Underscoring its commitment to help build a #SafeandSmart nation, PLDT, Smart, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) have rolled out another series of the ‘Project Ligtas’ Emergency Communications Training (ECT) to complement its PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit.
“The PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit ensures that everyone in the community, including those with disabilities, can access communication aids during disasters through inclusive and sustainable mobile technology,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
The Project Ligtas ECT for local government units (LGUs) is a vital complement to PLDT and Smart’s Ligtas Kit, an all-in-one communications package that aims to provide quick, emergency communications support to communities during disasters and emergencies.
PLDT and Smart, in collaboration with PDRF, have conducted training to help bridge the gap in emergency communications during disasters. Integrating the equipment and capacity development components of the Ligtas Kit into the existing preparedness and response efforts of LGUs can further strengthen their institutional resilience.
Each Ligtas Kit given to LGUs comes with complete emergency communications equipment with comprehensive training to equip communities on inclusive emergency communication and efficiently utilize communication resources during disasters.
Due to its position in the Pacific Ocean’s typhoon belt, the Philippines is often vulnerable to natural disasters like storms, floods, and earthquakes. In recent years, known active volcanoes in the volcano ended their dormancy, causing significant distress among nearby communities.
With the Ligtas Kit, LGUs can streamline their disaster and emergency response to become more efficient, ultimately helping more people reach safety and mitigate any negative impacts.
“We hope this program can help our LGUs institutionalize their respective communications mechanism, enabling seamless communication flow from the authorities to communities and vice versa, which can eventually save lives and protect livelihoods,” said Veronica Gabaldon, PDRF Executive Director.
LGUs represented by their respective municipal, city, and provincial disaster risk reduction and management officers (DRRMOs) have signified their commitment to building a more resilient Philippines by fully participating in the ECT.
“Communication plays a big role before, during, and after a disaster. This kit will serve as our link to first responders, barangays, and families so that information and assistance can reach them quickly,” said Emerald Guevara, MDRRMO Head of Catarman, Northern Samar.
“With the help of the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit, we are now more equipped to communicate with local government units during disasters. This enabled us to provide better quick response services, sustain our efforts, and save more lives,” said Jihada Karon-Maisalat, Acting Chief of the Admin and Training Division of Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi).
Through PDRF’s Hazard and Disaster Analysis for Business Resilience or HANDA (ArcGIS Online Platform), a dashboard has been created to enable PLDT and Smart to maintain partnerships established and current networks with partner LGUs.
While the country remains susceptible to natural disasters and other emergencies, PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to building safe, smart, and more resilient Filipino communities through the Ligtas Kit and Project Ligtas.
In the meantime, the emergency communications training also aligns with the UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
