PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the group’s social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) have extended additional assistance to provinces in Eastern Visayas heavily impacted by Super Typhoon Odette.
“Smart has been very helpful in our response efforts as it was the first network to bring back communication services after Odette devastated our town. On behalf of the municipality of Sogod, we thank Smart and PSF for the additional support,” said Municipal Mayor Imelda Tan of Sogod, Southern Leyte.
The municipalities of Sogod and Limasawa in Southern Leyte have received relief packs, generator sets and water filters for affected communities. More help continues to pour into the hardest hit provinces.
Also receiving additional support is Ormoc City, which received Smart Bro Pocket WiFi devices for the city’s 400 scholars, activaton of Smart Infocast for the LGU’s offices, and deployment of road signages, to maintain peace and order in the city.
Tacloban City likewise received road signages and over 2,000 vaccines in support for the LGU’s continued thrust to inoculate its constituents against COVID-19.
“We are happy to show our simple gesture of support for Eastern Visayas. We are ready to extend our assistance to our various LGU partners,” said Hoyle Disuanco, First Vice President and Group Head of Smart Regional Customer Development Visayas and Mindanao.
Following Odette’s massive destruction to the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Smart and PSF have continuously worked together to help bring relief to the affected areas. PLDT and Smart have also provisioned communications aid via set up of Free Call, Charging and WiFi stations to help over 50 Odette-hit areas. The group has also been supporting various LGUs’ vaccination efforts to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
These efforts form part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. These initiatives also underscore the commitment of PLDT and Smart to help the country attain the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. (Press Release)
