THREE hundred fisherfolks in Dingalan, Aurora will soon be able to properly monitor weather conditions for safe sailing, especially during the typhoon season as ISDApp launches in their coastal community this May.

ISDApp was developed by iNON IT Solutions and is powered by Globe, in partnership with the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It was designed to improve fishermen’s understanding of the environment they work in.

“The ISDApp is an effective way to share weather forecasts with fisherfolk to improve fishing safety. It will serve as an early warning system so that our fisherfolk can conduct weather self-monitoring before making the decision whether or not they will continue with their fishing activities for the day,” said Wilfredo Cruz, BFAR Regional Director.

The app converts collected localized weather data into simplified weather forecasts and sends them to the registered mobile numbers of fisherfolks. Since it uses text messaging, fishermen can receive timely weather alerts even without a smartphone.  This will help them decide whether or not to set sail and take the necessary precautions.

“This launching is part of the commitment of the Institute to scale up the project and transfer technologies to more coastal communities in the country, particularly in Dingalan where fishing is considered as one primary source of living. Moreover, equal access to information is more crucial than ever, especially in times of crisis,” said Dr. Lilian C. Garcia, CESO V, NFRDI Acting Executive Director.

ISDApp was first launched in Sariaya, Quezon in January this year.  Its success prompted the proponents to expand the service to Dingalan given the high typhoon incidence in the province. Aurora has a shoreline of 45-kilometers, facing the Pacific Ocean with fishing as its secondary means of livelihood next to farming.

“Our fishermen are among the most hardworking citizens of our nation. As they sail in rough seas for a living, we at iNON IT Solutions aim to support their livelihood by providing them with the latest weather information with ISDApp. Thanks to Globe, more and more fisherfolks can now use ISDApp for their safety,” said Jeddah Legaspi, iNON Co-Founder.

The initiative will cover three coastal barangays in Dingalan, namely: Brgy. Aplaya, Brgy. Butas na Bato, and Brgy. Paltic.  iNON has already conducted the training of the local government unit on the use of the app in collaboration with the municipal government headed by Mayor Shierwin H. Taay and the Municipal Agriculture Office.

“Today’s weather is unpredictable and rapidly changing. Particularly in our small community, where fishing is the main source of income. Before sailing, fishermen need to be able to predict a solid weather forecast. This Globe-powered application is simple, inexpensive, helpful, and extremely beneficial to many fishermen,” said Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay.

The fisherfolk community leaders will also be trained on how to subscribe to daily advisories. They will work closely with the LGU and will be instrumental in ensuring all targeted fishermen are onboarded for the initiative.  In the coming weeks, the NFRDI also intends to equip fisherfolk of Dingalan with mobile phones to help them safely navigate seas. 100 mobile phones will be distributed in a separate ceremonial activity that will be complemented by load support from Globe.

“Technology can be a great partner to keep our fisherfolks safe.  We are aware that in some communities, access to information and resources may be limited. This is why ISDApp was made as simple as possible so that alerts can reach those people who continue to use low-end phones,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9 and UN SDG No. 11, which emphasize the importance of fostering innovation and building sustainable cities and communities. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html#gref