08 December 2016 — Cebu-based technology start-up Tudlo Innovation Solutions, Inc. led the development of the mobile app for the Greater Horn of Africa region called REACT-HOA or theRegional Early Warning/ Action and Communication Tool-Horn of Africa.
The project was initiated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an 11-member intergovernmental platform for development and climate cooperation in the Greater Horn of Africa through funding support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi facilitated the project through coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (OCD-NDRRMC), Smart Communications, and Tudlo Innovation Solutions, Inc.
REACT-HOA, which is now downloadable for free in Android and IOS app stores, was patterned after the Philippines’ award-winingBatingaw,thedisaster management mobile application developed by Tudlo Innovation Solutions’ Managing Director Mr. Kristoffer Vince Loremia.Batingawwas launched in 2014 by the OCD-NDRRMC and Smart Communications. During a mission to the Philippines in May this year, a delegation composed of IGAD and UNDP members learned of and expressed keen interest in adoptingBatingawwhich is considered as one of the country’s showcased initiatives on disaster early warning.
“Through REACT-HOA app, we have provided a platform to connect governments, response teams, and community stakeholders to a wealth of information that could promote safety and help save lives. This is a testament that Filipinos can really be part of the global play of technology with social impact,” remarked Mr. Loremia.
Similar toBatingaw, REACT-HOA aims to increase public awareness on the fundamentals of disaster risk reduction and serve as an information-sharing platform. It is designed to run on Android and IOS smartphones, tablet computers, and major web browsers.
“For the Philippines, theBatingawmobile app software, a product of partnership between OCD-NDRRMC, Smart Communications, and Tudlo Innovation Solutions, Inc., showcases how public-private partnership can be an effective means for advancing innovative solutions and approaches to building disaster and climate resilience. We are extremely pleased to see how this homegrown app is becoming an important tool in other regions that are similarly prone to natural hazards and disasters and we look forward to seeing how this initiative develops into broader cooperation with the Greater Horn of Africa region,” remarked Mr. Uriel Norman R. Garibay, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. and Permanent Representative of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi.END
