After three years of enhancing emergency communications in some of the Philippines’ most disaster-prone areas, PLDT, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) have successfully concluded Project REACHED (Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response).
Funded through a grant from the Australian Government and implemented by PDRF, the initiative helped strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities in local government units (LGUs) by providing communications equipment, training, and emergency response support.
The program focused on communities in Borongan, Eastern Samar; Virac, Catanduanes; Santa Ana, Cagayan; and Butuan City, where local officials, disaster responders, and community stakeholders gathered during the culmination event to share experiences and best practices in emergency communications.
Equipping Communities for Emergencies
A key component of Project REACHED was the deployment of PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kits, portable emergency communication packages designed to support coordination during disasters when traditional communication channels may be disrupted.
During the culmination event, PLDT and Smart conducted a workshop demonstrating how the kits can be effectively used in emergency situations.
Each Ligtas Kit contains:
- A portable power station
- Solar panel
- LTE pocket Wi-Fi
- Smartphone
- Crank radio
- Rechargeable megaphone
- Flashlights
- Whistles
All equipment is housed in a durable hard case built for field deployment. The kits are complemented by emergency communications training to help local responders maximize their use during crises.
Proven Impact During Real Emergencies
PDRF Center Director Arnel Capili highlighted the value of the partnership and the role of the Ligtas Kits in strengthening local resilience.
“PLDT and Smart are very strong partners of PDRF. The Ligtas Kit provides communities the redundancy and ensures that all the relevant communication equipment are available for them,” he said.
The effectiveness of the program was demonstrated during the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on May 13.
According to Eastern Samar Provincial Disaster Management Officer Thomas Camposanes, widespread power outages immediately disrupted normal communication channels.
“When the ground shaking happened, there was a sudden blackout all over Eastern Samar. We lost communication, but our Project REACHED training enabled us to communicate immediately, and municipalities were able to report where there was damage, whether roads and bridges were passable,” Camposanes shared.
Strengthening Local Disaster Preparedness
Project beneficiaries reported significant improvements in emergency coordination and disaster response capabilities.
In Borongan City, City DRRMO representative Jerome D. Cuanico noted that communities that previously relied on paper-based communication and in-person visits can now be reached instantly through mobile communications.
Meanwhile, Mysl Angeli Sumalinog of the Butuan City DRRMO said the city government is expanding the model to additional barangays using local funding.
In Agusan del Norte, Provincial DRRM Officer Erma Suyo shared that the project inspired the creation of a formal communications plan that has since been institutionalized through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Building Long-Term Resilience
For Stephanie Orlino, Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, the project highlights the importance of combining technology, capacity building, and collaboration to strengthen disaster readiness.
“Equipping LGUs with both the tools and the training means that when a disaster strikes, they are not starting from zero — they are ready,” she said.
To date, PLDT and Smart have deployed 74 Ligtas Kits nationwide under their #KonektedforResilience initiative, which promotes preparedness, response, and recovery before, during, and after disasters.
The program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Climate Action (SDG 13), reinforcing efforts to build safer and more resilient communities across the Philippines.
