A Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) senior official on Monday, June 3 showcased the agency’s new Mobile Command Centers (MCCs), which can provide free Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile phone charging during emergencies in disaster-stricken areas.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the 14 MCCs that were delivered to the agency’s regional field offices are equipped with state-of-the-art satellite internet, gadgets, and generators that can be used to provide power and internet connection.
“Our MCCs offer system redundancy because of their capacity to provide internet connection, through satellite internet, and power supply from generator sets/uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This means that it can help a lot of affected residents to connect with their loved ones when the power supply in their area is down,” she said in a statement.
The MCCs are equipped with UHF digital handheld radios, which enable disaster response teams to monitor and respond immediately within the coverage area via voice transmission and messaging.
They also offer Wireless Access Points, which can provide coverage in disaster-stricken areas or challenging terrain where wired connectivity is impractical or restricted.
It also includes laptops for report preparation and data consolidation, as well as a television and monitors for information monitoring.
“We have already deployed the MCCs in the 14 DSWD Field Offices. We are expecting two more based on the agreement of Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the Office of Senator Joel Villanueva so that all of our Field Offices will have MCCs on standby for any disaster or calamity,” Dumlao said.
In addition to its connectivity features, the MCC can monitor food and non-food items in warehouses and storage facilities, including family food packs in production hubs, as well as track logistics.