Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance arm strengthens Fire Prevention call, mounts webinar with BFP

Tweet

The damage of getting your house razed by fire is insurmountable; fires at home can break out anytime and anywhere and can damage livelihood, household appliances and more. In 2018, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 14,316 incidents of fire from January until December. 

This is why every March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, and BFP’s campaign for this month is safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law.” It is a campaign that focuses on exercising vigilance at home and keeping oneself knowledgeable on the best way to protect your home and family from destruction brought about by fire. 

“Cebuana Lhuillier has always committed to be of help to the Filipinos at all times, and our call for Fire Prevention is a reflection of that, our insurance products that aim to keep our clients protected at all times is a complementary effort to our advocacy for this month,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President, and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

PJ Lhuillier’s insurance arm, the Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc (CLIB), has also expressed its support for BFP’s campaign through the years. It has been a staunch advocate of having Filipinos insured, posting almost a 35% contribution to the total number of insured Filipinos through microinsurance. CLIB has also worked together closely with the Insurance Commission in promoting microinsurance in the country, they have settled over more than 5,300 million claims worth over Php 500 million they have serviced over 16,500 claimants. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’, Inc. is also the first and only ISO-certified insurance broker in the Philippines.

Also launched this month in conjunction with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month is a promo dubbed “Panalo ka sa ProtectMax” where clients of the ProtectMax product of CLIB get a chance to win Php 25,000. The promo is open to all clients who will purchase 5 ProtectMax COCs; these 5 COCs are equal to e-raffle entry. For the promo, 20 lucky raffle winners will be selected and will win Php 25,000. 

“This Fire Prevention month, it is very important to drumbeat awareness on fire safety and prevention, and the importance of being protected. CLIB believes that an information and education drive is very important to ensure that everyone is well-informed against conflagration,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’ Inc., Jonathan Batangan.

For clients who are interested to keep themselves protected without having to go to Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches, they may purchase Home Insurance via the ProtectNow app or website, just log on to protectnow.com to see CLIB’s full range of products online.

They’ve also mounted the #SunogFreeWorryFree: ProtectMax Kontra Sunog webinar which aims to highlight the importance of being ready for untoward situations especially fire, and the importance of having protection whenever there are threats of the conflagration.

5 million Filipinos now have Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

Tweet

There are now more than 5 million Filipinos who have a Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account. This landmark achievement by Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB), the banking arm of the leading micro-financial services company in the country, Cebuana Lhuillier, comes after the launch of the leveled up Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings product in December of last year.

“We are elated that there are more and more Filipinos every day who are realizing the importance of saving and are taking charge of their future. It is very exciting that these 5 million Micro Savings account holders are not only on the first step to financial wellness but because of our amped-up product, are also Financially Mobile individuals,”said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier

The Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings was launched in February 2019 as a basic deposit account that eliminated the need for numerous documentary requirements and maintaining balance or dormancy charges. The product was made available at Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches as it acted as CLRB’s cash agent.

Recently, as an enhancement to the product, Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank mounted Discover Your Ipon Power: The Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings 2.0 Launch which unveiled new features for the Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings product. 

These features are: 

(1) Cashless Payment possible through UnionPay,

(2) ATM access powered by BancNet, 

(3) Online Transactions made easier through the eCebuana app, and

(4) QR Technology.

‘Iponaryos’ is now even more empowered to take command of their future because of the transformation of their Micro Savings account from just a basic cash deposit account to an even more powerful and reliable, full-service savings account.

Through their partnership with BancNet, they now have unrivaled access to their finances beyond CLRB’s cash agent, Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches nationwide, this is possible through BancNet’s roster of 21,000 ATMs, and 114 member banks.

The bank’s tie-up with UnionPay further allows account holders to make debit payments through over 350,000 POS terminals, as well as partner merchants nationwide. ‘Iponaryos’ can now get the benefit of enhanced payment security with UnionPay chip cards’ quick payment process with just a tap, using UnionPay Contactless technology.

KaCebuanas also have full online access with the use of the more efficient and more powerful eCebuana app which allows money transfers via Instapay, bills and utility payments, eLoad, and insurance purchase, the application will be even more powered thanks to new features such as the pawning ticket renewal and jewelry purchases. All these are made even more convenient since the adoption of online sign-ups, which is now possible in the eCebuana app.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings further steps into the future by enabling QR Technology within the eCebuana app. This feature will also be able to make money transfers and retail payments seamless and secure.

“5 million Filipinos are taking a step further into a promising future with our powered up Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, we are confident that even more Filipinos will soon take hold of their Ipon Power.” added Dennis Valdes, President of the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank.

Wise Investments for the post-pandemic world

Tweet

The pandemic has indeed forced everyone to make wiser financial decisions. People nowadays need to ensure that they make the right investments for the unforeseeable future.

