Mission Impossible
Working through the lockdown, Globe teams installed Internet connection in 22 hospitals. With their help, a site is activated within 24 hours
Loreto Dalangin, 53, handles Globe’s technical services and field operations.
My team usually handles Globe Internet installation and repair services, as well as consumer surveys and events. But during the lockdown, we received an urgent special mission. We had to set up free Wi-Fi connections in 22 hospitals, 7 frontliner dormitories, and 8 local government-based facilities.
Internet connection was critical for the medical staff, who had to coordinate with LGUs and emergency response teams. It was also the only way for the frontliners—who had to stay in the hospital to care for patients and prevent spread of the virus—to keep in touch with their worried families at home.
Fast, efficient, safe
My job has always been about precision. I have to ensure that all equipment we deploy are within standards. During the lockdown, precision was central to completing our mission quickly and safely.
It was a big mission, but close coordination with all stakeholders allowed us to succeed.
I personally joined the team on our first few missions to get a feel of the actual task. This first-hand experience enabled me to create protocols which shortened a process that normally takes two to three weeks to just one day.
#AyalaCitizen Diary: It’s tricky to climb ladders or attach wires in heavy safety gear, but the biggest challenge is not being able to see each other’s expressions. “Sanay kasi kami sa face-to-face communication. During the lockdown, nawala ‘yung ganoong bonding namin,” Loreto says.
We ensured that the Internet connection was 100% working before we left each site. Thankfully, we did not encounter any major issue.
I think confidence was the key here. Globe Telecom equipped the teams with complete safety gear to minimize exposure. Face shields, face masks, goggles, gloves, disinfectants—you name it. The company really provided for us. We felt the sincerity of our leaders. They really supported us by providing the things we needed to perform our jobs.
Family matters. Loreto’s family in Davao worry about him, but he reassures them that they always follow safety protocols. “Siyempre, gusto ko laging safe ako, pag-alis at pag-uwi ng bahay, para safe din ang mga nasa paligid namin.”
Precision with compassion
As I worked on this mission, I remembered my wife and two kids back home.
I joined Globe on November 2, 1994. I was originally based in Davao City, but a few years ago, I received an offer to join the head office here in Metro Manila. It was a tough decision for me, but my family fully supported me.
That’s why I can feel the struggle of the medical frontliners and COVID-19 patients.
Most of them are isolated from the rest of the world. Many of them have no way of getting in touch with their families except through video calls and chats.
““Internet connectivity helps the healing process of patients and relieves the anxiety of our frontliners.””
Internet connection is very important for medical frontliners and COVID-19 patients. It helps the healing process of patients and relieves the anxiety of our frontliners who have to be at the hospital 24/7.
Our team feels very happy and fulfilled. Based on the reactions of people who benefited from our work, our team did a great job. And we will keep helping in the best way we can, for we know our work matters.
Mission accomplished. # — As told to Rhys Buccat
PUBLISHED ON JULY 13, 2020
