THE Philippines’ disaster preparedness and response agency is now better equipped to send alerts to the public in times of calamities.

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has turned over communications equipment to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). This will allow NDRRMC access Smart’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) and use it to quickly send public warnings to mobile phone users in specific areas.

The ECBS is designed to send urgent messages, such as evacuation notices and earthquake and tsunami warnings to activated mobile devices within the affected area. Cell broadcast is effective in disseminating quick hazard alerts because it operates on a radio channel separate from those used by voice calls and text messages or SMS (short messaging service), which may get congested in times of calamities.

The NDRRMC, National Telecommunications Commission, and Smart launched ECBS on a trial basis in March last year. It has since been used to broadcast quick alerts during typhoons and post-earthquake situations.

Recently, ECBS messages were sent to Albay residents in the wake of the eruption of the Mayon Volcano. During this trial period, the alert messages were sent by the NDRRMC to Smart, which then transmitted the messages.

With the turnover, NDRRMC personnel will be trained on how to use the equipment to send out messages.

Smart invested over P500 million on ECBS to fully comply with Republic Act 10639, or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act. It mandates telecommunications service providers to send free mobile alerts during natural and man-made disasters and calamities.

PLDT and Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto said ECBS was meant to complement other channels of information, such as radio, television, print, online, SMS, and other forms of media.

“In emergency situations, it is important to use all available channels of communications. Cell broadcast provides another effective emergency alert system that will work very well with print media, radio and TV broadcasting, two-way radio systems and SMS. Disaster agencies and organizations must learn how to use the various communications channels effectively,” said Isberto.

The ECBS is part of Smart’s #SafePH disaster preparedness advocacy.