The country’s two largest mobile phone companies are offering free calls, texts, and data to customers in severely flooded areas to help them stay connected during the ongoing weather emergency.
Free calls, texts, and data are now available to subscribers in Angono, Bataan, Bulacan, Cainta, Las Piñas, Marikina, Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasig, Tarlac, Taytay, and Zambales. PLDT and Smart said they will continue monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to provide support where needed.
“Staying connected is a lifeline in times like these,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive of PLDT and Smart.
“We don’t hesitate to support our customers when it matters most. Our entire Group is mobilizing to help as many Filipinos as we can,” he added.
Pangilinan, who is also president and CEO of Meralco, also directed the power company to deploy high-bed and amphibious trucks, motorized boats, and trained rescue teams in flooded areas.
Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, COO of Smart, emphasized the importance of rapid response: “We’ve activated free calls, texts, and data in affected areas so our customers can reach out for help or to their loved ones. Keeping our network up and our services available is our top priority.”
Globe Telecom is also taking immediate steps to support affected communities through communication aid and relief assistance in the wake of Typhoon Crising.
“Filipinos in impacted areas can stay connected with loved ones through Globe’s emergency offers. In times like this, it’s critical that we help communities stay connected and feel supported,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.
Globe Prepaid and TM customers will receive free unlimited calls and texts to all networks, 100MB of data for all apps, and an additional 100MB for Facebook, Viber, and more, valid for one day. Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users in affected areas will receive 5GB of free open data for three days, while GFiber Prepaid users will get a three-day promo extension.
For Globe Postpaid and GFiber Postpaid customers, payment due dates are being extended to help ease financial burdens during this difficult time.
Globe is also encouraging customers to contribute to relief efforts. Those with Globe Rewards points may donate to the Ayala Foundation’s Hapag Movement via the GlobeOne app. GCash users can donate through the app’s donation feature or by scanning a provided QR code.
Globe said it remains committed to keeping communities connected and supported when it matters most.
