• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
To ensure a faster communication, especially during calamities, the provincial government of Negros Occidental distributed about P7 million worth of Starlink satellite and digital mobile and fixed radios to the 31 local government units (LGUs) on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that communication has shown to be a huge challenge for disaster management officials during the period of natural calamities.
“We will now have our own independent communication,” Lacson said.
Nineteen of the 31 LGUs, including E.B. Magalona, Binalbagan, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinobaan, Ilog, Isabela, La Castellana, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Murcia, Pontevedra, and Toboso as well as cities Bago, Escalante, Himamaylan, Sagay and Sipalay, initially received on Thursday the Starlink satellite internet dish with hardware accessories, and digital mobile radio with accessories.
The remaining LGUs have been required to submit the deed of donation and other pertinent documents, which are needed for the transfer of communication equipment.
Lacson said the provincial government will initially pay the one-year subscription of Starlink connectivity.
He also announced that three repeaters will be installed in three areas, including the command center at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. | GB
