RECOGNIZING the urgent need for communication in times of calamities, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. recently deployed emergency mobile and connectivity services for communities hit by typhoon Tisoy and floods in Cagayan and Isabela provinces.

A few days after the typhoon, Smart gave free mobile data of 300 megabytes (MB) to subscribers in the affected areas. The free internet data helped the residents in getting immediate updates and reaching out to their loved ones here in the Philippines and abroad.

The free 300 MB data package was valid for two days. It was given to Smart, Sun and TNT subscribers in Masbate, Quezon, Surigao del Norte and other areas heavily affected by Tisoy.

Free calls

PLDT and Smart also set up free call and charging stations for the affected residents and responders in more than 20 locations all over the Philippines, including Cagayan and Isabela that were affected by heavy rains.

Even as they worked on restoring network and mobile data services in areas hit by Tisoy, PLDT and Smart extended libreng tawag and charging in areas where commercial power was limited and/or infrastructures were damaged.

PLDT and Smart deployed these services in areas where the lack of commercial power hampered the full restoration of services. These emergency services helped in the rebuilding efforts by enabling communication among residents, disaster response agencies, local governments, journalists and the private sector.

Smart also donated housing materials to help Albay residents whose houses were damaged by Tisoy.

The employees turned over 200 pieces of iron sheets to Team Albay Youth Organization members, who were involved in rebuilding efforts in the province.

These efforts were part of PLDT-Smart’s #SafePH program, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.