As of 2pm, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have already started preparing mission-critical equipment and personnel as PHIVOLCS raises alert levels over Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental and volcanoes Mayon in Albay and Taal in Batangas.
“The Group’s mission-critical resources are on standby, as PHIVOLCS reported more frequent seismic activities in these areas. Our network operations teams are already pre-positioned and prepared for deployment to affected areas should the situation escalate and affect our service,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
While there are still no volcano-related concerns reported in their field offices, PLDT and Smart’s network and operations teams have started preparing and will continue to be on full alert should the volcanic movements increase in the coming days.
Field operations responders within the area are also ready to be deployed, complete with personal protective equipment, along with PLDT and Smart’s contractors for possible reinforcement.
In 2022, PLDT and Smart provided the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Albay and Batangas Ligtas Kits to help accelerate the disaster preparedness and emergency response capacities of these localities.
The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit is an all-in-one communications package that provides quick, emergency communications support to people in times of disaster. Each kit also included emergency communications training to further build capacity among communities.
While no noticeable ground movement was felt as of writing, PLDT and Smart urge everyone to take necessary precautions, including activating their emergency cell broadcast system (eCBS) on their mobile devices, and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.
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