Smart Infocast boosts disaster preparedness in Cebu

Members of the local government and disaster risk reduction and management office hold a mock SIM unit during the turnover of Smart Infocast in Dumanjug, Cebu. Joining the ceremony are Smart representatives led by Public Affairs Head for Visayas and Mindanao Atty. Maria Jane Paredes (fifth from left). THE disaster preparedness efforts of the municipality of Dumanjug in Cebu platform of PLDT’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc.

The Infocast, a web-based program developed by Smart, enabled the Dumanjug local government unit to send news broadcasts, weather bulletins, and other critical information to residents via text message.

The program allows the sending of free text broadcasts and enables registered subscribers to connect with other Infocast members through a common, unique access code, making it an effective emergency communications solution.

Crucial information can now be sent to all Infocast subscribers, including the municipality and barangay’s disaster risk reduction and management teams.

The system has boosted the communication efforts of its many users, which include LGUs, government agencies, and other organizations, according to Smart Visayas-Mindanao public affairs head Maria Jane Paredes.

“Through Smart Infocast, we hope to be instrumental in enhancing both the communication and disaster preparedness efforts of Dumanjug,” said Paredes, who attended the turnover ceremony together with representa disaster risk reduction and manage