PLDT PLDT, Smart, and PDRF conduct extensive emergency communications training as part of their resilience advocacy.

‘Project Ligtas’ accelerates disaster resilience capacity of LGUs

November 29, 2022 People's Tonight 262 views

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), recently launched “Project Ligtas,” the emergency communications training component of “Ligtas Kit” among local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Ligtas Kit is PLDT and Smart’s “all-in-one” emergency communications kit that contains devices and equipment that can provide much-needed communications support for LGUs (local government units) before, during, and after disasters and as a means for their constituents affected by disasters to reach their loved ones.

“As telecom operators, we at PLDT and Smart are uniquely positioned to provide vital communications support in times of disasters and emergencies, starting from promoting a culture of preparedness all the way to helping those affected recovers from the disaster. With ‘Project Ligtas’, we look forward to working alongside our partners in ensuring that no one gets left behind,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, Assistant Vice President and Head of the Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

Aside from the communication devices that come with each “Ligtas Kit,” partner LGUs also undergo emergency communications training to help them maximize the tools, especially during a disaster.

PLDT and Smart partnered with PDRF, the country’s major private sector vehicle and coordinator for disaster risk and reduction management, in rolling out Project Ligtas.

This aims to guide LGUs to evaluate and enhance their existing emergency communications and disaster preparedness plans to help them mitigate risks and save more lives in times of crisis.

“PLDT and Smart’s ‘Ligtas Kit’ provides communications equipment needed during a disaster which can be a lifesaver for communities. We have learned from the pandemic and other emergencies that we are stronger together. May this ‘Ligtas Kit’ help as many Filipinos as possible, especially when they need it the most,” said Rene S. Meily, President of PDRF.

Among the provinces that joined the Project Ligtas capacity-building sessions were Aurora, Batangas, Cagayan, Catanduanes, Cebu, Davao de Oro, Leyte, Maguindanao del Norte, Marikina City, Misamis Oriental, Siquijor, and Surigao del Norte.

“Project Ligtas” is a continuing partnership among PLDT, Smart, PDRF, and the LGUs toward building a safe and smart Philippines.

While the country remains susceptible to natural calamities 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.” This initiative is also aligned with UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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