Overview: Stability Amid a Major Quake
Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental, early Friday morning, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that internet and cellular services remained largely stable across the Davao Region. In an advisory, DICT noted that connectivity held steady in key cities and provinces, underscoring the resilience of regional digital infrastructure even after a powerful seismic event.
Where Connectivity Stayed Strong
The DICT highlighted that internet and cellular services were stable in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental. The agency stressed that the quake produced only minor plaster cracks in several areas and did not significantly disrupt digital communications across the region.
In Davao del Norte, there were brief interruptions to connectivity as the shaking occurred, but services were restored promptly. The DICT reported that temporary ISP and cellular instability occurred shortly after the quake; however, restoration was achieved by 11:16 a.m., minimizing the duration of disruption for residents and businesses.
What This Means for Residents
For most residents, stable connectivity means continued access to emergency alerts, banking, logistics, and essential services. In the hours after the quake, people relied on online platforms for information, coordination with loved ones, and economic activities that depend on reliable internet and mobile service.
DICT emphasized the importance of keeping communication lines open, especially as aftershocks and potential power interruptions can occur in the days ahead. To address these risks, the agency activated backup systems designed to maintain operations even if primary networks experience pressure from aftershocks or outages.
Backup Systems and Redundancy
DICT confirmed that Starlink backup systems and HF/VHF radio links are on standby to ensure continued connectivity. This redundancy is a proactive measure to preserve essential communications, support coordination among emergency responders, and help communities stay informed during aftershocks or power interruptions.
Having multiple communication pathways reduces the risk of isolated outages and supports rapid restoration of services if primary networks are temporarily overwhelmed. The deployed backup technologies illustrate the government’s commitment to maintaining robust connectivity during natural disasters.
Power Supply and Regional Impact
The department noted that power supply remained stable across most provinces, with only partial outages observed in some areas of Davao Oriental. Government and utility teams are likely prioritizing restoration efforts in affected pockets while keeping essential services online through backup power and communication lines.
Stable power and resilient networks are crucial for immediate disaster response, evacuee coordination, and the smooth functioning of commercial activities that rely on online platforms for transactions and communications. DICT’s update aims to reassure the public that basic digital infrastructure remains reliable even in the wake of a significant seismic event.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Preparedness
As aftershocks can continue to impact infrastructure, DICT will continue monitoring network performance and power stability. Officials advised residents to stay informed through official channels and to report any disturbances to their service providers so that swift remediation can occur. The ongoing use of redundant systems demonstrates a forward-looking strategy to sustain connectivity during emergencies.
In summary, the Davao Region’s internet and mobile services have shown remarkable resilience in the wake of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake. With backup systems in place and power stability for most areas, residents can rely on continued access to essential digital services while authorities manage the ongoing response and recovery efforts.
