MANILA, Philippines (Jun. 2026) — Losing electricity during a disaster often means losing communication when it matters most. In several disaster-prone communities across the country, however, local responders were still able to coordinate because they had already trained for exactly that scenario.
PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., together with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), recently wrapped up Project REACHED (Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response), a three-year initiative that helped strengthen emergency communications and disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities across the Philippines.
Supported by a grant from the Australian Government and implemented by PDRF, the program equipped local government units with emergency communications training and PLDT and Smart’s Ligtas Kits, portable emergency communication packages designed to keep responders connected even when traditional infrastructure is disrupted.
When every second counts
The value of the project became clear during the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on May 13.
According to Eastern Samar Provincial Disaster Management Officer Thomas Camposanes, the province experienced a widespread power outage immediately after the quake. Despite the blackout, local responders quickly restored communication using the skills and equipment provided through Project REACHED.
The emergency communications allowed municipalities to immediately report road conditions, bridge accessibility, and damage assessments, giving authorities a clearer picture of the situation while response efforts were underway.
What’s inside a Ligtas Kit?
Each Ligtas Kit combines essential emergency communication tools into a portable hard case built for field operations.
The kit includes:
- Portable power station
- Solar panel
- LTE pocket Wi-Fi
- Smartphone
- Crank-powered radio
- Rechargeable megaphone
- Flashlights
- Whistles
The equipment is paired with hands-on Emergency Communications Training so local responders know how to maximize the tools before disasters happen.
Communities are expanding the program
Project REACHED covered communities in Borongan, Eastern Samar; Virac, Catanduanes; Santa Ana, Cagayan; and Butuan City.
Officials from participating local governments shared how the program has changed their disaster response.
Borongan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office representative Jerome D. Cuanico said communities that previously relied on paper reports and face-to-face communication can now be reached with a single phone call.
In Butuan City, City DRRMO representative Mysl Angeli Sumalinog said the local government plans to expand the program to additional barangays using its own budget.
Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Provincial DRRM Officer Erma Suyo said the initiative inspired the province to formalize its own communications plan through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
More than equipment
PDRF Center Director Arnel Capili described PLDT and Smart as long-time partners in strengthening disaster resilience, noting that the Ligtas Kit provides backup communications capability that communities can rely on when conventional systems fail.
Stephanie Orlino, assistant vice president and head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, said disaster preparedness is most effective when technology is paired with training and strong partnerships.
To date, PLDT and Smart have deployed 74 Ligtas Kits nationwide as part of their #KonektedforResilience program, which supports disaster preparedness before, during, and after emergencies.
