UP develops ROGER system for communicating during disasters

In times of disaster, communication is key, but what if even telecommunications infratructure fails?

 

According to a report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" aired Thursday night, engineers at the University of the Philippines-Diliman have developed the Robust and Rapidly-Deployable GSM-Based Stations and Backhaul for Emergency Response, or Roger.

 

The system can communicate using mobile phone signals even when telco services are down. Its batteries can last for seven days and can be charged through solar power.

 

For now, Roger is for the use of first responders who need to keep in contact with disaster response command centers.

 

"Pag bumabagsak nga ang regular telecommunications infrastructure, nahihirapan yung mga responders, pati yung general community to seek help and provide assistance. When the regular infrastructure is unavailable, then [Roger is] there... in a predetermined position and you just have to switch it on and it will provide the coverage that you need," Dr. Joel Miranda Jr., Roger project leader, said.

 

Roger was developed by the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Insitute with funding from the Department of Science and Technology.

 

The UP EEEI now has two units of the Roger, which took two years to develop.

 

Aside from Roger, other equipment like single side band radios can be used in case regular telco infrastructure fails.

 

"These are readily deployable already. So very confident and [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council] na may mga communication systems in place, lalo na kapag tumama na itong 'Big One' and itong mga potential disasters," DOST Assistant Secretary Mon Liboro said.
— JDS, GMA News