Efforts in typhoon-stricken areas hastened by connectivity

Typhoon Kristine devastated parts of the Philippines with areas such as Talisay, Batangas in Luzon Island sustaining heavy damages due to severe flooding and landslides. Urgent plea for communications was addressed by unconnected.org as it activated free connectivity in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and its Emergency Telecommunications Cluster, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

While restoration of telecommunications services is being undertaken, concerted efforts of the government, private sector and civil society are supported by emergency deployment of satellite internet in the area for use by responders, residents and learners.

Transitioning into rehabilitation from rapid response, connectivity remains to be an integral enabler for ease of operations and administration of social support systems for victims and survivors. 

“The collaborative effort between DICT, unconnected.org and the Talisay MDRRMO strengthens communication infrastructure and promotes a more efficient disaster response system in the region,” the DICT said.

unconnected.org is one with the Philippines in promoting digital equity, especially for vulnerable sectors of society, including learners as they brave schooling in a post-disaster situation.