Over 6,000 COVID-19 frontliners across the Visayas and Mindanao have received aid from PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. as well as its social outreach arm, PLDT-Smart Foundation Inc.
PLDT and Smart provided care bags, personal protective equipment sets, vitamins, and connectivity devices to health workers in local government units and public health agencies as part of their continuing efforts to support communities affected by the pandemic.
“We at PLDT and Smart recognize the efforts and sacrifices made by our frontliners for almost two years of combatting COVID-19. Through these donations, we hope we were able to uplift their spirits and assured them that they are not alone in this fight,” said Marylou Gocotano, Smart Group Corporate Communications VisMin manager.
With the government’s efforts to expedite vaccination rollouts in order to help end the pandemic, PLDT and Smart hope to help ensure the safety and protection of healthcare workers and COVID-19 response teams during these trying times.
“These care bags will serve as immediate assistance to our frontliners who are leading the battle against COVID-19. We all have to work together to ensure that no Filipino will be left behind,” Lailane Husain-Go, Smart Customer Development senior manager, said in a press release.
Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo, Department of Health-Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao assistant regional director, said, “These will help our staff and frontliners. We need the PPEs as we continue our vaccination and COVID-19 response activities. The food packs and vitamins will help a lot to keep our staff healthy as we continue to serve the people.”
The initiative has reached frontline workers in health offices, vaccination sites, police stations, and disaster risk reduction management centers in Panay Island, Cebu province, Misamis Oriental, and Cagayan de Oro City.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Smart for these care packages. This is a great way to show our concern and appreciation for our frontliners. We are also thankful for our partnership with Smart in ensuring the safety and welfare of all Mandauehanons,” said Mayor Jonas Cortes of Mandaue City.
The assistance forms part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy that underscores the critical role of the companies in disaster management in the Philippines. These initiatives also emphasize the companies’ commitment to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #11 of making communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. | NND
