Life at sea is perilous especially for fisherfolk who do not have the means to properly monitor weather conditions. Many of them merely rely on the moon, the sun, and the wind to predict changes in weather.
The lack of scientific basis to keep the fishermen protected from hazardous situations when sailing prompted Globe, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to collaborate and launch ISDApp in Dingalan, Aurora. This innovation benefits 300 fishermen from fishing communities Brgy. Aplaya, Brgy. Butas na Bato, and Brgy. Paltic.
As part of the pilot, participating fishermen will be given free mobile phones by NFRDI, which they can use to receive timely weather advisories and emergency notifications without the need for an internet connection. This will be complemented by prepaid load support from Globe.
During the ceremonies, Globe Head for Sustainability and Social Responsibility Apple Evangelista underscored the significant contribution of the fishing industry to the country’s food security, as she pointed out the need to ensure the safety of both the lives and livelihood of the fishing community through technology.
“Ang mga mangingisda ang isa sa pinaka-importanteng sektor ng ating lipunan. Sinisiguro ninyong may seguridad sa pagkain ang ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman mahalaga na kayo rin ay may seguridad,” she said. “Layunin natin na sa pamamagitan ng teknolohiya ay mas maging handa sa mga pagsubok na maaaring dumating gaya ng bagyo at masamang panahon.”
The Globe-powered ISDApp was developed by iNON IT Solutions as a way to collect localized weather data that can be shared with community members via text message to help them decide whether or not to set sail. Fishermen also receive recommendations as to what precautions they should take under less than ideal conditions.
“Ang kaalaman at tamang impormasyon na dala ng ISDApp ay napakahalaga. Ito ay sagot sa tamang pagtugon ng mga mangingisda para sa tiyak na kaligtasan. Minsan akala natin maganda ang panahon pero pagdating natin sa laot, hindi pala,” said Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay, as he expressed gratitude for having his municipality chosen as the second beneficiary after Sariaya, Quezon.
BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz added: “Higit sa lahat, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang buhay. Kadalasan nalalagay sa bingit ng kamatayan ang ating mga mangingisda dahil sa kawalan ng sistema na magbibigay sa kanila ng impormasyon bago pumalaot. Malaking bagay itong ISDApp dahil nababawasan natin ang risks sa buhay ng ating mga mangingisda.”
In January this year, ISDApp also benefited 300 fishermen in Sariaya. Its success motivated the proponents to expand the service to Dingalan, given the high typhoon incidence in the province.
“Ang kagandahan ng solusyon na ito ay sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga mobile phone, makakakuha kayo ng mahahalagang datos na magiging guide ninyo sa inyong pangingisda especially na itong ating lugar ay prone sa bagyo para makaiwas sa ano pa mang sakuna,” said Dr. Lilian Garcia, CESO V, NFRDI Acting Executive Director.
Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9 and UN SDG No. 11, which emphasize the importance of fostering innovation and building sustainable cities and communities. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
To know more about Globe’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html
