PLDT provided broadband connection at the command center of the local government units (LGU) in Makilala, North Cotabato and Kidapawan City after the magnitude 6.5 earthquake and aftershocks that ravaged Mindanao in October which affected almost 200,000 people.

Through its Community Relations (ComRel) Division, PLDT also donated some 500 blankets, divided equally among residents in the Municipality of Makilala and Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.

“The strong earthquake damaged the Makilala Municipal Hall, so the emergency operations center was set up in tents where we installed PLDT's Home Fibr Connection,” related PLDT GenSan-Cotabato CX Zone Head Melvin Lacuna. “Free calls and free wifi connection powered the municipality to cope up with its day to day operations,” he said.

PLDT also provided free wifi connection at the LGU command center in Kidapawan City. The free internet connection has efficiently linked the LGUs, local disaster teams and military personnel with the local agencies, barangays , national government and the general public.

“Saddened by the disaster that struck Mindanao, we are extending help by providing reliable connectivity which makes it easier for LGUs to get help from relevant agencies. We have also distributed blankets which offered warmth and protection especially for the elderly and the indigenous communities seeking shelter in evacuation centers in Makilala and Kidapawan,” said PLDT ComRel Head Katherine Diaz De Rivera.

The distribution of blankets was facilitated by the PLDT GenSan –Cotabato employee volunteers headed by Lacuna. Makilala Mayor Armando M. Quibod also joined the PLDT team in the distribution efforts.