Still no communication signals in key locations of So. Leyte

Still no communication signals in key locations of So. Leyte 
By Bong Pedalino
Philippine Information Agency
June 16, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 16 (PIA) -- In this age when everybody can be reached by either call or sms, it is surprising to know that there are still locations without communication signal.

In Southern Leyte, some areas that remained unreachable by the technology on communications are vital locations such as the tandem zipline at Agas-Agas, Sogod that promote high-end tourism and in San Ricardo at the southern tip of Panaon island. where disaster preparedness project is located.

Nedgar Garvez, Provincial Tourism Officer, in an interview over “Action Center” program this morning, reported that he already talked with the executive officer of Globe who promised to look into the matter and inform their central office about it.

Garvez said he also had a talk with a representative of Smart so these two private companies would really consider putting up a cell site at the Agas-Agas Adventure Park which has been attracting a steady stream of curious visitors since it opened two months ago, on April 15.

The facility which is touted as the longest zipline in the country at 880 meters, and the highest, has been operating quite well, but the primary concern for now was the lack of signal for texting or calling, more so on laptop internet connections.

As to the lack of signal for an SMS disaster preparedness project supported by Smart Communications, the company’s executives disclosed that this year a rollout of at least eight sites has been programmed to be undertaken, including the San Ricardo site.

This was learned in a recent dialogue held at Malitbog during the supervision mission visit of a top-ranking official of the World Bank (WB), which funded the project, and officials of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), also a supporter of the pioneering undertaking.

In the dialogue, Smart acknowledged the deficiencies due to physical terrain but pledged to do all their best to provide the needed technical solutions as soon as their resources can be made available.