Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) recently turned over a PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit to Baguio City's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) to boost the city's disaster response.
The Baguio CDRRMO, led by Engr. Charles Bryan Carame received the Ligtas Kit--an all-in-one communications package that enables quick, emergency communications support to people and communities in times of disasters and emergencies--that was turned over by PLDT and Smart, in partnership with Phil-Tower Consortium, Inc.
Each Ligtas Kit carries a power station, solar panel, rechargeable megaphone, crank radio, satellite phone, smartphone, Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi, rechargeable flashlight, and whistle. It comes bundled with emergency communications training, which will be conducted to boost the preparedness, response, and recovery capacities of localities and their residents.
"We are happy to support the disaster resilience efforts of Baguio City. We have always advocated for building and instilling a culture of preparedness and resilience among communities, and being a reliable community partner in times of disasters and emergencies," said Stephanie V. Orlino, Stakeholder Management Head at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart executives presented the Ligtas Kit to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Each Ligtas Kit carries a power station, solar panel, rechargeable megaphone, crank radio, satellite phone, smartphone, Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi, rechargeable flashlight, and whistle.
"This is a timely initiative, as it comes while the city is enhancing its communications. I am very thankful on behalf of the City, the DRRMO, and our barangays, because we know that this Ligtas Kit will be of big help," said Carame, adding that Baguio has been experiencing earthquakes, flooding, soil erosion, and the presence of sink holes.
"There are instances, particularly when calamities strike, when communications systems go down. The Ligtas Kit will help us enhance communication, which is vital in disaster response," he added.
This milestone is the latest development in PLDT and Smart's longstanding relationship with the Baguio City LGU. Smart has previously collaborated with the University of Baguio in promoting disaster preparedness among its faculty and students.
To boost Baguio's disaster response, PLDT and Smart turned over a Ligtas Kit to Baguio City's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), led by Engr. Charles Bryan Carame (far left).
During typhoon Ompong in 2018, which devastated the majority of Northern Luzon, Smart also immediately deployed its Libreng Tawag, Charging, and Wifi stations, in order to provide affected residents with emergency communications support, enabling them to reach out to their loved ones.
Recently, PLDT and Smart also trained participants from small- and medium-sized enterprises in Baguio City under the eBizNovation digital upskilling to e-commerce program, to help them boost their earnings and expand their market reach.
The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit is part of the Group's broader commitment towards a #SafeandSmart Philippines and is aligned with the UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
