FOR the information of the uninitiated- condom is a contraceptive device consisting of a flexible sheath, usually made of rubber or latex. This is used by married couples during sex to help prevent pregnancy and to protect them from contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

However- in some places in the Philippines- especially in some towns of Bulacan where rampaging floodwaters caused river banks to swell brought about by typhoons Ondoy and Peping last September 26 and September 30, respectively-  residents have discovered a novel way of using the condom. Its use during those crucial hours of danger was popularized not for sex- but for something else. Survival was foremost in their minds and so they must establish and maintain communication with rescue teams outside. Thanks to the Lord! Their cellphones were with them. They must think and look for ways to protect the cellphones from getting wet or soaked in floodwaters to maintain their normal operations. And so they came to think of condom. They tried and found it perfectly suitable for use during the occasion. Then and there they made a startling discovery that condom makes good water-proofing material for mobile phones.

Last October 13- DZBB radio announced that lots of residents including rescue workers in Calumpit, Bulacan were taking advantage of condoms for protection of cellular phones from getting wet by floodwaters. Cellphone owners gave testimonies that the rubber in condoms protects their cellphones from getting wet, most especially when walking or wading through the flood. Even if you fall or stumble onto the floodwaters by accident- your cellphone is well protected from getting soaked in water by the condom as long as the condom is tightly secured. (GMA News.TV)