DOST Launches New App for Disaster-free Messaging

(PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will launch today (Monday)a disaster-free messaging app Saturday in Marikina City.

Dubbed Project “Agimat”, it is a collaboration among DOST, city government of Marikina, through the Office of the Vice Mayor, and private company Open Garden.

Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman thanked DOST and Open Garden for choosing Marikina to be the pilot test area for this project.

De Guzman said that the technology will help them provide early warning to the public in times of disasters. He also expressed hope that the use of FireChat will succeed zero casualty goal.

Likewise, ‘Agimat’ or green stones will be launched to ensure that the message in FireChat will be sent up to 210-feet distance. FireChat app is a free instant messaging that can be used to transmit messages via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi radio even without internet and even mobile phone network.

The app can be downloaded via Google Play or Apple Store, or visit the link firech.at/Marikina. (MARIKINA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)