Globe rolls out connectivity support for Filipinos in Middle East amid rising tensions

Globe has mobilized connectivity support for Filipinos in several Middle Eastern countries as the Philippine government strengthens efforts to ensure overseas Filipinos remain in contact with their families amid escalating tensions in the region.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to identify ways to assist Filipinos in the Middle East, including measures that would help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) maintain communication with their families in the Philippines.

The initiative is being coordinated by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, with support from several government agencies working to address the potential impact of the conflict on Filipino communities abroad.

As part of the government’s response, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) called on telecommunications providers to help maintain communication lines between Filipinos overseas and their families in the Philippines.

NTC Chairman Ella Blanca B. Lopez urged telecommunications companies to immediately extend assistance, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Henry Aguda, also directed telcos to ensure connectivity for Filipinos in affected areas.

“From the DICT, Sec. Henry Aguda issued a directive that all telcos will do everything to make sure connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained and instructed regional offices to provide free connections to anyone who would like to reach out to their family members and loved ones in affected areas,” Cacdac said in a statement.

Globe said it began mobilizing support measures as early as March 1 as tensions in the region escalated, becoming the first telecommunications provider to activate connectivity initiatives for overseas Filipinos in the Middle East.

The company rolled out goodwill roaming packages for customers in affected countries including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

The complimentary roaming bundle includes 15 minutes of incoming or outgoing calls, 15 SMS messages, and 1GB of data valid for seven days from the time it is credited to the customer’s account. The package is automatically seeded to Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid users detected in these areas.

For customers in Iran and Iraq, Globe provided Prepaid and TM load credits as well as Postpaid bill adjustments to support their communication needs.

Customers receiving the roaming bundle may connect through Globe’s partner networks in each location, including Pelephone, Cellcom Israel, and Partner in Israel; Zain BH and Batelco in Bahrain; Ooredoo and STC in Kuwait; Ooredoo (Nawras) and Oman Mobile in Oman; Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar in Qatar; Etisalat (e&) and DU Telecom in the United Arab Emirates; and STC and Zain SA in Saudi Arabia.

To further assist families in the Philippines, Globe said selected Globe Stores will serve as hotline hubs for individuals who may not have access to mobile phones or international calling services. These locations will allow families to place calls to relatives in the Middle East, particularly those in underserved communities.

The government is also preparing additional assistance should the situation worsen.

Cacdac said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is ready to extend support to Filipinos who may return to the country if necessary.

The DMW is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), under Secretary Cristina Roque, on possible reintegration and livelihood programs for workers who may choose to return to the Philippines if tensions in the region escalate further.

Globe said it will continue to coordinate with government agencies and international partners to help ensure that Filipinos abroad remain connected and supported during the ongoing situation.