NutriAsia kids pay tribute to hardworking frontliners with Salamat BayaNAI program

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Through challenging times, NutriAsia’s own frontliners have remained dedicated to keeping shelves stocked with Filipinos’ favorite and trusted food products. In recognition of this, children of NutriAsia employees are honoring and further protecting them through their Salamat BayaNAI program.

Salamat BayaNAI is a project under Batang NutriAsia, a corporate program of NutriAsia for children of its employees. 

Launched by Batang NutriAsia, an in-house summer program for children of NutriAsia employees, the Salamat BayaNAI program saw 3,800 face shields assembled and donated to NutriAsia merchandisers and employees for their protection. Despite the risks, these merchandisers served as the company’s front line in ensuring supermarkets and grocery stores remain stocked with NutriAsia products throughout the community quarantine, while employees from departments such as Human Resources, Total Quality Management, R&D, and Supply Chain also continued to report to work on site, making sure that all operations remained consistent throughout the situation.

Face shields were chosen for both their practicality and the protection they impart against COVID-19 and other diseases.

Children write messages of encouragement to NutriAsia’s own frontliners

The program also aims to give these employees emotional support, as the Batang NutriAsia kids added heartwarming handwritten thank-you notes to the frontliners.

“We want these frontliners to know that their work is appreciated, and their bravery is not forgotten,” said Sabine Flaminiano, Salamat BayaNAI project lead and a Batang NutriAsia graduate in her own right.

 “Seeing the reactions of the store merchandisers and employees as they received our care packages was memorable—as their hard work and sacrifice are valued and recognized, this had brought big smiles and a boost to their morale.”

The MERIT of Batang NutriAsia

Batang NutriAsia is a corporate program for children of NutriAsia employees who want to know more about their parents’ work. The Salamat BayaNAI program is a culmination of Batang NutriAsia’s MERIT (Malasakit, Excellence, Respect, Ingenuity with Integrity, and Teamwork) pillars, especially Malasakit as it raised awareness of the need to care for others.

Through the Salamat BayaNAI program, NutriAsia children were able to send 3,800 face shields and thank you notes to NutriAsia employees and merchandisers.

NutriAsia Human Resources Group Head Jun Corpus shares that through Batang NutriAsia, they are able to teach children universally critical work and life values to help build a generation of values-led, principled Filipinos set for a brighter future.

By starting and executing initiatives, programs, and projects that involve the family members of NutriAsia employees, the values of the company are further strengthened across the entire family, proving they are truly foundational, action-oriented, can drive results, and ideal in any situation.

Founded in 1991, NutriAsia Group is a powerhouse of beloved, timeless, and iconic Filipino food brands that include Datu Puti, Silver Swan, Mang Tomas, UFC, Papa Catsup, Jufran; UFC Cooking Sauces and Meal Mixes; Golden Fiesta Cooking Oil; and Locally Blended Juice Drink and Merci Buco Coco water.

Knowledge Channel ready to work with gov't in distance learning

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As the government shifts to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Knowledge Channel is ready to share its video lessons that could reach as many as 7.6 million students, a huge portion of the 27 million expected to enroll this school year.

“Knowledge Channel is prepared to work with the government. We have created and acquired more than a thousand video lessons, all based on the K - 12 curriculum of the Department of Education and these are ready for use,” Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) director for operations Edric Calma said. 

For 21 years, KCFI has developed and acquired multimedia educational materials that public schools nationwide, especially in remote regions used to enhance teaching and learning. They are aired over Knowledge Channel and used for instruction by KCFI-trained teachers and are also designed for home-based learning. Before ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, Knowledge Channel aired over SKYcable, SKYdirect, ABS-CBN TVplus, and other cable and direct to home satellite TV providers, reaching millions of students. 

According to Calma, KCFI has developed into video format 50% of the most essential learning competencies (MELC) that DepEd requires to be taught for the school year, and that KCFI can easily develop the remaining 50%. 

Knowledge Channel’s method of using TV technology has proven to improve the performance of children in school. Studies conducted by the DLSU La Sallian Institute for Development and Educational Research and the UP Statistical Center for Research Foundation's Impact Study for Proficient Measures for Quality Education revealed that children who were taught using Knowledge Channel video lessons performed better in tests. 

“The most essential learning competencies are the minimum curriculum-prescribed skills that students must acquire,” Calma said.

