PLDT Enterprise and Smart forge groundbreaking partnership with People in Need to bolster disaster preparedness in Mindanao

In a move to advance disaster resilience and sustainable development in the Philippines, the B2B arm of the largest telco in the country, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDT’s wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have announced their latest collaboration with the global humanitarian organization People in Need (PIN). This partnership underlines a shared commitment to harnessing innovative technology to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Mindanao, focusing on the Strengthening Resilience Through Early Action and Impact Mitigation (STREAM) Project.

Sealing a pivotal alliance: Leaders from PLDT Enterprise, Smart Communications Inc., and People in Need come together, marking the dawn of a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fortifying disaster resilience in Mindanao. Together, they embark on a journey to harness technology for a safer, more sustainable future. In photo: (L-R), Alfred Mark Rosete, Early Warning Systems (EWS) Program Manager at People in Need; Roberto W. Suzon Business Head, Corporate Relationship Business Head for Northern Mindanao at PLDT Enterprise; Zcyrill Ryan B. Agac-ac, Northern Mindanao Relationship Manager at PLDT Enterprise; and Judee Caroline D. Chaves, Mindanao Relations Head at Smart Communications, Inc.

The STREAM Project, funded by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Anticipatory Humanitarian Action and supported by the UK International Development from the UK government, aims to revolutionize local impact forecasting and early warning systems in 12 municipalities across the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. These areas, identified as high-risk for flooding, will benefit from the integration of PLDT and Smart's advanced Smart Internet of Things (IoT) SIM and Smart Messaging Suite.

Roberto W. Suzon, PLDT Enterprise Corporate Relationship Business Head for Northern Mindanao, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Our partnership with People in Need is more than just a technological endeavor; it's a commitment to safeguarding communities and empowering them with the tools they need to mitigate the impact of natural calamities. By leveraging PLDT's reliable fiber connectivity and Smart's cutting-edge solutions, we are setting a new standard in disaster preparedness and resilience.”

The Smart IoT SIMs will be instrumental in remotely monitoring water levels in flood-prone areas, ensuring timely data transmission to PIN's servers for accurate forecasting. Meanwhile, the Smart Messaging Suite will play a crucial role in disseminating vital information and evacuation alerts to vulnerable communities, enhancing their capacity to respond effectively to imminent threats.

Alfred Mark Rosete, Early Warning Systems (EWS) Program Manager for People in Need, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's potential: “With the support of PLDT Enterprise and Smart, we are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those in the most at-risk communities in Mindanao. The STREAM Project embodies our vision of a world where technology and innovation go hand in hand with humanitarian efforts to build a safer, more resilient future for all.”

Additionally, under its disaster resilience advocacy, Smart also recently engaged with PIN during the GSMA's Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC) Asia-Pacific workshops held in Clark, Pampanga, attended by ASEAN delegates. Smart was among the first operators in the world to adopt the principles of the HCC, when it was launched in 2015. The HCC is a set of principles and best practices reached collaboratively between mobile network operators (MNOs) on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a sudden onset emergency.

These engagements underscore the PLDT Group's longstanding #SafeandSmart advocacy, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. Through initiatives like the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit program, which has already equipped 10 Mindanao provinces with comprehensive emergency communications packages, the telco group reaffirms their commitment to a disaster-resilient Mindanao.

As PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to explore new frontiers in the role of technology in disaster resilience and climate action, their collaboration with PIN sets a precedent for how the private sector and the humanitarian community can come together to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time and contribute towards achieving UNSDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and UNSDG No. 13: Climate Action. Recognizing climate as one of the top risks in the Philippines and across the PLDT Group, PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to integrate climate risk management into their network architecture, operations, and customer solutions. The Group leverages its leading technology and digital solutions to help boost adaptation and resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

“Always moving further, together with our partners, PLDT Enterprise remains steadfast in its vision to not only advance the business landscape but to foster a community where progress and resilience go hand in hand. Our partnership with People in Need is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good, ensuring businesses and communities alike are better equipped, more connected, and infinitely stronger. With every step, we aim to redefine the boundaries of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every advancement we make is better for business and transformative for society. Together, we journey towards a future where every challenge is met with a smart, sustainable solution, furthering our collective impact, and driving us towards a brighter, more resilient tomorrow,” concluded Suzon.