Converge mobilizes relief efforts for areas affected by severe tropical storm Kristine

Converge business centers across the country have opened their doors to communities impacted by severe tropical storm Kristine (international name: Trami), as flooding and power outages continued to affect towns and municipalities in Luzon. 

“Where we can, we’ve deployed resources to those affected by severe tropical storm Kristine. We’ve made it a practice to stop business center operations so that these can serve as temporary shelters for those in need. As we speak, we are earmarking funds for distribution of relief packs in some of these affected areas,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. 

Bicolanos crowded a Converge business center, seeking refuge from the severe tropical storm and bringing their devices to make use of the center’s charging station.

Business centers in hard hit areas such as Naga, Legazpi, Bayombong, Gapan, Candon, Vigan, and Laoag served as temporary shelters, provided charging stations, and offered free Wi-Fi to stranded residents. Particularly in Naga, in partnership with Ravenous Communications, Converge distributed sustenance to those affected. 

A Converge lineman braves flooded roadways en route to the restoration of affected network elements. 

Converge also assures subscribers that it has deployed repair teams since the brunt of the typhoon hit yesterday and assessment of some areas’ power requirements are ongoing. In areas with massive power outages, Converge deployed generator sets to temporarily power up its network until commercial power becomes available.

As of Friday afternoon, Converge has restored over 70% of its network facilities affected by the typhoon. Most of its business centers have also returned to normal operations.

Converge employees and partners pitched in to distribute simple meals to affected residents.

Converge is also taking stock of the needs of its more than 2,000-strong workforce and aiding the most vulnerable and those mostly affected by the typhoon.