Globe teams up with MMDA for Metro Manila Shakedrill 2016

Partnership intended to enhance disaster management capacities of communities concerned

Globe Telecom has partnered with the Metro Manila Development Authority in undertaking the Metro Manila Shakedrill 2016, which aims to cultivate a culture of preparedness for residents of the metropolis for a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The drill has been set for June 22, 2016.

In line with the partnership, Globe will be providing various connectivity tools that would assist MMDA in implementing the drill. “We, at Globe Telecom, are deeply committed in providing support for activities as the Metro Manila Shakedrill, knowing that our ability as a nation, community or even as a company to cope with natural disasters such as an earthquake depends heavily on our emergency response mechanisms that our communities and organizations have put in place. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to extend our support to MMDA’s efforts in building a resilient metropolis in line with our sustainability efforts,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

In 2014, Globe became the first telecommunications company in the Philippines to secure an enterprise-wide business continuity ISO certification. This means that the telecommunications provider has adequately equipped itself to respond and address disruptive incidents such as natural calamities for business continuity purposes. The certification is significant as it attests to the company’s readiness in ensuring delivery of critical telecommunications services to its customers even during disasters. Crisanto emphasized that business continuity management is an important component of the company’s operations to ensure that it is able to deliver essential telecommunication services in times of emergencies.

As the sole connectivity provider for the drill, Globe is providing broadband support for the Metro Manila Shakedrill 2016 website which contains all information and advisories relating to the June 22 metro wide earthquake drill. Specifically, Globe has powered the MMDA Theater with 100 Mbps internet speed for fast and reliable demonstration of what the website (www.mmshakedrill.ph) can do.

Globe is also providing connectivity tools to better equip the Disaster Risk Reduction Management of the MMDA in coordinating closely with various local government units as it implements the shakedrill. Among the connectivity tools Globe is providing include dedicated internet access for MMDA’s Flood Control Information Center and MMDA’s Metro Base Center.

Globe will also provide MMDA with two capacity-building trainings on How to Effectively Utilize the Weather Philippines Website and Basic Weather 101. In return, MMDA committed to conduct up to 15 sessions of Emergency Response Trainings for the benefit of the company’s partner communities and LGUs, such as the Bataan provincial government. The partnership between Globe and MMDA is expected to enhance disaster management capacities of communities and LGUs involved, Crisanto added.

Aside from providing connectivity tools, Globe will also participate in the drill and 11 corporate and technical sites of the company will join the drill. Globe will also support MMDA by deploying cell site on wheels as well as Libreng Tawag stations in Intramuros, Manila where MMDA will activate its Shake Drill Command Center.

Organized by the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), the Metro Manila Shakedrill will begin from 9am onwards in Metro Manila, simulating a 7.2 magnitude movement of the West Valley Fault. At 9 am, radio stations will be sounding the earthquake alert which will signal the start of the drill. All organizations, such as companies, churches, schools may also sound their own alerts or bells through their respective public announcement systems.