Free calls for typhoon victims; Telco calls for aid

RESPONDING to the widespread devastation caused by Tropical Storm Sendong, a telecommunications company has set up free call (libreng tawag) stations in disaster-hit areas for typhoon victims to call their relatives.

Last Saturday, Smart Communications Inc. set up libreng tawag stations in evacuation centers and barangay halls in affected areas of Macasandig, Carmen, Kauswagan and Velez Street in Cagayan De Oro City; and Camanjac and Batinguel in Dumaguete City.

Additional free call facilities are also being put up in other typhoon-hit areas in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan cities.

The libreng tawag stations offer free calls, free phone charging, and in some sites, free Internet communications.

“Smart employees based in the region have been deployed to affected areas to assess the situation and to respond to the needs of the residents in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto.

Smart is also calling on its subscribers all over the country to help the typhoon victims. Smart Money users can transfer funds through their mobile phones to Baha Fund account number 5577 5130 6822 1104.

Donors may also deposit cash to the same account number in any Banco De Oro branch nationwide or through Hapinoy and Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.

They may also send their financial help to Philippine Red Cross through text. Cell phone users should send RED <AMOUNT> to 4143. Valid donation amounts are 10, 25, 50 and 100 and will be charged to the subscriber’s prepaid load or postpaid bill.