Following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Odette (International Name: Typhoon Rai), PLDT, Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have provided connectivity support to free co-working and learning spaces in the Philippine provinces of Bohol and Cebu.
These efforts are meant to aid residents working from home but were still affected by the unavailability of electricity and a stable internet connection. Together with PLDT and Smart, co-working spaces readied by local government units (LGUs) were equipped with Libreng [free] WiFi, powered by PLDT Fibr, as well as Smart’s Libreng Tawag [call] and Text services.
The following are free co-working spaces in Bohol and Cebu empowered with PLDT and Smart connectivity:
Cebu
- E-Library Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City
- New Carcar City Hall
- Talisay City Hall
- Liloan Municipal Hall Grounds in Cebu
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
- Bohol Tropics Resort
The workstations in Talisay City, Carcar City, Liloan, and Lapu-Lapu City operate 24/7, suitable for those assigned to graveyard shifts. The co-working space in Bohol Tropics Resort, on the other hand, opens daily from 9AM to 10PM.
“Each beneficiary I spoke to is very thankful for this initiative. They say they were able to save the money that would’ve been spent on expensive co-working space rental fees that usually cost at least P500 per day,” said Louie de los Santos, officer-in-charge of Lapu-Lapu City’s IT Department.
“Most of them are paid by the hour which means that if they’re not able to log in because of the unavailability of electricity or internet issues, they won’t be earning anything for that day. And this affects their capacity to feed their families. But through this project, they were able to get their jobs back and earn money for food and house repairs,” he added.
This initiative is aligned with the telecom provider’s #SafeandSmart advocacy, which pushes for preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. It also falls under the company’s commitment to helping the Philippines achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
