PLDT, Smart extend communication support to PDRF ETEWS Project to strengthen earthquake preparedness of Bauan and Calatagan, Batangas

PLDT and Smart are supporting the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETEWS) Project. The pilot project aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response capacities of the municipalities of Bauan and Calatagan in Batangas province.

“As partners of Batangas communities, PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to providing resilient connectivity that can help facilitate data transfer from the ETEWS faster, and immediately equip potentially affected areas with the right disaster-related information. This is part of our thrust towards a safe and smart Philippines,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

The PLDT Group has committed to extending communication support in the form of Smart SIMs, to provide stable and reliable connectivity for the ETEWS installed by PDRF.

The towns of Bauan and Calatagan will be the first sites to have the ETEWS installed, which aims to detect earthquakes as soon as the ground starts shaking.

“Bauan and Calatagan, both coastal towns, have been nominated under this project because of the recent earthquakes that rocked these towns. We believe that the ETEWS installation can make a huge difference should the next quake occur,” said Butch Meily, President of PDRF.

Through the communication technology included in the ETEWS, communities can be provided with critical information to better equip them to prepare for an incoming earthquake and tsunami.

“This EWS will enable us to get data faster and send out warnings to our communities more quickly. As one of the municipalities pioneering the pilot ETEWS, we aim to become instrumental in keeping not only our hometown safe, but also other neighboring municipalities, especially the riskier ones, safer from earthquakes and tsunamis,” said Atty. Ava Talag, Bauan Municipal Administrator.

“Calatagan recognizes the importance of connectivity during disasters. With the Pilot ETEWS and its technology enabling us to receive earthquake warnings in a matter of seconds, we can keep our communities safer and protect our people,” said Calatagan Mayor Peter Oliver Palacio.    

Extending communication support to PDRF’s ETEWS is part of the PLDT Group’s #SafeandSmart broader advocacy towards building a more resilient Philippines through its network and technology. This is also aligned with the UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.