Calma stressed that the 21st century DepEd curriculum is about understanding and creating designs, systems and processes, unlike in the past when students were just required to memorize. 

“Subjects like mathematics and the sciences involve understanding of processes, and they need to be visually illustrated for kids to understand,” he said, adding “with this kind of curriculum, we need TV.” 

Calma said that Knowledge Channel’s multimedia resources also teach kids critical thinking. 

“Children’s critical thinking and creativity are triggered by video lessons because we challenge them with questions at the beginning, halfway through and at the end of the episode,” Calma said.

Alice Panares, who sits in the board of the National Council for Children's Television, said that the government is faced with the near-impossible task of training a 900,000-strong teaching workforce to teach students using media before the August opening of classes. 

To address this problem, Panares suggested that Knowledge Channel be tapped at the very onset of the distance learning program. 

“While the teachers are being trained, why not tap first the lessons of Knowledge Channel since it already has existing materials,” Panares said, adding that “Knowledge Channel has done a very complete work in educating the students in different areas.”

Panares said that Knowledge Channel is ready with the different subjects that are already in the form of TV lessons made for different grade levels. “I’ve watched many of the lessons and they are ready for airing for the DepEd,” she said.

KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez Bautista appealed that KCFI be given the chance to share with the government its expertise for the sake of the children. 

Lopez Bautista said, “We believe that learning must continue for all and that no child should be left behind. We appeal to our lawmakers and the Filipino people to recognize ABS-CBN’s contributions to education and that ABS-CBN is granted a new franchise so that we can again reach the children no matter where they are in the Philippines. The Knowledge Channel Foundation continues, and will be working to continue to be in the service of Filipino children.” 

How TikTok is inspiring creativity in the new normal

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Filipinos dance to a new beat during Metro Manila Quarantine

With COVID-19 forcing everyone to stay home, more and more people are turning to online platforms for information, connection, and entertainment. And no platform has managed to entertain quite like TikTok.

TikTok has been taking 2020 by storm, with 315 million installs across iOS and Android in Q1. To date, the video-sharing app has been installed in devices 800 million times and was touted as the most downloaded app earlier this year. It now has 2 billion downloads overall, doubling its total from 15 months ago.

While this growth can be partly attributed to the current situation, it can also be attributed to TikTok’s inherent playful personality and how that fits into this digital era. “Our mission has always been to inspire creativity and bring joy. We want to help people stay connected, stay informed, stay entertained,” said John Castro, Community Operations Manager of TikTok Philippines, in a recent webinar organized by M2.0 Communications. “It’s also about inspiring each other.”

Another reason for TikTok’s mass appeal is it is designed for the local user. The app is available in over 150 markets and supports 75 languages, including Cebuano and Tagalog.

What makes TikTok tick?

According to Castro, TikTok’s lifeline is its users, who are mostly Gen Z. This generation is a digital-first generation, with 98 percent owning smartphones. They also spend a lot of time on the internet: averaging 10 hours a day online, streaming at least one hour of video per day, and consuming an average of 68 contents per day.

While Gen Z is certainly a big driver of the app’s popularity, other generations are joining in on the fun as well, resulting in a vibrant and engaged community. And it is that community that sets TikTok apart according to Castro.

“We have dancers, chefs, cooks,” said Castro on the variety of users on the platform all expressing their individual truths. “It's not just about the dance trends, it’s more about the creators, the users, and the community,” he said.

New content for the new normal

A big trend in content creation brought on by COVID-19 is the shift towards authentic content. And this is where TikTok shines, because it is about users expressing their individual truths, in whatever way they choose.

Before the pandemic, lifestyle influencer Laureen Uy posted a lot of travel content. Now, her content has been restricted to things she can do in her own home, forcing her to think of new ways to present her content. “As a content creator, I still want to keep my creativity going even at home,” she said.

As someone new to the platform, she was surprised by the amount of learning on TikTok, inspiring her to also produce informational content. That educational aspect of the short-form video platform is something that TikTok has actively pursued, adding the option for longer-form content so its creators can better inform their audiences.

Ultimately, TikTok’s success will depend on its users. And while the growing user base of the platform will undoubtedly attract marketers, Castro emphasizes the importance of understanding what works on TikTok. “If you’re coming into TikTok thinking you can do the same thing you can do on other platforms, you’re probably going to be mediocre,” he said.

