Smart Communications Inc (Smart) and the GSMA, a global organization representing mobile operators, are strengthening its collaboration to push for comprehensive disaster preparedness policies in the Philippines.
The collaboration, which aims to encourage a united front in addressing disaster resilience at a national level, was further strengthened at the two-day GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC) Asia-Pacific forum held recently in Pampanga.
The two-day global forum attracted local and international delegates, including representatives from non-government organizations, mobile network operators, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.
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Smart was an early adopter of the GSMA’s HCC, a set of principles and best practices for mobile network operators in emergency situations. Smart’s disaster preparedness programs, such as the Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS), have been recognized in previous GSMA HCC annual reports. The ECBS provides location- and hazard-specific alerts, showcasing Smart’s commitment to innovation in disaster response.
Ligtas Kit
“At a time when the impact of disasters is heightened by climate change, we as network operators play a vital role in providing communications support before, during, and immediately after calamities and emergencies, keeping disaster-affected communities connected,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and head of Group Corporate Communications.
On the sidelines of the forum, PLDT donated its Ligtas Kit to the DICT. The PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit is a communication solution designed to provide swift emergency support to communities in times of disaster or crisis. Each kit includes emergency communication training sessions, conducted in collaboration with PDRF, aimed at enhancing the preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities of local communities and their residents.
So far, PLDT and Smart have distributed almost 60 Ligtas Kits to municipalities and cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Stephanie Velasco-Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart said that the companies the companies are in close collaboration with local governments to identify the next recipients of the Ligtas Kit. She also noted the use of historical data to determine areas with the most significant need for this communication solution.
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