KAPANGAN, Philippines (Aug 2026) – In a mountainous town frequently battered by severe storms and isolated by sudden landslides, keeping every single resident safe sounds nearly impossible. Yet, the municipality of Kapangan in Benguet has consistently achieved a zero-casualty rate during recurring disasters, thanks to a major upgrade in how local emergency responders communicate.
For years, reaching remote communities in this rugged terrain meant physically traveling across dangerous roads just to deliver warnings, especially in areas with no cellular signal. Critical time was often lost when it mattered most.
The simple tool that changed everything
The reality for the town shifted when they became one of the first groups to receive the Ligtas Kit from PLDT and Smart Communications back in 2024. The all-in-one emergency communications package gave the local disaster risk reduction and management office the tools they needed to bridge the communication gap.
Erick Abangley, Kapangan’s local disaster risk reduction and management officer, explained that the town lacked a basic hotline before receiving the kit. Now, the package provides a dedicated mobile phone hotline, megaphones, a crank radio, whistles, flashlights, a portable power station, and a solar panel.
Responders now use the hotline as their primary tool for reporting, gathering data, and coordinating directly with various barangays. The reliable connection allows warnings and advisories to reach remote areas much faster, enabling early actions like preemptive enforced evacuations.
Building a culture of preparedness
Beyond providing emergency gadgets, the initiative includes a communications training module to help communities manage disasters effectively. The program is part of a broader advocacy campaign called #KonnektedforResilience, which focuses on building a culture of preparedness before, during, and after calamities strike.
So far, the telecom companies have deployed 75 emergency kits nationwide, reaching areas from Batanes all the way to Pag-asa Island and Jolo.
Roby Alampay, the first vice president and head of the public engagement group at PLDT and Smart, stated that these solutions empower local communities with critical communication capabilities, allowing for faster response times and better coordination during crises.
For Kapangan, the ultimate goal is ensuring that every resident makes it home safely every single time a storm hits.
Note: Retail pricing and commercial availability details for the Ligtas Kit were not specified, as these packages are distributed exclusively through corporate social responsibility and disaster resilience initiatives.
