As PLDT Inc (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) strengthen the resilience of their network through the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project, they are also helping equip local communities with the knowledge and skills that help boost preparedness and resilience at the community level.
More than 30 members of the Tagbanua Tandulanen Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) from 11 barangays in El Nido recently participated in a disaster preparedness training session organized by PLDT, reinforcing a shared commitment to building resilient communities alongside resilient connectivity.
For members of the Tagbanua Tandulanen ICC, knowledge on how to prepare for disasters is more than just about keeping their own community resilient when they are in their respective hometowns.
Members of the Tagbanua Tandulanen ICC from 11 barangays in El Nido recently participated in a disaster preparedness training session organized by PLDT.
“While we can say that our town has not had plenty of experience with earthquakes, knowing what to do during such an event is important, especially because we’re not only staying in Palawan but also traveling beyond it,” said Roderick D. Gacasa, who attended the session held in Brgy Sibaltan, El Nido. The session is part of the Group’s commitment to the community in relation to the recently signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project.
A teacher at Sibaltan Elementary School, Gacasa said that disaster preparedness is also something they teach to their students. “We regularly conduct similar trainings and drills with our students. We always tell them that we are not only confined to Palawan; we also travel outside of it. And when we’re out there, it’s important that we know what to do.”
The session, led by Jonathan Palma of Emergency Management Center, taught participants basic survival tips and disaster response in the event of earthquakes, typhoons and storm surges; how to assemble their own emergency kits; and how to use their phones in times of emergency, among other topics.
Jonathan Palma of Emergency Management Center taught participants basic survival tips and disaster response in the event of earthquakes, typhoons and storm surges; how to assemble their own emergency kits; and how to use their phones in times of emergency, among other topics.
PLDT and Smart also turned over office equipment to the ICC, represented by Tribal Affairs Assistant I Kamaulangan Nelson Biennes, for use in future tribal hall activities.
“We are thankful to PLDT for this learning session, and for not forgetting our community,” said Biennes, who opened the training. “Disaster preparedness is something that we should all be knowledgeable about, so this session is really important and timely.”
In time for National Indigenous People’s Month, this initiative is part of PLDT's #KonektedforInclusion programs, which harness technology to help underrepresented sectors, including indigenous communities, gain greater access to connectivity, learning and livelihood opportunities.
Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, underscored the importance of advocating for a nationwide culture of disaster resilience, including among indigenous communities. “Resilient communities and resilient connectivity go hand in hand. As we strengthen our network through the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project, we also want to help ensure that the communities we serve, such as the Tagbanua Tandulanen ICC, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prepare for emergencies. By combining reliable connectivity with disaster preparedness, we can help communities stay informed, connected, and resilient when it matters most.”
Shared commitment to protect IP rights
Accomplished earlier this year, PLDT’s MOA with the Tagbanua ICC of Palawan and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project reinforces their shared commitment to recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights through continued adherence to cultural, social, and environmental safeguards while implementing and completing the network project.
Tribal Affairs Assistant I Kamaulangan Nelson Biennes led attendees during the event.
This initiative, conducted in time for National Indigenous People’s Month, is aligned with the Group’s #KonektedforInclusion programs, which harness technology to help underrepresented sectors, including indigenous communities, gain greater access to connectivity, learning and livelihood opportunities. It also advances its #KonektedforResilience advocacy, which promotes disaster resilience before, during and after emergencies.
It also reinforces the PLDT Group’s commitment to helping the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequality and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
