PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. are boosting the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts of the City Government of Palayan, the provincial capital of Nueva Ecija, with the Ligtas Kit.
“We continue what we started in 2022. We aim to reach more communities in need in their disaster preparedness and emergency response capacities, including those in the far-flung areas to ensure no one gets left behind. The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit can hopefully help accelerate our goals of protecting communities and keeping Filipinos safe,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
An all-in-one emergency communications package, each Ligtas Kit provided to Philippine localities comes with an emergency communications training to be conducted by PLDT and Smart together with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.
Packed in a protective hard case, the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit includes the following communications equipment: portable generator, satellite panel, satellite phone, smartphone, pocket WiFi, crank radio, flashlights and whistles to serve the communication needs of Palayan’s residents during disasters.
Both the emergency communications equipment and learning session will help equip communities with knowledge and skills on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit aims to cultivate a culture of preparedness and build smarter and more resilient communities through inclusive mobile technology. It also promotes sustainability, as it uses refurbished batteries from PLDT and Smart’s ‘Balik Baterya’ initiative.
Present during the turnover were Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas, Vice Mayor Romaric Capinpin, all city councilors and 19 barangay heads, and Chief City DRRM Officer Bong Hidalgo of Palayan City, who all expressed their full support for the initiative.
“We believe that communication is a vital part of disaster management. While some barangays may be hard to reach, we always strive to find a way. Any delay in decision-making, even for a split second, can have a huge impact on the way we rescue. Equipment in the Ligtas Kit can boost our DRRMO’s capabilities in responding to those in need,” said Palayan City Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas.
This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s wider commitment towards a #SafeandSmart Philippines through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks, aligned with the UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
