PLDT and Smart communications once again provided emergency communication support for this year’s metro-wide earthquake drill conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) last July 27.
The fifth Metro Manila Shake Drill which simulated the big one, or the expected 7.2-magnitude earthquake, began at 4 AM reherse the response necessary should the quake strike in the middle of the night.
“We want to simulate how long it will take for all concerned agencies and units to get to designated emergency operations center and staging areas,” said MMDA chief of staff Michael Salalima.
PLDT and Smart provided connectivity and satellite support at the different quadrants set up by the MMDA.
For this year’s shake drill, MMDA joined forces with utility companies and the private sector, including the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and National Resilience Council (NRC).
The annual Metro Manila Shake drill aims to strengthen the capacity of individuals, households, and local authorities to prepare for and respond to the Big One. According to the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), this scenario may leave more than 30,000 dead and over 100,000 injured.
In times of calamities, PLDT and Smart provide communications as aid to affected residents and responders. This support includes the availability and quick restoration of network services in hard-hit areas; and free messages, emergency cell broadcasts, calls, charging, Wi-Fi, data, and satellite connectivity, among other solutions.