Globe has mobilized connectivity support for Filipinos in several Middle Eastern countries, aligning with the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure that overseas Filipinos remain in contact with their families amid escalating tensions in the region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently ordered the formation of an inter-agency task force to identify ways to assist Filipinos in the Middle East, including ensuring communication access for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
The initiative is being coordinated by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, with support from multiple agencies to address the potential impact of the conflict on Filipino communities abroad.
Maintaining communication lines
In support of the President’s directive, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Chairman Ella Blanca B. Lopez called on telecommunications providers to immediately assist in maintaining communication lines between Filipinos overseas and their families in the Philippines.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Henry Aguda, has also directed telecommunications companies to ensure that connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained.
“From the DICT, Sec. Henry Aguda issued a directive that all telcos will do everything to make sure connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained and instructed regional offices to provide free connections to anyone who would like to reach out to their family members and loved ones in affected areas,” Cacdac said in a statement.
Earlier, Globe began mobilizing support measures as early as March 1 amidst escalating tensions in the region and becoming the first telecommunications provider to activate initiatives to support the connectivity needs of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East.
Globe provided goodwill roaming packages for customers in affected countries including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
The complimentary package includes 15 minutes of incoming or outgoing roaming calls, 15 SMS, and 1GB of data, valid for seven days from the time it is credited to the customer’s account. The offer is automatically seeded to Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid users detected in these areas.
For customers in Iran and Iraq, Globe provided Prepaid/TM load credits and Postpaid bill adjustments to support their communication needs.
Customers receiving the roaming bundle may use Globe’s partner networks in their respective locations, including Pelephone, Cellcom Israel, and Partner in Israel; zain BH and Batelco in Bahrain; Ooredoo and STC in Kuwait; Ooredoo (Nawras) and Oman Mobile in Oman; Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar in Qatar; Etisalat (e&) and DU Telecom in the United Arab Emirates; and STC and zain SA in Saudi Arabia.
Hotline hubs in PH
While families are primarily encouraged to use their personal mobile phones for initial contact with relatives abroad, Globe is also opening Globe Stores as hotline hubs to serve as a resource for families in the Philippines who may not have access to mobile phones or international calling services. These locations will allow individuals to place calls to relatives in the Middle East. The move aims to support families in underserved communities who may otherwise have limited means of contacting loved ones abroad during times of uncertainty. To check the list of Globe stores, please visit https://www.globe.com.ph/stores#gref.
Extending Support When Necessary
Meanwhile, the government is also preparing additional assistance for Filipinos who may be affected by the situation. Cacdac said the Department of Social Welfare and Development led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is ready to extend support to returning Filipinos if necessary.
He added that the DMW is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry under Secretary Cristina Roque on potential reintegration and livelihood programs for workers who may opt to return to the country should the situation in the Middle East escalate.
Globe said it will continue to coordinate closely with government agencies and international partners to ensure that Filipinos abroad remain connected and supported during this period.
For more information on Globe’s roaming services and partner networks, visit www.globe.com.ph/international/roaming
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