Help through texting

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

One project that will surely be hailed by all residents of the Philippines, natives and foreigners who have chosen to live here alike, is the one launched recently by the Philippine National Red Cross that will involve the use of text messaging in reporting disasters and calamities from any place in the country. The "Power Text System" which is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, is intended to enable the Red Cross to preempt and prevent natural disasters, of which we have, alas, too many in this country.

As explained by PNRC chairman Richard Gordon, this project will bring the manpower and facilities of the agency within the shortest possible time and therefore mitigate the effects of disasters, whether they are natural or man-made.

The project involves the enlistment of volunteers who will service the hotline which will make use of text messaging. Considering the popularity and the ever-growing use of text messaging, even in the remote barangays of the country, the effectivity of the Power Text Messaging concept can indeed be said to be assured of success.

How often we have deplored the delay in transmitting reports or calls for help that could have prevented deaths or injuries and damages had they been sent and received on time. Now, with the simple method of "texting", we can forestall such incidents. With the indispensable support of the USAID, and the expected willingness and resourcefulness of volunteers, we can be assured of more efficiency and more methodical ways of helping.

Let us welcome the introduction of this project and volunteer our support when it is introduced in our communities.*