For Uy, it’s about diversifying content for different social media channels. “If my content on Instagram is more fashion and lifestyle focused, my content on TikTok would be focused on fun and infotainment,” she said.

Perhaps the best way for brands to run campaigns on TikTok is through the creators. After all, it is a community-driven platform. It will be an exercise of experimentation and creativity, much like the environment of the TikTok community itself.

“On TikTok, you’ll see different types of challenges and videos you might not see on other platforms,” said Castro. “We want you guys to express your creativity. It can be in the weirdest way possible. We embrace weird, and we want you guys to do that on TikTok.”

Newfound discovery makes some dishwashing liquids effective home disinfectant. Joy PH is one of them.

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In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) commissioned the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) to look into other options for disinfecting homes and workplaces. This was undertaken to mitigate global alcohol shortage, and cope with the sudden surge in demands of alcohol disinfectant at medical facilities as well as home and workplace environments. 

Lab studies conducted by METI/NITE have proven that some cleaning actives also known as surfactants, when used at the right levels, can be effective against SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19. Test findings by Japan’s NITE have confirmed that there is a significant reduction in the virus count on items or surfaces that are exposed to a surfactant diluted to 0.05%-0.2% for twenty seconds to five minutes.

According to the review committee of experts, these seven types of surfactants are commonly found in household products like dishwashing liquids. 

● Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (0.1% or more);

● Alkyl glycoside (0.1% or more);

● Alkylamine oxide (0.05% or more);

● Benzalkonium chloride (0.05% or more);

● Benzethonium chloride (0.05% or more) (newly added on May 28, 2020);

● Dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride (0.01% or more) (newly added on May 28, 2020); and

● Polyoxyethylene alkylether (0.2% or more)

With this research confirming more accessible ways to disinfect your homes and workplaces, dishwashing liquids containing these ingredients can benefit Filipinos and serve as a reliable substitute to alcohol-based disinfectant. This would mean convenience and better value for money given the product’s multi-purpose use of disinfecting various items, not just in the kitchen but other household items as well.

New solution to disinfecting against SARS-CoV-2

Japan METI/NITE recommends the solution ratio of one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid mixed in 500ml water. To sanitize, wipe all items or surfaces with a cloth soaked in this solution. Ensure to squeeze excess liquid out of the cloth to prevent the liquid from dripping. Wipe firmly in one direction to prevent spreading dirt and virus. Leave the items or surfaces to rest with the mixture for about five minutes. Then, wipe off the soap solution with a cloth soaked in water. Finally, wipe dry all items and surfaces with another clean cloth. 

To learn more about the research findings, visit this link: meti.go.jp/english/press/2020/0529_001.html. 

Follow Joy Philippines’ official Facebook page at fb.com/JoyPhilippines for more updates on Joy.

Domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey

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Manila, June 29, 2020 – Domestic travel will lead the recovery of the country’s tourism industry with Filipino travelers expecting to go to destinations closer to home and spending less amid lingering health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the gist of the results of the recent survey conducted on the pandemic’s effects on domestic and international tourism and on Filipinos’ travel behavior in the new normal.

The Department of Tourism released the report entitled “Philippine Travel Survey: Insights on Filipino Travel Behavior Post-COVID 19” to various tourism stakeholders in a webinar on Monday (June 29).

The key insights of the survey, which was conducted last May among over 12,000 respondents across the country, were:

1. Domestic leisure travel will lead the recovery of Philippine tourism;
2. Majority of travelers expect a reduction of their income and travel budget;
3. Health and safety remains the primary concern of travelers;
4. Travelers prefer reduced-contact activities once leisure travel restrictions are lifted;
5. Travelers prefer online and digital channels for convenience and reduced contact; and
6. Travelers plan to travel close to home.

The survey represents the data-driven efforts of the DOT and tourism stakeholders to restart the local travel industry, which had been gravely affected by restrictions caused by the pandemic.

“We believe in a collaborative approach to recovery,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “The survey, which was distributed online, sought the sentiments and concerns that respondents have concerning domestic travel in light of the pandemic, in order to provide insights to tourism enterprises to better prepare, respond, and serve guests and tourists again.”

The travel survey is a joint project of the DOT, the Asian Institute of Management Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism, and Guide to the Philippines. It shows how the public, the government, the private sector, and the academe can collaborate for the industry’s eventual recovery, Puyat said.

