Smart Communications extends assistance to stranded Filipinos in Ukraine

SMART Communications, Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT, Inc., announced on Wednesday that it is extending assistance to Filipinos stranded in Ukraine, which is reportedly being invaded by Russia.

“We are monitoring the situation in Ukraine and are ready to assist our kababayans (compatriots). It is important to equip them with services to help them communicate and access information, especially during time of crisis. We are also praying for their safety as they await repatriation or evacuation,” Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart Communications president and chief executive officer, said in an e-mailed statement.

Smart said it is giving almost 1000 roaming customers in Ukraine free 1GB (gigabyte) Gigaroam subscription valid for five days “to help them place urgent calls and texts or to assure their families and friends of their safety.”

Smart users in Ukraine can also get instant and free access to the Philippine telco’s data roaming manager by going to gigaroam.smart.com.ph.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, a move that drew swift international condemnation.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles said during a briefing that the Presidential Palace was “preparing for any and all eventualities” in Ukraine.

The Palace official also noted that the government hopes that parties in the Russia-Ukraine crisis will “explore all avenues for peace.”

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin