Members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) are calling for a unified “whole of industry” approach to safeguard telecommunications facilities, especially when disasters strike. This key recommendation came out of the recently concluded three-day National Crisis Management Simulation Exercise (SIMEX 2026), held to mark July as National Disaster Resilience Month.
Led by PLDT’s Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance Group (APSRG), the exercise brought together security leaders from PLDT, Smart, Globe Telecom, Converge ICT Solutions, DITO Telecommunity, and SkyCable. The group gathered in person at the NTSC Emergency Operations Center set up at a PLDT facility in Tagaytay City to review how well the sector can respond to major emergencies and disruptions affecting vital communications networks.
NTSC chairman Lt. Gen. Ramiro Manuel A. Rey (Ret.) of Converge ICT noted that growing threats from climate change and other hazards make such joint efforts vital. He said the simulation helps identify strong points, spot gaps, and determine what extra tools and skills telcos need to be better prepared. Through simulated scenarios and structured talks, participants worked together to draft the council’s official crisis management guide, laying out clear steps to follow before, during, and after any emergency to keep services running reliably.
Aside from sharing best practices, attendees tested various communication tools including text messages, email, and radio systems to confirm that information can be sent quickly and accurately when regular channels are strained. Col. Wilfredo F. Gonio (Ret.), who heads PLDT’s APSRG, said the successful exercise shows the industry’s shared goal of being ready and keeping services available. He added that close coordination among telcos must be paired with stronger ties to government agencies, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to build a more connected and effective national response system.
The completion of SIMEX 2026 affirms the NTSC’s commitment to lifting crisis response standards across the telecommunications sector. Through network protection and community safety efforts, the PLDT group and its partners aim to build more resilient communities where reliable digital access supports progress for all Filipinos. These efforts also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focused on building strong infrastructure and creating safer, more sustainable communities.
