Negros occidental: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) have ensured internet connectivity in evacuation centers and vital disaster response hubs in Negros Occidental after Typhoon Tino downed telecommunication lines on November 4. As of Tuesday, at least 12 Starlink satellite internet units have been turned over and activated in affected areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview, DICT-Negros Occidental’s Mary Jane Agonace stated that they fulfilled their mandate of providing connectivity to Tino-hit areas. She emphasized the importance of internet access during disasters, noting that connectivity enables people to communicate with their families and communities and receive accurate information. Additionally, internet access is essential for government services to facilitate rapid response, timely coordination, and updated reporting.

Data from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council emergency telecommunications cluster indicated that the 12 Starlink units were activated between November 6 and 18. One of these units was set up at the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region headquarters.

In La Castellana, the recipients of the Starlink units included the municipal government, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO), and La Castellana Elementary School, which functions as an evacuation center. Starlink units were also distributed to Moises Padilla and its MDRRMO, Moises Padilla Elementary School, and Jose Pepito Montilla Sr. National High School.

Other recipients of the satellite internet units include La Carlota City, along with its permanent evacuation center, Roberto S. Benedicto Elementary School, and the MDRRMOs of Isabela, Binalbagan, and Don Salvador Benedicto.