The MVP Group of Companies has activated a wide-scale, business-integrated disaster response across Luzon, leveraging the strength of its subsidiaries in telecom, power, water and infrastructure to provide critical services to communities affected by continuous rain and flooding.

With operations disrupted and access to basic services strained in several provinces, the conglomerate is channeling resources from PLDT, Smart, Meralco, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways and its foundations to support relief and recovery operations in coordination with local and national agencies.

“I’m proud of how quickly our people sprang into action,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and CEO of the MVP Group.

“They all have a deep understanding of our Group’s purpose, which is to make sure that Filipinos have access to essential services — particularly communication, power, transportation, and clean water — especially during times like these.”

Emergency connectivity support

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. rolled out emergency connectivity support, including free calls, texts, and mobile data in heavily impacted areas. Temporary communication hubs offering free WiFi, charging, and call services were deployed, while Smart’s customer hotline remains active to assist users with urgent concerns.

In the energy sector, Meralco dispatched emergency response teams and equipment to help restore power in flood-hit zones.

Restoration work progressed rapidly, with electricity restored to nearly all affected households by 23 July. Its corporate social responsibility arm, One Meralco Foundation, also began distributing relief goods in multiple hard-hit cities and provinces.

Maynilad, the Group’s water utility arm, has been supplying potable water to evacuation centers and local governments, dispatching thousands of liters to affected areas. Contingency teams remain ready to ramp up efforts as weather and access conditions shift.

Tollways

On the tollways, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) launched a 24/7 operations plan through NLEX and its southern expressway networks.

Measures include the activation of pumping stations in flood-prone areas, deployment of emergency patrol units, and temporary traffic rerouting via opened U-turn slots. MPTC personnel also handed out food and water to stranded motorists.