PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., together with PLDT and Smart Foundation (PSF), continue to uphold the value of ‘malasakit’ in this time of pandemic as they extend their support to major cities and municipalities across Cebu Province to help boost their efforts in combatting COVID-19.

“We in PSF are one with our people especially in Cebu where the COVID-19 cases have surged. Following the mandate of our PLDT Chairman MVP, and President Al Panlilio, we are ready to lend a hand in any way possible, to help our frontliners and the people face this health crisis. Together, we will overcome these challenges,” said Ma. Esther Santos, President of PLDT-Smart Foundation.

PLDT and Smart have turned over free SIM Cards with load allocation for additional communication support to the local government units' (LGUs) Vaccination Operation Centers and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices, as well as Personal Protective Equipment sets and boxes of vitamins for the safety and protection of their frontline workers.

Among the supported LGUs were the cities of Cebu, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Naga, Danao, and Bogo, as well as the municipalities of Liloan, Consolacion, Barili, Balamban, Minglanilla, Argao, Cordova, and San Fernando.

“It has been almost two years since the coronavirus first hit the country, but we are still facing this pandemic head-on. With the support given by various private sector partners like PLDT and Smart, we are confident that we can reach and protect more people amid this global health crisis,” said Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas, Jr. of Talisay City.

Mayor Joannes Alegado of the Municipality of Consolacion emphasized the importance of communication today as physical interaction is still discouraged. He sees this support as very helpful, especially in strengthening their hotlines to enable immediate LGU response to the needs of their constituents.

“We, at PLDT and Smart, recognize the efforts that our local government units in Cebu have exerted in their fight against COVID-19. We will continue to give our support and share resources to help strengthen these efforts of protecting and keeping all Cebuanos safe,” said Hoyle Raul Disuanco, First Vice President and Group Head of Smart Regional Customer Development-VisMin.

Apart from the LGUs, PLDT and Smart's regional and provincial distributors in Cebu have also received boxes of vitamins. “We thank PLDT, Smart and PLDT-Smart Foundation for these vitamins that will help boost the immune system of our employees to protect them from COVID-19 while out in the field, assuring the efficient delivery of PLDT and Smart services to the people,” said Anthony Ting, owner of New Grant Distribution.

These initiatives are part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response to disasters through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. (PR)