Filipinos are generally a resilient people, but the natural disasters the country experiences are extremely costly. Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) reportedly cost economic losses of $6.5 billion to $15 billion.
In addition, the negative effects on the economy persist long after the cause of disaster has left. This vulnerable position leaves the Philippines no choice but to recognize what needs to be done and act on it.
Having been in the country for over 40 years, communication innovations pioneer Motorola Solutions said it helps the Philippines strengthen disaster management capabilities, especially in terms of communication.
Communication is the primary means for the government to get up-to-the-minute assessments in aid of decision-making. Likewise, the lack of reliable tools and means of communication is detrimental to saving lives.
“The success or failure of disaster response is highly dependent on the quality of communications among all responders,” said David Lum, Motorola’s business development director for the Asia/Pacific region. “When you have a disaster, your communications device cannot fail you because your life and the lives of others depend on it.”
At the recently held 2016 Radshow on Disaster Resilience, Motorola introduced the latest technology in mission-critical communication solutions and services.
Lum flew in from Singapore to present and demonstrate the company’s wide portfolio of radio technologies that help first responders and relief aid workers protect themselves and their communities.
Motorola’s two-way radios are known for their quality, reliability and durability. With the innovations that the company is pioneering, it can provide reliable privately-owned or dedicated communications with nationwide coverage in the Philippines.
“As an organization that has worked closely with agencies managing disaster recovery globally, Motorola Solutions designs and develops communications networks, devices and applications to perform reliably in the worst circumstances,” said Lum.
When traditional cellular networks were destroyed in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, the Motorola Solutions Foundation—the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions—equipped first responders in the Philippines with new two-way radios. Tacloban was initially cut off from contact with the outside world and only two-way radio communications got through.
Next generation solutions
Motorola Solutions asserts that during disaster relief missions, data and video communications as well as next-generation solutions will transform the way emergency responders deal with disasters. This includes interoperability networks and drones, which will help create a clearer, common picture in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
“Imagine drones flying over disaster areas, streaming live images and providing mobile broadband to recovery teams in the field,” said Lum. “While traditional voice communications is essential to emergency management, the future of disaster relief will be transformed by mobile broadband solutions.”
The Radshow was the first time that Motorola introduced the Wave technology to the Philippines. Wave solves interoperability issues that arise from having several agencies involved in disaster who use a variety of communications equipment operating on different networks – for example, two-way radios, smart phones and laptops which may run on cellular, WiFi, P25, Tetra, analog radio and landline telephone systems.
Wave technology also makes it possible for teams of people in the field or in the office to effectively communicate and collaborate through voice and data—securely, reliably and in real-time—regardless of network, carrier, protocol, or device whether deployed on premise or in the cloud. This means that even regular smartphones, when configured accordingly, can connect to radios connected to the Wave through an app downloadable in Google Play or the App Store.
Hand-in-hand with the Wave technology is a new purpose-built ruggedized communications device that Motorola has created. Called the LEX L10, this mission critical LTE handheld device has best-in-class audio and a dedicated push-to-talk button for easy connection to radio networks, as well as security features built to mission critical standards for reliable performance in the most challenging of circumstances.
LEX L10 is a lighter alternative to two-way radios that works by connecting to Motorola’s Wave solution. The device has an extended battery life and was made to survive a four-foot drop onto concrete, making it relevant for use in a number of different disaster situations, throughout the response, relief and recovery phases.
‘Prevention is better than cure’
Motorola also recommends that businesses must have their own disaster management plans in place, to ensure business continuity. In the event of a disaster, government and business continuity are crucial for a society to recover back to normal as soon as possible.
“While these critical preparations will never prevent a natural disaster, effective communications systems will help minimize the disastrous effects on people and property. If incorrect technology or poor vendor quality is chosen, the entire government suffers for a long time,” said Lum. “Motorola Solutions is willing to partner with the Philippines to build up the necessary infrastructure for future natural catastrophes, especially when all experts have predicted The Big One looming,” he concluded.
Outside disaster management, Motorola products and innovations are also essential in public safety, for use by the police and military in their missions.