At least satellite phones were distributed to local government units in Cebu yesterday to ensure communication in case lines are bogged down due to supertyphoon Ruby.
Satellite phones from Smart Communications can send texts and make calls like a regular phone.
The units, which cost P37,000 each, were loaned to the mayors as backup links between them and the provincial government.
Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said the Capitol spent P1.9 million to buy the satellite phones.
Natera said satellite phones are the most reliable communication system when phone lines and cellular towers are down.
Each phone has P10,000 air load.
“That’s consumable for one year. If they run out before one year, then the LGU or the mayor will have to look for their own load,” she said.
Once communication lines are restored, Natera said the provincial government will ask the LGUs to return the units. The phones will be placed in the custody of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO).
In case of another calamity, Natera said the phones will again be loaned to the LGUs. She said it is possible that the LGUs will own the units in the future.