PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) begins restoration activities in areas that were hit by Typhoon Rolly (Goni).
It is closely working with local government units for the repair of affected sites that are deemed safe and under favorable weather conditions.
Speaking on Radyo 5's Alagang Kaptid, PLDT-Smart FVP and Group head of Corporate Communications Cathy Yap-Yang told program host and Alagang Kapatid Foundation Executive Director Menchie Silvestre that the PLDT group had pre-positioned support teams before the typhoon even made landfall.
"We had already deployed our personnel and resources in areas that were on the path of Typhoon Rolly to quickly repair affected sites and maintain the resiliency of our network," she said.
On November 1, Smart fully restored services in Northern Samar after customers experienced disruptions due to Typhoon Rolly.
However, customers in hardest hit areas, particularly in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Albay, as well as in Batangas and Marinduque, may experience service disruptions because of commercial power failures and other transport-related issues. So far, Smart is monitoring 13 provinces that are experiencing weak signals.
Smart has also prepositioned personnel, network equipment, and resources to ensure the resilience of its services. PLDT-Smart also assured its customers of quick restoration of communication in areas that will be impacted by the typhoon.
To help residents with their communication needs, Smart has deployed personnel and resources for Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng Wifi in the following areas: Aurora, Bataan, Bicol, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
PLDT and Smart have also sent initial food packs to families in Quezon and Camarines Sur. Together with PLDT-Smart Foundation and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Smart has earmarked over a million pesos to deploy relief items.
PLDT is also teaming up with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to prepare at least 500 relief packs to be distributed to families in Albay and Camarines Sur who were greatly affected by the typhoon.
These efforts of providing communication as aid and immediate relief before, during and after disasters are part of PLDT and Smart's #SafeandSmart program that advocates for safer communities.