PLDT, Smart restoration work nears completion, deploy more free calls, load and relief

With last-mile restoration efforts underway, PLDT and wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) report that 99% of Mindanao fixed services and 97% of wireless services are up, including vital communication links in the areas of Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte.

Meanwhile, 86% of wireless services and 60% fixed services in the Visayas have been restored. Customers may experience intermittent service in previously restored areas due to prolonged unavailability of commercial power and transmission lines.

PLDT and Smart technical teams are also working round-the-clock in affected areas in Palawan, amid clearing operations and power interruptions. Additional support teams have also been flown from Manila to critical areas via PLDT’s aviation unit to augment resources onground.

Helping reconnect Smart and TNT customers to their families, emergency load assistance have been sent to affected mobile users in the following provinces:

Agusan del Norte

Agusan del Sur

Basilan

Bukidnon

Compostela Valley

Davao del Norte

Davao del Sur

Davao Occidental

Davao Oriental

Lanao del Norte

Lanao del Sur

Maguindanao

Misamis Occidental

Misamis Oriental

North and South Cotabato

Saranggani

Sultan Kudarat

Tawi-Tawi

Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Sur

Zamboanga Sibugay

Earlier, Smart provided emergency load assistance to the provinces that bore the initial brunt, such as Bohol, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Sur and del Norte.

PLDT also implemented a bill reprieve to help ease the burden on PLDT Home customers. Affected customers in Visayas and Mindanao will not be required to pay for any service fees incurred during the days they experienced connectivity disruptions due to typhoon Odette. Furthermore, there will be no disconnection of service due to non-payment until January next year, and the rebate will be reflected in customers’ January/February 2022 billing.

More Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging (Free Calls and Charging) centers have been set up in Visayas and Mindanao:

VISAYAS

BOHOL

J. Clarin St., Tagbilaran City Bohol

San Vicente, Baclayon, Bohol

CEBU

PLDT and Smart Offices – Mabolo

PLDT – Jones

PLDT – Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City

PLDT – Tipolo, Mandaue

Abellana Commande Center, Cebu City (Libreng Tawag only)

Argao (starting December 22)

Biasong, Talisay City

Milangnilla, Tungkop

Pagtimbayayong Foundation Cebu

LEYTE

Evacuation Center – Bgy Balocawehay, Abuyog, Leyte

Tagnipa, Maasin City, Southern Leyte

Asuncion, Maasin, Southern Leyte

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Cauayan, Negros Occidental

Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental

Kabankalan, Negros Occidental

Villamonte, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Sipalay, Negros Occidental

SAMAR

PLDT Tower – Callejon St, Bgy 4 Poblacion, Catbalogan City, Samar

MINDANAO

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte

BUTUAN CITY

P5 Bgy Obrero, Butuan City

SURIGAO

Covered court evacuation center, Bgy Mabua, Tandag City

Alongside free call and free charging services, PLDT and Smart, together with the PLDT-Smart Foundation have commenced relief activities in the hardest-hit communities, starting with Kabankalan, Ilog, Cauayan and Sipalay in Negros Occidental, Maasin in Leyte and Butuan in Caraga.  More areas are due for relief work in the coming days.