PLDT and Smart's emergency response equipment which includes a fire truck, MEOW, and rescue boat
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) backed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Capital Region and its local units at the closing ceremony of the Fire Prevention and Awareness Month at the Quirino Grandstand.
“PLDT and Smart are fully committed to joining BFP in the protection of people’s lives and keeping communities safe. During the Fire Prevention and Awareness Month, apart from participating in the National Fire Safety Conference, we also finished conducting back-to-back fire drills across the different PLDT and Smart offices nationwide. These are a few of the many programs our emergency teams implement to strengthen our capacities,” shared Kristine Gonzalez-Catague, Head of Environment, Health and Safety Division at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart emergency response teams joined the parade and showcased the Group's disaster response assets which included rescue and emergency vehicles and a mobile cell site and satellite communications suite called “multi-element on wheels” or MEOW.
“We prioritize partnerships with government agencies like DILG and BFP especially in the areas of environment, health and safety, and emergency response. This is part of PLDT and Smart’s legacy and commitment, which is to keep not only our employees safe, but also to protect our customers through communication technology,” said Emmanuel Argamosa, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at PLDT and Smart.
Apart from raising awareness on emergency preparedness and response, specifically on fire-related disasters, this gathering also highlighted each organization’s commitment towards keeping Filipinos safe.
PLDT and Smart emergency response teams in full support of BFP's Fire Prevention and Awareness month-long celebration
MVP Group’s power unit Meralco also joined the activity. Also present during the event were frontliner national government agencies and disaster risk reduction and management offices of Metro Manila local government units.
With the theme “Sa pag-iwas sa sunog, hindi ka nag-iisa”, Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) led the closing ceremony.
DILG Secretary Abalos expressed his appreciation for local responders and recognized them during the event.
“As we wrap up this year’s observation of the fire prevention month, we acknowledge that this is not just the responsibility of the fire department, but it is an essential aspect of public safety that requires the cooperation and efforts of everyone. Let us continue with our commitment to making fire safety a priority in our homes and communities,” said DILG Secretary Abalos in his keynote speech, which was also shared on BFP’s Facebook page.
This active participation in BFP’s initiatives is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. This initiative is also aligned with UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