Domestic leisure travel will be a huge driver

The survey found that domestic travel will lead the recovery of the Philippine travel industry, with 77 percent of respondents expressing their willingness to travel to local destinations once restrictions are lifted. More than half of the respondents also look forward to travel for leisure or vacation, even in the absence of a vaccine against COVID-19.

Popular local tourist spots, especially beaches, are expected to see a surge in visitors. Boracay, Siargao, and Baguio top the list of destinations to visit when travel is permitted again. Filipinos also prefer to travel to destinations closer to home.

The majority of the respondents also prefer activities they deem “safe” with limited face-to-face interaction. Top travel activities that are high on their minds are beach trips, road trips, and staycations at 69, 54, and 41 percent, respectively.

Domestic travel will be the main priority as fewer people are likely to travel internationally in the near future. This is due to reduced incomes and travel budgets in the light of the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

Domestic tourism expenditure expanded from PhP 2.85 trillion in 2018 to PhP 3.14 trillion in 2019. It’s also worth noting that about 10.8% of the 12.7% gross domestic product (GDP) share comes from domestic tourism, making it the biggest contributor to the tourism industry.

The digital shift

Travel plans are also largely going digital, as 72 percent of travelers directly and independently book travel arrangements with establishments online. Nearly half of the respondents will also go with online travel agencies and aggregators.

Channels with reduced contact will become the new norm. Majority of Filipinos are expecting tourism establishments to implement self-service processes such as contactless check-in and digital payments.

Health and safety still travelers’ top priority

Although Filipinos expressed a desire to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted, their main concern is still their health and safety. Many said they would only feel comfortable taking their trips once a reliable anti-COVID-19 vaccine or treatment becomes available, and when the situation in the country gets better.

The pandemic has raised traveler expectations on health and safety, with more than 80 percent of the respondents expecting tourism establishments to follow best practices in sanitation and health. At least 88 percent of respondents also express willingness to comply with existing health and safety protocols, such as undergoing rapid COVID-19 tests prior to departure and submitting a medical certificate before traveling.

Building travelers’ trust and confidence in the industry is vital in ensuring its recovery. The report recommends that establishments and organizations emphasize safety and be transparent in addressing customers’ concerns. It also recommends that tourism stakeholders closely collaborate with other authorities and find ways to innovate and adapt to the new normal—including digital shifts where it is needed—to help manage uncertainties about traveling.

Earlier this month, the DOT released new health and safety guidelines in the new normal to local tourism-related sectors such as hotels, resorts, tourist transportation, surfing and restaurants in anticipation of their reopening.

To read the full report and survey results, click www.guidetothephilippines.ph/ph-travel-survey.

SM Cares, Safeguard promote proper handwashing for #SafeHandsAtSM

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SM Cares and Safeguard team up for the #SafeHandsAtSM campaign to educate and encourage people to practice the five steps of proper handwashing – especially in this time of pandemic.

This partnership with Safeguard forms part of SM’s programs to ensure Safe Malling as all SM malls continue to carry out strict safety and sanitation measures to assure the community that the malls are safe, clean, and compliant with health and sanitation protocols over and above government regulations.

People usually wash our hands fast – but did you know that there are proper steps of handwashing.

A virtual media conference on the partnership of SM Cares and Safeguard to encourage the 5 Steps of Hand Washing in SM malls nationwide was helld this Tuesday, June 23, with theme, #SafeHandsAtSM Campaign.

Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President was at the zoom virtual media conference said :

“As part of our safe malling commitment, handwashing is our first line of defense against illnesses, and is also crucial during a global health crisis. We very excited to partner with Procter & Gamble’s Safeguard, the leading brand in health and personal care, to raise awareness on the importance of this matter.” 

To ensure that all areas of your hands are properly washed, simply follow these steps: 

(1) wash palms;  

(2) back of hand; 

3) in between fingers;  

(4) fingernails;  

(5) and thumbs, 

and keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Afterward, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly, since good handwashing is our most effective shield and protection from all kinds of viruses.

“Safeguard, being 54 years in the country, has become much of a household name. From our beige bar soap from long ago to our hand sanitizers and liquid hand soap now, we have always committed ourselves to serve the needs of the Filipino people, just like SM has. And in the same way, I believe that both have been ingrained so much in Filipino culture that it is only natural to do this partnership,” said Procter & Gamble Vice President for Skin & Personal Care Ms. Shweta Sharma.

