operations directly from the site of emergencies.
The mobile unit serves as a robust, mobile command center during critical situations, with state-of-the-art equipment that enhances situational awareness and facilitates rapid decision-making.
The GECS-MOVE features a fully equipped emergency hub, advanced dispatch systems, a motorcycle for swift navigation, and drones for aerial surveillance, allowing responders to assess and respond to disaster zones more effectively.
Strategic Investment
During the turnover ceremony, DICT Assistant Secretary Philip Varilla said that the vehicle was developed through collaboration with experts who identified the necessary telecom equipment to improve emergency response.
He emphasized that the GECS-MOVE is part of a pilot project to test the feasibility of this innovative approach to disaster preparedness.
“The pool of knowledgeable experts carefully selected the required technologies and communication tools to support international emergency response efforts,” Varilla said.
He added, “The vehicle is designed as a proof of concept (POC), enabling us to test and refine this model as a pilot for future disaster response solutions.”
A POC demonstrates the viability of a proposed solution and serves as an experiment to fine-tune the approach before full implementation.
Global Partnership in Disaster Response
John Paul Lobaton, project manager of the World Food Programme, highlighted the importance of the initiative in addressing the challenges posed by the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters.
For 13 consecutive years, the country has held the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most disaster-prone nation, according to the World Risk Index.
“We are situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and typhoons frequently occur,” Lobaton noted.
He added, “The GECS-MOVE provides a critical tool to help the Philippine government enhance its disaster preparedness and response capabilities.”
This partnership between national and international organizations reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local communities’ ability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.
A Unified Approach to Disaster Preparedness
In his remarks, Varilla emphasized the thorough planning and design process behind the GECS-MOVE.
“We carefully considered the operational requirements, ensuring the vehicle could support the necessary equipment and be powered reliably through generators and batteries,” he said.
Edgar Navarro, supervising director of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (DRRMD), stressed the importance of collaboration among national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure a unified disaster response strategy.
“The GECS-MOVE is one of DICT’s flagship initiatives to strengthen disaster risk reduction and management efforts. This collaboration guarantees that no town, city, or province will be left behind in times of crisis,” Navarro stated.
Safer Future
The launch of the GECS-MOVE marks a significant milestone for Ilocos Norte, setting a high standard for disaster response across the country.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc expressed his full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in improving emergency preparedness.
“I fully support this initiative and look forward to continued collaboration with DICT to bring new technologies and research that can make a real difference on the ground,” Governor Manotoc said.
As Ilocos Norte braces for future emergencies, the GECS-MOVE represents a proactive approach to safeguarding communities and enhancing their resilience in the face of disaster. (AMB/MTDA/PIA Ilocos Norte)
