DICT Responds to PBBM’s Order, Expands Satellite Tech Connectivity in Egay-Hit Areas

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as the Lead Agency for the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, committed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to deploy satellite internet technology in areas severely affected by Typhoon ‘Egay’. President Marcos Jr. made this commitment during the distribution of government aid in Bangued, Abra on July 29, 2023, vowing to provide additional satellite equipment to connect remote areas hit by the typoon to the internet, allowing them to report their situation and requirements to the relevant government agencies.

 

Responding promptly to the President’s commitment, DICT Regional Offices 1 and 2 promptly provided satellite internet technology to remote areas like Sitio Bucarot in Adams, Ilocos Norte, and Barangay Balatubat in Camiguin Island, Calayan, Cagayan. The DICT also conducted a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) in Barangay Balatubat following Typhoon Egay. These remote locations, with populations of 2,189 and 1,787, respectively, face communication challenges due to their isolated geography. Furthermore, the DICT installed Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) in Bangued, Abra, and Calayan, Cagayan, to enhance connectivity and facilitate continued emergency communications. 

 

Secretary Ivan John Uy emphasized the DICT’s commitment to support President Marcos Jr.’s promise of helping Filipinos affected by Typhoon ‘Egay’ regain online connectivity and resume their lives as quickly as possible. The deployment of innovative satellite technologies aims to ensure that no Filipino, especially those in far-flung areas, will be left behind during these challenging times, enabling them to recover and rebuild their lives.

 

The full version of the article may be found here.