OFWs in Hong Kong may now avail of free calls to any of the three hotline numbers of the PCG: 91554023 for Assistance to Nationals; 60808323 for Labor Section and 63459324 for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

PLDT Global President Alex Caeg said the free call service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week without airtime deduction from the subscriber’s load. “This public service is being extended to Smart Pinoy subscribers in Hong Kong,” he added. The hotline numbers can also be accessed thru the Smart Pinoy App, which can be downloaded thru Google Play Store.

Aside from free calls, Smart Pinoy subscribers will also be able to send messages to the PCG for free. Labor-releated inquiries as well as matters concerning their stay in Hong Kong can be sent to the special access code 1528242 dedicated to the PCG. 

“Sending concerns and inquiries to the PCG is as simple as composing text messages to friends thru the special access code 1528242. All messages will be delivered to a secured online portal which will be accessed by authorized PCG personnel. The secured online portal will be used by PCG personnel to send reply to our fellow OFWs’ inquiries. With the free call and SMS services, Smart Pinoy subscribers will now have the ease of access to the Philippine Consulate anytime and anywhere,” said PLDT Hong Kong Senior Marketing Manager Joanna Uson.

“PLDT Hong Kong and Smart Pinoy are also opening its doors to OFWs scheduled to go on vacation to the Philippines by making the application and processing of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) available at Smart Pinoy Center Shop 109 in World-Wide House, Central,” said PLDT Hong Kong General Manager Edith Gomez.

Processing of application will be open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Sundays. OFWs will receive an SMS on the date their OECs will be available for pick-up few days from the date of application, making it convenient for all applicants. 

“The consular services that were launched form part of our commitment to strengthen our CSR programs and be of service to the Filipino community in Hong Kong in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate. Other consular services in the pipeline will be launched as soon as systems are in place,” Caeg concluded.

“These additional services of PLDT Hong Kong will effectively support my advocacy of providing more efficient services to our kababayan in Hong Kong,” noted the newly-arrived Consul General Bernardita Catalla.