When Supertyphoon Yolanda, internationally Haiyan, ravaged the Visayas, communication lines were cut, and cellular services were not spared from devastation. Cities and towns were therefore isolated, and people were unable to contact their loved ones. However, Globe Telecom, on a recent update, has restored service in a majority of affected areas and has revived their Bangon Pinoy program to help the disaster victims. Read more…
SERVICE RESTORATION UPDATES
As of November 15, 2013, Globe Telecom reported that 70% of 3G cell sites are now up and running in affected areas, namely Antique (61%), Bohol (80%), Cebu (71%), Guimaras (100%), Iloilo (72%), Negros Occidental (75%), and Northern Samar (75%).
Meanwhile, in worst-hit Tacloban City, two cell sites have been successfully restored in Calvary Hill and Maharlika Highway, while the rest are expected to be reactivated within the week. To augment mobile connectivity and assist in post-disaster efforts, two cell site-on-wheels (COW) have been deployed at the airport and within the city proper. Elsewhere in Leyte, cell sites have been restored in Javier, San Miguel, and Ormoc City.
FREE CALLS, CHARGING, AND INTERNET
Globe Telecom has set up a number of free calling, charging, and internet stations in affected areas: Romblon, Iloilo, Antique, Leyte, Bohol, Aklan, Capiz, and Cebu. From an initial 46 free Libreng Tawag and Charging Stations, they’ve put up 13 more for a total of 59 stations, including one in Villamor Airbase and another at Mactan-Cebu International Airport to assist Yolanda evacuees who have fled Tacloban.
They also have one free internet station in San Jose, Antique, where a Globe MyFi service was installed not only to provide free service but likewise to allow Red Cross to respond to online inquiries regarding the whereabouts of residents in Culasi, Antique.
A full list of these free services are updated continuously at Globe Telecom’s Facebook page.
FREE 25 LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SMS FOR AFFECTED SUBSCRIBERS
Globe Telecom is offering its subscribers in Yolanda-affected areas a daily allocation of 25 local and international SMS to all networks. Subscribers of Globe and TM simply have to text BANGONPINOY to 8888. Those who may need to contact relatives abroad may avail of free Facebook by choosing FREE FB on *143#, while those who are short on load may instantly get 20 SMS to Globe or TM and pay 10 PHP later by sending GTSOS10 to 3733.
BANGON PINOY RELIEF EFFORTS
Relief goods, including clothes, mosquito nets, and blankets may be dropped off at all Globe Prepaid On-The-Go caravans, while TM Republikaravan will match every load credit it sells.
Donations to the Philippine Red Cross may continuously be done through GCASH through the mobile app, by dialing *143# (GCash > Others > Donate > Amount > MPIN > Red Cross), or for those who wish to make donations overseas, via GCash Remit partners worldwide.
Globe and TM subscribers, meanwhile, may convert their prepaid load or have their donations charged to their postpaid bill by sending RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899. Alternatively, Globe Rewards in 5, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 blocks may be donated at a 1 point to 1 PHP conversion by texting DONATE<space>YOLANDA<space>AMOUNT to 4438.
Lastly, those who will purchase a Tattoo Prepaid Mobile WiFi from November to December and those will subscribe to Tattoo Home Broadband Plan 1599 and 2299 from November 15 to 30 would help victims, as 100% of the profits will go to Bangon Pinoy rebuilding programs.
For updates on Globe Bangon Pinoy, visit www.globe.com.ph/bangonpinoy. Also follow Globe Telecom on Facebook and Twitter, and Globe Bridging Communities on Twitter.