As part of the #SafeHandsAtSM campaign, Safeguard has made its liquid hand soap available in restrooms of all SM malls across the country to help the community fight the spread disease-causing germs. Information materials on the five steps of handwashing are also deployed in restrooms and high-traffic areas in SM to remind customers while in the mall.

With this, Safeguard and #SMDaresYOU to take on the #SafeHandsAtSM Challenge on TikTok from June 23 to 30. Just take a full body video of you properly washing your hands and dancing to your favorite tunes, tag your squad and use the official hashtag #SafeHandsAtSM, and be one of the 10 lucky winners who’ll get exciting giveaways!

This partnership with Safeguard forms part of SM’s programs to ensure Safe Malling as all SM malls continue to carry out strict safety and sanitation measures to assure the community that the malls are safe, clean, and compliant with health and sanitation protocols over and above government regulations.

Through simple efforts like washing your hands, not only are you protecting yourself, but those around you. 

To know more about #SafeHandsAtSM, visit www.smsupermalls.com and https://www.safeguard.ph, or visit their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok.

Fintech should power disbursement programs as manual cash aid distribution risky

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Under the “new normal” dictated by COVID-19, contactless solutions are perceived to be the best way of distributing cash assistance to families and households greatly affected by the pandemic.

In the Philippines, the distribution of financial aid under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to beneficiaries is still implemented on ground. Left with no other choice, thousands of people have flocked to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distribution centers in their respective local government units to receive the cash grant. Social distancing protocols were impossible to follow due to the high volume of beneficiaries lining up for financial assistance, thus increasing the risk of contracting the virus.

Aside from a higher risk of spreading COVID-19 brought about by the lack of social distancing in distribution centers, using bank notes is also a possible way of transmitting the virus. Health experts found that paper money increases the risk of coronavirus transmission since harmful bacteria and viruses can survive on its surface for several days. 

“The current situation demands us to think out of the box to flatten the curve. GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is more than ready to help the national government shift from paper money to digital finance for quick, safe and secure data-driven transactions. This is also the best way to decongest SAP distribution centers when social distancing is a mandatory protocol we should all follow,” GCash Vice President for Enterprise Luigi Reyes said. 

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno encouraged citizens to go cashless to prevent crowds from forming in essential establishments during quarantine. In the duration of the community quarantine, foreign and local banks alike reported a sharp increase in digital transactions as more and more Filipinos discover the wonders of digital finance.

With the implementation of general community quarantine in the country’s capital and a modified general community quarantine in most areas until June 30, innovative ways of distribution are called for to support public efforts to flatten the curve and to promote public health.

Mobile wallets are not only a matter of convenience anymore. In the face of a pandemic, they have almost become a necessity, since digital fund transfer supports the government’s initiative to keep people in their homes. Aside from this, going digital also promotes transparency and efficiency in keeping track of public funds since every transaction leaves a digital footprint with both the beneficiary and the government agency.

“In a time when lower-income households are struggling to make ends meet, SAP distribution should be faster and more efficient. Digital wallets can address the urgency demanded by the current situation since all it takes is a click to send the cash assistance to the intended beneficiaries,” Reyes said. 

GCash provides a safer and better alternative to cash as it reduces costs and increases efficiency of transactions, better transparency and security, offers greater convenience, and promotes financial inclusion. 

In fact, some local governments have already resorted to contactless solutions through GCash in disbursing economic aid to their residents. Instead of manual disbursement through city hall employees or through physical facilities, Makati City has partnered with GCash to efficiently and safely provide aid to its constituents. 

Makati is the first city in Metro Manila to implement contactless financial assistance through GCash and the Makatizen Card. Beneficiaries can dispense with bank notes and just use their GCash app in buying groceries, paying bills, and other tasks. Long lines at the bank are also dispensed with since GCash allows users to transfer money to their preferred bank. 

Pasig City has also tapped GCash for the pilot implementation of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Adaptable Digitally-Enabled Post Crisis Transformation (ADEPT) Project. This project aims to help an initial 600 families to receive their supplemental SAP via GCash. 

“GCash is always willing to partner with local government units like Makati and Pasig to support their efforts in preventing further spread of COVID-19. We look forward to collaborating with various governments, agencies, and even non-government organizations to provide contactless disbursement solutions to support the flattening of the curve,” Reyes added.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc. 

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

Canva for Education supports and empowers Filipino teachers in adapting to the new normal

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In an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, schools across the globe shutdown affecting billions of students, teachers, school staff and their respective families as lessons either ceased or moved to an entirely remote environment.

