FREE CALL Typhoon victims form a long queue for a free call at the Smart PLDT station in Quezon province. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Residents of communities ravaged by Typhoon “Tisoy” received emergency mobile and connectivity services from PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., to help them get immediate updates and reach out to their loved ones in the Philippines and abroad.
After the typhoon’s onslaught, Smart offered free 300 MB data to Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers in stricken areas in the provinces of Masbate, Quezon, and Surigao del Norte.
The data package was valid for two days.
“Libreng tawag” (free calls) and charging stations were set up for responders and affected residents in more than 20 locations nationwide where commercial power was limited and/or infrastructure and facilities were damaged, including the flooded provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.
PLDT and Smart deployed these emergency services to assist in rebuilding efforts by enabling communication.