Smart offers free calls to kin of OFWs in Lebanon

Mindanao-based relatives of Filipino workers in war-torn Lebanon can now call their loved ones free of charge.

Smart Communications Inc. recently opened a Libreng Tawag Center at the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) office at the fourth floor of the BGIDC Corporate Center along Gov. Lim Avenue in Zamboanga City.

The free calling facility is the fifth of Smart Libreng Tawag Centers deployed since July 20 in several OWWA offices nationwide.

The four others are located at the OWWA national office in Pasay City; OWWA Region 7 office at the mezzanine floor, LDM bldg., M.J. Cuenco Avenue cor. Legaspi st., Cebu City; OWWA Region 11 office at Door 8 PTA Complex, Magsaysay Park, Davao City; and at the Philippine Association of Mediterranean Agencies Deploying Labours Inc. (PAMADEL) Crisis Assistance Center at the PAMADEL bldg. along A. Linao cor. San Andres sts., Manila.

"There’s nothing more tormenting than not knowing how your loved ones are doing in a war-torn area. Smart is just doing its share in helping out our fellow Filipinos," said Smart Public Affairs Group head Ramon Isberto.

The Libreng Tawag Centers will provide free voice and SMS services for the families and relatives of OFWs affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

"Kahit papaano, natutuwa ako sa kabila ng gulo dahil sa ginawa ng Smart (Smart has given me something to smile about despite the conflict in Lebanon)," said Renan Guiao, who traveled 12 hours by bus from Juban, Sorsogon to visit the OWWA office in Pasay City for news about his wife, Renalisa.

Guaio said the free calling facility lightens his burden not only because he was able to talk to his wife and know how she’s going, but also because he has to be more mindful of expenses now that her employment has been interrupted.

Already, hundreds of Filipino workers have been sent home from Lebanon. Some of them have gone home to their respective provinces while others have been staying in the halfway house provided by OWWA.