PLDT, Smart kick off National Resilience Month with #SafePH Disaster Preparedness caravan in La Union

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. have launched the #SafePH Disaster Preparedness Caravan in Barangay Baccuit Norte, Bauang, La Union as part of their month-long initiatives to mark the National Disaster Resilience Month.

Organized by PLDT and Smart’s Business Continuity and Resilience Office (BCRO), in partnership with the PLDT La Union Cable Landing Station (LUCLS), local government units, and emergency response organizations, the caravan aims to promote disaster preparedness and strengthen community resilience through education and collaboration.

The program featured sessions on individual, family, and community preparedness, led by Louie Domingo of disaster resilience consultant Emergency Management Center, Inc., alongside representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Red Cross, and the PLDT-Smart BCRO team. Topics include practical safety measures, such as the use of light and sound signals in emergencies and the importance of having essential items like flashlights, whistles, and phones within reach.

Analeen See Co of the PLDT Smart BCRO emphasized the importance of family preparedness, distributing informational pamphlets designed to help households develop their own emergency plans. Meanwhile, Jacques Dean O. Gutierrez Jr., head of operations at PLDT LUCLS, led the “Iwas Kable” segment, which focused on the protection of subsea cables and the role of local communities in safeguarding critical connectivity infrastructure.

"Every July, we are reminded of the importance of building not just strong infrastructure—but strong, informed, and prepared communities as well. As the country’s leading digital services providers, PLDT and Smart are deeply committed to promoting a culture of safety and resilience, especially in areas that are highly exposed to climate risks and natural hazards," said See Co.

"By learning how to prepare as individuals, as families, and as a community, we strengthen our ability to respond and bounce back—together. And this is a commitment not just for National Disaster Resilience Month, but all year round," Gutierrez added.

Justin Lauren Parandiang, Committee Chairperson and Project Lead of Rising Resilience, a youth-led community initiative that advocates for disaster risk reduction and climate action, contributed to the discussions by highlighting the value of community cooperation and preparedness, particularly in coastal areas like La Union that are frequently exposed to typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural hazards.

The #SafePH Disaster Preparedness Caravan reflects PLDT and Smart’s strong commitment to supporting disaster resilience efforts across the country. By working closely with local stakeholders and leveraging their expertise in connectivity and emergency response, the companies aim to help communities become more informed, equipped, and confident in facing potential crises.

This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader #SafeandSmartPH advocacy, which fosters a culture of preparedness through education, technology, and community engagement. It supports key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 by promoting health and safety, SDG 11 by strengthening community resilience, and SDG 13 by encouraging proactive climate action in vulnerable areas like La Union.