The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) received a pivotal donation from Diversified Financial Network Inc. (DFNN, Inc.): 20 state-of-the-art SpaceX Starlink satellite communication kits, reports the Manila Bulletin.
The handover ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City was graced by high-profile figures, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., OCD Administrator Undersec. Ariel Nepomuceno, and DFNN, Inc. Chairman Mr. Ramon Garcia.
The attendees were treated to a demonstration showcasing the equipment’s capabilities by a joint team from the OCD’s Information and Communications Technology Division and DFNN Inc.’s technical staff.
Underlining the transformative nature of this technology, Nepomuceno stressed the importance of reliable and resilient communication. Especially vital during humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, the Starlink system promises to significantly enhance the emergency communications setup of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The OCD, serving as the NDRRMC’s secretariat, has always been at the forefront, providing vital communication support during disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
The Starlink kits stand out due to their low maintenance, cost-effective operation, and the ability to be easily set up even in the most remote areas by just one individual. Additionally, they can provide high-speed internet capable of facilitating virtual conferences and video calls.
“We are now better equipped to strengthen communication systems across the archipelago,” said Nepomuceno, expressing gratitude for the donation. Defense Secretary Teodoro mirrored these sentiments, lauding the donation as a cornerstone in achieving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of bolstering the country’s disaster response system.
Back May 2022, Starlink was approved to operate in the Philippines.
DFNN Chairman Garcia voiced the company’s dedication to fortifying the Philippines’ disaster management system. “By providing Starlink connectivity, we ensure uninterrupted communication even during nature’s harshest challenges,” Garcia remarked.
Founded in 1999, DFNN, Inc., a major player on the Philippine Stock Exchange, specializes in IT solutions and system integration.
