DICT conducts GECS-MOVE communications exercise
By Venus L. Garcia
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- A simulation exercise on the operability of the Government Emergency Communications System - Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS-MOVE) was conducted through the initiative of the Office of Undersecretary for Resilient Government Emergency Communication, DICT Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and the DICT GECS team.
The activity was purposely held in order to know the capabilities of the GECS-MOVE in terms of disaster response.
According to DICT Undersecretary Alan A. Silor, connectivity is one of the vital aspects during emergency response.
Eng. Rafael Olivar, chief of the DICT-DRRM Division, also acknowledged the importance of said communications exercise and the utilization of advanced technology for disaster preparedness and response.
Abegail Villanueva, Information Technology Officer, led the communication exercise, along with Usec. Silor, Director Sittie Rahma Alawi and Director Leo Ugto of the DICT, DICT MC2 GECS Team, and Engr. Olivar.
It was also joined by the Department of Education - Siargao Island Division, Tourism Office - Dapa Surigao del Norte, Provincial Government of Siargao Island, LDRRMO Sta. Monica, Kapitolyo Nan Siargao, MDRRMO - Socorro, Surigao Del Norte, MDRRMO Dapa, Surigao del Norte , MDRRMO San Isidro, Surigao Del Norte, MDRRMO San Benito, Surigao Del Norte, BFP Siargao Island, Philippine Coast Guard - Siargao Island, and LDRRMO - General Luna, Surigao del Norte.
The GECS-MOVE is a deployable emergency communications system designed by DICT and World Food Programme (WFP) that provides IC-enabled support to disaster-stricken areas in the country.
WFP provided technical assistance during the exercises for the capacity-strengthening of GECS-MOVE engineers in understanding the complexity, functionality, and technical specifications of the MOVE sets and the systems installed. (DICT-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
