Advisory 1: PLDT, Smart's network remains resilient amid #AghonPH, readies comms aid in affected areas

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) assure customers that network services have stayed resilient despite the onslaught of #AghonPH. PLDT and Smart’s network sites continue to serve affected areas, all with sufficient manpower and resources.

"We are on standby for any emergency load assistance and also alternative service delivery efforts needed for affected areas," said Cathy Yang, FVP & Group Head, Corporate Communications for PLDT & Smart. 

State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over several parts of CALABARZON due to Tropical Storm Aghon. Heavy rains also continue to affect some areas in North and Central Luzon, and Metro Manila, where TCWS Signal No. 1 has been hoisted.

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

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Advisory 2: PLDT, Smart rush communication as aid to #AghonPH-hit communities

Hours after Tropical Storm Aghon made landfall, PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. commence #LibrengTawag and #LibrengCharging services to connect affected communities.

As of this morning, PLDT and Smart free calling and charging services are available at the Quezon Convention Center located near the Provincial Capitol in Lucena, Quezon.

“We're working with authorities and our local teams to bring aid where it is needed most,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications for PLDT and Smart.

The group also continues to mobilize manpower and resources to ensure the resilience of its network, and to provide vital communication links to community responders and residents.

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Advisory 3: PLDT and Smart provide bill reprieve to #Aghon-hit areas in Luzon

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) extend more communication aid to areas heavily affected by Typhoon Aghon.

The group has assured impacted customers of continued service, with the deferment of disconnection of unpaid Smart postpaid accounts until June 2.

#LibrengTawag (free calls), #LibrengCharging (free charging), and #LibrengWiFi (free WiFi) stations of PLDT and Smart also continue to serve #AghonPH-hit communities. The following PLDT and Smart stations are currently operational to help connect affected residents to their loved ones:

Libreng Tawag/Charging/Wifi 
PLDT Sales and Service Center, Lucena, Quezon

Libreng Tawag/Charging
Mauban Municipal Hall, Mauban, Quezon

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.

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Advisory 4: PLDT, Smart, PLDT Smart Foundation turn over relief aid to Aghon-hit San Juan, Batangas 

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. have turned over relief packages to residents affected by Typhoon #AghonPH in San Juan, Batangas. Mayor Ildebrando Salud received 300 relief packs from PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) to be distributed to residents in barangays badly hit by Aghon, namely Calitcalit, Lipahan, Muzon I, Buhay na Sapa, and Talahiban. The relief bags contained rice, canned goods, instant coffee, and other food items.  

"Apart from ensuring that our communication services continue to be available, we also hope to provide aid for those who are still recovering from the typhoon," said PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Corporate Communications Head Cathy Yang.

Present during the turnover were representatives from the affected barangays. The relief distribution was facilitated by PLDT and Smart personnel headed by Smart Regional Customer Development Luzon Head Adel Orcena together with Menchie Gonzales, PLDT Batangas Zone Head Normel Talon, and PLDT South Luzon Home Sales Head Manny Figueroa.

PLDT and Smart remain committed toward 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 UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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Advisory 5: Aid for Aghon-hit communities pour in from PLDT, Smart, other MVP-led companies

More communities affected by Typhoon Aghon receive much needed aid from companies led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

"Together with PLDT Smart Foundation and  Maynilad, and in coordination with local government units, PLDT and Smart helped distribute relief packages to several barangays in Quezon, which was one of the areas badly hit by Aghon," said Cathy Yang, PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Corporate Communications Head.

Over 800 relief packs were turned over to affected residents in Barangays San Lorenzo and Tapucan in Mauban; and Barangays 5, 7, and Barra in Lucena City, Quezon. The beneficiaries received bags containing rice, canned goods, instant coffee, and other food items, as well as drinking water.

Present during the relief distribution were Mauban Vice Mayor Sir Alween Sardea, Administrator Robine Justine Cunanan, Brgy. Affairs Officer Gadie Astoveza, municipal councilors, and barangay captains Rosendo Encanto of San Lorenzo and Crisanto Mantilla of Tapucan; and Edward Sybang of Brgy. 5, Clipton Dizon of Brgy. 7, and Ken Adversario of Barra in Lucena City.

Initiatives to help communities mitigate disaster risks—which include preparedness and immediate response, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions, and other activities—are part of PLDT and Smart's commitment toward building a #SafeandSmart Philippines. This advocacy is aligned with the group's support toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.