The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) mobile application software, Batingaw, is designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. The name “BATINGAW” is a Filipino word for “siren or alarm”. It is downloadable and free of charge intended for the public and focuses on disaster awareness and management.
Mobile app Batingaw turns your phone into an emergency device
The mobile app, Batingaw, is an original concept of another app, Tudlo, which means ”To Teach, To Guide and To Point“ in Cebuano Language, a mobile and web application that was initially developed for disaster awareness and management.
Objectives
1) Provide handy electronic resources to the public that can be utilized in times of emergencies.
2) Increase public awareness on the fundamentals of Disaster Risk Reduction and areas for information-sharing that can be incorporated in actions needed to future emergencies.
3) Use key learning points for preparedness activities such as knowledge for individuals and their respective family members before, during and after disasters.
ALSO READ: Safety measures in case your area will be hit by a typhoon
Download Batingaw
Download “Batingaw” from the App Store for iOS devices or from Google Play for Android phones.
Couch chat sessions on Climate Change with PIA Cebu
Bloggers from Cebu were invited to a couch chat sessions event in 2014, to talk about climate change, updates on Yolanda-stricken municipalities and regions from a year ago, disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cebu office, lined up the program with guest speakers from SMART Communications, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Cebu, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The session was hosted by Rachelle Nessia, PIA Cebu Information Center Manager.
It started with Mobile Application Developer, Vince Loremia, and his introductions of “Batingaw”, a mobile application launched and supported by SMART Communications, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Philippine-based start-up, Tudlo.
As part of the advocacy to advance disaster preparedness to the country, SMART Communications offered to support OCD for the development of “Batingaw” based on the platform developed by Tudlo. SMART shouldered the cost for the development of the mobile application, while OCD initiated the concept through its operations division and will be in-charge for the database and updating of the information resources.
The “Batingaw” mobile application was launched last July 21, 2014. Click this link from SMART for further details about the launching.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Cebu Project Development Officer, Alma Castillo, talked about the INFO BOARD messaging service, which is another pre-disaster communication tool to broadcast text messages to local government agencies for the community.
Dr. Ed Llamedo, DENR-7 spokesperson, was present to give an update about the disaster-prone mapping program and the issues on cutting the centennial Narra trees in different parts of Cebu City and neighboring municipalities. This issue is currently monitored by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and DENR-7 in connection to the road-widening projects.
ALSO READ: Be Prepared For An Emergency: Get A Survival Kit
The Couch chat sessions event was held at the Ballroom A, 2nd Floor of City Suites, Ultima Residences Ramos, Cebu City.
