PLDT, Smart Sustain Relief Efforts, Providing Free Calls, Charging, WiFi to Typhoon-Hit Areas

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) sustain their relief efforts to assist communities in Northern Luzon devastated by recent typhoons. In collaboration with PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), the Group is expanding its offer of additional Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charge, Libreng WiFi stations, and Emergency Load Assistance.

"As a company committed to serving Filipinos, PLDT and Smart are prioritizing the delivery of essential communications and relief aid to help communities and personnel affected by the series of typhoons that have hit Northern Luzon in as many weeks," said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head for Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

As of November 14, PLDT and Smart have activated ‘Libreng Tawag, Libreng WiFi, Libreng Charging’ stations at the following locations. Additional stations will be activated in the coming days taking into consideration the safety of the location, personnel, and communities after Typhoon Pepito has passed:

Isabela:

November 14: GX3 Corp/Tech Ave Store, Panganiban St. Cor. Alfonso St., Centro East Santiago City

November 14: Baringin Covered Court, Baringin Sur, Cauayan City, Isabela

November 14: Purok 5, Malini, Santiago City, Isabela

November 15: Purok 8, Calao East, Santiago City, Isabela

November 15: GX3 Corp/Tech Ave Store, Panganiban St. Cor. Alfonso St., Centro East Santiago City

November 16: Barangay Hall, Narra, Echague , Isabela

November 16: Barangay Hall, Bunnay, Angadanan, Isabela

Cagayan:

November 16: Tuguegarao East Central Elementary School Cagayan

Affected customers in Isabela and Cagayan communities will also receive Emergency Load Assistance on top of the free calls, wifi, and charging for additional support.

Beyond providing immediate communication support to communities, PLDT and Smart continue to collaborate with local government units and Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMO) such as The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) for communications as aid with the InfoCast tool.

For relief efforts, the company with its CSR arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) continues in its distribution operations to various affected North Luzon communities. Once Typhoon Pepito has passed and upon advisory of LGUs and DRRMOs in their respective locations that it is safe to proceed, resupplied prepositioned personnel will be able to deliver the prepared relief goods.

The Group’s Libreng Tawag, Libreng WiFi initiative, and relief efforts underscore its dedication to building a safe and smart Philippines. By ensuring network resilience, providing essential communication services, and extending a helping hand to those in need, PLDT and Smart are empowering communities to recover and rebuild.

PLDT, Smart Bolster Network, Personnel Preparedness as PH Braces for 7th Storm in a Month

As the country braces for Typhoon #PepitoPH which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this weekend, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to monitor #OfelPH, the sixth weather disturbance following the wake of typhoons #JulianPH, #KristinePH, #LeonPH, #MarcePH, and #NikaPH.

“As we remain steadfast in our ongoing relief operations, we are constantly resupplying our prepositioned teams and resources in preparation for Super Typhoon Ofel and the brewing storm Pepito,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head for Corporate Communications, PLDT, and Smart. "We continue our restoration and fortification work to improve our network resilience against potential service disruptions during this unprecedented typhoon deluge."

Network services remain stable in areas in the path of Typhoon #OfelPH which has intensified even further. PLDT and Smart urge everyone in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and follow the advice of local authorities. The companies will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Typhoon Ofel intensified further and has been upgraded into a super typhoon category. PAGASA has tracked the center of the eye of Super Typhoon Ofel located 165 km East Southeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, and moving Northwestward at 15 kph with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Globe Readies Network, Personnel for ‘Marce’

Globe has begun preparations for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Marce, which entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday and is forecast to make landfall in Northern Luzon.

This is as response efforts continue in areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Typhoon Leon– consecutive storms that left considerable damage across communities on their path.

Globe is closely monitoring the track of the new weather system, which is expected to intensify into a typhoon in the next two days.

Network facilities on Marce’s path are being prepared with generator sets and batteries in anticipation of possible commercial power outages. Technical and support crews, along with supplies and emergency equipment, have been prepositioned to ensure quick response if necessary.

Globe is also ready to provide connectivity support through Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi stations in areas that may be severely affected.

“Our country has faced consecutive storms in recent weeks and many communities are still reeling from the impact of these successive weather events. We would like to assure our customers that we are making all the necessary preparations in our network facilities as we anticipate the effects of yet another storm,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Globe urges communities that may be affected by Marce to store food, water, and medicine, prepare first aid kits, emergency light sources, and batteries, and charge their mobile devices.

