Manila - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has entered into a partnership with UBE Express Inc., signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to utilize the transportation provider's communication systems for disaster response. OCD chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the importance of collaboration with the private sector in advancing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, The MOA, signed on November 14 at Cargohaus, NAIA Complex, Parañaque City, allows the OCD to use UBE Express' rapid radio support vehicle (RRSV) to bolster the emergency communications capabilities of the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command Post during disaster responses. The RRSV, equipped with a wide range of communication tools and operated by trained personnel, features integrated communication capabilities across various radio frequencies (UHF, VHF, HF) and mobile and satellite communications.
Alberto Lina, founding chairman of UBE Express, expressed his company's readiness to assist and openness to improvements suggested by the OCD. He emphasized that the Lina Group of companies is always on call, ready to provide support 24/7 for disaster response efforts.