MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), with support from the Australian Government, has distributed emergency communications equipment to select cities and barangays in the country to enhance their disaster response capabilities.
The Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response (REACHED) Project, launched recently, provided 206 essential communications equipment, including Starlink satellite internet, radio systems, portable generators, power stations, access points, satellite phones, and drones, to 15 disaster risk reduction and management offices and select barangays in Virac, Catanduanes; Butuan, Agusan del Norte; and Borongan, Samar.
The project will also provide these offices with Smart Communications Inc.’s Ligtas Kits to further enhance their response capabilities.
Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, who attended the ceremonial handover, emphasized the importance of the partnership in supporting the Philippines in disaster preparedness.
“I am so delighted that the Australian Government could be a part of this really wonderful partnership,” Ambassador Yu said. “To help you in some way to deal with disasters that may come your way. In a way that is humane, kind, and caring. In a way where we can try and protect as many human beings as possible during a crisis.”
Mayors of the recipient cities expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the project’s impact on their communities.
“Project REACHED has a long-term effect and is a game-changer for local government units,” said Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Agda. “Its system is doable and could be replicated in other towns. I believe that other LGUs will follow through in adopting this kind of technology.”
PDRF President Butch Meily emphasized the private sector’s role in disaster preparedness and response.
“At PDRF, we believe that the private sector has a role to play before, during, and after a crisis,” Meily said. “It is our hope that Project REACHED and the provision of the communication equipment between these cities will lead to a safer life for the people who live there and their children.”
The REACHED project, a two-year initiative, aims to address the recurring challenge of establishing communication during and after major disasters. It seeks to provide target barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces with essential communications equipment and the skills to utilize them effectively for coordination and response operations. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
