A worldwide first in Manila
FireChat is going back to school!
We're proud to announce that we are joining forces with the Ateneo Social Computing Science Laboratory, a pioneering research center for disaster management in the Philippines. The laboratory is a part of the Department of Information Systems and Computer Science at Ateneo de Manila. It hosts eBayanihan, an initiative of the Republic of the Philippines Department of Science and Technology - to improve disaster preparedness and response through innovative uses of social media and technology.
Ateneo de Manila is one of the oldest and largest universities in the Philippines. It was founded in 1859, which makes it exactly 78 times older than FireChat. It also one of the most recognised universities in Asia with 20,000 bright studious minds under its roofs.
The university occupies a beautiful sprawling campus on the edge of an active seismic fault, the Marikina Valley Fault System. Since the Philippines are situated both on the mighty Pacific Ring of Fire and on the westward Pacific typhoon track, disaster preparedness is an everyday concern for science researchers and for all Filipinos.
In the next few months, we will be working with faculty and students to share the "people's network" on FireChat peer-to-peer technology with communities across the country.
Experts in disaster risk reduction acknowledge that communication in times of natural disaster is vital, "as important as food and shelter”. Efficient warning systems, timely communication and early action all mean that more lives can be saved even in the worst emergencies.
Yet, all existing communication solutions from SMS to mobile apps are dependent on centralised cell networks or the Internet to function. When networks are congested or destroyed, as is often the case during natural disasters, back-up solutions are expensive (satellite phones) or require expert training (ham radios).
Thankfully, a new application of our technology can help close this gap. FireChat Alerts was designed for organizations (government agencies, NGOs and select media). It functions as a large scale warning system that works even when cellular networks and Internet access are not available.
We are honoured and grateful to be working with Ateneo de Manila on this first-of-the-world initiative to help make communities more resilient in their preparedness and response.
This short video illustrates how FireChat Alerts works. For more information please email us at [email protected].
