Advisory 2: PLDT, Smart sustain relief distribution as network restoration and fortification progresses

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are closely monitoring the situation in Northern Luzon as Tropical Cyclone Nika passes west of the Philippines, with Typhoon Ofel closely following in the wake of the series of typhoons of a similar track.

As of 4 AM of November 12, PAGASA reported that Nika was 185 kilometers west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, with peak winds of 95 kph and gusts of up to 115 kph. The storm is moving northwest at 30 kph, extending storm-force winds up to 320 km from its center. Ofel, located 1,170 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, packs maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gusts of up to 90 kph. It is moving west-northwestward at 25 kph, with strong to gale-force winds extending up to 230 kilometers from its center.

“The Group has prepositioned teams and resources for response efforts once the storms have passed. Relief packs continue to be distributed to vulnerable populations in affected areas,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head for Corporate Communications, PLDT and Smart. “As of today, PLDT and Smart have completed the restoration of the wireless network in most of the Northern Luzon provinces, while services in severely hit provinces of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao are now more than 90% restored. The Smart network in Batanes is partially available, with restoration and fortification works ongoing to improve resilience against future typhoons.

PLDT and Smart urge everyone in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and follow the advice of local authorities. The companies will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. 

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Advisory: PLDT, Smart extend aid to North Luzon communities as typhoons Nika and Ofel threaten 

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are closely monitoring the situation in Northern Luzon as Tropical Cyclone Nika and the developing Tropical Depression Ofel approach the region. These storms follow a series of powerful typhoons, including Julian, Kristine, Leon, and Marce, which have already caused significant damage to the area.

“The Group has prepositioned teams and resources for response efforts once the storms have passed. In the meantime, relief packs have been distributed to vulnerable populations in affected areas, including the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and other individuals in need,” said Cathy Yang, FVP & Group Head for Corporate Communications, PLDT & Smart.

In the spirit of malasakit, the foundations and CSR units of companies led by Manny V. Pangilinan, under the banner of Tulong Kapatid, have also come together to reach hard-hit communities.

PLDT, Smart, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI), Cignal TV, Landco Pacific Corporation, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, One Meralco Foundation, TV5, and other partners have provided essential relief items such as food packs, sleeping kits, clothing, linen, hygiene kits, water, solar lamps, and medicines such as doxycycline and paracetamol to affected communities and employees. Through the past four typhoons, PLDT group assistance, in the form of communication as aid and relief packs were deployed by teams on-ground.

All these efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has reported the center of Typhoon #NikaPH was located at 100 km East Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora and moving West Northwestward at 20 kph with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.