5 Important Apps to Make Your Family's Life Safer and Convenient

Thanks to technology, access to information can be as quick as a simple tap on a screen. Our mobile phones and the different apps we have on them has made it all possible. Take advantage of it and download these locally-made apps that can provide you with important realtime information every Filipino needs:

1. Arko



Pulling info from the database of the Department of Science and Technology and Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), Arko is an app that gives up-to-the-minute updates on weather conditions like rainfall. It also allows you to check how flooded or how heavy the rain is anywhere in the Philippines, and provides a map of flood-prone areas so you can avoid them whenever it’s raining. Isn’t that impressive? Many people think so, too, as Arko has won many awards including the 2014 World Summit Award, beating out 450 other international apps. On a desktop? You can also check out Project NOAH that has the same features. 

Available for free: iOS, Android


2. First Aid PH



The Philippine Red Cross launched First Aid PH last September in time for the celebration of World First Aid Day. The app is preloaded (no need for an internet connection) with step-by-step instructions for first aid treatments involving different emergency situations. It’s also fully integrated with the Red Cross Hotline so you can call for help directly from the app. First Aid PH is absolutely a must on every device. 

Available for free: iOS, Android 

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3. Sakay.ph



Going somewhere? If you’re not familiar with your destination and you’re taking public transport, no doubt you’re in for a difficult commute. How many jeeps, buses or train rides will it take? Where do you get off? Now you can plan your route at home and without having to turn to your street-smart friend with Sakay.ph. Just input where you are and where you’re going and it will give you specific instructions on how to get there using all the public transport vehicles mentioned above. Plus, it gives you route options, fare prices, trip duration and even how many minutes you’ll have to walk. It’s the app every Pinoy commuter dreams of. On a desktop? You can also access it via Sakay.ph. 

Available for free: iOS, Android


4. MMDA



Anything to help navigate the Metro Manila traffic is a good idea in our books. Developed by the UP Information Technology Development Center and the MMDA, the MMDA app gives a realtime view of the traffic situation in major Metro Manila roads including EDSA, C5, Ortigas and Commonwealth. Don’t worry, it’s useful and reliable. It also includes a few useful road info like traffic violations and penalties, accredited towing companies, a guide on what to do during road accidents and more. Once you download, you’ll find yourself constantly relying on this app whenever traversing the stressful Metro Manila roads. 

Available for free: iOS, Android


5. FormsPH



Getting info for government forms like requirements and procedures can be, let’s face it, a hassle. FormsPH makes it easier by compiling all the info you need on key Philippine government forms like acquiring a passport, NSO birth certificate, business permit, driver’s license and more. Contact info for different Philippine government departments are also provided. Like First Aid PH, the app is preloaded too so you can access it even when offline. Taking up just less than 3 MB of memory space, this app is a no-brainer download. Released just this August, the app was created by a 21-year-old, Kemuel Clyde Belderol.

Available for free: Android

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