More than 30 members of the Tagbanua Tandulanen Indigenous Cultural Community from 11 El Nido barangays recently took part in disaster preparedness training organized by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications. Held alongside work on the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project, the effort underscores that stronger connectivity goes hand in hand with stronger communities.
Participants learned earthquake and typhoon response, storm surge safety, how to build emergency kits, and how to use mobile phones during emergencies. The companies also turned over office equipment to support the tribal hall’s future activities.
For Roderick D. Gacasa, a local teacher, the skills travel with them. “Our town may not see frequent earthquakes, but we go beyond Palawan too — knowing what to do wherever we are is vital, and we teach these same lessons to our students,” he shared.
Community leader Kamaulangan Nelson Biennes thanked the team: “We are grateful PLDT did not forget us. This training is timely — everyone should know how to respond when disaster strikes.”
The initiative follows a landmark agreement with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Tagbanua ICC, ensuring the cable project fully respects indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and environmental safeguards. Conducted for National Indigenous People’s Month, it forms part of PLDT and Smart’s #KonektedforInclusion and #KonektedforResilience programs, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals on reduced inequality and resilient communities.
“Resilient communities and resilient connectivity go hand in hand,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, PLDT and Smart AVP for Stakeholder Engagement. “We build stronger networks, yes — but equally important, we want communities like the Tagbanua Tandulanen ICC to be ready, informed, and connected when it matters most.”
