PLDT, Smart’s Ligtas Kits reach Negros Occidental, reinforcing disaster-ready communities

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) boosted the disaster preparedness and response of Bacolod City and Silay City in Negros Occidental through the Ligtas Kit, PLDT and Smart’s all-in-one emergency communications package.

To strengthen the cities’ disaster management initiatives, each local government unit received a Ligtas Kit, which carries a power station, solar panel, rechargeable megaphone, crank radio, satellite phone, smartphone, Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi, rechargeable flashlight, and whistle.

“PLDT and Smart do not only exist as telecommunications businesses. We are also very conscious of our responsibility to the community, the government, and every home. We trust that these Ligtas Kits will assist our LGUs in better serving their people, especially in ensuring their safety,” said Armel Malijan, Negros Division Zone Head at PLDT.

The Ligtas Kit enables LGUs and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMO) to maintain their access to communication during catastrophic events. They can also extend communication aid to the rest of their constituents by setting up free calling and charging stations with the help of the communication devices included in the kit.

PLDT and Smart also partnered with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to conduct Emergency Communications training to help the DRRMOs leverage the package and improve their disaster communication plans.

“We are delighted to be among those who have received the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit. This donation will truly benefit us because we currently lack disaster response equipment. This would also help boost our DRRM efforts, especially in the mountain barangays,” said Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Administrator Atty. Pacifico Maghari III expressed his gratitude to PLDT and Smart as this initiative supports one of the LGU’s priorities which is the safety and protection of Bacolodnons.

“This kit is truly something the city can utilize, particularly for our City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in order to keep the safety of the public. We look forward to more partnerships as we continue to build a better Bacolod for everyone,” he said.

PLDT and Smart’s efforts to build disaster-resilient communities across the country underscores the group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.*