Two of the country’s leading telecom firms reported that they have restored critical communication networks and provided emergency aid in southern Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, helping affected communities stay connected and access essential services.
Globe reported that service has been fully restored in 31 of the 32 affected municipalities, including Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, South Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.
Restoration teams remain deployed in areas with intermittent signals, particularly where power outages continue to disrupt operations. The telco firm also rolled out connectivity assistance and emergency support programs in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani to aid affected customers.
Meanwhile, PLDT Enterprise partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and local government units in General Santos, Sarangani, and South Cotabato to deploy Starlink connectivity in key hospitals. Malungon Sarangani Provincial Hospital and Alabel Sarangani Provincial Hospital are now online, providing critical communication support for emergency response and recovery.
Through the PLDT-Smart Foundation, the companies have also distributed food packs, potable water, and hot meals to affected families. Free call services, charging stations, and WiFi remain available in General Santos City, Glan, Sarangani, and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. Smart and TNT subscribers in quake-hit areas have received emergency load assistance to stay in touch with loved ones and access important information.
Both companies continue to coordinate with the National Telecommunications Commission, local disaster offices, government agencies, and community partners to sustain relief operations while prioritizing the safety of personnel and facilities.