PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. continue to empower local government units (LGUs) with essential communication tools for disaster risk reduction and management. In Kapangan, Benguet, the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit has become a vital asset for the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) team, helping address hazards most common to the Cordillera region: landslides triggered by tropical cyclones and monsoon rains, frequent earthquakes, and sudden road blockages that isolate upland villages.
Kapangan, a mountainous municipality in northern Benguet, is known for its terraced farms of vegetables, coffee, and upland rice, as well as its waterfalls and caves that draw eco-tourists. Its rugged terrain, however, makes it very vulnerable: one landslide can cut off entire barangays, leaving farmers, students, and patients unable to travel or access aid. This makes reliable communication lines not just convenient, but life-saving.
Historically, reaching far-flung barangays with poor signal—often referred to as “dead spots”—required physical travel to deliver critical information. This delayed disaster response, sometimes leaving isolated households unaware of imminent threats. Today, the Ligtas Kit and advancements in communication technology have significantly improved this situation. The kit’s dedicated cellphone serves as a hotline for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), used for daily situational reports and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives. This centralized system ensures continuity of operations even when DRRM staff rotate, eliminating disruptions that previously occurred when personal phones were used.
The kit’s solar power bank provides a reliable charging option during frequent unscheduled power interruptions, offering a quieter and more sustainable alternative to generators. Rechargeable flashlights also support nighttime operations. Combined with multiple communication channels—such as social media and group chats—warnings and advisories are now disseminated more quickly, giving residents more time to prepare and evacuate if needed. This improved flow of information, along with enforced evacuation ordinances, has contributed to a remarkable outcome: Kapangan has reported zero disaster-related casualties since receiving the Ligtas Kit and the accompanying Emergency Communications Training, a milestone for a municipality once considered highly at risk.
For barangays still facing weak signal, the Ligtas Kit complements existing solutions. Some communities have invested in handheld radios, while others now rely on online platforms when coverage allows. The kit’s radio capabilities further strengthen this multi-channel approach. Even during fair weather, the Ligtas Kit is used to monitor town events such as fiestas, school gatherings, and holiday activities, ensuring that communication systems remain active and trusted by the community.
“Disasters will come, but we believe we can still do something to reduce their impact. Communication plays a big role before, during, and after a disaster. With the Ligtas Kit, we can extend support and reach more communities, especially those in geographically isolated areas,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart.
By ensuring that information travels faster than hazards, PLDT and Smart are helping Kapangan and other LGUs like it build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
