Some 1,000 relief packs from the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) were distributed to various local government units (LGUs) to help provide basic food supplies to residents who were adversely affected by the strict community quarantines brought about by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
The relief packs, which contained food essentials like rice, coffee, canned goods, and other grocery items, were turned over to the LGUs of Batac in Ilocos Norte; Imus, Bacoor, and Dasmariñas, Cavite; San Pedro, Biñan, and Cabuyao, Laguna; and Bataan.
Assisting in the distribution of relief packs were Smart’s Regional Sales teams who, protected by PPEs and complying with health protocols, have continued to provide connectivity to people while helping in the delivery of vital food supplies to the needy, amid the ongoing pandemic.
The PLDT Group’s core value of malasakit is the driving force that sends these Regional Sales teams and PSF to the areas of the Philippines that need assistance, said PSF President Ma. Esther Santos.
“We try our best to extend help to our distressed fellowmen and alleviate some of their worries,” Santos stated, adding that, “it is by being aware of other people’s life situations and helping each other in our own little ways that we can live meaningfully, despite the enormous difficulties brought on by the pandemic and other disasters.”
Providing assistance to communities in need is part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy, which promotes 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.
This is also aligned with the commitment of PLDT, Smart, and the PSF to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.