Globe has rolled out a series of connectivity assistance measures to help Filipinos in the Middle East stay in touch with their loved ones in the Philippines as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to escalate.
The telecommunications provider said its efforts are aligned with the Philippine government’s broader initiative to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), by ensuring that communication lines remain open during uncertain times.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to coordinate support for Filipinos in the Middle East, including measures that would allow them to maintain communication with their families back home. The initiative is being led by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, with several government agencies working together to address the possible impact of the ongoing conflict on Filipino communities abroad.
As part of the government’s directive, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) urged local telecommunications providers to extend immediate assistance to ensure uninterrupted communication between Filipinos overseas and their families in the country.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Henry Aguda, likewise instructed telecom companies to prioritize connectivity services for Filipinos in the 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.
Globe said it had already begun mobilizing support as early as March 1 as tensions in the region intensified, becoming the first telecommunications provider to activate assistance programs designed to help overseas Filipinos stay connected.
The company launched complimentary roaming packages for customers located in countries including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
The package includes 15 minutes of incoming or outgoing roaming calls, 15 SMS messages, and 1GB of mobile data, all valid for seven days from the time the bundle is credited to the subscriber’s account. The offer is automatically provided to Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid users detected within these locations.
For customers currently in Iran and Iraq, Globe has also extended additional support by providing prepaid and TM load credits as well as bill adjustments for postpaid subscribers to help cover communication expenses.
Subscribers receiving the roaming bundle may connect through Globe’s partner networks in their respective countries. These include 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.
In the Philippines, Globe is also opening selected Globe Stores as hotline hubs for families who may not have access to mobile phones or international calling services. These stores will allow individuals to place calls to relatives in the Middle East, ensuring that even families in underserved communities can stay in contact with loved ones abroad during the ongoing crisis.
Families are still encouraged to first attempt to reach relatives using their personal mobile phones, but the hotline hubs are meant to provide an additional support channel for those who need it. The list of participating Globe Stores can be accessed through the company’s website.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government is preparing further assistance should the situation in the Middle East worsen.
Cacdac said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, stands ready to provide support for Filipinos who may be forced to return to the country. The DMW is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), headed by Secretary Cristina Roque, to develop reintegration and livelihood programs for workers who may choose to come home if the conflict escalates.
Globe said it will continue working closely with government agencies and international partners to ensure that Filipinos abroad remain connected and supported during this critical period.
For updates on Globe’s roaming services and international partner networks, customers may visit the company’s official website.