PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have mobilized personnel, equipment, and relief aid as Severe Tropical Storm Maring pounds northern Luzon. Quick response teams have been deployed to repair sites impacted by heavy rains and flooding.
PLDT and Smart have engaged local government units on how they can assist communities that were ravaged by Maring. The group is preparing to send out food packs to severely affected communities. Smart is also ready to deploy Libreng Tawag (free calls) and Libreng Charging (free charging) stations in areas experiencing disruptions in communications. These pop-up booths have been the lifeline for affected residents to connect with their relatives.
Maring made landfall in the vicinity of Fuga Island in Cagayan. By morning, the government reported more than 24 flooded areas in northern Luzon. The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday moving towards Hainan, China.
PLDT and Smart are helping the government build a #SafeandSmart Philippines by championing initiatives that promote a culture of preparedness, provide immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to communities affected by disasters, and aid in recovery.