The public is also encouraged to get their weather updates only from legitimate sources and pay close attention to warnings sent via SMS. Globe provides free data access to the website of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

For more information on Globe’s disaster response operations, follow GlobeICON on Facebook or visit globe.com.ph for the latest #StaySafePH advisories.

PLDT Group Aid Continues in #Enteng-Hit Communities’ Areas

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, will be providing hot meals to communities in Naga City, Camarines Sur--one of the areas affected by Tropical Storm #EntengPH and the Southwest Monsoon (habagat).

The PLDT Group just concluded its Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi services to help reconnect residents to their loved ones in affected communities. During their disaster response efforts, PLDT and Smart's Infocast service also provided vital communication links to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO).

“As the country's leading integrated telco, we recognize our responsibility and critical role in disaster response. Communication as aid, like food, water, and shelter, is important during emergencies, especially during this typhoon season. We will continue to play an active role in strengthening the capacity of high-risk communities to help them prepare for, and recover from the impact of disasters,” said Cathy Yang, PLDT and Smart FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications.

All these efforts are part of PLDT and Smart’s broader commitment towards a #SafeandSmart Philippines and are aligned with the UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

ADRA Expands Aid to Filipino Communities in the Wake of the Hinatuan Earthquake

SILVER SPRING, MD (December 2023) –The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is urgently mobilizing its resources to assist the communities affected by two recent earthquakes in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, that struck on December 2. The severe quakes with a magnitude ranging from 6.8 to 7.4, and over 8,000 aftershocks killed at least three persons and displaced more than 500,000 people over 334 barangays.

The Philippines has proclaimed a state of calamity in the region due to substantial disruptions in livelihoods and massive devastation of property, as well as roads and infrastructure. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 180,000 families and children have been affected, and more than 1,700 homes have been damaged. The ADRA Emergency Response Team has been dispatched to the devastated region to assess the scope of the disaster and identify the specific needs that are urgently needed.

"Our ADRA country office in the Philippines has been coordinating assessment and relief operations with government agencies and Adventist Community Services in the Northeastern Mindanao Mission. The teams on the ground have already distributed cash assistance in some of the most affected communities," says Elizabeth Tomenko, ADRA International's senior emergency program manager. "Psychological support is desperately needed. Adults and children have reported emotional distress, fear, and irritability. Many of the coastal regions have been ravaged; fishing communities have lost livelihoods because many of their boats, fishponds, and fish cages have been ruined; they need food and a way to restart their businesses, as well as shelter. ADRA is ready to provide affected communities with the assistance they require to recover from this disaster."

The global humanitarian organization plans to provide food packs, cash for shelter repairs, and Psychological First Aid (PFA) kits, as well as train local community members on how to use PFAs to assist those facing trauma. ADRA will continue to work with trustworthy partners and local governments to get aid to the most vulnerable areas as soon as possible.

The Need for Global Support

 

ADRA relies on community and faith-based supporters, as well as contributions from independent donors, to meet the humanitarian needs caused by natural catastrophes around the world. Aid must reach vulnerable areas affected by crises, and support for ADRA's emergency relief initiatives is critical.

 
This holiday season, visit ADRA.org and become an ADRA Angel. Contribute to ADRA's global disaster fund to assist families in need in the Philippines and around the world.

PLDT, Smart scale up relief ops in North and Central Luzon, reaching more #EgayPH-hit communities

Hundreds of Filipino families have received more assistance from PLDT and Smart, as the Group ramps up the distribution of relief assistance to typhoon-hit communities in North and Central Luzon to reach more communities in need.

“PLDT and Smart have continued to collaborate and coordinate with internal and external partners to extend much-needed assistance since Egay made landfall. We remain fully committed to keeping this momentum and quickly reaching as many typhoon-hit communities as possible,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Over the last week, the PLDT Group has delivered aid in the form of food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, and blankets. Communication support such as Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng Charging (free charging), and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations, and emergency load assistance has been extended to residents in Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Benguet, Batanes, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

 

More municipalities in Aurora, Benguet, and Ilocos Sur received relief goods from the Group, with more batches of aid to be distributed to other far-flung communities in the coming days.   PLDT and Smart sales and network teams facilitated the immediate delivery of relief and turned over the goods to the communities represented by the respective Mayors of each municipality.

