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.