With seamless connectivity now a basic necessity, there is an urgent need to recognize and address an invisible threat: signal pollution. Signal pollution is caused by the unauthorized use of signal boosters, weakening mobile signals in the surrounding area, resulting in dropped calls, choppy, garbled or robotic audio, and in many cases, complete loss of connectivity.
Despite significant efforts to expand network coverage across the country, the illegal use of signal repeaters has emerged as a major obstacle. These unlicensed devices, often sold discreetly, wreak havoc on mobile signals and put digital communication networks at risk. To some extent, it is understandable that mobile users in densely populated areas turn to signal boosters, but these devices are not the answer.
The negative impact of illegally used signal boosters cannot be overstated. Apart from the network issues experienced by mobile users, signal pollution reduces the reliability and quality of mobile communications, affecting everyone who is in the vicinity of these rogue devices. This is a silent but pervasive threat that requires urgent attention and action.
To understand the gravity of this issue, consider the everyday scenario of making an important phone call: whether it’s a business conversation, a call to a loved one, or an emergency call to emergency services, you expect a stable and reliable connection. But the presence of an unauthorized signal booster can turn this expectation into a frustrating ordeal.
Dropped calls and poor signal quality lead to miscommunications and lost opportunities, and in critical situations can put lives at risk. Taking action against the illegal use of signal repeaters is not just about complying with regulations, it is about protecting the network experience for everyone. The use of unauthorized boosters does not solve connectivity problems, it exacerbates them for the entire community. It causes service interruptions, denies people the benefits of life-supporting connectivity, and ignores our collective need for reliable communications.
Remember that the use of unauthorized signal boosters is illegal. The sale, purchase, import, possession or use of portable mobile phone repeater and base station equipment is specifically prohibited by regulations such as the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Memorandum Order No. 01-02-2013.
These regulations are based on public telecommunications policy and limit the use of such equipment to only licensed mobile network operators and government agencies performing functions essential to national safety and security. The reason behind these strict regulations is clear: to maintain the integrity and reliability of the nation’s communications networks.
Complying with these regulations is not just a legal obligation, it is a civic duty. It is a commitment to ensure fair signal distribution and support the broader goal of digital inclusion. As users of the network, we all share the responsibility to maintain a clean and efficient signal environment. This means resisting the temptation to use unauthorized signal boosters and instead seeking legal, safe alternatives to address connectivity issues.
One such alternative is Voice Over WiFi (VoWiFi), a technology that allows mobile phone users to make voice calls using their WiFi connection. This service, which does not cost extra, is a practical solution for those who have problems making calls or sending SMS. VoWiFi allows users to increase connectivity without incurring signal pollution. Enabling the feature is easy and can be done through your phone’s connectivity settings, as long as your device supports WiFi calling.
The fight against signal pollution requires a joint effort: raising awareness about the harmful effects of unauthorized signal boosters and a determination to use the technology responsibly, thus preserving the quality of mobile networks and ensuring that everyone can enjoy reliable, uninterrupted connections.
New Baguio Museum Explores Philippine Presidential History
One of Baguio City’s most visited landmarks, The Mansion, is home to a new Presidential Museum that focuses on the city’s vibrant and diverse history. The museum at The Mansion is expected to attract families, students and young people from across the Northern Philippines. The Mansion is located along Romulo Drive in Baguio City, across from Wright Park.
Malacañang Heritage Museum has launched seven galleries on its website museums.gov.ph that feature the accomplishments of the presidents up to the current President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Apart from the galleries, Malacañang Museum also has:
The Heritage Museum announced that presidential artifacts and historical timelines will be sold in a souvenir shop aimed at local and international tourists.
In a recent announcement, First Lady Marcos said she was “thrilled” to announce the museum’s impending opening and inspire younger Filipino generations to love their country. “This beautiful space will soon be open to the public and I can’t wait for everyone to see it,” First Lady Marcos said in an Instagram post. “If you’d like to take a peek, please visit our website at museums.gov.ph. My sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality,” she said.
Built in 1908, the mansion boasts rich history and magnificent architecture. It served as the summer home of the US Governor before WWII, was turned over during the Federal Era, and is now the official summer home of the President.
Similar to the successful Museo Teus in Malacañang Palace, the Baguio Presidential Museum will house a vast collection of priceless memorabilia, including presidential costumes, footwear, flags and portrait busts of past leaders.
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Personally, I believe that the new Malacana Museum will be a great boon to today’s struggling youth, and it reminds me of the words of famous American author Lois Lowry: “Museums help us remember how and why we came: to start anew, to learn from the old, and to start anew with what we have brought back.”
