The country’s two largest mobile phone companies are providing essential communication services amid continued heavy rains and widespread flooding.
PLDT Group and Globe Telecom are offering free calls, texts and data to customers in the severely impacted areas to help them stay connected during the ongoing weather emergency.
“Staying connected is a lifeline in times like these,” said Manuel 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 said.
Pangilinan, who is also president and chief executive of Manila Electric Co., also directed the power company to position and deploy high bed and amphibious trucks, motorized boats, and trained rescue teams in flooded areas.
Anastacio Martirez, chief operating officer of Smart, stressed 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,” he said.
The free calls, text and data are now accessible to subscribers in Angono, Bataan, Bulacan, Cainta, Las Pinas, Marikina, Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasig, Tarlac, Taytay and Zambales. PLDT and Smart said they would continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with local authorities to extend assistance where needed.
Globe 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, along with 100MB of data for all apps and an additional 100MB for Facebook, Viber, and more, valid for one day. Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi eligible customers can access 5GB of free open data for three days, while GFiber Prepaid subscribers in affected areas are given a three-day promo extension.
For Globe Postpaid and GFiber Postpaid customers, payment due dates are being extended to help ease the burden during this difficult time.
Globe also invites its customers to take part in the relief efforts. Those with Globe Rewards points can donate to the Ayala Foundation’s Hapag Movement directly through the GlobeOne app. GCash users can also send donations to the Ayala Foundation by scanning the QR code provided or via the app’s donation feature.
Globe said it remains committed to keeping communities connected and supported when it matters most.
