SSB radio still ‘best’ in Kalinga calamities

By Larry T. Lopez

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Advanced technology and top-of-the-line gadgets are now being used to address disasters, but for Kalinga officials, the single side band (SSB) radio system is still the best during calamities.    

In a bid to boost communication system especially during disasters in the province, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council moved to restore the SSB radio system.

PDRRM officer Richard Anniban said this stemmed from the recent disaster council meeting when the problem on poor telecommunication signal in certain areas of the province was raised.

We see the crucial role of communication in making accurate assessments on affected areas and therefore we should establish reliable system, Anniban said. 

Through the SSB, problem in feeding of reports and information from these sites in times of calamities could be lessened if not addressed, he said.

In line with this, the province will get initial two SSB units from the Office of Civil Defense as part of its disaster preparedness.

One will be based in the municipality of Tanudan and the other at the Provincial Action Center at the PDRRMO.

Based on specifications, the OCD SSB units could access direct connection with NDRRMC, the government’s disaster main office.  

Under this project, recipient towns will provide the cost for the antennae as counterpart.

To cover wider reach, the SSB radio based at the PAC shall be tuned with the radio band of municipal police stations and other private volunteer communication groups.