SMART brings first-ever disaster preparedness virtual caravan to Visayas

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – More than a thousand participants composed of local government officials, officers from the different disaster risk reduction management offices, SK Federations and youth organizations in the Visayas joined and listened to the first-ever virtual caravan on disaster preparedness brought by the PLDT- wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. on July 21.

Dubbed as #SafePH caravan, the virtual event was Smart’s way of building a culture of readiness among Filipinos, especially those in hazard-prone areas, by delivering accurate information on various hazards and how to respond to them through an online, interactive platform, according to PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Community and Resilience Head, Oliver Odulio.

 

“We bring safety and emergency response tips during the #SafePH virtual caravan to equip communities on disaster preparedness and safety,” Odulio said.

PLDT and Smart Group Head and First Vice President of Corporate Communications, Catherine Yap-Yang, in her statement during the virtual event said that this initiative is part of #SafeandSmart advocacy, which underscores the role of communications in strengthening the capacity of communities to help protect, prepare and recover from the impact of the pandemic and natural disasters.

“The initiative aims to involve young Filipinos in community leadership and contribute to the protection of their respective communities,” Yang added.

Nagiel Bañacia, Officer-in-Charge of Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (LCDRRMO) highlighted the importance of communication and public involvement in the fight against COVID-19.  He said in the absence of the vaccine, educating the public is one of the best weapons to address this pandemic.

“We need to help them understand the problem by providing essential information about the virus and why it is important to follow health protocols.  We must also use our funds efficiently to become more prepared and attuned to the present needs of our communities,” he added.

Bañacia shared with the participants Lapu-Lapu City’s successsful information dissemination campaigns including Crisis Communication and Community Engagement (CCCE) and programs like “Oplan Lungon” and “ReCovida”.

Barangay councilor Kim Binondo of Barangay Liloan in Santander, Cebu said that the caravan was timely and helpful as they are currently forming a group of junior responders in their community.

“Our youth members have not yet undergone basic trainings on disaster preparedness, that is why this caravan is very relevant especially in our efforts to equip our town with disaster-ready youth,” Binondo said.

Smart has rolled out the #SafePH online caravan in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month with more fun and exciting activities embedded in the event platform.

This is Smart’s long-running advocacy program that aims to help the public, especially residents living in high-risk areas, prepare for and respond to natural calamities and man-made disasters.

The #SafePH virtual caravan covered discussions on emergency management, basic life support and first aid, and the COVID-19 health crisis were the highlight of the event.

These talks were conducted by Louie Domingo, Director of Emergency Management Center; Von Ryan Ong, Acting Manager for the Safety Services National Headquarters of the Philippine Red Cross; and Dr. Miguel Mantaring, Medical Officer IV for Health Promotion Bureau of the Department of Health.

 

“At Smart, we are committed to continuously develop and deliver technology-abled solutions and services so we can live smarter and help build a safer and more resilient Philippines, and consequently, a #BetterWorld,” said Hoyle Raul  Disuanco, Group Head and First Vice President of Smart Regional Customer Development-Visayas.