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| PLDT-Smart Emergency Response Team at the opening salvo of this year's observance of Fire Prevention Month (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) highlight the Group’s culture of preparedness as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) kicked off the observance of Fire Prevention Month throughout March 2024. Joining firefighters from local and volunteer fire brigades across Metro Manila as well as quick response teams from the armed forces, government agencies, and private companies, PLDT and Smart’s Emergency Response Team composed of volunteer employees took part in the parade to mark the opening salvo of the month-long campaign on fire prevention.
In the same vein that PLDT and Smart invest in the resiliency of their network to prevent service disruptions or its quick restoration, underscoring the critical role of communication services in times of crises, the group also ensures that the practice extends to its workforce. “PLDT and Smart take the necessary steps to ensure that, in times of emergency, our most important asset is protected – the workforce. Our culture of preparedness highlights our commitment to make PLDT and Smart the best and safest place to work in,” said PLDT Vice President of Property and Facilities Management Leo Gonzales. “PLDT and Smart work with local fire brigades and emergency response teams to update the skills of our volunteer responders. As we grow our technology, our people must be able to handle this new kind of crisis. We need to work with local responders for a cohesive action in times of catastrophe,” Gonzales added.
PLDT Group has been working with the BFP in building the capabilities of its fire brigade in managing fire-related emergencies. Trainings attended by employee volunteers include among others: Fire Safety, Emergency Management, Disaster Risk Assessment and Management, Disaster Mitigation Preparedness and Response, First Aid and Basic Life Support. Its Emergency Management Teams are provided with identifiers, gears and tools needed to safely carry out their mission. PLDT and Smart, likewise, actively participate in the various fire prevention and simultaneous earthquake drill activities of the government nationwide. PLDT Group also helps communities stay more resilient through the Ligtas Kit, an all-in-one communications package that brings quick, emergency communications support to disaster areas. Launched in July 2022, the PLDT Group has deployed 56 Ligtas Kit packages across the country.
PLDT Group’s support to the programs of the BFP and emergency responders underscores their efforts to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting safe and secure working environments of all workers. The Ligtas Kit highlights the PLDT Group’s wider commitment towards a #SafeAndSmart Philippines through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. This is aligned with UNSDG No. 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
