Eastern Communications extends payment term, supports businesses with work from home and internet solutions

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Eastern Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the country, announces the extension of deadline for payments of its clients in light of the government’s implementation of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon due to the threat of COVID-19 outbreak.

Customers are given 30 days after their due date to pay their bills. 

Eastern Communications ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, partners, and customers. While the company is on work from home arrangement, it will continuously provide Eastern’s brand of quality service through conference calls.

Meanwhile, Eastern Communications has maintained a skeletal workforce to deliver service to their existing essential clients such as hospitals, government agencies, and other entities addressing the COVID-19 situation. 

Collaborate with Work from Home tools 

In support of work from home implementation of many companies, Eastern Communications will also provide cost-efficient and reliable ICT solutions such as Office 365 and Eastern Cloud to improve business continuity amid the pandemic. 

Office 365 is a cloud-based subscription to a suite of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. which is crucial for businesses to achieve productivity and collaboration while implementing work from home set-up. Existing clients will be guided by Eastern Communications on how to utilize the said program through sending series of educational information. 

Eastern Communications will also educate its clients on using Eastern Cloud service to help businesses run critical applications online and share company data while on remote work. 

Boost workplace connectivity and security

Eastern Communications’ existing Fiber1 clients in Metro Manila and Cebu, particularly banks, hospitals, and other essential establishments, will be offered speed boost and free three (3) pieces of Wi-Fi Mesh. This device spreads a network connection across the workplace which allows users to connect to the Internet wherever they are in the premises. Wi-Fi Mesh eliminates dead spots in every corner and have been used in small to medium paces such as multi-story buildings. 

Hospitals that utilize Eastern Communications’ Internet Direct Service will also expect 30% cost reduction plus free Office 365 under the special renewal program. 

Lastly, clients will be guided on securing online business from cyberattacks with Eastern’s Web Protection that includes Internet firewall, web security, remote access, and cloud access, helping enterprises work efficiently at this time. 

“We understand the difficulty that our fellow citizens are experiencing right now. We, at Eastern Communications are committed to extending support and guidance to our clients in essential establishments and other companies in this challenging time,” said Eastern Communications Marketing Director Jedrek Estanislao.

Eastern Communications monitors the situation closely and commits to maintain normal business operations until the situation improves. 

For more information, visit eastern.com.ph. 

#OneAgainstCOVID19: Donate to Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, Caritas Manila, Oxfam Pilipinas, and others through PayMaya

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Now you can donate to various charitable foundations and humanitarian agencies mobilizing relief and response efforts against COVID-19 through PayMaya's digital payments platform. The one-stop digital donation facility that can be accessed online or in-app is part of #OneAgainstCOVID19 drive that PayMaya launched with various partners to help raise funds for frontliners and the most vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic. 

“In this time of great and urgent need, coming together in the traditional spirit of bayanihan becomes ever more important so that no one gets left behind. This #OneAgainstCOVID19 harnesses the power of collaboration and digital payments as we fight this global pandemic,” said PayMaya Founder and CEO Orlando B. Vea. 

By visiting the #OneAgainstCOVID19 page in the PayMaya website (http://donate.paymaya.com) or going to the Pay Bills section of the PayMaya app, Filipinos can choose from a variety of charitable organizations to support with causes that range from providing medical front liners with meals and personal protective equipment to giving relief and medical packages to communities, among many others. Recipient beneficiaries, meanwhile, will be able to receive the donations through PayMaya's platforms.

Anyone from around the world can go to the #OneAgainstCOVID19 website and donate using their credit, debit, or prepaid card. This means that even overseas Filipinos can pitch in for the various efforts. Online donation acceptance using a Philippine mobile number with a PayMaya account through Pay with PayMaya is also available. For PayMaya account holders, donating via the Pay Bills section of the PayMaya app or by scanning a partner's PayMaya QR online is the fastest way to support #OneAgainstCOVID19 causes. 

Partner organizations raising funds through the platform include the Philippine Red Cross, which is seeking donations for different aid packages that will be given to medical front liners and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNICEF, on the other hand, is calling for donations to provide critical, medical and sanitation supplies for health facilities, as well as educating children and families on proper handwashing, providing parents with home-based educational activities for children and psychosocial support through counselling.

For Oxfam Pilipinas, proceeds will go to helping ensure that poor families have access to water, sanitation and hygiene items to protect their health, and help them recover from the effects of COVID-19—particularly those who lost their livelihood or income during the community quarantine period.

