WSIS 2024 Prize Winner Philippines - Empowering Disaster Response
Winners of the WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches to support sustainable development, were announced on 28 May 2024 at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Overall, projects from 18 countries were presented with WSIS Prizes top honours, showcasing leading efforts to bridge the digital divide, foster digital inclusion, and drive socio-economic progress on a global scale.
“This year's WSIS Prizes demonstrate the innovation and energy that exist to find technological solutions to some of the globe's biggest challenges," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “These are the creative contributions that the world needs in our effort to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals."
When disaster strikes, clear communication becomes a lifeline. Recognizing this critical need, Northern Mindanao's Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) established the Regional Disaster Network (RDN) in 2022. RDN leverages an unexpected hero: VHF/HF radio technology.
While modern communication tools are valuable, they crumble under disaster's pressure. RDN bypasses this vulnerability with VHF/HF radios, independent of fragile infrastructure like the internet. These robust systems remain operational even when traditional networks fail, ensuring vital communication channels for DICT offices, relay stations, and disaster management units.
VHF/HF radios boast another advantage: unparalleled reach. Their waves travel far, bridging communication gaps in remote areas often inaccessible to conventional technologies. This ensures information flows uninterrupted even in the furthest corners of the region.
During the Malitbog landslide and Misamis Occidental shearline incidents, the network facilitated rapid information exchange, leading to swift and coordinated rescue efforts. Lives were saved, property protected, and communities empowered to navigate the crisis with improved information and coordination.
RDN's influence extends beyond immediate response. Its proactive approach of utilizing VHF/HF technology and redundancy in communication infrastructure, equips communities with the tools and knowledge needed to become active participants in their own safety and preparedness.
