Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart
Communications, Inc. (Smart) are expanding their disaster preparedness expertise to
the barangay level as part of the company's push to help boost the country's culture of
resilience.
In partnership with Barangay Baccuit Sur in Bauang, La Union, PLDT engineers
assigned at the company’s La Union Cable Landing Station (LUCLS) shared practical
tips for creating effective disaster resilience plans to help the community safeguard their
homes and families during emergencies.
Jacques Dean O. Gutierrez Jr., Head of LUCLS Operations, led the activity by sharing
insights on disaster planning, focusing on how individuals and families can protect their
homes and loved ones during disasters. Gutierrez also presented a disaster
preparedness guide, providing essential strategies for communities to plan effectively
before emergencies arise. An interactive Q&A portion after the lecture also reinforced
key lessons.
"Through this activity, we recognize the importance of actively engaging our local
communities in order to foster a culture of resilience," Gutierrez said. "This initiative is
also aligned with our commitment to the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environment
Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), ensuring we provide a beneficial social
development program that involves our employees, the host barangay, and other parts
of communities where we have critical facilities," he added.
Artemio Yadao, Baccuit Sur barangay captain, hailed the event as a significant step
toward building a more resilient community. "The knowledge shared by La Union Cable
Landing Station and the practical tools they provided, like the Go Bags and pocket
procedure guides, will empower our residents to take proactive steps in disaster
preparedness. It is reassuring to see how eager everyone was to learn and how this
event brought us closer as a community,” he said.
"This initiative is anchored on the company's Resilient Citizen Program and will be
subsequently rolled out at the Batangas and Daet International Cable System Stations
in the coming months to boost the disaster preparedness know-how of employees, their
families and the communities surrounding PLDT's critical network facilities," said Leo A.
Gonzales, VP and Head of Property Facilities and Asset Resiliency Management.
It also boosts PLDT's "Iwas Kable" campaign in barangays near the ocean, whose main
objective is to ensure the protection of both PLDT's submarine cable systems and the
fisherfolk, who need to be made aware that these cables are energized.
PLDT and Smart’s Business Continuity and Resilience Office Business Continuity
Awareness Program supports the company’s thrust for resiliency and industry-leading
operational excellence for enhanced stakeholder confidence.
These initiatives also align with the PLDT Group’s commitment to support the Philippine
government's digitalization thrust, and the country's attainment of the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals (UNSDG) No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure [END].
About PLDT Enterprise
PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital
services provider in the country. Through its different units, the Enterprise group is dedicated to deliver an
array of fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions that enable business owners to adapt to evolving
technological needs by providing access to innovative solutions that optimize efficiency, continuity, and
connectivity, and enhance customer experience.
For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.
About PLDT
PLDT is the Philippines' largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups —
from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across
the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks.
PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations
among Philippine — listed companies.
Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com
For more information, please contact:
Cathy Yap-Yang
FVP & Group Head for Corporate Communications
PLDT Inc. | Smart Communications, Inc.
corpcomm@pldt.com.ph
Agency Details:
Mel Dominguez
President & CEO
Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc.
mel@dominguez.ph
+639189015841
Andrea Melosantos
Account Manager
Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc.
mariaandrea.melosantos@dominguez.ph
+639189177246
