As a precautionary measure, the National Telecommunications Commission has ordered all public telecommunications entities to be on guard in areas pounded by severe tropical storm “Florita”.

The NTC on Tuesday penned Memorandum Order No. 05-04-2011, directing public telcos to “ensure that there are sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools and spare equipment in the areas forecast to be affected,” by the tropical storm.

As reported at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday (August 23, 2022) by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the severe tropical storm “Florita” made landfall over Maconacon, Isabela.

Pagasa also announced that “Florita” will bring moderate to heavy rains over the northern part of Aurora, Bataan, Tarlac and the rest of Cagayan Valley, while there will be light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Camarines Norte, and the rest of Central Luzon.

“You (public telcos) are directed to fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in the service areas severely affected by the typhoon,” the NTC said.

The commission also directed public telco firms to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas affected by the typhoon.

“You are also reminded to coordinate with the local government units and observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” the NTC continued.

The telcos were also reminded that the Commission will expect status updates every six hours of ongoing restoration activities being performed on their networks and facilities and a timeline for the full restoration of service.