In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, PLDT Enterprise, together with PLDT and Smart, deployed Starlink satellite connectivity and emergency communications support to help communities, responders, and local government units maintain critical communications during the disaster response.
PLDT and Smart promptly mobilized field and operations teams to assess network facilities and support restoration efforts in affected areas, including General Santos City and municipalities in South Cotabato. Working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and local government units, the teams found that most PLDT and Smart network facilities remained stable and operational, with disruptions primarily linked to commercial power outages affecting some sites.
To help address connectivity gaps in areas where communications infrastructure had been affected, PLDT Enterprise rolled out Starlink solutions to support emergency response operations and local communities. The deployments covered key facilities, including Malungon Sarangani Provincial Hospital and Alabel Sarangani Provincial Hospital, as well as command centers and rescue operation centers involved in emergency coordination and response.
“During emergencies, connectivity becomes deeply personal. It allows people to reach loved ones, enables responders to coordinate more effectively and helps communities begin the difficult work of rebuilding,” said Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer of PLDT.
Supporting Frontline Disaster Response
The deployment highlights PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to providing resilient and rapidly deployable connectivity to communities and institutions facing challenging circumstances, particularly in areas affected by disasters, power outages, or geographic limitations.
“We strive to be the first responders for the first responders because restoring connectivity at the front line of a disaster can be a powerful force multiplier,” said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of the Enterprise Business Group at PLDT Enterprise. “That means getting our response teams on the ground quickly to assess needs, restore services, and support connectivity where it matters most. The faster we reconnect communities and response teams, the sooner every call, every update, and every connection can help make a difference.”
The initiative underscores the importance of reliable and flexible communications infrastructure in strengthening disaster response and community resilience. Through solutions such as Starlink Satellite Broadband, PLDT Enterprise continues to equip local governments, emergency responders, and institutions with technology designed to help sustain communications when conventional networks face significant challenges.
As communities in Mindanao transition from immediate disaster response to recovery and rebuilding, PLDT Enterprise, PLDT, and Smart remain committed to working with local partners to support these efforts and help ensure that vital connectivity remains available when it matters most.
