NTC to telcos: Set up free calls, charging stations in evac sites after Taal unrest

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications companies to set up free call and charging stations in evacuation sites following the unrest of the Taal Volcano.

In its memorandum dated March 28, 2022, the NTC directed telcos to “ensure there are a sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment in the areas affected by the recent volcanic activity of Taal Volcano.”

On March 26, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Alert Level 3, signifying magmatic unrest over Taal Volcano, following "a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst."

Phreatomagmatic eruptions are caused by the interaction of magma and water, PHIVOLCS said, adding eruptions normally consist of multiple explosive events, the interval of which may vary.

Telcos were likewise ordered to “deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in evacuation sites identified by the Provincial Government of Batangas.”

“You are also reminded to coordinate with the LGUs and continue to observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of COVID-19,” the NTC said.

The agency also directed telcos to preposition mobile cell sites in the affected areas and should be made ready for deployment anytime.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 7,237 people or 2,047 families were affected by the activity of Taal Volcano, of which a total of 4,165 individuals or 1,209 families were staying inside 20 evacuation centers, while 1,952 persons or 500 families were staying in other places.

The government provided P1,235,295 worth of assistance to the affected families, including food packs, according to the NDRRMC.

In a separate advisory, PLDT-Smart said they have activated their quick response teams after the PHIVOLCS raised Alert Level 3 over Taal Volcano.

“The PLDT group has prepositioned network equipment and personnel in strategic areas ready to respond and aid communities that will be affected,” it said.

The telco said that its efforts are part of PLDT-Smart’s advocacy on preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks.

In a separate statement, Globe said it deployed “Libreng Tawag” and “Libreng Charging” stations in some Batangas evacuation sites. 

The Ayala-led telco said the free calls and charging stations were made available to families evacuated to Agoncillo Central School in Agoncillo town from March 26 to 28.

Globe also said its technical and support personnel are always on call and standby generators are ready for use by its facilities to ensure that communications services remain up in affected areas.

It said it is ready to activate existing GoWiFi facilities to provide additional internet connections in nearby areas as the need arises.

Globe added that it provides its customers with free data access to the websites of the NDRRMC and PHIVOLCS for updates from authorities.

DITO has yet to respond to the request for comment on the NTC order. —AOL/VBL, GMA News