PLDT, Smart Communications, and the social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) continue to provide relief assistance and medical services to communities affected by typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri) and the southwest monsoon in North Luzon.
Typhoon Egay, the fifth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2023, made landfall on July 26 near Fuga Island in Cagayan province, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that caused widespread flooding and landslides. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that nearly 3 million people were affected by the typhoon and the monsoon, with 27 deaths and two injuries as of August 3.
“Together with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, more batches of relief bags and hygiene kits were distributed to affected families in Gonzaga, Cagayan by PLDT and Smart,” said Cathy Yang, FVP & Group Head for PLDT & Smart.
“Over two million Smart and TNT customers were recipients of emergency load assistance. Additionally affected subscribers in Batanes, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur also received load aid to help reconnect them with their friends and families. The Group also continues to offer Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi at its PLDT Sales Service Center in Laoag City.”
PLDT, Smart, and PSF are also working with Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manual V Pangilinan, to provide medical services to affected communities. A group of PLDT and Smart doctors will travel to Central Luzon communities to expand medical services in Egay-hit areas.
mWell doctors have already arrived at Ilocos Norte and have begun conducting medical consultations onsite. mWell has also extended its online medical services to serve more residents, made possible by the network and connectivity provided by PLDT and Smart.
Together with the response teams of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation and One Meralco Foundation, Tulong Kapatid will continue to provide aid where it is needed most in the coming days.
Anchored on the core value of malasakit, Tulong Kapatid continues to find ways to provide assistance to Filipinos in need. These efforts also underscore the PLDT Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy and commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #1 Good Health and Well-Being and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.