Caritas Manila is calling for cash donations to provide Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kits and Caritas Manna food bags to poor communities, families, and the elderly in Metro Manila, who are the most vulnerable during these difficult times.

Other #OneAgainstCOVID19 partner organizations that Filipinos can choose to donate to include the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, TV5's Alagang Kapatid Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, and #nowheretogobutUP, among others.

One big effort vs. COVID-19 

In launching the effort, PayMaya underscored the need for a multi-sectoral, concerted push that will help support the various front liners in the effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease, as well as alleviate the plight of those living in vulnerable communities. As it makes its digital financial platforms available for the #OneAgainstCOVID19 advocacy campaign, PayMaya is working with its partner merchants, Smart Padala agents, and employees to campaign for the cause. 

Donate via online, mobile 

To donate via the #OneAgainstCOVID19 web page, simply follow these steps: 

Go to http://donate.paymaya.com

Choose the specific organization or cause that you want to donate to 

Choose the donation amount or package of your choice, then click ‘Add to Cart’ 

Review your cart or donate to other organizations as well, then click ‘Check Out’ 

Fill in the needed information, then click ‘Continue to Payment’. 

Review the details you entered, then click ‘Complete Order’ to be redirected to the secure payment page

Enter your card or PayMaya details in the fields provided, then click ‘Pay Now’ 

You will receive a confirmation of your donation via email or SMS, depending on the payment method 

To donate using the PayMaya app, follow these steps: 

Log in to your PayMaya account

Click the ‘Pay Bills’ button 

Choose from among the organizations with the hashtag #OneAgainstCOVID19 you want to donate to 

In the Account Number field, enter ‘00000’ 

In the Amount field, enter the amount you want to donate 

Once done, click continue. Review the information you have entered, then click ‘Pay’ 

You will receive an SMS in your mobile phone regarding the donation 

Donations collected via these #OneAgainstCOVID19 channels will be received by PayMaya and remitted to their respective recipient organizations. 

To know more about this initiative, visit http://donate.paymaya.com. [END]

Globe postpaid customers may suspend their monthly spending limit

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Globe is giving its Postpaid and Platinum customers an option to suspend their monthly spending limit. This is in response to the surge in demand for voice and mobile data, as work and study from home arrangements are implemented in Luzon and other parts of the country.

“We understand how our customers’ current situation requires high reliance on continuous mobile services such as voice and data especially among those who need to work or study at home because of the enhanced community quarantine.  We would like to help our postpaid customers stay connected by providing them with a way to suspend their spending limit as these times may call for it,” said Rebecca Eclipse, Globe Chief Customer Experience Officer.

Spending limit is a special feature that helps customers take better control of their postpaid spending. It is the maximum amount that can be used for  services when one has exceeded the monthly plan, in order to stay within budget and avoid bill shock. Customers will be sent a text message with instructions on how to suspend their spending limit to help cope with the increase in connectivity needs during this period.

Aside from this, Globe has provided a 30-day bill payment extension to all mobile postpaid customers. To help manage and monitor their usage, customers will still continue to receive billing notifications. 

To reduce physical contact and help protect customers, Globe has also temporarily stopped sending printed billing statements and will instead send the latest bill via SMS or text message. 

Customers may download and use the GlobeOne app and Globe At Home app to make it easy to track down data usage and subscribe to offers. Connectivity is essential at this time and Globe is continuing efforts in coming up with measures to empower its customers in the security and safety of their homes. 

For more information on spending limit and how to suspend it, please visit https://www.globe.com.ph/help/postpaid/spending-limit.html 

GCash says fintech could help facilitate fund transfers amid national emergency due to Covid-19

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With restricted mobility and limited options due to the enhanced community quarantine of the whole island of Luzon and local lockdowns of other cities and provinces, Filipinos may opt to send and receive money to and from their loved ones via their mobile phones. 

Aside from mobile wallets being more convenient -- as anyone with a mobile digital finance account could transfer money anytime and anywhere -- the use of financial technology for fund transfers also supports the government’s initiative of keeping people in their homes. 

The government has declared the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a national health emergency, with various national and local government units implementing strict home quarantine procedures to stop the further transmission of the deadly virus.

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, emphasized that Filipinos should leverage a financial ecosystem that allows them to do more with less, especially during emergencies. 

