IN a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, technologies developed by the private sector to mitigate the impact of natural disasters is a big help in the government’s disaster risk-reduction management (DRRM) program.
Such is the preposition of PLDT Inc. for the launch last month of its smartphone it calls “Smart SOS Dispatch”. The listed telecommunications firm said the device is “a leading-edge response mechanism that ensures effective, end-to-end incident management.”
According to Jovy Hernandez, PLDT executive, the device’s mechanism is patterned after the 9-11 emergency response system of the United States.
It “has always been a model to emulate with regards to security and public safety,” Hernandez said. “The technology to make the same happen in the Philippines is available through mobility and the Internet-of-Things. Smart SOS Dispatch is designed to do just that.”
According to Hernandez, the device was designed to enable small and large communities such as large-scale companies, local government units and schools, “bolster their public safety answer points and emergency response systems”.
Hernandez explained the device offers a mobile solutions package that combines a PLDT subsidiary’s network coverage with an Internet protocol-based Push To Talk and emergency-response application. The combo allows the communication between a command center and first responders. Units are shock- and water-resistant (IP68) Android devices.
By introducing the device, PLDT said the whole emergency reporting, response and recording process “becomes more instantaneous and reliable.” The cloud-based system has the ability to collect all necessary information reported by a caller to a command center. This information is recorded and processed through a customer relations management system and sent to all responders. Through this automation in information assessment and transmittal, time and resources are saved as calls are instantly directed to only the most relevant and nearest response units for dispatch.
A mobile application helps field teams to coordinate via one-to-one or one-to-many, for rapid, wide-spread and secured communications. Hernandez emphasized local officials are key in the rollout of the device on a nationwide basis.
“We look forward to partnering with all local government units in implementing the system nationwide. Technology cannot do it alone,” he said. “Technology-plus-people is the right formula.”