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Today, information gathering and
communication is much easier. With a simple text message, you can get updates about
your family and friends. The Philippines is tagged as the text capital of the
world and not just for nothing; in fact, there are about 400 million text
messages sent a day in the country. Imagine how sending free and useful SMS
advisory in times of emergencies and disasters could help Philippine residents.
While posting emergency alerts about
incoming typhoons and disasters in social media platforms like Facebook and
Twitter is one way to get important word out, a free SMS advisory posts more
immediate response and preparedness in the Philippines may benefit those
without internet access.
Free SMS advisory for incoming
typhoons and disasters is under the Republic Act No. 10639 or An Act Mandating
the Telecommunications Service Providers to Send Free Mobile Alerts in the
Event of Natural and Man-made Disasters and Calamities. Mobile disaster alerts
consists of up-to-date information from National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHILVOCS), and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other
agencies related. It should also have relevant information like evacuation areas
and relief sites. It should also be free of charge.
There are two ways on how disaster alerts
reach your mobile phone—direct communication between NDRRMC and
telecommunication companies and an automated Mobile Emergency Alert System. The
Mobile Emergency Alert System (MEAS) shall be under the safekeeping of NDRRMC,
however still requires coordination with the telecommunication companies to
make sure that it will be compatible to telecommunication networks in the
Philippines.
Republic
Act No. 10639 (The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act), if used accordingly, may
mean the difference between a life lost or saved. We cannot do anything to
prevent how the Earth reacts to climate change—typhoons and other natural
calamities will happen—but preparing
ourselves as these calamities hit is a choice. Take the responsibility in
caring for yourself and for others. The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act could
be a greater help to community if you, the receiver, consider the message.
There could be a lot of other disaster alerts to be implemented out there but
its success is a two way responsibility of the government and the residents.
So, if you happen to receive a free
SMS advisory telling about an incoming typhoon in the Philippine area of
responsibility, do not just delete it. Take time to read and understand what it
talks about for it may save you and your family from harm. Be cautious. Make
sure that the free SMS advisory you received is legit. And don’t ever try to
make false advisory as well for you could be penalized.
Messaging technology truly has undergone
great improvements in the Philippines. And aside from text alerts containing
some “cheesy” quotes, there exist free and useful SMS advisory in times of
emergencies and disasters. Make better use of information today.
