Smart sets up free calls, charging stations in Lando-affected areas

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company’s mobile subsidiary Smart Communications installed free call and charging stations in areas hit by Typhoon Lando to help in the relief operations in Lando-affected communities.

“Libreng Tawag” services are ongoing at Calanasan Terminal (Centro 3, Claveria) and Barangay Hall (Centro 10, Tuguegarao City) in Cagayan; San Vicente Barangay Hall in Ilagan, Isabela; and at the evacuation center located at the office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Lagawe, Ifugao.

A leading international non-governmental organization specializing in emergency telecommunications, Telecoms Sans Frontieres, also volunteered to offer free calls in partnership with Smart.

To organize faster coordination of relief efforts, Smart also provided satellite phones to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Aside from satellite phones, free charging of mobile phone batteries was provided by Smart since there is a lack of power in the areas.

Smart subscribers can help provide vital information and report on-ground situation in their respective areas for free by sending RELIEFPH <message> or RESCUEPH <message> to 2929.

“There was minimal damage to our wireless network brought about by Typhoon Lando. However, services in affected areas may be intermittent due to massive loss of commercial power,” Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto said.

Smart also made the same efforts during the Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.