THE National Telecommunications Commission on Wednesday ordered all public telecommunications entities to be ready for the coming tropical depression "Maymay" in order to ensure their continued operations and services to the public.

In Memo Order No. 05-04-2011 signed by Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC directed telco organizations and companies 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 depression."

"As reported at 5:00 p.m. on 12 October 2022 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, 'Maymay' is now moving westward maintaining its strength," the NTC memo read.

"PAGASA further reported that today through tomorrow early morning, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Cagayan, the northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Ilocos Region, and the rest of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region," the memo added.

The public telcos were also directed by the NTC to fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in the service areas that will be severely affected by the tropical depression.

"Further, you are also directed to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas that will be affected by the typhoon. You are also reminded to coordinate with the LGUs and observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease," the NTC said.

The commission said it will expect status updates every six hours of ongoing restoration activities being performed on the telcos' networks and facilities, plus a timeline for the full restoration of service.