ARMM, NTC launch radio communications' summit on disasters

COTABATO CITY -- Pinning their hopes on the use of communication equipment in times of disasters, some 500 members of civic action groups and amateur radio clubs from across the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gathered here Friday to participate in the first-ever region-wide radio show summit.

ARMM's Regional Telecommunications Commission and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) launched the Sept. 14-15 summit at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the ARMM in this city, amid inclement weather.

“We need to update ourselves on the use of communication equipment for coordination or systematic manner to better extend help to affected communities during disasters,” said ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, who is also concurrent head of the region’s social welfare department.

Representatives of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association lectured on the rules and regulations of using ham radio during emergency operations.

An exhibit of radio units, equipment, antennas, and other industry-related products was also showcased.

Alamia, a lawyer by profession, described the summit as “timely” amid the entry of Typhoon Ompong in the northern Philippines.

An update from the weather bureau said the typhoon had hit land in Baggao, Cagayan province in Luzon before dawn Saturday and is headed for Ilocos Norte.

“We have been monitoring this (typhoon) for two days now and what we have done at ARMM-HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team) is to coordinate with these radio clubs and civil action groups,” Alamia said.

“(We want you) ham users in communities to communicate with us anytime for us (through ARMM-HEART) to quickly respond to emergencies and humanitarian crisis,” Alamia said.

NTC directors Hamid Bayao of ARMM, Froilan Jamias of Region 12 (Soccsksargen), and Nelson Cañete of Region 11 (Davao Region) were all present to help facilitate the activity.

Capping the activity on Saturday is an NTC examination for amateur radio operators, where passers will be given the Radio Amateur Operator Certificate. (PNA)