While online classes were originally targeted towards unique minority groups such as working adults who want to continue studying, persons with disabilities (PWDs) who cannot go to school physically or those with special medical needs who have to stay home, the disruption brought about by the pandemic has advanced the adoption of online learning in schools all over the world.

Now more than ever, training and equipping teachers with tools for remote and innovative learning is an essential step educational institutions and the government need to take to circumvent any future scenarios that could potentially affect the schooling year.

Photo 1. Image by Edmar Gapuz 

Photo 2. Image by Milvar Mauricio Leaño

via Canva for Filipino Teachers via Canva for Filipino Teachers

Canva for Education, offers a rich and authentic learning experience tailored to the needs of a classroom by empowering teachers and students to create and collaborate online through visuals. Best of all, it is an entirely free resource of teachers globally. 

The user-friendly intuitive platform also includes add-ons such as education-specific content, the ability to create captivating videos, plus every ingredient to bring designs to life with Giphys, over 2 million images, 800k icons and illustrations, 700+ fonts, YouTube integrations and QR codes.

Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva’s Manila Country Manager, explained the estimated 27 million students, expected to enroll this academic year in the Philippines, are sure to benefit from Canva for Education - as it is a wonderful platform for project-based learning whether in the classroom or not.

“Our goal is to help teachers create engaging classroom content, simply. With a plethora of classroom-friendly templates, relevant to specific learning goals, teachers can create eBooks and eBook covers, beautiful presentations for their subjects, class schedules, worksheets, handouts, online test papers and posters; the options are only limited by your imagination,” explained Hornilla-Donato.

Canva for Education also includes an all-new collaboration space, a review workflow, access to content from Google Drive, Dropbox, Folders, version history and SSO with Clever and Google. 

“We have truly tailored this product to ensure it meets the needs and requirements of schools worldwide, serving as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for creating and collaborating in the classroom,” furthered Hornilla-Donato.

In a webinar hosted by Canva, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Mark Anthony Sy, DepEd EdTech Coordinator, highlighted the value of equipping educators with tools to empower them in the classroom.

“We have discovered how much Canva for Education can help our teachers be more imaginative in designing materials to engage and motivate their students in the classroom. As a department, we want to empower our educators with tools that will inspire them and help them go beyond limits in their respective classes,” said Sy.

“We are happy and excited to share the gift of Canva for Education to Filipino teachers, showing them how they can easily create beautiful learning content for their students and even fellow teachers. Ultimately, the platform aims to help them integrate visual, digital and design literacy in their classroom experience,” concluded Hornilla-Donato.

The webinar also paved the way for Canva and DepEd to launch a Facebook Community for Filipino Teachers that serves as a space for professional support and training as teachers learn and adapt to the modalities of virtual and distance teaching.

Canva and DepEd will hold another Canva for Education webinar for Filipino teachers on June 15, live on DepEd Tech’s Facebook page.

To know more about Canva for Education, visit https://www.canva.com/education/.

GCash provides Filipinos access to savings amid COVID-19

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The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the importance of keeping an emergency fund, studies show.

A recent consumer expectations survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed that more Filipinos are now building their own savings accounts, with 73.9-percent of respondents setting aside money in their banks for unforeseen situations.

Aside from its impact on public health, COVID-19 is also proving to be a financial emergency. The BSP is bracing for a downturn for the national economy, as well as a 2.2-percent increase in the price of basic goods. Businesses are also taking a big hit from the lockdown, as massive layoffs are still expected to come, leaving Filipinos financially handicapped in the middle of a public health crisis.

Having reached more than two months of quarantine which last until May 31, the Philippines is one of the countries with the longest lockdowns in the world. In an effort to flatten the curve general community quarantine has been imposed in most parts of the country until June 15, while seriously affected areas remained under tighter quarantine protocols.

This has forced a lot of Filipinos to grow more mindful of their personal finances. According to a white paper released by AdSpark, Inc., a portfolio company under Globe Telecom’s 917Ventures, consumption of Personal Finances as a topic grew by 800 percent from January 2020 to end of March 2020 when most Filipinos were required to stay at home.

Mindful of these, GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is empowering Filipinos to efficiently manage their finance and save up for their futures.