“We highly encourage the use of fintech platforms for both individuals and businesses to complement the initiatives of both the government and the private sector. We at GCash vow to facilitate the swift and reliable transfer of money from one mobile account to another in support of the collaborative efforts to fight COVID-19,” GCash President Anthony Thomas said. 

Through their GCash apps, users may send money to other GCash users or even account holders of other bank accounts and financial institutions.

Express Send, found under the Send Money Tile, allows GCash users to send money to another GCash account in real time and for free. They may also include a short message to the receiver when using this feature. 

Aside from withdrawing cash from their digital wallets, GCash account holders may use their funds to transact either online or offline. This further reduces the need for GCash users to go out and handle cash during the enhanced community quarantine.

Meanwhile, GCash account holders may also transfer funds to almost 40 banks and other financial institutions through the Bank Transfer feature. GCash users simply have to select the bank of the receiver, input the receiver’s details and the amount to be sent, and click send. This service is for free and bank transfer is real time.

Banks and traditional remittance centers charge fees for transferring funds. Some could go as high as P500. 

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno already sought the cooperation of banks and other financial institutions in giving relief to those using banking services during the heightened national emergency. 

“We strongly encourage our supervised financial institutions to temporarily suspend all fees and charges imposed on the use of online banking platforms or electronic money, including those imposed on the use of Instapay or PesoNet electronic fund transfer. This will enable the general public to facilitate banking transactions during the Covid-19 situation,” Diokno was quoted as saying. 

Sending and receiving money via GCash -- whether peer-to-peer or interbank -- have always been free since day one. 

“For more than a decade now, GCash fund transfer services have always remained free. We remain committed to ensuring that our services directly make an impact on the lives of many Filipinos by providing them with low-cost, efficient, and reliable financial services just like fund transfers,” Thomas said. 

Aside from leveraging fintech to transfer funds, GCash also encourages Filipinos to help #FightCOVID19 by joining the digital donation drive that it launched in the GCash app. Through this, anyone with a GCash account can help support frontline health workers. To donate, GCash users simply have to click on the “Pay Bills” icon, choose “Others,” click on the “FightCOVID19” option, and then input the amount that they would like to donate before hitting send.

Robinsons Bank’s Advisories for the COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine Period

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Bank Branch Schedule

Starting March 19, 2020, select RBank Branches in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be open to serve you. Check the link for the complete list here: http://bit.ly/391Wr3T

For added safety, Robinsons Bank is encouraging its customers to enroll their accounts in RBank Digital (Online Banking). This facility can handle various transactions such as Bills Payment, Fund Transfers, Balance Inquiry, and more. 

Loan Payment Grace Period

For due dates of March 16 to April 15, 2020

Robinsons Bank is aware of the challenges you have encountered in settling your payments for Housing Loan, Auto Loan, Personal Loan, Motorcycle Loan, and Credit loan. They are providing a grace period of 30 days for payments due from March 16 to April 15, 2020 for customers with good credit standing. 

Customers may continue to settle their loans via RBank Digital (online banking) where they can pay their bills, transfer funds, and more. 

Trust Banking Advisory 

The Bankers Association of the Philippines and the Philippines Stock Exchange have issued a memo dated March 17, 2020, allowing the Foreign Exchange/Fixed Income Markets and Stock Trading & Settlements to resume operations on March 18, 2020 and March 19, 2020 respectively. 

Robinsons Bank advises that:

Beginning March 18, 2020, RBank Trust & Investment Group (TIG) will be accepting subscriptions and redemptions for the Money Market Fund up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM, subject to existing guidelines on settlements. 

Beginning March 19, 2020, RBank TIG will be accepting subscriptions and redemptions for the Balanced Fund and the Tax-Exempt Retirements Balanced UITF up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM, subject to existing guidelines on settlement.

For IMA/ Trust accounts, RBank TIG will accept new placements and regular withdrawals up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM. Any unscheduled withdrawals will require pre-termination/ divestment of securities will be serviced subject to existing guidelines, prevailing market prices and applicable charges, If any. 

This will remain effective until further notice.

For any queries or concerns, please email TrustGroup@robinsonsbank.com.ph

PISO-FEE for Instapay and PesoNet transactions

In line with social distancing measures and home quarantine practices, RBank is making it easier for you to transfer funds to your loved ones.

From March 19 until May 31, RBank is lowering the service fee for Instapay and PesoNet transactions from Php 25 to only 1 peso.

24R Hub

Robinsons Bank’s 24R Hubs continue to be available anytime for customers' immediate banking needs.

