Telecommunications firm Smart Communications, Inc. urges Filipinos to use text or short messaging system to help others who are in need like the modern concept of “Bayanihan.”

Ramon Isberto, public affairs head, Smart, noted how text messaging played an important role in responding to those in need when typhoon “Pablo” severely battered Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Subscribers simply have to text TULONG <amount> to 4483 and their donation will be deducted from their prepaid load or charged to their next postpaid bill. Subscribers can donate as low as 5 pesos, or as much as P1,000 per text.

The firm was able to gather P1 million worth of cash donations turned over to the Tulong Kapatid, in addition to the P10 million donations given by Smart and Sun Cellular through the PLDT-Smart Foundation.

Isberto noted another campaign which solicited help through text messaging – the Operation Smile for children born with cleft lip or palate.

“These are examples of how we Filipinos are putting our text know-how to good use,” said Isberto. “We’re not the world’s text messaging capital for nothing,” Isberto concluded.*