TO ADDRESS communication problems caused by signal disruption during natural disasters, the Department of Information, Communications and Technology (DICT) Visayas cluster will launch the Government Emergency Communications System-Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (Gecs-Move) in Cebu.
The Gecs-Move is a P192-million rapid deployable emergency communications system that aims to provide ICT-enabled support to disaster-stricken areas in the country.
“In most cases if there are natural disasters, local telecommunication companies can’t supply signals. Then DICT will now cover the gap by being in the area where the typhoon is predicted to landfall a day or two earlier,” Aries Zeta of DICT 7 told SunStar Cebu.
Each Gecs-Move set has one six-wheeler truck that will serve as the command and control center to coordinate efforts of the first responders and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
It will also be the base station near evacuation centers to provide evacuees connectivity to be able to communicate with their loved ones.
The Gecs-Move will also have one pick-up truck and one motorcycle that will bring connectivity to first responders in ground zero.
“Initial rollouts of the mobile emergency vehicles are strategic areas in the National Capital Region, Clark, Batangas, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro and Davao City where easier access to nearby provinces is possible. The sites were primarily chosen based on aggregate data indicating the most typhoon-hit areas in recent years. They also serve as possible evacuation areas for people from neighboring provinces,” the DICT said in its website.
Zeta said the Gecs-Move set arrived in Cebu on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, and may be deployed in the event of a calamity in Western Visayas, Central Visayas or Eastern Visayas. (JOB)