“Underscoring our group-wide readiness ahead of the super typhoon, PLDT and Smart network operations personnel along with their equipment have arrived in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Cagayan to ensure quick response as needed. We have also set up one command center each in North and South Luzon to boost our preparedness and be closest to our customers as the typhoon barrels through,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
Weather bureau PAGASA reported earlier this morning that super typhoon ‘Egay’ is forecasted to make its landfall or pass close to Babuyan Islands or the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between late evening today or early Wednesday morning.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) no. 5 has also been raised over the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands. Meanwhile, the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan and the rest of Babuyan Islands are experiencing TCWS no. 4 and TCWS no. 3 over the northeastern portion of Isabela, the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, eastern portion of Ilocos Norte, northeastern portion of Kalinga and Batanes.
“Resources such as generator sets, back-up fuel, and satellite phones across North Luzon and other areas that may be affected, have been pre-positioned, and are ready for use, once the need arises. As part of our commitment, PLDT and Smart have also begun preparing Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations should there be any power or signal interruptions,” Yang added.
The Provincial Government of Batanes also announced on its official Facebook page that PLDT and Smart’s technical teams are already in the province working on ensuring there will be stable connectivity amid super typhoon #EgayPH.
Recognizing the crucial role of communications in times of disasters, PLDT and Smart continue to leverage their technology and network to extend assistance to local communities, especially the most vulnerable ones.
In October 2022, the Group turned over a Ligtas Kit to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Cagayan.
The PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit is an all-in-one communications package that provides quick, emergency communications support to communities in times of a disaster through with the following equipment packed in a protective hard case: power station, solar panel, rechargeable handy megaphone, crank radio, satellite phone (SAT), smart phone, LTE pocket Wi-Fi and rechargeable flashlight and whistle.
“Cagayan has experienced numerous typhoons and earthquakes in recent years. We are also on the lookout for tsunamis since our province is composed of several coastal areas. The Ligtas Kit from PLDT and Smart will help our response teams during their rescue operations. These kinds of gadgets can also assist us in performing our duties better and serving our kababayans in need faster,” said Arnold Azucena, member of TFLC under Cagayan PDRRMO.
PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to building a #SafeandSmart Philippines through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. The initiative also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
#SafeandSmart
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