PLDT, Smart ‘Egay’ Advisory

Submitted by rmcamongol on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 14:42

Advisory 15: More aid from PLDT, Smart benefit typhoon-hit North Luzon

Braving rough roads and current weather conditions, teams of PLDT, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) travelled to Abra, Benguet, and Ilocos Norte to distribute the last tranche of aid to communities affected by Typhoon #EgayPH.

The group has been at the forefront of providing support to typhoon-hit communities since Egay hit Central and North Luzon in July. Together with MVP-led companies and foundations, PLDT, Smart and PSF have been leading the distribution of aid in the form of emergency communications, hot meals, hygiene and sleeping kits, relief packs, water, and medical and e-consultation services to communities that need them most.

“These efforts are part of our commitment to help fulfill the needs and uplift the quality of life of every Filipino,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head of PLDT and Smart Corporate Communications.

“Working with our affiliates, our partners, and our men and women on the ground, we not only offer communication as aid, but also help provide the basic needs of residents in affected areas. We thank all of those who have joined us in helping communities rebuild their lives after Typhoon Egay,” Yang added.

To date, hundreds of Filipino families have received assistance from PLDT, Smart and PSF, as the Group ramped up the distribution of relief assistance to affected communities North and Central Luzon since #EgayPH made landfall.

Recognizing the role of communication as a lifeline during disasters, PLDT and Smart also continuously leveraged on their network and technology. Communication as aid in the form of emergency load, free calling and charging services, and satellite phones, have helped keep communities safe and connected after the onslaught of the typhoon.

The communications and relief assistance offered by PLDT and Smart are part of the company’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which aims to help build resilience and mitigate risks in times of need. The initiative also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 14: PLDT, Smart scale up relief ops in North and Central Luzon, reaching more Egay-hit communities

Hundreds of Filipino families have received more assistance from PLDT and Smart, as the Group ramps up the distribution of relief assistance to typhoon-hit communities in North and Central Luzon to reach more communities in need.

“PLDT and Smart have continued to collaborate and coordinate with internal and external partners to extend much-needed assistance in various forms since Egay made landfall. We remain fully committed to keeping this momentum and quickly reach as many typhoon-hit communities as possible,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Over the last week, the PLDT Group has delivered aid in the form of food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, and blankets. Communication support such as Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng Charging (free charging), and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations, and emergency load assistance have been extended to residents in Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Benguet, Batanes, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

More municipalities in Aurora, Benguet, and Ilocos Sur received relief goods from the Group, with more batches of aid to be distributed to other far-flung communities in the coming days. PLDT and Smart sales and network teams facilitated the immediate delivery of relief and turned over the goods to the communities represented by the respective Mayors of each municipality.

Recognizing the role of communication as a lifeline during disasters, PLDT and Smart continuously leverage their network and technology to keep communities safe. The Group recently turned over a Ligtas Kit to Casiguran, Aurora.

An all-in-one communications package, the Ligtas Kit aims to aid local government units and serve the communication needs of communities during disasters, including residents with disabilities, and leave no one behind.
"We continue to have barangays that experience limited or no mobile signal coverage. The satellite phone provided in the Ligtas Kit will be immensely valuable for our emergency response efforts," Mayor Roy emphasized. "This tool will enable us to furnish these areas with up-to-date information about impending disasters and establish communication in case of any such event," he further explained.

PLDT and Smart remains fully committed to building a #SafeandSmart Philippines through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. The initiative also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 13: PLDT, Smart, MVP Group reach more in Luzon post-Egay, extending medical and relief aid

Reaching more #EgayPH-hit communities in need, PLDT, Smart, and the rest of MVP-led companies and foundations have extended relief assistance to Bataan, Benguet, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, and Pampanga.

Another leg of medical mission was conducted this weekend by Tulong Kapatid in Guagua, Pampanga.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Manny V Pangilinan and Tulong Kapatid for choosing Guagua, Pampanga as one of the sites for the medical mission and relief operations conducted by the Group. This initiative would truly help our communities recover from the impacts of the recent typhoon,” said Mayor Anthony Joseph Torres of Guagua, Pampanga.

Aside from onsite medical services and e-consultations, representatives of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Cignal, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), MMC Foundation, mWell, NLEX, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) also delivered hot meals, relief packs, sleeping kits, water and water purifiers.

“This opportunity to help Guagua has brought us here together. We are a part of one MVP Group and our collaboration at Tulong Kapatid has proven our capacity to immediately mobilize and help those in need,” said Ricky Vargas, Chief Leadership Transition Officer at PLDT and Smart.

