PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. have conducted disaster preparedness training for more than 30 members of the Tagbanua Tandulanen Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) from 11 barangays in El Nido, Palawan, as the telecommunications group advances network resilience through its Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project.
The training, held in Barangay Sibaltan, covered emergency response procedures for earthquakes, typhoons and storm surges, preparation of emergency kits, and the use of mobile phones during emergencies.
Led by Jonathan Palma of the Emergency Management Center, the session was organized as part of PLDT and Smart’s commitment to the indigenous community under a memorandum of agreement related to the submarine cable project.
Roderick D. Gacasa, a teacher at Sibaltan Elementary School who participated in the training, said disaster preparedness was important for community members who travel outside Palawan as well as those living in the province.
“We regularly conduct similar trainings and drills with our students. We always tell them that we are not only confined to Palawan; we also travel outside of it. And when we’re out there, it’s important that we know what to do,” Gacasa said.
PLDT and Smart also turned over office equipment to the Tagbanua Tandulanen ICC for use in future activities at its tribal hall. The equipment was received by Kamaulangan Nelson Biennes, tribal affairs assistant.
“We are thankful to PLDT for this learning session, and for not forgetting our community,” Biennes said, describing disaster preparedness as important and timely.
Stephanie V. Orlino, PLDT and Smart assistant vice president and head of stakeholder engagement, said community preparedness complements investments in resilient telecommunications infrastructure.
“Resilient communities and resilient connectivity go hand in hand,” Orlino said. She added that the companies want communities served by their networks to have the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for emergencies and stay informed when disasters occur.
Network project includes Indigenous Peoples’ safeguards
PLDT signed a memorandum of agreement earlier in 2026 with the Tagbanua ICC of Palawan and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project.
The agreement includes commitments to recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights through cultural, social and environmental safeguards during the implementation and completion of the network project.
The training was conducted in observance of National Indigenous Peoples’ Month and forms part of the PLDT Group’s Konekted for Inclusion and Konekted for Resilience initiatives, which aim to expand access to connectivity, learning and livelihood opportunities while promoting disaster preparedness before, during and after emergencies.
The initiative links telecommunications infrastructure development with community-level resilience, particularly in areas where preparedness, reliable communications and access to timely information can be important during natural disasters.