GCash Save Money, a collaboration between GCash and CIMB Bank PH, provides an easier way for Filipinos to set up their own savings account or emergency fund. It is the first ever bank account that can be opened and maintained straight from the GCash app.

This spares verified GCash users the trouble of filling up multiple forms and lining up at the bank just to open up a bank account. GCash Save Money allows depositors to earn 3.1 percent per annum on balances, paid out monthly. This interest rate is the best in the industry, beating traditional banks that only offer up to 0.25 percent per year.

As an added bonus, GCash Save Money users who have average daily balances of P100,000 and above in the months of June or July 2020 are entitled to a 4-percent interest rate p.a. prorated for those months.

Users would also not have to worry about fees as well as there is no initial deposit and maintaining balance.

“Now more than ever, it’s important for us to practice financial literacy and make wise spending decisions in the middle of a pandemic. GCash Save Money shows us that it’s possible for all walks of life to set up their own emergency fund. Financial inclusivity is at the heart of this collaboration,” GCash Head of Data and Financial Services JF Darre said.

Any Filipino citizen above 18 years of age who owns a fully verified GCash account and a valid government ID can deposit under GCash Save Money.

GCash Save Money users can easily track their balance and transaction history through the “Save Money” button in the GCash app. They can also seamlessly move up to P100,000 per month between the deposit account and the e-wallet.

“GCash Save Money is also more secure than traditional cash handling and the Filipino habit of keeping cash in various places in their houses. Aside from being regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), GCash Save Money accounts are also insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) for up to P500,000,” Darre said.

As digital fund transfers increase in number as millions are in lockdown, financial technology is expected to play a big part in the new normal. Mobile wallets and e-deposit accounts are not just a matter of convenience in the era of social distancing, they have become necessities to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by making transactions go contactless instead.

“GCash Save Money is enabling more and more Filipinos to save as the days go by, especially now that they Filipinos are more mindful of their personal finances. We have seen this trend grow through our new customers and we are happy to empower them with a digital tool that allows them to financially secure themselves for the future,” Darre said.

So far, GCash has opened 2.2 million GCash Save Money accounts to date, further promoting financial inclusion in the country.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

SM FOUNDATION donates COVID-19 TEST KITS to Mandaluyong City

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Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos receives the donation of COVID-19 test kits from SM Foundation, turned over by SM Supermalls’ Ian Mathay. The 200 test kits worth close to PHP5M, is good for 2,400 tests and is in support of wider access to testing. This forms part of SM Foundation’s donation efforts of over P270M for hospitals and local governments to support the country’s fight against COVID-19. #SMCares

GCash powers Edsa buses with contactless payment capabilities

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GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is enabling commuters to pay for their EDSA bus fares through their GCash e-wallets, as it continues to strongly support government initiatives in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Through its partnership with AF Payments Inc., the operator of tap-and-go contactless beepTM card and payments systems, GCash is empowering its users to use their mobile wallets to safely pay for their bus fares, particularly the EDSA route.

To pay for their bus fares, GCash users simply have to generate a QR code from their app and have it scanned using the beepTM handheld terminal. This reduces the need for cash handling and limits face-to-face interaction between transport personnel and commuters.

“As a strong government partner, GCash has always been supportive of the government since day one. We believe that through our platform, we are able to help the government reduce the spread of the virus and provide commuters with a safe, secure, and very convenient way of paying for their transport needs,” GCash VP and Head of Payments Jovitt Bajar said.

The government has cautiously opened the public transport sector in the past few weeks, declaring that areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) may restart the plying of public transport means for commuters.

The Department of Transportation-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (DOTr-LTFRB) also required transport operators and drivers to implement contactless payments to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers. Last week, the department announced that it is partnering with GCash for cashless payment for taxis.

Paper money is found to harbor viruses and bacteria just like any other surface, and the World Health Organization (WHO) advised people to properly wash their hands after handling cash to avoid the risk of contracting diseases, including COVID-19, from banknotes.

“Cashless is really the future, and it is being accelerated at an unprecedented pace due to the pandemic. As a pioneer and leader in the fintech space, we at GCash are ready to support the growing demand for digital payments solutions, especially in crucial services such as public transport,” Bajar said.

Today, there are over 25 million GCash users that enjoy various financial services such as bills payment to over 400 billers, physical payments to more than 75,000 merchants, online payments, fund transfers, and airtime load top ups. GCash also democratized access to other financial tools such as savings, credit, insurance, and investments all in one mobile app.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.