Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Jamboree: A Call for an Enhanced Disaster Response Efforts

The world as we see it today is witnessing an increased number of natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises which results in significant human suffering and the disruption of essential services. In such situations, the coordination of different humanitarian response efforts is deemed very vital and crucial. One way to enhance this coordination is by conducting an Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Jamboree.

Last October 5-7, 2022, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region IV conducted its Luzon-wide Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Jamboree. The jamboree is a collaborative simulation exercises that are aimed at bringing together different Government Emergency Telecommunications Team (GETT) members from over Luzon to test their response capabilities during an emergency. Exercises include IP Radio Configuration, HF/VHF/ UHF Radio Programming and VSAT Connection Establishment which primarily aim to improve the preparedness, coordination, and communication among the participants in a simulated emergency scenario.

The participants of the Jamboree further gained practical experience in managing a disaster scenario and were able to apply their knowledge and skills to identify potential gaps in their preparedness and response plans. In addition to that, the effectiveness of their communication channels, equipment, and technologies were tested, and made improvements where necessary. The camaraderie built on participants’ interactions made coordination and collaborations more effective in responding to such disastrous events.

Exercises during the jamboree also introduced to the participants the complexities and constraints of responding to a disaster scenario, and eventually came up with innovative solutions to overcome them. This understanding helped the GETT members to develop specialized plans and services to better serve the needs of the sector. What’s more crucial is that the event is joined together by the representatives of World Food Programme, DICT’s partner in the establishment of Government Emergency Communications System Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS MOVE).

Through the ETC Jamboree, enhanced coordination and collaboration for humanitarian response efforts during emergencies are achieved and participants are provided with practical experience in networking and collaboration, enablement for participants in identifying and addressing challenges, and of course, improvement in disaster preparedness. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in the Philippines, the timely conduct of an ETC Jamboree is one essential step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the humanitarian responses.