DICT deploys equipment as Marcos rallies help for Catanduanes

CATANDUANES, PHILIPPINES – The Department Of Information And Communications Technology (DICT) deployed emergency communication in response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for help for Catanduanes.

Super Typhoon Pepito disabled communications and power systems. Consequently, Marcos directed government agencies to restore them and provide relief goods and shelter assistance. 

READ: Marcos calls on DICT to boost internet in remote areas

DICT Secretary Ivan Uy immediately heeded Marcos’ call and requested that Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Alexander Ramos deploy equipment. 

Specifically, Ramos sent a self-powered, all-weather, all-terrain communications system to provide internet connectivity to affected residents in Virac, Catanduanes.

On November 22, the CICC deployed two emergency comms box units in collaboration with the Philippine Air Force and the Office of Civil Defense.

The CICC emergency equipment will enable 100 users to use free Wi-Fi access all day. 

Super Typhoon Pepito affected 11all municipalities of Catanduanes. Hence, restoring power in the province will take two weeks.