The Department of Science and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST 7) has successfully delivered critical technological aid to disaster-stricken communities in Medellin, Cebu, providing life-changing internet connectivity and clean water solutions.
Rebuilding After Dual Disasters
Medellin town faced severe infrastructure damage and service disruptions following the September 30 earthquake and November 4 Typhoon Tino. The consecutive natural disasters left many residents without reliable communication access and safe drinking water, creating urgent humanitarian needs.
In response, DOST 7 mobilized a coalition of partners including CVisnet Foundation, Amo Green Tech Co. Ltd., Kepea, Apnic, Iseah, and unconnected.org. The initiative received strong backing from both the Provincial Government of Cebu and Medellin Municipality under Mayor Edwin Salimbangon's leadership.
Dr. Roslyn Tambago, supervising planning and development officer of the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, formally represented Governor Pamela Baricuatro in expressing the provincial government's full support for the recovery efforts.
Islet Connect: Bridging the Digital Divide
The Islet Connect project brings stable internet to geographically isolated areas using cutting-edge Starlink satellite technology. This initiative directly supports the Konektadong Pinoy program championed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which promotes collaborative approaches to connecting underserved communities.
Residents in three beneficiary barangays—Tindog, Panugnawan, and Caputatan—can now access reliable internet through a vouchering and piso Wi-Fi/community internet system. This connectivity breakthrough opens new possibilities for e-commerce ventures, digital education opportunities, and work-from-home employment.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project advocates establishing an e-cooperative that will manage and maintain operations after the initial six-month complimentary access period concludes.
Clean Water Through Green Innovation
Alongside digital connectivity, the Amo Green Tech Water Purification System provides a sustainable solution for safe drinking water. The gravity-based filtration unit operates without electricity, making it ideal for disaster-affected areas with power disruptions.
The system effectively purifies various water sources including surface water, well water, and rainwater into potable water. Each unit requires minimal maintenance—cleaning only every six months—and has a lifespan of up to three years.
Byung-Kwon Yoon, executive director of Amo Green Tech Co. Ltd., expressed willingness to partner with local entities for manufacturing, assembly, and distribution, with the company supplying the essential filters.
Partnerships Building Community Resilience
The successful turnover ceremony demonstrated the power of collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and local communities. Soon Myung Hong, chairman of Kepea, and Byung-Kwon Yoon both committed to continuing support for initiatives that merge technology and sustainability for Filipino community benefit.
This multi-faceted approach to disaster recovery showcases how strategic partnerships can rapidly restore essential services while building long-term resilience against future emergencies in vulnerable communities.
