PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit reaches Surigao del Sur, boosting disaster preparedness 

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur has received a Ligtas Kit, an all-in-one emergency communications package, powered by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc.  

This initiative aims to aid Surigao del Sur’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in levelling up its disaster resilience programs. Each Ligtas Kit comes with the following: portable generator, satellite panel, satellite phone, smartphone, pocket WiFi, crank radio, flashlights and whistles. 

“We thank PLDT and Smart for being our partners in boosting our disaster preparedness. The Ligtas Kit will be a great tool for the PDRRMO, and since this is portable, we can easily bring the equipment to areas affected by calamities. We will be integrating the Ligtas Kit to our disaster resilience plans for 2024 to 2029,” said Alex Rana, Head of PDRRMO.  

“Communication is often the issue during emergencies. The Ligtas Kit’s power set and satellite phone will serve as back up in times of power outage and signal downtime. This will also enable us to set up Libreng Tawag to help connect evacuees with their loved ones, which is one important way to comfort them amidst disasters,” Rana added. 

As active partners of the province of Surigao del Sur, PLDT and Smart have previously supported its disaster response initiatives. In 2020, the group conducted relief assistance for residents affected by tropical depression Vicky. The local government unit is also a beneficiary of Smart Infocast, an SMS-broadcast service, that helps the provincial officers facilitate seamless communication with Surigaonons.  

The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit is part of the group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. This initiative also underscores the PLDT group’s commitment to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.