NINETY-five more communities in Mindanao come under the coverage of Smart Infocast, a text-broadcast solution helping government and private organizations disseminate life-saving messages and public advisories.
PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. has broadened Infocast’s reach, as the COVID-19 pandemic beckoned the urgent need of keeping people informed in a pandemic. The health crisis has reinforced Infocast as a life-saving solution, keeping people atop required protocols amid shifting quarantine restrictions, while keeping people constantly prepared against the onslaught of typhoons and earthquakes.
“Infocast is an important tool for risk communications,” says Gilbert Gonzales, Operations and Warning Head of Surigao del Norte’s Provincial Disaster Risk Management Office. “We have been using the tool to increase awareness on disasters, how to mitigate, prepare for and respond to them.”
Lanao del Sur (LDS) Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr. said that they were able to beef up their communication and information drive especially during the COVID-19 health crisis. “We are assured that we can give fresh, vital, and relevant information to our constituents in grassroot communities,” he said.
Jennie Tamano, head of the LDS Provincial Information Office, added, “If you can inform a thousand people, you can save around five thousand more. Infocast gives us a wide reach and is convenient since we can send out messages in an instant.”
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro’s City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Department (CDRRMD) has been utilizing Infocast for over five years. “It helps us provide correct information to the public which is crucial during emergency situations. This communication tool helps us reach those without internet access and people who rely only on SMS,” shared Nick Jabagat, Head of CDO-CDRRMD.
Distance learning continuity
Smart Infocast has also helped schools and universities ensure that no student is left behind as schools pivoted to online distance learning amid the pandemic. Over 60 partner schools in Mindanao have been using the tool for important school announcements. It has since become a vital channel in keeping people aware. Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College said that it helps their administration to send SMS broadcasts to thousands of students, faculty, and staff at the same time.
For Tatcher Dahab, Vice President for Academic Affairs of ACES Polytechnic College in Panabo City, timely information is very critical in the pandemic. “This SMS-broadcast service helps augment our information dissemination channels,” she added.
Youth mobilization
Mindanaoan youth leaders have been maximizing Smart Infocast to initiate and encourage the youth to participate in nation-building programs. They also assist their respective LGUs with information campaigns on COVID-19 prevention, voter registration, vaccination, and combating fake news.
"We need a secure, efficient and cost-effective means to distribute information. Even though we have a presence on social media, there are still many people who do not have smartphones and access to the internet," shared General Santos City’s SK Federation President John Demdam. “We should always look for information that comes from official government channels. Let us not be agents in the spread of fake news,” he added.
Administrative services
Smart also recently enabled the Bukidnon Pharmaceutical Multipurpose Cooperative (BUPHARCO) with the Infocast service. “We can easily update and receive inquiries from them. It will also help us disseminate information about our products and services to the public,” said Christine Dalogdog, BUPHARCO’s Chief Executive Officer.
Cagayan de Oro’s Roads and Traffic Administration also uses Infocast to update traffic enforcers posted all over the city. “With Infocast, our enforcers can now access the information right away whether or not they have mobile data,” shared Administrative Officer Benedicto Ramiro.
On the other hand, Col. Romuelda Empleo of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shared that their members in the Caraga Region have benefitted from the Infocast service. “Since Smart Infocast also allows registered subscribers to send feedback, it enables our office to hear the concerns of the PNP personnel and help us improve our services to them,” she said.
Smart Infocast is also being used as part of the information campaigns of LGUs, offices of the Department of Education, SK Federations, and other organizations in General Santos, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Koronadal City, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Surigao del Norte, Pagadian City, among others.
“Our goal is to equip these communities with Smart Infocast and enable them to access relevant and accurate information. We are happy to see that more and more communities in Mindanao are utilizing this communication tool for their campaigns – from disaster preparedness and response, to health and weather reminders and new protocol advisories – to promote solidarity among constituents, and to build a well-informed community,” said Nancy Nacua, Smart’s Manager for Community Development and Partnerships in Visayas and Mindanao.
This initiative is part of Smart’s advocacy to improve the lives of the Filipino people by delivering digital solutions to its partner communities. (PR)
