As Mayon Volcano remains under alert level 3, PLDT and Smart Communications are providing communication support to the province of Albay through the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit.
The Ligtas Kit is an all-in-one communications package that enables communities to access emergency communications services in times of disaster. It includes a power station, a solar panel, a rechargeable megaphone, a crank radio, a satellite phone, a smartphone, a Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi, a rechargeable flashlight, and a whistle. The kit is packed in a protective hard case and can be easily deployed and used.
“With sustainable and inclusive technology, the PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit considers foremost the needs of everyone in the community, by providing equal access to resources for people who might be excluded, including people with disabilities. The Ligtas Kit enables communities to immediately access communication aid even during a disaster,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart turned over a Ligtas Kit to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) in 2022 to help the province prepare for and recover from disasters through communications technology. They also conducted an emergency communications training to strengthen the capacity of communities in disaster resilience.
Dr. Cedric Daep, Head of APSEMO, said the Ligtas Kit will be used in their risk mapping activities as they continue to assess the situation due to Mayon’s volcanic activity. He said the kit will help them determine the necessary actions to take if the situation worsens.
PLDT and Smart are closely monitoring the situation in Albay and working with local governments and disaster response authorities to provide communication as aid and relief assistance if needed.
