NEW DSWD MCCs OFFER FREE WIFI CONNECTIVITY DURING DISASTERS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Cognizant of the people’s need to communicate with their loved ones during calamities and disasters, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) new Mobile Command Centers (MCCs) offer free Wifi connectivity as well as charging of cellphones.

This was disclosed on Monday (3 June 2024) by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao who said the new MCCs that were sent off to the agency’s regional field offices last May 28 were equipped with state-of-the-art satellite internet, gadgets and generators that can be used as a source of power supply and internet connection for communities in disaster areas.

“Our MCCs offer system redundancy because of their capacity to provide internet connection, through satellite internet, and power supply from generator sets/uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This means that it can help many affected residents connect with their loved ones when the power supply in their area is down,” Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson, explained.

She said the MCCs are equipped with UHF Digital Handheld Digital Radio, allowing disaster response teams to monitor and respond immediately within the coverage through voice transmission and messaging.

The DSWD official said the MCCs also have Wireless Access Points that provide coverage in disaster-stricken areas or challenging terrain where wired connectivity is not feasible or restrictive. It also has laptops for report preparation and data consolidation, as well as TVs and monitors for information monitoring.

“We have already deployed the MCCs in the 14 DSWD Field Offices. We are expecting two more based on the agreement of Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the Office of Senator Joel Villanueva, so that all of our Field Offices will have MCCs on standby for any disaster or calamity,” Dumlao bared

Aside from its connectivity features,  it was gathered that the MCC also has the capability of monitoring the Food and Non-Food Items (FNIs) in warehouses and storage facilities, including Family Food Packs (FFPs) in the production hubs and logistics tracking.

(el Amigo/MNM)