Smart powers connectivity of 2GO quarantine facilities

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. has powered the connectivity needs of the passenger vessels owned by logistics company 2GO Group which have temporarily been converted into  quarantine facilities.

Smart has donated a thousand pre-loaded SIM cards to 2GO, which is working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Health and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to facilitate the 14-day quarantine of repatriated seafarers.

The SIMs are expected to help the returning seafarers on vessels to connect with their families, Smart said.

Smart has also provided 10 mobile phones to the ships so that the seafarers can call their loved ones for free.

PLDT will also provide free WiFi on board for the returning OFWs and personnel to access the internet.

“This is part of our commitment to help our repatriated Filipino seafarers to stay connected with their families during this pandemic. Through this, we hope that we can somehow ease their worries or homesickness while in quarantine,” said Jane Basas, senior vice president and head of consumer business wireless at Smart.

The quarantine facilities at the Manila South Harbor, comprising  two quarantine ships and a treatment facility, are now serving over 500 returning OFWs, and are operating at almost full capacity.