Risky Security

When I initially got a message like this from an unknown number, I almost fell for a scam. I informed my sister about this, and she warned me that it was a con that was sent to random SIM card users by scammers.

Anyone would be thrilled if they receive these kinds of messages, believing they had won a jackpot. Of course, with the exemption of some who resist con artists’ gimmicks.

Scammers are everywhere. They frequently target elderly persons who are less conscious of such a form of cybercrime, and one wellknown tool they use is SMS.

This has been a persistent issue in the Philippines that has cost the victims greatly. To address this issue, in October of 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act or Republic Act No. 11934, a law requiring everyone who uses a SIM card to register it within a certain period with their present telco provider.

“It aims to deter anyone from committing illegal acts through mobile networks by making users’ identities known,” said Kabayan Partylist Representative Ron Salo. He also praises the people for their eagerness to follow the law, demonstrating their support for the government’s initiative to maintain order in society.

C. Cabalhin

Many, however, cannot help but worry about the safety of their data, which is required for registration. They fear the possibility of the system getting hacked and their privacy being invaded. Is it really okay to register our SIM cards? Can we ensure the safety of our information?

To address this issue and answer the public’s concerns about privacy risk, the National Privacy Commission convened with Telecommunication Companies (Telcos).

Privacy commissioner John Henry D. Naga instructed Smart, Globe, and Dito to enhance and modify their websites and applications to better adhere to the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Telcos agreed to put the adjustments into effect as soon as possible.

The Commission also emphasizes that one of the critical parts of the successful implementation of SIM Card Registration is safeguarding citizens’ privacy and assuring that mobile users’ rights to their data privacy are protected. For the proper implementation of the law, the Commission will continue to work closely with Telcos and other stakeholders.

Nonetheless, despite these measures, we should not let our guard down because security breaches will inevitably occur. We should always be careful in distributing personal information and hope for SIM card registration to be implemented successfully without major problems.

ORWith just a press of a button, you can now receive broadcast voice messages in your area that can save your life and your properties.

The Local Government Unit of Siocon, under the direction of Engr. Jose Marlowe

T. Echem of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office proudly announced on March 10 in public the official launching of the “ALERTO Receiver” application, a critical communication system that aims to alert everyone when emergencies strike.

The ALERTO Receiver application is an innovative voice messaging service that uses advanced technology to rapidly reach a bigger audience in the fastest possible time for community, emergency, and disaster communications. Users must only press the “Listen” button to receive up-to-date messages from the area they selected on its location setting.

Nature has been changing unpredictably, demonstrating its power through the natural phenomenon that endangers our lives. In the Municipality of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, catastrophic events have caused severe damage to the environment and its citizens. Properties have been destroyed, livelihoods have been affected, economic activities have been disrupted, individuals suffered from physical injuries, and worst of all, many have died.

In 2017, due to the extensive damage caused by tropical storm “Vinta,” Siocon was placed in a state of emergency. A total of 300 homes along the riverbanks were destroyed, 2,000 hectares of rice fields were damaged, and many individuals were reported dead and missing as relayed by national news.

Just this January 11, with just a low-pressure area, Siocon drowned in waters, which damaged appliances and furniture pieces.

These incidents occurred because the people were unprepared for the unexpected disaster. Although we cannot prevent it from happening, we can at least lessen its impact.

With the rampant disasters Siocon experienced, Siocon has established a new early warning system and communication mechanism to address these problems through ALERTO.

In an interview, Engr. Jose Marlowe T. Echem said ABOX Company presented the ALERTO Critical Communication System. However, he divulged that the application has its limitation.

“Only those who downloaded the app can use the service, and the app is internet dependent, so without internet, you cannot receive the message,” he added.

Engr. Echem further said that they are hoping that this initiative would be efficient as to preparing the people of Siocon for impending disasters, and he hopes this would be accessible to many in the future.

Water system to flow in Siocon

CLARISSE A. GARCIA

ANGEL

To alleviate the water scarcity in Siocon, a new water system is expected to be built by April 2023 in Barangay D. Riconalla, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, following its groundbreaking ceremony on March 10.

Engineer Wil Embert Tan, one of the engineers assigned to this project, said its construction is estimated to end in two years.

Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano also announced in the ceremony that a whopping 250 million pesos were al- located for this project which will be outsourced from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

The facility can provide around 20,000 - 30,000 cubic meters per day during warm weather and 50,000 cubic meters per day during rainy weather.

Furthermore, Engr. Tan noted that the Palawan Water System Project inspired this design, and they also ensured that its water was potable.

The Municipality of Sio- con has been experiencing water scarcity for some time now due to lack of water supply.

Melanie E. Fronda, a teacher and an entrepreneur said that this will greatly help the people in Siocon especially for small business which requires water.

“Sometimes the scarcity of water affects my kakanin small business. I am happy that the construction of the water system has started,” divulged Fronda.