“These were preventable cases [referring to the detection of diseases as likely ways to address mortality], however, in a municipality like ours, connectivity tilts the balance between life or death,” recounted Dr. Jeanette Gloria-Sabulao, Municipal Health Officer of Marabut, Samar, Philippines, a beneficiary of the community network grant of USAID in partnership with unconnected.org. 

unconnected.org delivered satellite connectivity to the municipality situated along a vast stretch of coastline, where the devastating effects of typhoons in recent history were widely felt. The visit to Marabut Mayor Percival A. Ortillo Jr. centered on the role of the Local Government Unit (LGU) in the sustainability of the program; wittingly “...we are no longer un-connected,” the chief executive graciously said.

The DICT provided assistance in linking the satellite terminal to access points in the (a) Rural Health Unit (RHU) where Dr. Jeanette works, which likewise houses the DRRM-Operations Center (OpCen) of the municipality, and (b) Municipal Hall premises where an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is to also be installed by LandBank; ISP Partner Freq IT Solutions, on the other hand, will ensure the completion of the WiFi Access Point at the (c) Public Market. 

DICT Assistant Secretary Philip Varilla stated that “...partnerships with USAID and unconnected.org are essential to delivering public service in areas where the provision of telecommunications service is not always reliable.” Officials and executives of Marabut LGU exclaimed in delight when the announcement of free connectivity was carried out. As a matter of fact, USAID Chief of Party John Garrity provided his satellite terminal for this site. Philippines Country Manager Benjz Gerard Sevilla backed DICT and USAID, “...we welcome a community approach in solving problems of local and national significance.” 

It is envisaged that constituents visiting the municipal hall complex will now be able to avail of Free WiFi and soon, access the ATM, without having to travel to the next town to withdraw cash and subsidies, freeing up a couple of pesos which can now be used for other essentials such as food, clothing and household items. 

Patients of the municipal health office will also be able to avail of telehealth services without having to worry about the cost of connectivity. 

“We aim to explore, improve and replicate this community network model to address sustainability and promote long-term impact to the municipality” said Imelda Lamboon, USAID.