Smart hosts int’l disaster preparedness workshop

CEBU, Philippines - The world’s mobile network operators, representatives from the Philippine government and the international donor community will converge in Legazpi City, Albay on June 19 and 20 to share industry best practices in preparing for and responding to disasters, particularly earthquakes.

The GSMA Group for Disaster Response’s workshop series will focus primarily on earthquakes and how telcos are preparing for or have responded to such a situation.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the country’s largest mobile network operator and a frontrunner in the telco industry for disaster preparedness efforts, has been tapped as Philippine host for the activity.

“Our participation in this event is reflective of our commitment not only to disaster preparedness but also of our desire to ensure that we can still deliver communications services in disaster situations where needed most,” said Ramon Isberto, head of Smart Public Affairs Group.

“Communications play a very crucial role in all phases of disaster management, especially in the coordination of relief and post-disaster management efforts,” added Isberto. 

During the workshop, network operators will share how they responded to earthquakes from around the world; how they established effective partnerships with the government and NGOs; and how they ensured network resilience during earthquakes. Local operators are also expected to share their internal strategies, challenges and solutions for earthquakes.

The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will also talk about the role of mobile operators as humanitarian responders during disasters. More often than not, telco personnel are the first ones on the scene following a disaster, which makes the task not only about ensuring that communications services are restored but also providing relief to the affected communities.   (FREEMAN)