In the wake of typhoon Egay (Doksuri) and the southwest monsoon that struck North Luzon, the PLDT Group, comprising PLDT, Smart Communications, and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), has extended its support to the affected communities. Through various relief and medical assistance efforts, the telecom giant and its social outreach arm have shown their commitment to the welfare of Filipinos during times of calamity. This article highlights the initiatives taken by PLDT, Smart, and mWell in aiding the typhoon-hit regions and emphasizes their dedication to the core value of malasakit (compassion) and the fulfillment of important United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Relief Assistance for Affected Families
Typhoon Egay, the fifth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2023, brought havoc to North Luzon, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that nearly 3 million people were affected, resulting in 27 fatalities and two injuries as of August 3.
In response to the crisis, PLDT and Smart joined forces with Alagang Kapatid Foundation to distribute batches of relief bags and hygiene kits to affected families in Gonzaga, Cagayan. The assistance aimed to provide immediate relief to those struggling in the aftermath of the typhoon.
Emergency Load Assistance for Subscribers
To ensure that communication lines remained open for those affected by the disaster, over two million Smart and TNT customers were provided with emergency load assistance. Subscribers in Batanes, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur were also given load aid to help them reconnect with their friends and families during this difficult time. Additionally, the PLDT Sales Service Center in Laoag City offered Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi services to further support the affected communities.
Medical Services for Affected Communities
Recognizing the urgent need for medical assistance, PLDT, Smart, and PSF collaborated with Tulong Kapatid, a corporate social responsibility consortium of companies and foundations led by Manuel V Pangilinan. A group of PLDT and Smart doctors traveled to Central Luzon communities to expand medical services in the areas affected by Typhoon Egay.
The mWell initiative, a digital health platform, also played a crucial role in extending medical services to the affected communities. mWell doctors arrived at Ilocos Norte and began conducting medical consultations on-site. The online medical services were made possible by the network and connectivity provided by PLDT and Smart, enabling them to serve more residents effectively.
Continued Assistance through Tulong Kapatid
Tulong Kapatid, along with response teams from Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Makati Medical Center Foundation, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, and One Meralco Foundation, pledged to continue providing aid to areas where it is most needed in the coming days. The consortium’s efforts, anchored on the core value of malasakit, demonstrated their commitment to supporting Filipinos in need during challenging times.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
The PLDT Group’s efforts in providing relief and medical assistance align with their #SafeandSmart advocacy and their commitment to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, the initiatives contribute to Goal #1: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By actively engaging in disaster relief and recovery efforts, PLDT, Smart, and mWell reaffirm their dedication to building a more resilient and compassionate society.
Conclusion: In the aftermath of typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon, the PLDT Group, comprising PLDT, Smart Communications, and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), demonstrated unwavering malasakit towards Filipinos affected by the disaster. Through various relief assistance and medical services, they extended their support to North Luzon communities, easing the burden of those impacted by the calamity. Their commitment to the core value of malasakit and the pursuit of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals showcases their dedication to making a positive impact on society and fostering a safer and more sustainable future for all Filipinos.
