Volunteer fire responders simulate extinguishing fire inside the building.
PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), are boosting efforts to create a safer work environment, a key part of a much broader program to advance disaster resilience among Filipinos. Together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Makati, the PLDT-Smart Property and Facilities Asset Resiliency Management Sector through the Corporate Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Center organized the emergency drills at the PLDT Ramon Cojuangco Building and the Smart Tower in Makati as part of PLDT Group’s Risk Management and Facility Resilience Program. The drills were led by the Emergency Management Teams and participated by all personnel within the facility.
“PLDT and Smart are committed to ensure a safer workplace for all employees. We continuously update the skills of our Emergency Management Team (EMT) to better handle unexpected incidents. These simulations are part of our broader goal to promote the culture of disaster resilience,” said Leo A. Gonzales, Vice President and Head of Property and Facilities Asset Resiliency Management Sector at PLDT.
Emergency Management Team heads check the floor plan of the building.
PLDT and Smart EMTs are composed of different units that coordinate with each other to ensure the safety of employees in times of crisis. These include the Volunteer Fire Brigade – Search and Rescue Team of Facilities Management, Asset Protection, Consumer Business, Fleet and Logistics Divisions, the Communication Team from Security Command Administration, Evacuation Team headed by Floor Captains or Marshals from the business units, and Medical teams. The recent emergency simulations gave emphasis on fire evacuation, rescue, and first aid administration, as well as discussions on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response operations.
“Our EMTs executed the exercise with precision. The drills were designed to simulate high-pressure situations that required swift decision-making and effective communication with different units. Our EMTs, each with its own expertise, collaborated seamlessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved PLDT and Smart employees,” said Lucky Arjay Macapilit, Smart Tower EMT Head and Head of Security Risk Management at PLDT.
Floor marshals lead employees in evacuating the building in an emergency.
On top of emergency simulations, PLDT and Smart also conduct year-round EMT orientation activities. Key employees, likewise, participate in Emergency Management conferences organized by experts. PLDT Group also participates in the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills to reinforce its culture of preparedness.
PLDT Group’s initiatives to train employee emergency responders underscore its efforts to help the country attain the UNSDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting safe and secure working environments of all workers and UNSDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. They also highlight PLDT and Smart’s wider commitment to promote disaster resilience among Filipinos towards a #SafeandSmart Philippines through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster.
