Members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) conduct the three-day National Crisis Management Simulation Exercise (SIMEX 2026) in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month. Led by PLDT’s Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance Group (APSRG), the exercise brought together security executives from PLDT and Smart, Globe Telecom, Converge ICT Solutions, DITO Telecommunity, and SkyCable to strengthen crisis preparedness and improve the resilience of the country’s critical telecommunications infrastructure.
Major Philippine telecommunications providers are pushing for a “whole-of-industry” approach to protecting critical communications infrastructure following the successful completion of National Crisis Management Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) 2026.
Held in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, the three-day exercise was spearheaded by the Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance Group (APSRG) of PLDT and brought together security leaders from PLDT and Smart, Globe Telecom, Converge ICT Solutions, DITO Telecommunity, and SkyCable.
Organized under the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC), the simulation assessed the industry’s preparedness for large-scale emergencies and disruptions affecting telecommunications infrastructure.
Participants collaborated on developing the NTSC’s crisis management playbook, establishing standardized protocols for disaster preparedness, emergency response, and service recovery to help ensure the continuity of telecommunications services during crises.
The PLDT Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance Group (APSRG) team gathers at the NTSC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) established at a PLDT facility in Tagaytay City during the National Crisis Management Simulation Exercise (SIMEX 2026). Participants exchanged best practices and tested multiple communication channels, including SMS, email, and radio systems, to strengthen real-time information sharing and crisis response capabilities.
The exercise also tested multiple communication platforms—including SMS, email, and radio systems—to verify the rapid exchange of critical information during emergency situations.
According to NTSC Chairman Lt. Gen. Ramiro Manuel A. Rey (Ret.) of Converge ICT, the simulation helped identify operational strengths, capability gaps, and additional resources needed to strengthen the industry’s resilience against climate-related disasters and emerging threats.
Meanwhile, PLDT APSRG Officer-in-Charge Col. Wilfredo F. Gonio (Ret.) emphasized that protecting the country’s telecommunications infrastructure requires closer collaboration not only among telecom operators but also with government agencies, law enforcement organizations, and other stakeholders.
The completion of SIMEX 2026 reinforces the telecom sector’s commitment to improving disaster preparedness, safeguarding critical digital infrastructure, and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for millions of Filipinos during emergencies.
The initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
