The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said on Monday, Jan. 8, that it is deploying a high-tech communication network to ensure that communication lines are open despite the planned cell phone signal shutdown during this year's traditional Traslacion.
In the procession set for Jan. 9, the PRC will equip its command post in Kartilya ng Katipunan with a very small aperture terminal (VSAT). This satellite-powered small earth station facilitates the transmission and reception of data, voice, and video signals.
PRC said the action was taken in response to the Philippine National Police's announcement of the possibility of using cell phone signal jammers along the procession route as part of their security measures.
"We will install a VSAT at our command post so we can monitor the situation in real-time in the grand procession," said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive (CEO) Richard "Dick" Gordon in a statement.
Gordon also highlighted that the organization regularly incorporates this practice in rescue and response operations as it enables it to provide immediate assistance to those in need.
PRC volunteers, medical teams, and staff will be the boots on the ground, their handheld radios providing a vital communication lifeline.
The VSAT, meanwhile, will give updates directly to the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong to enable quick deployment of additional resources if needed.
The humanitarian organization added that immediate transmission of the situation report will also enable PRC NHQ to dispatch additional assistance if needed.
On the other hand, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out that the organization has improved this year's Traslacion preparations based on "best practices and lessons learned" from previous operations, allowing them to better prepare for similar situations.