PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., 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.
Project Ligtas aims to guide communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao towards resilience and equip them with the right tools included in the Ligtas Kit.
“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.
Aside from the communication devices that come with each Ligtas Kit, partner LGUs will also undergo extensive emergency communications training to help them utilize 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 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 officially marks the beginning of a strategic partnership among PLDT, Smart, PDRF and the LGUs toward 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 UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
