VIRAC, Philippines (Aug 2026) — Pinoys living in three remote villages in Catanduanes are getting a critical upgrade to help them survive and stay connected during the next super typhoon.
Known as the “Land of the Howling Winds,” the island province sits directly along the western Pacific typhoon belt. It is routinely the first to bear the brunt of powerful storms, torrential rains, and devastating storm surges. To help local communities manage emergency responses, three vulnerable areas in the municipality of Virac received portable communication and power packages.
Powering up during total blackouts
Barangays Balite, Simamla, and Talisoy were given specialized emergency kits to mark National Disaster Resilience Month. Each kit contains a power station, solar panel, smartphone, crank radio, pocket WiFi, emergency lights, and various charging accessories.
For coastal areas like Barangay Balite, this equipment fills a massive gap in disaster response. Local official Alexander Borja explained that the community previously relied on a single, small generator during the frequent power interruptions that hit the coast. The newly acquired megaphone and power station will now be used to safely coordinate evacuations along the coastline.
Overcoming critical communication gaps
The selected villages face limited mobile coverage, making emergency coordination highly challenging. Virac disaster risk officer Josephine Benavidez noted that the new kits allow her team to monitor the condition of residents even before emergency personnel can physically reach the area.
The distribution is part of Project REACHED, a collaborative effort involving the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, PLDT, Smart, the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the World Food Programme, and the Australian government.
Virac Mayor Sinforoso M. Sarmiento Jr. acknowledged that the assistance targets a real need, especially since tight local government resources are usually prioritized for basic needs. He added that because these specific villages consistently perform well in local public service, the equipment will be properly maintained.
Roby Alampay, head of public engagement for PLDT and Smart, stated that the mission focuses on working hand in-hand with local government units. Because local governments know their communities best, partnering with them is central to delivering effective disaster resilience programs that ensure neighbors can support each other when traditional networks fail.
