PLDT, Smart, PDRF accelerate disaster resilience capacity of LGUs nationwide with Project Ligtas

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 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 recover 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 Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

Emergency responders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao join Project Ligtas 

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 a 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 who 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 towards building a safe and smart Philippines.

While the country remains susceptible to natural calamities and other emergencies, PLDT and Smart remain fully committed towards building safe, smart, and more resilient Filipino communities through the ‘Ligtas Kit’ and ‘Project Ligtas’. This initiative is also aligned with the UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.