Disaster Preparedness & Disaster Response
As a wireless services provider, SMART has made available its extensive nationwide network and resources during times of emergency or disaster.
Since our early years, we have been actively involved in various initiatives that promote emergency preparedness and timely response to national or local disasters.
First on the scene
SMART engineers are often among the first on the scene in disaster areas. They make sure that network signal is strong or in some cases, restored, to support the communication requirements of responding government and civic organizations.
SMART’s involvement in disaster preparedness and emergency response began in 1998, after a tragic plane crash near the peak of Mt. Sumagaya in Barangay Lunotan, Ginoog City. The rugged terrain plus the lack of communication facilities made rescue and retrieval difficult. Engineers dispatched to the site found themselves not only troubleshooting, but also setting up calling stations. Families of the victims, those involved in the search, rescue and retrieval operations, as well as members of the media were among those who used the free calling facilities. It was also the first time that SMARTworked closely with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).
SMART has since crafted an emergency preparedness and disaster response program which covers communications support and as well as Internet access to responding agencies as well as those affected, employs employee-volunteers and supports initiatives that prepares communities and helps them cope with calamities and disasters.
Communications Support | Employee Volunteerism | Early warning system