This anytime banking facility allows customers to withdraw funds, deposit cash, pay bills and transfer funds via RBank Digital, and even open their accounts online. 

Visit the 24R Hub locations at:

• Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico, Manila

• Udenna Tower, Rizal Drive corner 4th Ave, Bonifacio Global City 

• Cyberscape Gamma, Ruby St., Ortigas Center, Pasig 

In an effort to help contain the COVID – 19 virus, Robinsons Bank will be operating with limited services and a skeletal workforce. 

Rbank maintains its promise of commitment to service and strives to ease the burden of its customers during this challenging time. It will continue to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of its customers and employees alike.

For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank/ and follow them on Twitter @RBankCorp for the latest updates

Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country in terms of assets amounting to Php 110.555 Bn as of September 2019.

Tagaytay Highlands reopens after successful clearing and relief operations

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Tagaytay Highlands has reopened after much of the clean-up and rehabilitation efforts at the premier recreational and residential complex have been completed. 

To date, the Highlands’ major roads, driveways, golf courses, and other facilities have been cleared following the Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption early this year.

The top management of Tagaytay Highlands oversaw the continuous cleaning operations at the estate to ensure that all properties and facilities were operational in time for the return of the Highlands’ homeowners, members, and their guests. 

In February, Tagaytay Highlands scaled up operations at the Midlands and Greenlands, including but not limited to the restoration of power and water supplies, rehabilitation of landscapes, and repairs of roofs and major spine roads, among others. 

Major facilities in the Highlands, such as The Spa and Lodge and the Tagaytay Highlands Golf Course, likewise resumed operations in February. Dining places and indoor facilities of the Sports Center were also reopened. 

While clean-up efforts were ongoing at the Highlands, the animals of the estate’s Animal Farm were temporarily housed at animal shelters to ensure their safety. 

In conjunction with all this, club members, property owners, and sales teams successfully carried out relief operations for Highlands workers and residents of nearby communities—with donations from SM Cares and SM Foundation, Inc. 

The Highlands team likewise initiated similar efforts benefiting residents of the neighboring barangays of Bunggo and Kalabuso in Calamba, Laguna, and Tanauan, Batangas. 

On March 1, Tagaytay Highlands held a Thanksgiving Golf Tournament at its reopened Tagaytay Midlands Golf Course. Led by Mr. Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime, the tournament kicked off the formal reopening of the golf course and other Highlands amenities. 

About Tagaytay Highlands

Tagaytay Highlands is a leisure development of the SM Group of Companies. Nestled in the highest elevations of Tagaytay, the premier leisure destination speaks of exclusivity and luxury, where stunning views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation. For more information on how to own a Highlands home, please call +632 75052422 and +63917 5150158, or visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com. Follow us on Facebook, Tagaytay Highlands, and Instagram @tagaytayhighlandsofficial.

BDO daily operations continue in the midst of COVID-19

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In light of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, BDO Unibank continues to serve the public with the daily bank operations.

BDO ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines, and Online Banking services are available, while select branches have shortened banking hours.

BDO continues  serving you in ways that will keep our community safe. Please be guided by the list of Metro Manila branches that are open with shortened banking hours. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao branches will continue to serve you with shortened banking hours.

https://facebook.com/notes/bdo-unibank/branch-operations-in-metro-manila-starting-march-18/2542771649272321/

In this difficult time, BDO extend  assistance: a 60-day payment extension for qualified Credit Card, Auto, Home, SME and Personal Loan customers with due dates of up to April 15, 2020.

BDO Insure are committed to working hard for the customers especially in extraordinary times like these. One way is extending all insurance premiums payment due dates by 60 days. If you need to reach BDO, check through the channels listed below.

Now more than ever, BDO Life is committed to protect you and your family. We would like to humbly provide an extension of grace period for all insurance policies from the usual 31 days to 91 days from the premium due date.

Whether it’s sending money to relatives far away, helping out in donation drives or making essential purchases, all SEND MONEY transfers made via Instapay will be free of transfer charge from March 18 - April 15, 2020. Go to the BDO website to sign up today.

Both the customers' safety and urgent banking needs are the BDO priority.

BDO offers 60-day payment extension for loans

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BDO Unibank offers what the bank consider as their humble assistance, in this difficult time, due to COVIT -19 : a 60-day payment extension for qualified Credit Card, Auto, Home, SME and Personal Loan customers with due dates of up to April 15, 2020.

