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Balangay is a FREE, information system to help Filipinos, especially Albayanos, prepare for natural calamities such as Typhoons, Earthquakes and Volcanic eruptions. Prompt, reliable and understandable information can definitely save lives.

Balangay has FOUR main Features:

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Users can be assured that the announcements posted on the app’s dashboard are from reliable, government sources. Users can view official warnings, alerts, class suspensions, as well as activities on disaster preparedness (drills, seminars, etc.).

2. H-MAPS

Users can check how susceptible their homes (or their current locations) to natural calamities. The H-MAPS feature has Flood Maps, Lava Maps, Landslide Maps, all based from Albay Public Safety and Management Office (APSEMO). For tourists who wish to know the safe places, H-MAPS have a GPS feature which will automatically point your current location on the maps.

3. D-LEARNING

D-Learning has three sub-sections: Disaster Dictionary, Disaster Encyclopedia, Survival Kit and Hotlines.
DISASTER DICTIONARY contains short definitions of terms related to disaster preparedness.
DISASTER ENCYCLOPEDIA has more in-depth information on disaster related topics.
SURVIVAL KIT contains tips on how to prepare for natural calamities.

All entries in D-LEARNING is written in Tagalog, because the priority users are the locals living in these areas.

4. HOTLINES

This is a directory of schools and other agencies related to Disaster Preparedness and Response.

In addition, Balangay has the following features:

1. FACEBOOK INTEGRATION

Users can log-in with their Facebook accounts, share announcements and survival tips, and tag their family and friends.

2. CACHE SYSTEM

Though Internet connection is required to keep information up-to-date, the app uses caching, which allows users to access information (especially D-Learning, Announcements and Hotlines) EVEN WITHOUT Internet Connection.

3. If you don’t have a Mobile Phone, A WEB APP counterpart of Balangay is also available.

PROJECT AWARDS

Balangay won a GOLD award at the 2015 Global Innovation Competition by Making All Voices count held at Jakarta, Indonesia.
Frei, founder of Balangay is LAYERTech’s Technology Director.

Layertech software labs supports custom technology development and education, tailor fit to the needs of target users

Legazpi city won a CHAMPION at the 2016 eGOV awards by National ICT Confederation of the Philippines
for Customer empowerment. Legazpi city’s entry is Balangay information system