The PLDT Group also provided connectivity to power up mWell e-consultations held at Guagua Elementary School. Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations were also set up to serve the communication needs of patients and residents.

“We continue to expand our assistance, from Libreng Tawag, Libreng Tawag and emergency load assistance, to distribution of relief goods, and now, free medical services. Our team of doctors and nurses assigned in Bulacan also extended medical services in Pampanga. We thank our teams and volunteers for their service,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

More relief packs, sleeping mats, and blankets were also delivered to various towns in Benguet and Cagayan that experienced flooding and landslides due to typhoon ‘Egay’. Additional batches of relief aid will be distributed to severely impacted communities in Ilocos Sur and Bataan in the coming days.

“We at the PLDT Group would like to reiterate our commitment of being of service to Filipinos especially during challenging times. Together with Tulong Kapatid, we are here to help the town of Guagua in the best way the Group can,” said Hoyle Disuanco, PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Head of Luzon Regional Customer Development.

PLDT and Smart remain fully committed to joining Tulong Kapatid in finding ways to help Filipinos in need. These efforts also underscore the PLDT Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy and commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #1 Good Health and Well-Being and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 12: #EgayPH aid pours in from PLDT, Smart, MVP-led companies and foundations

Aid is increasingly pouring in from the companies and foundations led by Manny V Pangilinan, to assist #EgayPH-hit communities.

Today, through Tulong Kapatid, representatives of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Cignal, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), MMC Foundation, mWell, NLEX, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) brought much-needed assistance in the form of medical and e-consultation services, medicines, hot meals, relief packs, sleeping kits, water and water purifiers to Guiguinto, Bulacan, one of the areas badly hit by the typhoon.

Mayor Atty. Agatha Paula “Agay” A. Cruz has expressed her gratitude to Tulong Kapatid.

“On behalf of the Municipality of Guiguinto, we we would like to express our gratitude for the help and assistance extended by the companies and foundations led by MVP. We salute your culture of working together to help those in need.”

Also present during the relief and medical missions were Bulacan 5th District Representative Ambrosio C. Cruz Jr. and Malis Barangay Chairman Diosdado R. Camua.

Liza del Pilar, an expectant mom of her sixth child, also thanked Tulong Kapatid for the assistance extended. A resident of Northville Bulacan, her family home was one of those badly hit by the rain and floods brought by typhoon 'Egay'. Her family has taken temporary residence at the evacuation center at Brgy. Malis, Guiguinto Bulacan.

“Umabot po hanggang leeg ang tubig baha. Nasira ang aming bahay at inanod ang lahat ng aming damit. Laking pasasalamat ko pa din sa aming LGU at sa MVP group sa pagtulong sa aming nasalanta ng bagyo.”

Father and daughter, Leopoldo and Christalyn Rodriguez, residents of GK Village, Brgy. Malis, had to evacuate for the first time in their 16 years of residence in Guiguinto, because of the typhoon. A stroke survivor, Mang Leopoldo is thankful for the free consultation and medicines provided by Tulong Kapatid. “Ngayon na humupa ang bagyo, patuloy ang pag-asa. Kami’y nanangarap makabalik sa aming tahanan. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong tulong sa aming pamilya,” he said.

Representatives from Tulong Kapatid have signified the commitment of the whole MVP-led consortium to extend help in the best way the group can.

“MPIF and the rest of Tulong Kapatid are grateful for the opportunity to assist communities in need. Part of our core advocacy in the MVP Group is our readiness to help and extend malasakit in the best way we can,” said Melody del Rosario, MPIF President.

AKFI also served hot meals onsite during the medical mission in Bulacan, with Cignal TV also providing onsite viewing for the benefit of community residents. MPIF has brought in more sleeping mats, blankets, and portable water filters this weekend.

PLDT and Smart have likewise expanded their assistance, from communications as aid to distribution of relief goods, and now, free medical services.

"PLDT and Smart have initially set up Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations to serve the communication needs of affected residents. We have followed through with sending our own company doctors, nurses, and volunteers, conducting medical services onsite in Bulacan and Pampanga, to reinforce the work mWell doctors are doing online and onsite in the Ilocos province. Additionally, internet connection has been provided to power up online medical consultations extended by mWell doctors,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

“Helping Filipinos in need is part of our lifelong mission. We would like to assure Guiguinto, Bulacan of our full support. We will remain as your reliable partners, especially during challenging times,” said Hoyle Disuanco, PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Head of Luzon Regional Customer Development.