BDO has earier activated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) as well as implemented precautionary workplace measures to provide uninterrupted service to its customers and at the same time safeguard employee well-being.

The bank’s BCP has backup sites for critical functions such as client servicing, trading and treasury, operations and information technology, while key personnel have also been identified to man both critical and non-critical units to ensure banking operations continue even in the event of a severe business disruption.

For more updates, you may follow BDO’s official FB fan page: https://www.facebook.com/BDOUnibank/

Perfect rice every time

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Like most Filipinos, I can’t live without rice. It just goes with almost every meal I eat. From adobo to sinigang to tocino, a cup of steaming white rice is the perfect complement. Mas sumasarap talaga ang ulam pag may bagong lutong kanin! So it goes without saying that the rice cooker is actually a must-have in my kitchen.

While it may be an afterthought to some, a rice cooker is not just a simple kitchen appliance to me. The model I use right now is the Kyowa 1.8L Rice Cooker, and I love it! It’s very affordable but I am still able to cook perfect fluffy rice every time.

The Kyowa is great for large portions, able to cook enough rice for about 8 people. Perfect for when I have visitors over for lunch or dinner. Aesthetically, I really like the Japanese-style design.

And I think the built-in cover seals the rice better so it stays fresh and warm longer. It also came with a measuring cup and spatula as standard, together with a tray for steaming vegetables.

If you’re a big rice fan like me, check out the affordable Kyowa Rice Cooker available on Shopee.

#FightCOVID19 : Caritas Manila To Provide Ligtas COVID-19 Kits to Poor Families in Metro Manila

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The entire Luzon is now under Enhanced Community Quarantine (Lockdown) from March 17 to April 12, suspending all means of public transportation. 

President Rodrigo Duterte made the announcement in a televised address from Malacañang.

Everyone is advised to stay inside their homes as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases intensify its efforts to identify and isolate confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Many poor families in Metro Manila, even before the declaration of the Community Quarantine, are already unable to purchase food and basic protection needs against COVID-19. More than the virus, they’re afraid that the lockdown will deprive them of livelihood.

“We won’t last a month here. We won’t even last a few days if my husband doesn’t earn a living,” a woman living in Baseco, Tondo Manla said in an interview.

In response to this crisis, Caritas Manila, the lead social service arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, launched the LIGTAS COVID-19 campaign. This aims to provide Caritas Ligtas COVID-19 kits and Caritas Manna food bags to 6,000 poor families in Metro Manila.

The 2000 Pesos Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit for a family of 5 includes:

• 1 liter of 70% ethyl alcohol

• 5 handy bottles of 30 ml alcohol

• 5 washable face masks

• 1 liter of antibacterial liquid soap

• 1 box of 100 tablets of vitamin C with zinc

• A pair of reusable gloves

• 1 liter of liquid bleach

• 3 pieces of cleaning cloth

• Eco bag

The 700 Pesos worth of Caritas Manna bag to the family contains:

• 5 kilos of rice

• munggo beans

• 9 assorted canned goods

• 2 packs of Caritas Margins kalabasa/malunggay noodles

• 1/4 pack of sugar and salt

• Eco bag

Joining this campaign is now made even easier with GCash. Simply scan the QR code below in your GCash app and you can donate as low as 1 peso to help protect the poor from COVID-19.

The crisis has affected our country and there is no other way to #FightCOVID19 than to live out the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan. No one should be left behind.

For MORE information about Caritas Manila and its campaigns please go to www.caritasmanila.org.ph or CONTACT 0917-5955083

BDO Confirms COVID-19 Case in San Juan operation facility; Said employee is not branch-based and does not have any face-to-face interaction with clients

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BDO is closely monitoring the status of an employee who tested positive for COVID-19. Said employee is not branch-based and does not have any face-to-face interaction with clients.

All employees within the contact trace of the affected individual are now under self-quarantine.

Visit :
https://www.facebook.com/1534645913418238/posts/2542529232629896/

BDO received reports that a non-branch employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee, who works in an operations facility in San Juan, did self-quarantine on March 10. However, the bank was informed of the confirmation on March 16.

All employees within the contact trace of the affected individual are now under self-quarantine.

During this challenging time, BDO will be providing said employee with every support and guidance. 

