In the middle of heavy rains, floods, and danger, two big phone companies — PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications — are stepping up to help Filipino families stay connected.
After the powerful Habagat rains (which got stronger because of Tropical Depression Crising) caused flooding in many parts of the Philippines, PLDT and Smart announced they are giving free calls, text messages, and 250MB of data to affected users.
Who Can Get Free Services?
The free service is now available for people living in storm-hit areas like:
Angono, Bataan, Bulacan, Cainta, Las Piñas, Marikina, Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasig, Tarlac, Taytay, and Zambales.
If you’re a PLDT or Smart subscriber in those places, you don’t have to pay to call your family or send important messages — even if there’s no load.
Why It Matters
In emergencies like storms and floods, communication can save lives.
“Staying connected is a lifeline in times like these,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, the CEO of PLDT and Smart.
“We activated free calls, texts, and data so our customers can ask for help or talk to their loved ones,” added Anastacio Martirez, the Chief Operating Officer of Smart.
They said making sure people can call for help or let family know they’re safe is their top priority.
Help Goes Beyond Phones
Pangilinan isn’t just helping with phones — he’s also the head of Meralco, the country’s biggest power company. He ordered Meralco to send out rescue trucks, boats, and trained teams to flooded areas to save people and bring help fast.
Need Help or Info?
📞 You can call the Smart Cares Crisis Hotline at (+632) 8845-7799 for help or safety updates.
📢 Customers are also told to follow official weather alerts and stay safe during this emergency.
The Big Picture:
As floods rise and people are left stranded, PLDT and Smart are using their power to help, not just profit. This is more than just free data — it’s about saving lives, staying strong, and making sure no one feels alone during the storm.
