Redundant, Reliable, Ubiquitous:

Opportunities Towards Improvement

of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) Communications
Engr. Pierre Tito Galla, PECE
Democracy.Net.PH
November 19, 2013
Challenges
Policy challenges
Restrictive laws
Obsolete laws
Preference for high tech solutions
Bias against existing infrastructure
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Rationale for
Opportunities for Improvement
Rationale
We should not depend on a few communications platforms
Any and all platforms should be used for DRRM
We should allow widespread availability and use of
communications platforms.
Encourage the formation of amateur and hobby radio groups, who will form
part of disaster communications force multipliers
We should develop communications platforms and ICT up to
the rural last mile.
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Opportunities for Policy Changes
National level
Amend the Radio Control Law (Act No. 3846) and relax
policy restrictions on amateur and citizens band (CB) radio
equipment
Amend the Public Telecommunications Act (RA 7925) to
push for multiple platform basic telecommunications
facilities (e.g., landline, maritime radio) to the rural last mile
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Opportunities for Policy Changes
National level
Amend the DRRM Law (RA 10120) to mandate:
The use of the Philippine Broadcast System (PBS) for emergency broadcasts.
Acquisition of airtime and use of private media firms during disasters.
Use the Congressional oversight on franchises
Require the use of telco systems for geolocated SMS, service message, and
push message services (including text blasts) during disasters.
Require broadcast companies to use digital service messaging under the
ISDB-T digital television standard for announcements during disasters.
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Opportunities for Policy Changes
LGU level
Encourage the formation of amateur radio (ham) hobby
groups and CSOs as disaster communications force
multipliers
Adopt proven legacy communications technology and
support equipment (e.g., CB radios, bicycle generators)
ready for set up or currently pre-positioned in safe zones
(e.g., public schools, state universities)
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Opportunities for Policy Changes
LGU level
Periodic audits of communications equipment and facilities
and periodic drills and training among DRRM stakeholders.
Provide multiple platforms and cross-trained personnel for
local communications centers.
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Opportunities for Policy Changes
Further opportunities
Support the Communications, Electronics, and Information
Systems Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(CEISSAFP) in establishing nationwide AFP communications
networks and backbones
Encourage the expansion of a number of Philippine
telecommunications local loops and communications
backbones by the private sector
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Q & A
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END.
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