PLDT, Smart expand FREE telco services to Paeng-hit areas

PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications provide free connectivity in provinces ravaged by the deadly Tropical Storm Paeng.

Pangilinan-led telco extends aid to Paeng-hit communities

PLDT, Smart offers FREE connectivity

In an advisory, the group said it added more free calls and free charging stations to communities severely affected by Paeng.

The Group has begun offering free calls and charging in Quezon, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao del Norte to provide communication as aid to those who need it most. PLDT and Smart also provided the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (PDRRMOs) of Batangas, Aklan, Capiz, Southern Leyte, and Maguindanao del Norte with emergency load to support their coordination efforts, said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kits are also being utilized in the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Offices of Albay, Batangas, and Bantayan Island, Cebu as they conduct their rescue and response operations.

The company also said it has been preparing relief packs for communities slammed by Paeng.

PLDT also said its network "remained resilient" in Northern Luzon despite the onslaught of Paeng. Mission-critical equipment and manpower were deployed even before Paeng further gained strength, PLDT said. 

It also noted that network assessment continues in areas experiencing service disruptions. 

Paeng entered the Philippine area of responsibility last week, traversing the country's major islands and leaving at least 90 people dead after heavy rains and strong winds triggered flash floods and landslides.