Connecting OFWs and loved ones for free

MANILA, Philippines - Technology, of course, is available for OFWs and their families to stay connected but the perennial problem remains: communication is still a pricey commodity. While staying connected is important, the cost of communication also becomes a drain on the family budget.

Abot Tanaw, a new means for technological interaction, provides OFWs and their families the ideal communication tool that combines high-tech telecommunications and social interaction with the desire to bring Filipino families together, while PLDT-SME Nation being its primary enabler. This is made possible through Abot Tanaw service hubs that have all the call-and-video equipment families need to get in touch with their loved ones abroad—at no cost to users.

Providing the service that allows OFWs and their families to communicate through audio and video technology is the brainchild of Abot Tanaw’s Senior Adviser Efraim Genuino and Kim Go, Abot Tanaw CEO.

“With the Abot Tanaw project, we utilize the latest technology to allow OFWs and their families the chance to see and hear each other as if they were face to face,” said Genuino. “I believe that communication is the key to keeping families strong and stable.”

Genuino and Go began their venture with the noble aim of creating bridges of communication between OFWs and their families—by providing quality service without adding to their financial burdens.

“We wanted to fulfill the needs of families to see each other regularly. Quality time with one’s loved ones need not be sacrificed completely because of high-cost or geographic distance. Filipino families have a basic need to stay in touch,” said Go, using the tag line “Dahil kailangan mo silang makita” to emphasize the urgency of the need for Abot Tanaw service hubs.

As of press time, the service hubs located at the SMX Convention in Mall of Asia, and the Abot Tanaw hubs right above the Philippine Consulate in Hongkong are operational. Soon to start operations locally are service hubs in SM branches in North EDSA, San Fernando, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao. Similar Abot Tanaw service hubs will soon open in countries like Singapore, Macau, and Dubai where there are huge numbers of OFWs.

Interested parties may now go to SMX for membership registration (G7-G8, SMX) or call (02) 403-2268.

High-tech telecoms

With PLDT-SME Nation being the primary telecommunications and infrastructure enabler to this project, families can view and talk to their relatives abroad through clear video streaming.

“PLDT has always been at the forefront of bridging communications between Flipinos — wherever they may be,” says Go.

Each hub comes equipped with telephones and LCD monitors where video streaming of the callers can be viewed, while smaller monitors are flashing the advertisements to the end-users.

The fully automated system is hassle-free and ready to use, after callers register to the social networking system by Abot Tanaw.

The video conferencing comes simultaneous and the hubs make it more private, quite unlike the experience of video chatting in Internet cafes.

Abot Tanaw’s free services are made possible through advertising and sponsorship support from various companies, individuals, government and private organizations that share its vision for creating stronger, more stable OFW families.

PLDT-SME Nation marks the telecommunications technology behind the project.

“It has always been PLDT-SME Nation’s objective to bridge communication gaps for Filipinos,” says Abelarde. “It’s good to know that there are projects like these to support our OFWs. And best of all, it comes for free.”

For more info on what PLDT-SME Nation can offer your business, you may call 101-888 or visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.