PLDT wireless group responds to quake efforts

MANILA, Philippines - The wireless units of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Smart Communications Inc. and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. immediately provided assistance in the rescue and relief efforts following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Central Visayas on Tuesday morning by providing communications support to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of Bohol and Cebu.

Fixed and mobile Internet devices as well as load were quickly turned over to the provincial agencies after the disaster struck. 

To assist affected residents, “Libreng Tawag” and free mobile phone battery charging stations were set at the City Hall, Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex and People’s Mansion, all in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Smart also opened its cellsite along J. Clarin Street in Tagbilaran City for free mobile phone battery charging.

Smart provided volunteer groups such as the Chocolate Hills Amateur Radio League and Tarsier 117 with cell phone load to help in their rescue coordination efforts. It is also working with local community partners in opening up “Libreng Tawag” stations.

Meanwhile, Smart Store operations in Tagbilaran City will resume once the Ambassador Arcade building administrator provides safety clearance.

In Cebu, PLDT Jones along Osmeña Boulevard is now open while both Smart Stores in Metro Ayala and SM Cebu area will open as soon as the mall operators give the go-signal. 

“Communications play a crucial role during and in the aftermath of disasters. That’s why providing fast and timely disaster response support is standard practice for us,” said Ramon Isberto, PLDT spokesman and group head of Smart public affairs.

“More than just providing free call and power charging services to the affected communities, we also provide support to allow government and humanitarian agencies to coordinate rescue and relief efforts,” added Isberto.

The earthquake that hit the Visayas was stronger than the one that struck Haiti in January 2010. Majority of the casualties were in Bohol as the epicenter is located in the town of Carmen. The quake toppled centuries-old churches, buildings and other structures and also triggered landslides.