The Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) Japan, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Region 7 (DOST7) and the CVISNET Foundation Inc., conducted an “X-FACE Disaster Retrieval Simulation” at the DOST Regional Office 7 in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City. This two-day event took place from November 7 to 8, 2024, with representatives from the public and private sectors.

Highlights from Day 1 included presentations by Mr. Jeffrey Llanto, the Executive Director of CVISNET, and Dr. Toshikazu Sakano, Director of ATR Japan, who introduced the X-FACE Project. Mr. Chandraprakash Sharma, CEO and Founder of Wisflux India and one of the developers of the X-FACE system, joined via live stream to explain the functionalities and applications of X-FACE. Dr. Babatunde Segun Ojetunde, a researcher from Wave Engineering Laboratories - ATR Japan, also presented an overview of X-FACE’s simulation via live stream. Additionally, Mr. Kenneth Santiañez, the IT Head of CVISNET, demonstrated the X-FACE system and facilitated a hands-on experience for the participants. The event was honored by the presence of Engr. Jesus Zamora Jr., Regional Director of DOST-7, and Engr. Roberto A. Cabarrubias, President of CVISNET.

On Day 2, participants engaged in the X-FACE simulation within the DOST7 complex, which included a disaster and emergency drill, scenarios involving missing persons, and relief and evacuation operations. Attendees were divided into four groups, and activities were designed as games/challenges to test their disaster response skills and capabilities.

X-FACE, or “eXtensible Front-line Augmented Communication Exchanger,” was previously known as the "Front Line Operation System (FLOS)." It is an innovative technology from Japan that employs a portable local ICT system to automatically manage disaster information at the front lines. This system features hands-free acquisition, allowing for a semi-automatic collection of disaster information through cameras and speech recognition.

The X-FACE Disaster Retrieval Simulations in Cebu City and Bohol will run from October 2024 to January 2025. This phase aims to test the existing features of X-FACE during disaster simulations with actual front-liners and responders from various public service offices. Furthermore, the goal is to engage stakeholders in the Research and Development (R&D) implementation for Philippine use cases.