Guiguinto Mayor Agay added, “Tunay ay sinasabi nila na walang tulong at pagmamahal na hihigit pa sa tulong ng kapatid. Bagama't naging maulan nitong mga nakaraang araw, bumabaha naman ng blessings ngayong araw. Maraming salamat po.”

The combined group is also set to visit Pampanga tomorrow, to assist more typhoon-hit communities.

Anchored on the core value of malasakit, Tulong Kapatid continues to find ways to aid Filipinos in need.

Advisory 11: PLDT, Smart extend relief assistance to Central Luzon, delivery of aid continues in North Luzon

Much-needed aid continues to be delivered to severely hit communities following the onslaught of typhoon ‘Egay’.

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have provided Laoag City in Ilocos Norte more batches of sleeping kits for residents still staying in evacuation centers. Additional 400 relief packs have been delivered to La Union, while communities in Cagayan received 500 more relief bags.

“In addition to food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, and blankets, PLDT, Smart and PLDT-Smart Foundation, will be joined by the mWell team in conducting medical missions to more typhoon-impacted areas. Our group of doctors will be traveling to Bulacan and Pampanga to serve flooded communities and provide medical assistance,” said Cathy Yang, FVP & Group Head for PLDT & Smart.

The Group’s social outreach arm PSF has finished distributing another 1,500 relief packs to Ilocos Norte. PSF also delivered relief assistance to Malolos City in Bulacan, received by the City Mayor’s Office and the Rotary Club of Malolos Hiyas.

PLDT and Smart will continue to provide connectivity in these areas to help residents reconnect with their family and friends. Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) sites will operate in sites where the medical missions will be stationed.

Residents may still avail Libreng Tawag (free calls), Libreng Charging (free charging), and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) from the PLDT Sales Service Center in Laoag City.

Extending malasakit to Filipinos in need, Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manual V Pangilinan, are working hand in hand to bring aid faster to more residents and areas affected by the typhoon.

The PLDT Group and the response teams of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation and One Meralco Foundation will continue to deploy assistance in North and Central Luzon and will continue to extend help where kapatids need it the most.

These efforts also underscore the PLDT Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy and commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #1 Good Health and Well-Being and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 10: More #EgayPH-hit communities receive PLDT, Smart, and mWell aid

Reaching more communities affected by typhoon ‘Egay’, PLDT, its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) continue to bring much-needed relief assistance to more areas in North Luzon.

"Together with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, more batches of relief bags and hygiene kits were distributed to affected families in Gonzaga, Cagayan by PLDT and Smart," said Cathy Yang, FVP & Group Head for PLDT & Smart.

"Over two million Smart and TNT customers were recipients of emergency load assistance. Additional affected subscribers in Batanes, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur also received load aid to help reconnect them with their friends and families. The Group also continues to offer Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi at its PLDT Sales Service Center in Laoag City."

PLDT, Smart and PSF are also working with Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manual V Pangilinan, to provide medical services to affected communities. A group of PLDT and Smart doctors will travel to Central Luzon communities to expand medical services in #EgayPH-hit areas.

mWell doctors have already arrived at Ilocos Norte and have begun conducting medical consultations onsite. mWell has also extended its online medical services to serve more residents, made possible by the network and connectivity provided by PLDT and Smart.

Together with the response teams of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation and One Meralco Foundation, Tulong Kapatid will continue to provide aid where it is needed most in the coming days.

Anchored on the core value of malasakit, Tulong Kapatid continues to find ways to provide assistance to Filipinos in need. These efforts also underscore the PLDT Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy and commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #1 Good Health and Well-Being and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 9: PLDT, Smart provide emergency load assistance to typhoon-hit customers in North Luzon

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) further expand support to typhoon-hit areas in the form of food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, and communications as aid.

The Group has begun sending emergency load assistance to communities severely impacted by typhoon #EgayPH, which barreled through provinces in North Luzon.

Areas initially identified for the emergency load assistance include Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales. The Group continues to monitor affected communities and will provide aid in areas where it is needed most.

“As our network restoration progresses, we have mobilized manpower and resources to offer Libreng Tawag, Charging, and WiFi stations as well as emergency load assistance to those most affected by the typhoon," said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Communications of PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart are also continuously working with local government units, response teams and their provincial distributors to better assist residents in various North Luzon areas. The following Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Load (free load) setups remain operational today.

