MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority partnered with a telecommunications company on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in Metro Manila.
The agreement with Globe Telecoms, effective until Oct. 14, 2027, will support MMDA’s Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, the agency’s contingency for a magnitude 7.2 earthquake scenario known as 'The Big One.' The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) cited studies that the quake could occur along the West Valley Fault, which last moved in 1658, potentially affecting about 40 percent of Metro Manila.
Under the deal, Globe will activate its Disaster Recovery Plan during emergencies, deploying Network in a Box and Cell on Wheels units to maintain connectivity in critical areas. MMDA will provide access to priority sites, issue credentials to personnel, and designate secure locations with power and fuel support.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the partnership highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation in keeping Metro Manila connected during crises and encouraged other industries to join similar efforts. Globe CEO Carl Cruz said the company’s role went beyond restoring service, aiming to keep communities connected when communication lines are disrupted.
The agreement also reflects Globe’s broader commitment to supporting government programs and disaster response through investments in resilient infrastructure and rapid network recovery.
