PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. has provided communication support to various cooperatives in the Visayas through Project Hotline, enabling coop members to immediately share their inquiries and transact safely in the comfort of their homes.
Project Hotline is Smart’s dedicated wireless solution that was launched during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative provides additional communication channels to public and private institutions, allowing immediate response to concerns and inquiries, especially during emergencies.
“We are happy to provide cooperatives with the communications technology needed to make transactions faster and more efficient through Project Hotline. Since its launch in 2020, more than 200 communities have been using hotlines for rescue operations, COVID-19 responses, and many other uses for the benefit of local communities,” says Antonette Orpilla, Senior Manager, Communities Marketing, Smart Go-To-Market and Subs Management.
San Roque Multipurpose Cooperative and Coolway Multipurpose Cooperative in Cebu, CAPGEM Community Multipurpose Cooperative in Bacolod City, Metro Iloilo Transport Service Cooperative (MITSCOOP) and Alliance of Provincial Operators and Drivers Transport Cooperative (APODTC) in Iloilo recently received Project Hotline kits from Smart. The kits include free smartphones, SIM cards with load allocation up to six months, and hotline banners.
MITSCOOP Chairman Josemarie de los Reyes highlighted the importance of communication to their organization, especially for the safety of their drivers and other personnel. “This helps us establish a connection with our over 500 members and ensure immediate response to emergencies that may arise while our drivers are on the road,” he said.
Project Hotline underscores PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. These efforts are also in line with PLDT and Smart’s commitment to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