ILOCOS NORTE
Araniw Barangay Hall, Laoag City
Apaya Barangay Hall, Laoag City

Customers can also avail free calls, charging, and WiFi at the PLDT Sales, Service Centers, and Store in Laoag City.

Relief assistance from PLDT, Smart, and its corporate social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation including food items, toiletries, mats, and blankets will be distributed to more affected families in the coming days.

The PLDT Group is also in close coordination with the rest of Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manuel V Pangilinan, to provide other forms of relief to reach more communities in need.

All these efforts are part of the Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy that aims to provide immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to communities affected by disasters. This also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 8: PLDT, Smart relief, communication assistance expand in #EgayPH-hit North Luzon

Together with Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manuel V Pangilinan, PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) expanded distribution of much needed aid in #EgayPH-hit North Luzon.

Beneficiaries included communities in Bangui and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, made possible through close coordination with the office of Congressman Sandro A. Marcos.

"PLDT, Smart and PSF is set to distribute over a thousand relief bags, rice packs bundled with Alagang Kapatid Foundation aid, and hygiene kits in Cagayan Province. This complements the ongoing relief efforts of our partners from One Meralco Foundation, Metro Pacific Investment Foundation, and Makati Medical Center Foundation in affected communities," said Cathy Yang, PLDT and Smart FVP and group head of Corporate Communications

Last week, PLDT, Smart and PSF immediately deployed assistance in the form of relief bags, and hygiene kits and to families in Abra, Aurora, Benguet, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

Communication as aid also continues in typhoon-hit communities to reconnect residents with their loved ones. PLDT and Smart are providing Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging services to select areas of Ilocos Norte, following the resumption of commercial power in typhoon-hit communities.

Libreng Tawag/Libreng Charging/Libreng WiFi:

PLDT Laoag Sales Service Center

Libreng Tawag/Libreng Charging:

Vertext Capitol Branch, beside Iglesis Indipendiente, Rival St., Laoag City

Vertext Batac Branch, City of Batac

Technical teams are also working round-the-clock to restore the remaining services affected by the typhoon.

These efforts are part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response through continuous availability of communication services, relief assistance, and mobile solutions to help communities mitigate disaster risks.

This also underscores the commitment of the Group to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 7: Egay-hit Ilocos Norte receive initial relief and comms aid from PLDT, Smart

[29 July 2023] As of 12nn, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have distributed the first batch of relief assistance to Egay-hit communities in Ilocos Norte.

The Group and its social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) are working with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) to bring more batches of aid more quickly to severely impacted communities in North Luzon.

“Apart from prepositioning our mission-critical equipment and personnel whenever disasters happen, we also immediately begin organizing the relief assistance we can offer to help typhoon-hit communities. This is in close coordination with PSF and AKFI so that help could get there faster,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Earlier this morning, 250 packs were delivered to Ilocos Norte, with 3,250 more on their way to reach more affected families in Abra, Aurora, Benguet, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

PLDT and Smart remain at the forefront of extending assistance in the form of food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, and communications aid to help communities affected by typhoon #EgayPH.

Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations in some parts of North Luzon will continue to operate to serve the communication needs of residents and help them connect with their families and loved ones.

ABRA
Bangued Plaza Poblacion

BENGUET
Lindi Hotel, Legarda, Baguio City
Granville Office, Km4, La Trinidad
Tiong San, Harrison Road, Baguio City
Barangay Hall, Irisan Baguio City

CAGAYAN
Angel Cellshop Accessories Center, Centro East Ballesteros

ILOCOS NORTE
Vertext Capitol Branch Laoag City
Vertext Batac Branch

ILOCOS SUR
Caoayan Gymnasium, Poblacion

Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations remain available in certain areas in La Union.

LA UNION
Luna Civic Center, Alcala
Balaoan Public Market

PLDT and Smart will continue to take the lead in helping fellow Filipinos in need especially during disasters through its #SafeandSmart advocacy, by promoting preparedness and immediate response through continuous availability of communication services, relief assistance, and mobile solutions to help communities mitigate disaster risks.

This also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 6: PLDT, Smart extend relief, restore network, offer free calls and charging to more Egay-hit areas

[28 July 2023] As of 11am, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have started preparing relief assistance to be distributed in the coming days to communities heavily affected by typhoon #EgayPH.

The Group is also coordinating and collaborating with its social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. and the rest of Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of MVP-led organizations and foundations, to bring much-needed aid to evacuated families due to ‘Egay’.

