MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday stressed the need for a reliable broadcast system for the state-run People’s Television Network (PTV4) particularly in times of calamity or disaster.
Andanar made this remark during the demonstration of the PTV4’s Early Warning Broadcast System (EWBS), a remote activation system for radio and TV, and data-casting in Davao City.
The event came after the PCOO, last January, led the ceremonial transition of PTV-4 from analog to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) broadcast, one of the most meaningful communication modernization programs under the Duterte administration.
In his speech, Andanar said that the EWBS and data-casting demonstration is proof of a more “reliable” broadcast system which can directly inform and guide the public of any impending risks and emergencies affecting their specific locality.
Andanar pointed out that EWBS and the data-casting can cover both large and specific areas, depending on the parameters of the impending danger.
He explained that data-casting is a system of updates on the weather, the movement of storms, floods, landslides, including traffic and grid-lock road conditions.
“It is a broadcast warning before a disaster occurs,” Andanar said, noting that this platform gives sufficient time for the affected community to prepare, evacuate if necessary, and undertake all other safety measures to prevent damage to property, injuries, and loss of lives.
“We cannot overly emphasize how broadcast is the ideal medium to deliver timely information on disasters and emergency conditions,” he added.
Andanar further described the need for a reliable broadcast system as “urgent, imperative and necessary” as the country remains prone to calamities and disasters.
“Our country is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire with the tectonic movements crawling through fault lines throughout cities, towns, and islands. Our Eastern Seaboard faces the typhoon and storm surge highway. Active volcanoes have intermittent eruptions, heavy rainfall cause floods and landslides even in forested areas. And earthquakes, still scientifically unpredictable, cause heavy damage and deaths,” Andanar said.
“The early warning broadcast system can mitigate the consequences of these natural occurrences and help in reducing risks, panic and disorder,” he added.
Andanar said his agency intends to make the EWBS integral to every locality. (PNA)
