Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, staying connected with loved ones has become more critical than ever for overseas Filipinos. Globe Telecom has mobilized support to ensure that Filipinos in affected countries can maintain communication with their families in the Philippines, complementing government efforts to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to assist Filipinos in the Middle East, including ensuring uninterrupted communication. The initiative is led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, with support from other government agencies to mitigate the impact of the escalating situation on Filipino communities abroad.
Keeping Communication Lines Open
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Chairman Ella Blanca B. Lopez called on telecom providers to maintain connectivity, while DICT Secretary Henry Aguda instructed all telecommunications companies to ensure OFWs can reach their families.
Globe’s Early Support Measures
Globe began rolling out assistance as early as March 1, offering goodwill roaming packages in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The package includes 15 minutes of calls, 15 SMS, and 1GB of data, valid for seven days, automatically credited to Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid users in affected areas. Customers in Iran and Iraq received prepaid load credits and Postpaid bill adjustments.
Partner networks include Pelephone, Cellcom Israel, and Partner (Israel); Zain BH and Batelco (Bahrain); Ooredoo and STC (Kuwait); Ooredoo (Nawras) and Oman Mobile (Oman); Ooredoo and Vodafone (Qatar); Etisalat (e&) and DU Telecom (UAE); and STC and Zain SA (Saudi Arabia).
Hotline Hubs in the Philippines
Globe Stores are also serving as hotline hubs for families without mobile or international calling access, providing a way to reach relatives in the Middle East. Full list of stores is available here
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Government Support on Standby
The DSWD, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, stands ready to assist returning Filipinos. The DMW is coordinating with the DTI, led by Secretary Cristina Roque, on potential reintegration and livelihood programs for workers who may return home.
Globe continues to work closely with government agencies and international partners to ensure OFWs abroad remain connected and supported.
For more information on Globe’s roaming services, visit www.globe.com.ph/international/roaming
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