PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. this year further solidify their long-term commitment towards resilience with their #SafeandSmart advocacy.
This initiative promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities such as workshops and trainings, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.
“The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recognizes that providing means of communications is a critical form of aid and a form of humanitarian response equal to food and water. PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to extending much-needed communications support to Filipino communities, especially in times of disasters,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
Ranked by the World Risk Index as the country with the highest disaster risk, the Philippines remains susceptible to disasters and emergencies, with an average of 20 typhoons ravaging its islands every year, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and storm surges.
Aside from prepositioning mission-critical personnel and equipment during typhoon season, PLDT and Smart continuously operate their Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng Charging (free charging), and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations to serve the communications needs of hardest-hit areas.
In 2022, PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation immediately mobilized and distributed relief assistance in the form of food, drinking water, hygiene kits, and other essentials to distressed communities following the onslaught of disasters all year-round.
The PLDT Group also recently joined the World Meteorological Organization Technical Conference on Early Warning Systems, highlighting its support towards helping protect the most vulnerable nations, leaving no one behind, against risks and hazards, and keeping them connected, through their fixed and wireless network technology.
In 2023 and beyond, PLDT Group is committed to continue its #SafeandSmart advocacy, in support of the United Nations’ SDG#11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.