MANILA, Philippines – Think of it as a more high-tech version of Rappler’s Text to Help campaign with Globe and Smart.

Microsoft has come out with HelpBridge for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, an app that lets users submit donations or ask for relief through their mobile devices. HelpBridge users can also find information on places where they can offer help through volunteering efforts.

HelpBridge enables app owners to prepare quick messages to announce that the user is safe and sound. HelpBridge can be set up with messages that will automatically be sent via email, SMS or Facebook post at the user’s prompting.

The Next Web noted the user can also set it up to present their GPS coordinates so people know where they are in case of an emergency.

While the app itself is US-specific right now, let’s hope it gains more traction and can be developed for international uses as well. – Rappler.com