“Our restoration work continues in communities severely affected by the typhoon. Some areas may still experience signal disruptions due to power outages affecting all telco operators. We assure our customers that our network teams are working nonstop to fully restore PLDT and Smart’s signal in affected sites,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart also remind customers to reset their home modems after any disruption, to check the service once restoration has been completed.

Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations continue to operate in the following sites to serve the communication needs of more residents.

ABRA
1. VNA Office, Ovadera Mall, Zone 3, Bangued

BENGUET
1. Lindi Hotel, 12 Legarda Road, Baguio City
2. Tiong San, Harrison Road, Baguio City
3. Barangay Hall, Irisan, Baguio City
4. Granville Office, Km4, Pico, La Trinidad

CAGAYAN
1. Barangay Hall, Bulala, Camalaniugan
2. Gonzaga Gymnasium, Gonzaga
3. Angel Cellphone and Accessories Center, Centro East Ballesteros

ILOCOS NORTE
1. VERTEXT Capitol branch, beside Iglesia Independiente, Rival St., Laoag City
2. Barangay Hall, Metro La Paz, Laoag City
3. VERTEXT Batac Branch, Batac City
4. Barangay Hall, Gabu, Laoag City

ILOCOS SUR
1. Petron Vigan, Barangay 8, Vigan City

Additional Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) stations were set up in La Union.

LA UNION
1. Luna Civic Center, Alcala, Luna
2. Balaoan Public Market, Balaoan

The Group advises the public to take necessary precautions and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.

Advisory 5: PLDT, Smart fast-track restoration as Egay departs, offer free calls and free charging to worst-hit areas

[27 July 2023] As of 1pm, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are hastening the restoration of their fixed and wireless networks in areas experiencing commercial power failure due to Typhoon Egay.

The Group’s network operations and emergency response teams have been working around the clock to bring back network services in worst-hit areas.

“Based on the initial assessment of our teams on the ground, PLDT and Smart’s network remains resilient except in areas with power outages and damaged infrastructure, and disruptions reported can be considered manageable. Our command center continues to monitor the situation,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart will also begin operating Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations in the following sites to serve the communication needs of affected residents.

ABRA
1. VNA Office, Ovadera Mall, Zone 3, Bangued

BENGUET
1. Lindi Hotel, 12 Legarda Road, Baguio City
2. Granville Office, Km4, Pico, La Trinidad

CAGAYAN
1. Barangay Hall, Bulala, Camalaniugan
2. Gonzaga Gymnasium, Gonzaga

ILOCOS NORTE
1. VERTEXT Capitol branch, beside Iglesia Independiente, Rival St., Laoag City
2. VERTEXT Main branch, JBL Bldg., Barangay 18, Laoag City
3. Barangay Hall, Caaoacan, Laoag City
4. Barangay Hall, La Paz, Laoag City

ILOCOS SUR
1. VNA Vigan Office, UNP Town Centre, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

An additional Libreng Tawag and Libreng WiFi (free WiFi) station was set up in La Union.

LA UNION
1. Luna Civic Center, Alcala, Luna, La Union

The Group advises the public to take necessary precautions and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.

Advisory 4: PLDT, Smart restoration teams assess Egay-hit areas, set up command center in Dau

[26 July 2023] As of 8am, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to work on ensuring their fixed and wireless networks remain resilient following typhoon #EgayPH’s passage.

The Group has activated its command center in Dau, Pampanga, and has been conducting 24/7 monitoring of services in storm-hit communities. These activities have commenced alongside the prepositioning of generator sets, back-up fuel, and satellite phones, across storm-hit areas of North Luzon.

“To ensure the stability and resilience of both our fixed and wireless networks in times of disasters, our local response team in Dau, Pampanga, together with our main Integrated Operations Center (IOC) in Makati continue to monitor our services and resources,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart services remain available except in areas affected by commercial power failure.

“With top-tier network monitoring and multimedia conferencing facilities, PLDT and Smart's IOC and command centers have enabled our network teams to work more efficiently and effectively despite the typhoon,” Yang added.

Weather bureau PAGASA reported that typhoon #EgayPH made its landfall at Aparri, Cagayan and is currently moving west southwestward over its coastal waters.

We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.

PLDT and Smart remain at the forefront of providing quick, emergency communications support to people and communities in times of disaster.

Advisory 3: PLDT, Smart set up Egay response teams in North Luzon, reinforcing readiness ahead of super typhoon

[25 July 2023] As of 11am, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have already deployed mission-critical equipment and emergency response teams to various North Luzon provinces in the path of super typhoon #EgayPH.

