PBSP, SMART project wins World Bank climate change competition
A project that will apply mobile phone SMS technology for disaster management won at the 2009 Development Marketplace Competition organized by the World Bank, November 13.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) together with its member-company, Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), developed the winning “Strengthening Disaster Preparedness of Southern Leyte through SMS Technology” project. Jazmin Gutierrez, PBSP Director, received the award in Washington D.C. together with Ramon Duremdes, SMART consultant for Strategic Business Development.
More than 1,770 proposals from 47 countries were submitted to the World Bank, which aimed to attract innovative ideas on climate change adaptation. Nine projects from the Philippines made it to the finals. Four of these Filipino entries, including PBSP’s project, were selected as the most creative and promising solutions to climate change-related problems.
Disaster Risk Reduction
“World Bank gave PBSP a grant of $200,000 to develop and roll out the proposed information campaign on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR),” explained Gutierrez.
“The grant will also enable PBSP to test multiple hazard risk assessment exercises. SMART will test an SMS-based system to gather, store and disseminate data to prevent and reduce risks associated with disasters,” Gutierrez added.
“This recognition will give SMART a chance to showcase how communications can play a vital role in empowering communities to prepare for and respond to disasters,” said Ramon R. Isberto, SMART Public Affairs Group Head.
Springing Back to Life
Southern Leyte has been identified as the pilot province for the project. In 2006, more than 1,000 people perished when a massive landslide buried the unwary village of Guinsaugon. Aid from donor agencies and corporations poured into Southern Leyte. Among them was PBSP’s technical assistance in developing the master plan for the rehabilitation of Southern Leyte. As a result, Guinsaugon’s survivors have regained access to basic services and livelihood opportunities.
Southern Leyte is located within a Rift Zone and continues to be vulnerable to natural calamities. “The PBSP and SMART project will help 50 barangays in 14 municipalities in Southern Leyte prepare for and respond to disasters,” Gutierrez said.
