GLOBE Telecom and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) signed a two-year agreement on Friday to bolster disaster preparedness and response in the National Capital Region (NCR), one of the country’s most densely populated regions.
The partnership supports MMDA’s Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, the agency’s contingency plan for a worst-case earthquake scenario dubbed “The Big One.” According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a magnitude 7.2 quake along the West Valley Fault — which last moved in 1658 — is increasingly likely to occur near 2058, though it could happen sooner. Estimates suggest that such an event could affect roughly 40 percent of Metro Manila.
Under the agreement, Globe will activate its Disaster Recovery Plan during emergencies, fortifying key sites, restoring network services, and deploying mobile connectivity units, including Network in a Box (NIB) and Cell on Wheels (COW) systems, to maintain communication in critical areas. MMDA will facilitate rapid deployment by granting site access, issuing personnel credentials, and designating secure locations with fuel and power support.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the collaboration underscores the life-saving role of communication infrastructure during crises.
“This agreement with Globe Telecom marks a milestone in safeguarding lives by ensuring Metro Manila stays connected in times of disaster,” he said. Artes also invited other private industries to follow suit, emphasizing that public-private cooperation is essential in strengthening the region’s resilience.
Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz described the partnership as part of the company’s broader commitment to keeping communities connected when it matters most.
“Connectivity is not just a service. In emergencies, it can be the difference between safety and peril,” Cruz said. He added that Globe’s investments in resilient infrastructure and rapid recovery capabilities are intended to support government programs and ensure uninterrupted service during disasters.
The agreement comes amid growing awareness of Metro Manila’s vulnerability to earthquakes and other hazards. Globe and MMDA said their coordinated efforts aim to reduce disruption to emergency response, public services, and community communication when disaster strikes.
