Typhoon Odette displaced more than 1M families as it swept through Visayas and Mindanao last Dec. 16. While humanitarian and relief operations are ongoing, many families are still left without connectivity as cell towers and fiber cables are being repaired and restored.
Cignal understands the importance of internet connectivity in helping these families communicate with loved ones and start their recovery and rebuilding journey. Thus, Cignal’s Satellite Broadband Service, Cignal Connect, in cooperation with its generous partners — satellite provider KTSAT and PLDT, and Cignal Territory Partners CRFT, Save and Earn, Cellcom, and Digilife — will provide free connectivity to 5 sites located in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Maasin City, Southern Leyte; and Dinagat Islands.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of all our partners in helping us provide free internet access to communities devastated by Typhoon Odette. Communication is essential at this stage of their recovery efforts, and Cignal Connect is happy to be of service through our satellite broadband as the people in these communities start to rebuild their lives,” said Robert P. Galang, Cignal President and CEO.
While other forms of communication have yet to be restored in the typhoon-affected areas, Cignal Connect has been steadily providing internet access to affected families and communities with the help of its satellite broadband technology and will continue to do so in the coming weeks as the need arises.
“Mabigat sa loob ang pinsala na dulot ng bagyong Odette sa aming barangay, ngunit ang pagiging matatag ng bawat isa at ang pagiging matulungin ng iba’t ibang institusyon ay nagbibigay sa amin ng lakas at pag-asa na magpatuloy. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Cignal para sa paglaan nila ng satellite broadband service sa aming barangay. Ang libreng internet ay lubos na makakatulong sa amin upang maging konektado habang bumabangon mula sa kalamidad,” shared Brgy. San Rafael, Puerto Princesa Brgy. Captain Roland Macula.
Cignal, using its VSAT technology, was also able to extend support for SMART’s disaster recovery efforts in Palawan, Surigao, and Siargao.
