Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently partnered with the Surigao del Sur provincial government to expand its communication channels. Smart has onboarded the province into #SmartInfocast, an SMS-broadcast service that has been used by other local government units in pushing information to constituents who have subscribed to the platform. Smart has also provided Surigao del Sur its own mobile hotline, a dedicated channel that locals and visitors alike can call to air their concerns.
Famous for tourist attractions like the Tinuy-an Falls, Enchanted River, Britania Islands, the province is slowly re-opening these destinations to travelers.
In a Facebook post, Surigao del Sur Gov. Ayec Pimentel said, “Smart Infocast enables our communities to access relevant and accurate information – from disaster preparedness and response, tourism, local government initiatives, to health and weather reminders and COVID-19 advisories – in an effort to build a well-informed community.”
Under its #SafeandSmart advocacy, Smart promotes the use of technology to help mitigate disaster risk in communities. The company has developed other preparedness programs and solutions, such as the Emergency Cell Broadcast System; the Batingaw emergency app; and the #SafePH caravans, among other projects, in its efforts to reduce vulnerabilities.