PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have teamed up with the provincial government of Davao de Oro in creating a more disaster-resilient community for Davaoeños.
Earlier this month, a series of earthquakes rocked the province, displacing residents and damaging property. “The recent turn of events has heightened our understanding of the importance of fostering communities that are more resistant to natural disasters,” said Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga.
“Your generous donation of a Ligtas Kit will facilitate emergency communications, allowing for prompt responses and aid to the residents of Davao de Oro Province during disasters. This is a huge contribution towards establishing disaster-resilient communities,” she added.
Through the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit – an all-in-one emergency communications package – the PLDT Group aims to supplement the emergency response efforts of Davao de Oro’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
PDRRMO Head Joseph Randy Loy shared, “Apart from the series of earthquakes, flooding and landslides have also been happening here in the province, so we have mobilized our teams to strengthen communication lines with various stakeholders.”
Packed in a protective hard case, the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit contains a power station, solar panel, rechargeable megaphone, crank radio, whistles, and flashlights. This also includes essential communication devices such as a satellite phone (SmartSAT), a smartphone, and a Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi unit. With the Ligtas Kit, the PDRRMO will also be able to conduct Libreng Tawag or free calls to evacuees with support from the telcos. 
“The PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit will really go a long way, especially for beneficiaries to be able to communicate with their families during emergencies,” he added.
PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, will also conduct an emergency communications training course with local responders to fully optimize the kit and further enhance their emergency response capacity.
The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit is part of the group’s #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 also underscores the PLDT group’s commitment to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
