NTC to telcos: Fast track restoration of services in areas hit by ‘Florita’

Barangay Casitan in Cagayan was submerged in knee-deep floodwater after relentless rains due to Severe Tropical Storm Florita. Image from Cagayan Provincial Information Office / Facebook

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunication companies to fast-track the restoration of their facilities in areas where Severe Tropical Storm Florita hit.

NTC also ordered telecommunication companies to provide public free calls and charging stations.

Last Tuesday, the NTC issued a memorandum calling on telcos to prepare for “Florita,” and ensure a “sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment in the areas forecast to be affected.”

“You are directed to fast-track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in the service areas severely affected by the typhoon,” the NTC further ordered.

“Further, you are also directed to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas affected by the typhoon,” it added.

The NTC also reminded telco companies to coordinate with local government units and observe strict health protocols to avoid the transmission of COVID-19.

It then further ordered telcos to provide an update to the NTC every six hours regarding its restoration activities.

As of writing, “Florita” had exited the Philippine area of responsibility after ravaging several parts of Luzon, specifically its northern and central portions.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said over 1,300 families were affected by the storm, with no casualties recorded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development so far.

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