Smart customer development manager Jay Uchida handles sales and distribution in the Caraga region, but during calamities, he goes above and beyond his job, to extend assistance to the communities he serves. For years, Uchida has been involved in the company’s disaster response activities, providing communication as aid and mobilizing relief operations with partner groups.

When Super Typhoon Odette hit the region, Uchida’s team immediately deployed emergency power in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, even before the storm made landfall. Despite transport challenges in the devastated areas, and the additional risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, Uchida was unfazed. “It was the spirit of ‘malasakit’ that kept us moving. More than the responsibility, we are honored to help our communities the best way we can,” he said.  
 
For the rest of December, Uchida focused on putting up more Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging stations in Surigao City, Siargao and Dinagat Islands, helping hundreds of affected families connect to their loved ones. Together with other volunteers, he also supported the relief distribution efforts of the PLDT group, benefiting thousands of households.

These initiatives form part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy that promotes a culture of preparedness--providing immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief and recovery assistance to communities affected by disasters.

The programs helping communities become more resilient in times of calamity are in line with the commitment of PLDT and Smart to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #11 of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by significantly reducing the number of people affected by disasters.