The “Save the Environment” movement of the government gets a technology boost on Friday with the launching of “DENR Textcast 5777,” a state-of-the-art group text messaging system intended to improve the internal communications of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and allow for quick responses to public information requests, inquiries, complaints and reports.

DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said that this technology innovation, which capitalizes on the widespread popularity of text messaging, effectively creates an instant communications network within the DENR family to supplement the more traditional means of communication.

The system allows DENR personnel, environmental groups, law enforcement officials and local government executives to instantly access memoranda and instruction from the DENR secretary’s Special Operations Center, and communicate and coordinate with each other, even without knowing each other’s cellular phone numbers.

This will enhance the department’s ability to deliver its services to the public, Reyes said.

In addition, anyone can use the system to immediately report environmental crimes directly to the Special Operations Center, make inquiries, suggestions, or complaints, and access feedback on actions taken on reports. One needs, however, to first register one’s cellular phone number with the Special Operations Center by sending the text message to 5777: “DENR(space)REG(space)(firstname)/(lastname)/(province or city)”. One can then report a crime, make a complaint or inquiry, or offer suggestions by texting “DENR(space)SEND(space)(your message)” to 5777.

Anyone can also download DENR’s news and public information bulletins by sending “DENR(space)NEWS(space) ON to 5777.

The Kabalikat sa Kalikasan – the non-government organization partners of DENR, including REACT Phils., Jaycees and Rotary Clubs, among others – are also promoting the use of this service to the public.

The DENR said this new premium service is provided by Smart and Globe cellular phone networks.

For more information about the service, just text “DENR” to 5777. (DENR Public Affairs Office)

April 8, 2006