PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have fully restored fixed and wireless services in areas that were impacted by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that rocked Abra on Wednesday. However, services may be affected by the availability of commercial power in places that bore the brunt of the tremors.
“We continue to monitor the situation in quake-hit areas as reports of aftershocks come in. Our quick response teams are on standby ready to address service issues that might arise from these events,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
As residents in severely impacted communities recover from the devastation, PLDT and Smart continue to operate ‘Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng WiFi (free WiFi)’ stations to serve their communication needs.
PLDT and Smart, together with PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), are preparing to distribute around 2,000 bags of relief aid in communities across Abra, Benguet, and Ilocos Sur.
Smart had also sent emergency load assistance to affected customers in these provinces, as well as those in Mountain Province. The Smart Store in San Fernando, La Union and at SM Baguio had likewise reopened to serve the public.
PLDT and Smart’s quick response to communication service issues, activation of ‘Libreng Tawag, Libreng WiFi’ stations and aid distribution underscore the PLDT Group’s commitment to creating a safe and smart Philippines by providing immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to communities affected by disasters, and aid in recovery.
The programs in helping communities become more resilient in times of calamity are in line with the commitment of PLDT and Smart to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #11 of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by significantly reducing the number of people affected by disasters.
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