 

Recognizing the role of communication as a lifeline during disasters, PLDT and Smart continuously leverage their network and technology to keep communities safe. The Group recently turned over a Ligtas Kit to Casiguran, Aurora.

 

An all-in-one communications package, the Ligtas Kit aims to aid local government units, serve communities' communication needs during disasters, including residents with disabilities, and leave no one behind. 

 

“We continue to have barangays that experience limited or no mobile signal coverage. The satellite phone provided in the Ligtas Kit will be immensely valuable for our emergency response efforts,” Mayor Roy emphasized. “This tool will enable us to furnish these areas with up-to-date information about impending disasters and establish communication in case of any such event,” he further explained.

 

PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to building a #SafeandSmart Philippines through the continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. The initiative also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

PLDT, Smart extend relief assistance to Central Luzon, delivery of aid continues in North Luzon

In the wake of the devastating typhoon 'Egay', critical aid continues to be channeled into the communities that have been severely impacted. PLDT, together with its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has intensified its efforts to provide essential relief and support to the affected areas.

Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, one of the areas heavily affected by the typhoon, has received multiple shipments of sleeping kits from PLDT and Smart. These kits are invaluable for residents still seeking refuge in evacuation centers, offering them a semblance of comfort amid challenging circumstances. Moreover, La Union has benefited from an additional allocation of 400 relief packs, while Cagayan communities have been the recipients of 500 more relief bags, aiding in the ongoing recovery process.

Cathy Yang, the FVP & Group Head for PLDT & Smart, emphasized the comprehensive approach being taken by the companies and their social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF). In addition to providing essential supplies such as food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, and blankets, the organizations are partnering with the mWell team to conduct vital medical missions in the affected regions. Medical professionals from mWell will be dispatched to areas like Bulacan and Pampanga, extending essential healthcare services to those in need.

The efforts of the PLDT Group extend beyond material assistance. They are also working diligently to restore connectivity in the affected areas, recognizing the importance of reestablishing lines of communication for residents to reconnect with their loved ones. Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) sites will be set up at locations where medical missions are being conducted, offering both essential services and a means of communication.

Residents in dire need of assistance can avail themselves of the services provided by the PLDT Sales Service Center in Laoag City. This center offers Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng Charging (free charging), and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi), serving as a lifeline for those grappling with the aftermath of the typhoon.

Furthermore, the Tulong Kapatid initiative, a collaborative effort led by Manual V Pangilinan, is demonstrating solidarity by rallying companies and foundations to swiftly extend aid to affected residents and regions. The PLDT Group, along with response teams from Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, and One Meralco Foundation, remains steadfast in their commitment to deploy assistance across North and Central Luzon, offering help where it is needed most.

These collective endeavors underscore the PLDT Group's steadfast commitment to the #SafeandSmart advocacy, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals of ensuring Good Health and Well-Being (#1) and fostering Sustainable Cities and Communities (#11). In this critical time, the PLDT Group is standing shoulder to shoulder with affected communities, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to supporting and rebuilding lives in the face of adversity.

PLDT, Smart provide emergency load assistance to typhoon-hit customers in North Luzon

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) further expand support to typhoon-hit communications in the form of food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, and communications as aid. 

The Group has begun sending emergency load assistance to communities severely impacted by typhoon #EgayPH, which barreled through provinces in North Luzon.

Areas initially identified for the emergency load assistance include Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales. The Group continues to monitor affected communities and will provide aid in areas where it is needed most.

“As our network restoration progresses, we have mobilized manpower and resources to offer Libreng Tawag, Charging, and WiFi stations as well as emergency load assistance to those most affected by the typhoon," said Cathy Yang, First Vice President, and Group Head for Corporate Communications of PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart are also continuously working with local government units, response teams, and their provincial distributors to better assist residents in various North Luzon areas. The following Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Load (free load) setups remain operational today. 

 

ILOCOS NORTE 

• Araniw Barangay Hall, Laoag City 

• Apaya Barangay Hall, Laoag City  

 

Customers can also avail free calls, charging, and WiFi at the PLDT Sales, Service Centers, and Store in Laoag City.

