To enhance coordination and support in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
As the lead for the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), DICT deployed a swift emergency communications response in the aftermath of the typhoon's impact on the Bicol Region.
In a statement, DICT announced that its Provincial Office in Virac, Catanduanes, promptly set up “KonekTawag Centers” to provide free device charging, wi-fi hotspots, and emergency telecommunications services.
This initiative aims to help affected residents stay connected with their loved ones and access essential information.
“The centers remained operational until commercial telecommunication services were fully restored,” DICT said.
A unified Regional Government Emergency Telecommunications Team (GETT), composed of response personnel from DICT Regional Offices V and VIII, was deployed.
A Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (MOVE) was dispatched, along with a Mobile Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) established in Buhi, Camarines Sur, to offer internet connectivity support for more than 500 evacuees.
The MOVE set includes a mobile satellite terminal, generator set, and communication radios, ensuring stable and reliable communications essential for coordinating disaster response efforts.
DICT noted that temporary free wi-fi access was provided to 94 evacuees at Agdangan Elementary School and 160 evacuees at the Capitol Evacuation Center in Pili.
Meanwhile, the DICT Region IV-A GETT, in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense, installed satellite internet devices at the Municipal Emergency Operations Center in Calatagan, Batangas; the Municipal Hall of Lemery; and Colegio de Laurel in Laurel, Batangas.
"These devices facilitated continuous coordination among emergency responders and ensured essential communication with the affected communities," DICT said.
In the CAR region, the DICT monitored internet services using emergency communications equipment stationed at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices in Apayao, Kalinga, and Ifugao.
In Region 2, the DICT regional office restored free wi-fi and GovNet services that had been disrupted in Batanes.
DICT noted that additional MOVE units have also been pre-positioned for quick deployment in strategic locations such as Tuguegarao, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Batangas, Iloilo, Butuan, Zamboanga, and Davao.
By adopting a whole-of-government approach, DICT said it remains dedicated to delivering effective emergency communication and coordination to support post-disaster recovery efforts.