THE SHINING COPPER

sci-tech

ROBOTICS

PLDT-Smart uses robot arms on cell towers to improve signal

ALLEZA LICAH M. CRUZADO

Have you ever had trouble connecting to the internet or making a phone call? PLDT and Smart Communications are trying something new to make signals stronger and faster, especially in areas that need better coverage.

They are testing a special system called OCRA, which stands for Optical Compass and Robot Arm. This system puts a tiny robot arm on cell towers. The robot arm can move the antennas: remotely to give better coverage without people having to climb the towers.

The pilot test is happening in San Juan City, helping a hospital and a nearby high-rise building get stronger signals. Usually, moving antennas is hard and expensive because technicians must visit the towers in person.

With the robot arms, adjustments can be made quickly from a distance, saving time and money.

PREPAREDNESS

"Being able to move antennas remotely means workers don't have to visit the towers as often. This saves time and money, and Smart can use these savings to make their network better for everyone."

PLDT-Smart says the system also helps them improve internet speed, signal strength, and overall network performance.

In the future, this technology could help make networks smarter with artificial intelligence (Al) and even prepare for 5G and 6G technology.

Thanks to these robot arms, getting a clear call or fast internet might become easier for many people soon!

OCRASYSTEM Acel tower with an antenna equipped with the Optical Compass and Robot AmDCRA system near a hospital and condominium in San Juan City in this undated photo PLDT-Smart on Tuesday Nov 18,2025) said the plot of the OCRA system aims to boost coverage intorget cas, cut costs and enhance overall network performance by allowing real-time network optimization (Photo courtesy of PLDF-Smart

Learn how to stay safe during earthquakes AERA GAIL P. MALIMATA

Pursuant to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 006, s. 2023, Labo Elementary School conducted the 4th Quarter Nationwide Earthquake Drill (NSED) on November 6, 2025.

The earthquake drill was part of a nationwide effort to prepare schools and communities for possible earthquakes. Its goal was to make sure that students and teachers know what to do and how to stay safe when an earthquake happens. By practicing early, everyone becomes more ready and less afraid during real emergencies.

"The Nationwide Earthquake Drill helps students and staff learn the right steps to respond quickly and safely during an earthquake," said Mr. Romeo Palma. He explained that drills like this are very important because earthquakes can happen anytime without warning.

During the drill, students and teachers carefully followed the evacuation procedures. When the bell rang, everyone practiced staying calm and alert. They learned to wait until the bell stopped ringing before standing up, lining up properly, and leaving the classroom in an orderly manner. After exiting, they moved to a safe and open area away from buildings

Once everyone reached the designated area, class officers checked attendance to make sure all classmates were present and safe. Teachers also reminded students to stay together and listen to instructions at all times.

Grade 5 pupil Lance Rodas shared what he learned from the drill. "It is not safe to run out of the classroom right away. We wait for the bell to stop, fall in line, and then go to a safe open area," he said. His statement shows that students understood the importance of staying calm and following rules.

The drill also reminded everyone of important safety steps such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" during strong shaking. Students practiced taking cover under their desks, protecting their heads, and holding on until the shaking stopped before evacuating.The Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) aims to teach everyone the importance of disaster preparedness. Schools play an Important role in spreading knowledge about safety and readiness. Labo Elementary School, along with many other schools across the country, joined the drill to help build a safer and more prepared community.

KENDRA FABIOLLA B. CABRERA the shining copper

THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF LABO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVISION OF MARINDUQUEMIMAROPA REGION

• ISSUE 1 VOLUME 11JUNE-DECEMBER 2025
• NOW YOU KNOW
• ALLEZA LICAH M. CRUZADO
• Why typhoons always hit the Philippines?

The Philippines experiences many typhoons every year, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes damage. This happens because of our location in the Western Pacific Ocean near warm waters called the "Typhoon Belt." These waters give energy to storms, helping them grow.

Our position along the Pacific Ring of Fire also affects weather, making our islands more exposed to strong storms from the east. Typhoons usually happen between June and December, with the strongest storms from August to October. Knowing why typhoons form helps communities prepare better. Early warnings, evacuation plans, and drills save lives. Scientists study typhoons to improve forecasts and help Filipinos stay safe every year.

CONNECTION

AERA GAIL P. MALIMATA

Behind the blackout

POWER: A linemen work high above to fix power lines and keep electricity flowing safely.

Photo courtesy of Marinduque Electric Cooperative, inc

Have you ever been playing a game or studying at home when suddenly the lights go out? It can be very frustrating, especially if it is raining or the wind is blowing hard. This is called a power outage, also known as a brownout or blackout, which happens when electricity stops working for a period of time in a certain area. Power outages can affect homes, schools, and even businesses, making it harder to do our daily activities.

There are two types of power outages: planned outages and unexpected outages. Planned outages happen when the electric company needs to repair or improve the power lines. They usually inform people beforehand so everyone can prepare. During these outages, workers may replace old posts, fix broken wires, trim tall trees that could fall on the lines, or do other maintenance work. These improvements make electricity safer and stronger for everyone.

On the other hand, unexpected outages happen suddenly, and no one can control them. Strong rain, heavy wind, or lightning can break power lines or damage equipment. Sometimes, cars accidentally hit posts, or even animals like birds or bats can cause problems. Other reasons for sudden outages include broken machines, transformers carrying too much electricity, electricity shortages, or even theft of power line parts.

Knowing the reasons for power outages helps us stay safe and protect our appliances at home. For example, we can unplug computers and other electronics during a sudden blackout to avoid damage. It is also important to listen to announcements from the electric company and be prepared with flashlights or candles. By understanding why electricity stops sometimes, we can handle power outages calmly and keep ourselves and our homes safe.

MEGAWATTS

PRACTICESAVES

UFE Leamers of Labo Elementary School participate inanearthquake chill on November 2025 to equip the emergency preparedness compaign

BY THE NUMBERS

Right now, the province of Marinduque, usually needs between 1642 and 17.72 of electricity Because the demand is so close to the available supply there is almost no extra electricity left in reserve