Behind the group of PLDT engineers who have been working tirelessly to bring back communication and connectivity in Eastern Visayas following super typhoon Odette is a leader who values preparedness and ‘malasakit’ (compassion). The company culture has enabled PLDT Division Head Coordinator for East Visayas Fixed Field Services Isabelo “Beloy” Rosales in effectively managing the restoration efforts in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Samar.
Beloy, as he is affectionately called by his colleagues, is no stranger to tropical cyclones. Having spent 12 years in a region that often finds itself in the path of powerful typhoons, Beloy believes he has been equipped with knowledge and skills in responding to calamities. He proudly said, “I came prepared for Typhoon Odette.”
He may have been in Cebu when Odette pummeled Eastern Visayas, but that didn't stop him from effectively steering his team and managing their responses, after Odette left a trail of devastation.
Days before Odette was expected to hit the region, Beloy had already prepositioned his Emergency Response Team (ERT) and stocked up on restoration materials and equipment. He also ensured that their vehicles were fully fueled. With state weather bureau PAGASA warning the public of the typhoon's strength, Beloy also booked a chainsaw operator for clearing operations, and most importantly, secured food and water for the personnel.
“The safety and welfare of our engineers is my top priority. That is why I made sure that they have enough food and water for at least five days before relief aid arrives,” he said.
His ‘malasakit’ to communities keeps him going despite being a typhoon victim himself. Typhoon Odette left huge damage to his house, but fortunately, his family was safe as he was able to secure them immediately when the typhoon started ravaging their home.
“Restoring communication and connectivity after a calamity is our job, but it still feels rewarding to hear the gratefulness and appreciation of the people for the things we do,” Beloy said.
After managing the restoration in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Samar, he was then deployed to Bohol right after the new year to lead the emergency response efforts in the province. “Things are still difficult in Bohol. I still have not gotten enough sleep since I came here, but we will continue to work to bring back PLDT and Smart services in severely affected communities,” he said.
These efforts from dedicated PLDT and Smart frontliners underscore the companies’ #SafeandSmart advocacy, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.
