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.