The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched a national strategy aimed at keeping critical communications networks operational and improving the flow of information during disasters and other emergencies.
The National Emergency Communications Strategic Plan 2028, or NECSP 2028, establishes a common framework for government agencies, local governments, telecommunications companies, Internet service providers, broadcasters, emergency responders, civil society groups, and academic institutions.
The plan seeks to address communication gaps and network outages experienced during previous disasters, particularly major typhoons. It is intended to support real-time information exchange among responders and decision-makers while ensuring that warnings and other critical information reach affected communities.
The DICT chairs the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Its National ICT Planning, Policy and Standards Bureau and Infostructure Management Bureau developed the strategy with DICT Regional Office IV-A.
“The NECSP 2028 embodies the spirit of Digital Bayanihan — a collaborative effort across government agencies, telecom partners, local units, and civil society to guarantee that every system remains reliable, fast, secure, and inclusive enough to reach even the farthest barangays,” DICT undersecretary for policy and legal Sarah Maria Sison said during the launch in Tagaytay City.
Under the framework, participating organizations are expected to incorporate the plan’s objectives into their budgets, training programs, and emergency response protocols.
Representatives from the Department of National Defense, Office of Civil Defense, Anti-Red Tape Authority, and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation attended the launch, along with stakeholders from the telecommunications, Internet, broadcast, emergency response, civil society, and academic sectors.
The DICT did not provide details on the plan’s funding, implementation timetable, performance targets, or specific measures for maintaining connectivity in disaster-hit areas.
