Free SMS Advisory for a Safer Community

image url: operationnaturechronicles.wordpress.com

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.