Globe highlights comprehensive disaster resilience strategies in APMCDRR 2024

Globe recently showcased its disaster response strategies, driven by technology and its commitment to climate risk reduction on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024.

In a timely event held alongside the Ayala Group, Globe outlined the company’s comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR), which includes advanced technology solutions, strong infrastructure, and community-based approaches.

“Reliable infrastructure is essential to ensure resource depletion during disasters. Globe builds and retrofits towers to withstand extreme weather, including hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Backup power sources have also been installed to minimize network disruptions and ensure continuity,” Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer.

In partnership with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Globe is playing an important role in the distribution of geo-tagged disaster alerts, as required by Republic Act 10639, or the “Mobile Disaster Free Law.”

In addition to prevention, the mobile leader has developed rapid response measures to support affected communities, including pre-positioning services such as Cell site on Wheels (COW), Tower on Wheels (TOW), Cell site at Less Footprint (CALF), Genset on Truck. (Goat), and Emergency Base Stations to maintain communication in disaster affected areas.

Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging (LTLC) stations have also been deployed in disaster-hit areas to provide residents with essential communication services during power outages. Meanwhile, Globe’s telehealth provider KonsultaMD is offering medical and psychological services to aid in disaster recovery.

Volunteers also help prepare and distribute relief supplies, demonstrating Globe’s commitment to community recovery and rebuilding. With Globe Rewards, customers can donate directly to our partner organizations, providing help to those in need.

Globe’s commitment to climate action is also key to its disaster reduction strategy. In pursuit of its net-zero ambition, the telco giant wants to reduce the risk caused by extreme weather and other climate-related threats through climate mitigation.

On the other hand, speaking at the panel discussion “Leveraging Digital Advancements for Early War Warning and Communication,” Emmanuel Estrada, Globe Vice President for Regulatory Development and Strategy, emphasized the importance of a multi-channel approach to emergency communication.

He emphasized that combining mobile broadcasts with location-based SMS and various channels—such as sirens, billboards, TV, radio, mobile apps, and social media—will greatly increase audience reach. Maintaining consistency across platforms is important to prevent confusion and ensure that information is presented clearly and effectively.

“In times of emergency, it is important that we use all available and operational technology to send Emergency Warning Messages (EAWM) to as many people as possible. This means that we cannot rely only on mobile networks,” he emphasized.

Estrada also shared that Globe is testing low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to ensure uninterrupted communications in areas where terrestrial networks may fail. These satellite services can extend connectivity to remote or disaster-affected areas, improving the resilience of emergency response teams.

With disaster preparedness embedded in its business model, Globe applies Resilience by Design (RD) principles throughout its network lifecycle, ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as satellite sites, are securely positioned to keep service running.

APMCDRR 2024 provided Globe with an important opportunity to showcase DRR’s achievements and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the Filipino people through innovative technologies and sustainable practices. With more than 4,000 attendees, this year’s conference focused on accelerating DRR efforts to reduce the effects of climate change and natural disasters across the region.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

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