“Underscoring our group-wide readiness ahead of the super typhoon, PLDT and Smart network operations personnel along with their equipment have arrived in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Cagayan to ensure quick response as needed. We have also set up one command center each in North and South Luzon to boost our preparedness and be closest to our customers as the typhoon barrels through,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Weather bureau PAGASA reported earlier this morning that super typhoon ‘Egay’ is forecasted to make its landfall or pass close to Babuyan Islands or the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between late evening today or early Wednesday morning.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) no. 5 has also been raised over the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands. Meanwhile, the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan and the rest of Babuyan Islands are experiencing TCWS no. 4 and TCWS no. 3 over the northeastern portion of Isabela, the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, eastern portion of Ilocos Norte, northeastern portion of Kalinga and Batanes.

“Resources such as generator sets, back-up fuel, and satellite phones across North Luzon and other areas that may be affected, have been pre-positioned, and are ready for use, once the need arises. As part of our commitment, PLDT and Smart have also begun preparing Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations should there be any power or signal interruptions,” Yang added.

The Provincial Government of Batanes also announced on its official Facebook page that PLDT and Smart’s technical teams are already in the province working on ensuring there will be stable connectivity amid super typhoon #EgayPH.

Recognizing the crucial role of communications in times of disasters, PLDT and Smart continue to leverage their technology and network to extend assistance to local communities especially the most vulnerable ones.

In October 2022, the Group turned over a Ligtas Kit to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Cagayan.
The PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit is an all-in-one communications package that provides quick, emergency communications support to communities in times of a disaster through with the following equipment packed in a protective hard case: power station, solar panel, rechargeable handy megaphone, crank radio, satellite phone (SAT), smart phone, LTE pocket Wi-Fi and rechargeable flashlight and whistle.

“Cagayan has experienced numerous typhoons and earthquakes in recent years. We are also on the lookout for tsunamis since our province is composed of several coastal areas. The Ligtas Kit from PLDT and Smart will help our response teams during their rescue operations. These kinds of gadgets can also assist us in performing our duties better and serving our kababayans in need faster,” said Arnold Azucena, member of TFLC under Cagayan PDRRMO.

PLDT and Smart remains fully committed to building a #SafeandSmart Philippines through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. The initiative also underscores the commitment of PLDT and Smart to attaining the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 2: PLDT, Smart mission-critical manpower and equipment ready as typhoon ‘Egay’ intensifies

[24 July 2023] As of 6am, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) remain on standby with mission-critical manpower and equipment already pre-positioned in areas along the routes of #EgayPH which has now intensified into a typhoon.

“We are continuously monitoring the current situation due to typhoon ‘Egay’ and any impact it may have as it maintains its strength over Philippine seas. Our emergency operations teams and network satellite offices have been preparing since the first-issued weather advisory,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, typhoon ‘Egay’ is likely to intensify into a super typhoon by late Tuesday evening or Wednesday afternoon. ‘Egay’ is also expected to make its landfall in the Babuyan Islands and Batanes within the same timeframe and will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) no. 2 has been raised over the southeastern portion of Isabela and northeastern portion of Catanduanes. With the downward shift of the typhoon’s track, the current forecast shows that the highest wind signal that may be raised is TCWS no. 4 or 5.

“PLDT and Smart will deploy additional equipment and personnel as necessary while we continue our close coordination with local authorities and our teams on the ground. We want to ensure our customers that we are working around the clock to provide stable connectivity despite the typhoon. We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities,” added Cathy Yang.

The PLDT Group is fully committed to providing Filipino communities with continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. This is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal#11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Advisory 1: PLDT, Smart ready to deploy communications aid amid STS ‘Egay’

[23 July 2023] As of 11am, Philippine Standard Time, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have pre-positioned mission-critical manpower and equipment to be deployed in areas that may be affected by severe tropical storm (STS) #EgayPH.

“The Group is already working on getting our emergency response teams and equipment ready in anticipation of ‘Egay’ in the coming days. We will also start to roll out communications aid in affected areas following the assessment of our teams on the ground,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Weather bureau PAGASA reported that ‘Egay’ had intensified into a severe tropical storm while moving westward. Additionally, STS ‘Egay’ may cause wind signals in some areas in Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas within the day. Movement of STS ‘Egay’ may still change.

We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.

PLDT and Smart remain fully committed towards building a #SafeandSmart Philippines by promoting preparedness and immediate response through continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and activities to help communities mitigate disaster risks. This is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal#11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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