The bank is in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) in taking the necessary actions. BDO is likewise performing detailed contact tracing with all employees and other parties that the infected employee may have come into contact with. The affected office area, as well as the common spaces such as the elevators and toilets, are being  deep cleaned and disinfected. We have also advised all our employees to be cautious about their wellness and hygiene to boost their immune system.

BDO will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the well-being of employees, customers and suppliers is protected.

Please read the bank’s official statement at www.bdo.com.ph.

#BDO #BDOUnibank

Leverage digital technology to reduce risk of viral transmission -- GCash

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Filipinos are now scrambling to keep their home supplies at bay, as the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread in various parts of the country, and a community quarantine has been ordered in certain areas of the archipelago. 

In Metro Manila alone, some grocery stores have seen their shelves almost wiped out of stocks, as people stockpile their homes with food and other grocery items to prepare their families for more stringent quarantine measures. 

This means that the exchange of paper money is faster than ever, and money is circulating from one hand to another without prejudice to whoever handled the banknotes before people and merchants ultimately keep them in their wallets or cash registers. 

Paper money, according to various studies, can harbor the viruses and bacteria that they contract with for several days. This may include the deadly novel virus that has forced the world into a pandemic. 

And in the Philippines, where cash is still king, the virus may potentially spread through the exchange of paper money, which circulates not only in one area but can go anywhere where payment is demanded. 

Aside from practicing personal hygiene, the World Health Organization (WHO) has already encouraged everyone to use contactless payment solutions to avoid viral transmission via banknotes and coins. 

Thus, it is high time for Filipinos to consider using frictionless payment methods such as mobile wallets. Through mobile apps, account holders may transact with a wide variety of merchants without physically touching paper money. They may also use their mobile phones to pay for bills, settle for government dues, or even support humanitarian efforts to combat the dreaded disease. 

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is encouraging Filipinos to adopt a more digital lifestyle, especially at times like these, when crises strike everyone the hardest.

“At this trying time, every one of us should adopt measures that will reduce our risk of contracting the virus from any surface — and that includes paper money. We at GCash believe that there is power in technology, and Filipinos could benefit from this, especially during emergencies,” GCash President Anthony Thomas said. 

The digital economy helps lessen the risk of transmission for those who leverage it, as it limits the physical interaction between people and leverages new technologies to facilitate services. 

Transferring funds to loved ones in the provinces 

For instance, a man who works in quarantined Metro Manila may send money to his loved ones in Bicol via GCash. He may either send the money to their GCash wallets or even transfer funds from his GCash account to their bank accounts via the Bank Transfer option in the GCash app.

The funds transferred may then be used by his family to purchase their everyday goods, pay for services, and even pay for their bills. 

No queues at payment centers 

Speaking of paying bills, with social distancing protocols now in place, queuing at payment centers also increases the risk of spreading the virus. 

By using the GCash Pay Bills service, anyone with a GCash account may settle their utility bills, credit card bills, cable and internet bills, insurance, real estate, and even government dues without going out of the comforts of their homes. 

Get things delivered 

Likewise, instead of going to supply stores, GCash users may use their GCash wallets to shop online. Through its partnership with Lazada, which has the widest arrays of goods being sold, GCash users may opt to buy their grocery items or even daily necessities via their mobile phones. The items they purchased will then be delivered to their doorsteps, reducing their risk of contact to the virus. 

Pay with credit lines 

But if it is really necessary to go outside and buy daily necessities from the grocery store, GCash users may also use their mobile wallets to purchase goods via the revolutionary Scan-to-Pay (STP) via QR or STP via Barcode payment systems, which are accepted in over 70,000 merchants in the country. They may either use their available balance or tap into GCredit, a credit facility embedded in the GCash app, to transact with grocery stories like Puregold. 

Savings in times of emergencies 

GCash users with GSave savings accounts may also digitally cash out their money when emergencies arise. The money, when cashed out from the GSave account, directly goes into the GCash wallet balance, and instead of physically cashing the money out of ATMs, they may opt to use their digital wallets to transact with various merchants across the Philippines. 

Not the only risk reduction measure

These are just some of the services that Filipinos may benefit from during the global pandemic. But while frictionless payments reduce the risks of spreading the virus, everyone should still keep in mind that proper hygiene, as directed by the Department of Health, should be thoroughly and strictly practiced. 

“We have to work together as a team — albeit following social distancing protocols — to defeat this almost invisible enemy. We at GCash are exploring more ways to help the government and the private sector in mitigating the further spread of COVID-19 in the country,” Thomas said.