Telcos restore services, provide relief in Bicol after Tropical Storm Kristine

On Wednesday, telecommunications companies in the Philippines responded to the needs of communities affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, particularly in the Bicol region.

PLDT and Smart provided refuge for 14 families near the Daet Cable Landing Station in Camarines Norte as flood waters recede and are mobilizing relief supplies for their network and sales teams severely impacted in Bicol.

Globe has restored service in multiple areas including Camarines Norte, Oriental Mindoro, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte, with restoration almost complete in Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Albay, Sorsogon, and Leyte.

PLDT's Smart is providing the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) its Infocast service to help local government communication.

The PLDT-Smart Foundation is preparing 4,000 relief packs to be distributed in partnership with the Alagang Kapatid Foundation across North Luzon and Bicol Region, while Globe has deployed free calls, charging, and WiFi stations in severely-hit areas.

PLDT is working with foundations and corporate social responsibility arms of firms under tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan to deliver essential supplies like food packs, sleeping kits, clothing, linen, hygiene kits, water, and medicines such as doxycycline and paracetamol to affected Filipinos.