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.