MANILA, Philippines — National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba on Friday directed all of their regional offices to readily help government agencies and civic groups that would carry out public assistance operations during “Undas 2021.”
In a memorandum, Cordoba instructed NTC regional directors to identify what kind of aid it can provide — such as the issuance of necessary permits and licenses — that can help those traveling during the long weekend.
NTC regional offices were specifically ordered to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and civic groups involved in assisting the public this Undas.
Over the years, Civic Action Groups (CAGs) and Amateur Radio Groups (ARGs) have provided public assistance during holidays for speedy dispatch of details about accidents and other important information.
“As public service to our fellow kababayans in the observance of UNDAS 2021 and pursuant to the mandate of the Commission to regulate the use of radios, all Regional Directors are hereby directed to coordinate with the [NDRRMC], [CAGs] and [ARGs] that will render UNDAS 2021 public assistance operations within their respective areas of jurisdiction and extend assistance to NDRRMC,” Cordoba said.
“Further, all Regional Directors shall determine any assistance that the Commission may provide, such as issuance of temporary permits and licenses necessary to lend assistance and ensure the safety of our kababayans who will be traveling to various parts of the country,” he added.
Regional directors are also urged to tap the services of various “radio, television and cable TV stations/operators for the proper and timely dissemination of related information.”
The NTC official required them to submit their reports, which should contain the name of CAGs and ARGs, the areas covered by the specific group, frequencies used, contact details and point persons, location of radio bases, and duration of the operation.
Cordoba also reminded NTC officers and personnel to follow health protocols against COVID-19 to avoid local transmissions.
“The Regional Offices are also directed to monitor the operations of the CAGs and ARGs in their areas of jurisdiction and submit an updated report to the undersigned,” Cordoba said.
“Lastly, all Regional Directors are also directed to observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” he added.
All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) are Catholic traditions which are local holidays in the country — a time where people usually take a trip back to their respective hometown or spend time in provinces.
However, the government has tried to limit crowding in certain areas by closing cemeteries from October 31 to November 2, while allowing a limited number of people to go inside cemeteries in the past few days.
READ: Cemeteries shut anew for 2nd ‘Undas’ in a row