 

Relief assistance from PLDT, Smart, and its corporate social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation including food items, toiletries, mats, and blankets will be distributed to more affected families in the coming days.  

 

The PLDT Group is also in close coordination with the rest of Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manuel V Pangilinan, to provide other forms of relief to reach more communities in need.  

 

All these efforts are part of the Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy that aims to provide immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to communities affected by disasters. This also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Egay-hit Ilocos Norte receive initial relief and comms aid from PLDT, Smart

[July 2023] As of 12nn, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have distributed the first batch of relief assistance to Egay-hit communities in Ilocos Norte.

The Group and its social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) are working with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) to bring more batches of aid more quickly to severely impacted communities in North Luzon.

“Apart from prepositioning our mission-critical equipment and personnel whenever disasters happen, we also immediately begin organizing the relief assistance we can offer to help typhoon-hit communities. This is in close coordination with PSF and AKFI so that help could get there faster,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Earlier this morning, 250 packs were delivered to Ilocos Norte, with 3,250 more on their way to reach more affected families in Abra, Aurora, Benguet, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

PLDT and Smart remain at the forefront of extending assistance in the form of food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, and communications aid to help communities affected by typhoon #EgayPH.

Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations in some parts of North Luzon will continue to operate to serve the communication needs of residents and help them connect with their families and loved ones.

ABRA

1. Bangued Plaza Poblacion, Bangued

BENGUET

1. Lindi Hotel, Legarda, Baguio City

2. Granville Office, Km4, La Trinidad

3. Tiong San, Harrison Road, Baguio City

4. Barangay Hall, Irisan Baguio City

CAGAYAN

1. Angel Cellshop Accessories Center, Centro East Ballesteros

ILOCOS NORTE

1. Vertext Capitol Branch Laoag City

2. Vertext Batac Branch, City of Batac

ILOCOS SUR

1. Caoayan Gymnasium, Poblacion, Caoayan

Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations remain available in certain areas in La Union.

LA UNION

1. Luna Civic Center, Alcala, Luna, LU

2. Balaoan Public Market, Balaoan, LU

PLDT and Smart will continue to take the lead in helping fellow Filipinos in need, especially during disasters through its #SafeandSmart advocacy, by promoting preparedness and immediate response through continuous availability of communication services, relief assistance, and mobile solutions to help communities mitigate disaster risks.

This also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Sony Philippines Supports Save the Children’s Typhoon Ulysses Emergency Response with Half Million Donation

The onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco) in mid-November brought massive flooding and widespread damages in Metro Manila and regions of Luzon, most especially in the Cagayan Valley that heavily affected more than 4.6 million people, including children.

In response to the emergency crisis, Sony Philippines raised PHP 500,000 for the victims of Typhoon Ulysses will be donated to Save the Children Philippines. This included donations from both company and employees in a matching gift program.

Since 2010, Sony Corporation, headquartered in Japan, has had a strong corporate partnership with Save the Children.

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent children’s organization and have been working in the Philippines for over three decades, protecting and supporting children in need, saving lives in emergencies, and advocating for children’s rights.

Additionally, Sony Headquarters in Japan has funded PhP 1.15 million through its “Emergency Disaster and Relief Fund for Children” in partnership with Save the Children which will provide immediately support to children and their families at the onset of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, as well as medium to long-term recovery programs.

Sony continues to support Save the Children and commits to fulfilling its joint vision of building a better world for and with the children.

Enchanted Kingdom Rolls Up Relief Efforts to Taal Evacuees

A good number of groups from private and public sectors headed to Batangas last January 18, 2020 to carry relief items for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption. Enchanted Kingdom sent out its own team to participate and help. A team from Enchanted Kingdom was welcomed by ‘Oplan Bulkan Taal’ volunteers who have been assisting affected Batanguenos who currently take shelter in Padre Pio Shrine, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. Majority of the evacuees are from the towns of Balete, Tanauan, Talisay, Taal, and Laurel who were forced to vacate their homes following the unexpected eruption of Taal last January 12, 2020.

Enchanted Kingdom gathered donations from the employees most of which were clothes, easy-to-open canned goods, drinking water, toiletries, diaper, and blankets. 

According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), nearly 100,000 people in the CALABARZON Region are affected by the recent natural crisis.