AS tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Smart Communications, Inc., on Monday started offering international calls and data roaming services free of charge to overseas Filipinos in Iran and Israel.
The free calls and data service runs from June 23 to June 25, and is part of the Smart Cares initiative. Each call is capped at 5 minutes, in accordance with fair-use policy. The company also rolled out free 1GB GigaRoam Global data access for Smart subscribers currently in Israel.
“In times of uncertainty, the most important thing we can offer is presence—and communication is how we show up for each other,” Anastacio Martirez, Smart’s chief operating officer, said in a statement on Monday. “This is our way of standing with Filipino families, wherever they are.”
The move aims to assist the more than 31,800 Filipinos based in the two countries, many of whom may be struggling to maintain communication with loved ones back home. Smart estimates this affects more than 150,000 family members in the Philippines.
In addition, Smart activated its Smart Care Crisis Hotline at +63288457799, offering toll-free assistance to subscribers experiencing connectivity issues or difficulty contacting the Philippine Embassy or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The hotline also provides verified safety updates and advisories.
Smart is working with international partners to ensure uninterrupted service and will provide updates via its official website and social media channels.