As with any expense though, choosing what to invest in requires some good financial decision-making. Remember that whatever is bought and saved for now should also be useful once this pandemic is finally over.  Here’s a quick helpful guide for potential investors:

For your health

Avail of a healthcare insurance package that covers consultation and laboratory fees, and of course, treatment for various conditions. This is especially important now because of the COVID 19 global health emergency. Those insured will continue to reap the benefits giving them peace of mind as well as health security.

All types of home business

2020 was a precarious year as many lost their jobs and source of livelihood due to the pandemic. This is the reason why many have started home businesses, maximizing the use of e-commerce sites and social media just to make ends meet. The good thing with this is, once the home business becomes successful, then that can be another source of income for the family.

A trusty laptop or PC

Since working and schooling from home has become the new norm for most Filipinos, many have started purchasing a laptop or a full PC setup to be able to fulfill their everyday tasks. If maintained well, these gadgets will serve everyone in the household, even when one is not working at home anymore.

An investment in jewelry

Authentic fine jewelry is indeed an investment because of its price but it is also a good asset to have as it appreciates in value over time, and can also be passed down to one’s kids and grandkids.

Availing of these fine jewelry is no longer out of reach as Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry makes it much easier for Filipinos to invest in it.

Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry is backed by its 30 years of good reputation for trustworthiness and quality service. Its jewelry pieces have gone through the company’s stringent appraisal process. Every Karat and Carat of these unique heirloom pieces are assessed and valued properly and correctly. A carat is the unit of weight used to measure the size of a gemstone such as a diamond while a karat is the measurement used in indicating the proportion of gold in an alloy out of 24 parts.

Clients who wish to avail of these unique jewelry pieces can drop by at any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches.

Part of the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry ecosystem is Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Online which harnesses the convenience of shopping for beautiful pieces at your fingertips.

The brand has also unveiled Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium, perfect for the timeless Filipina of impeccable taste. These pieces bring authenticity, uniqueness, and value for money.

For more information, visit the following online pages: https://www.cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com/, https://www.cebuanalhuillierjewelrypremium.com/ or at Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry’s official Lazada and Shopee pages.

 

Interested buyers can also tune in to the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Facebook page or at the Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium Facebook page.

Cebuana Lhuillier's services can now be done from home

Tweet

In the past year, we’ve seen how businesses have switched to digital platforms due to the community quarantine. Many have come up with innovative ways to ensure that they are able to provide their basic services to people at home. One of them is Cebuana Lhuillier, which is one of the most accessible pawnshops in the country with 2,500 branches nationwide.

To further make themselves more accessible, they launched Cebuana From Home (CFH), a platform that gives clients 360-degree access to Cebuana Lhuillier’s services—from cash remittance to pawning.

Here’s a quick rundown of CFH and how the platform can help the general public.

Pawn from Home

Cebuana Lhuillier has made their pawning service available online to ensure safer transactions. Pawn-from-Home allows clients to pawn jewelry online—they just need to accomplish an application form on the CFH site (https://www.cebuanafromhome.com). After it’s been reviewed, an appraiser from the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch will go to the client’s home to appraise the item, negotiate the value, and release the loan.

Other Pawn-from-Home perks include being able to pay for the pawn renewal service interest fee online and redemption of pawned items through the CFH platform.

 

Hassle-free bills payment and cash remittance

CFH has likewise made it easier to pay bills and send money without leaving the house. The online Bills Payment service provides access to more than 10 billers nationwide. Meanwhile, the remit-from-home feature allows users to send money online through Cebuana Lhuillier agents.

In addition,  one can also avail of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Broker’s (CLIB) roster of affordable and comprehensive packages, which include Personal Accident insurance, Medical Expenses insurance, and Doctor’s Consultation insurance.

 

Reliable express delivery

Because of the continued lockdown, delivery services for everyday needs have increased significantly from last year and Cebuana Lhuillier has made it possible for pawned items, to be sent or delivered, as well. With the Cebuana Lhuillier Express Delivery Service, clients from select pilot areas can have jewelry items and cash delivered right to their doorstep. The brand’s dedicated riders will ensure that items are secure and delivered on time. That way, there is no more need to go out and pick up the bought items, ensuring the safety of the whole family.

These Cebuana From Home services can be accessed at bit.ly/CebuanFromHome. A mobile app, as well as access points via Facebook Messenger and SMS, will be available to the public soon.

 

"Move into the Future" : Cebuana Lhuillier insurance arm transforms into brokerage, ensures accessibility for Filipinos

Tweet

Marking a new and exciting chapter in the history of Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s largest microfinancial services provider, has introduced a new insurance brokerage company—Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc. (CLIB)—that aims to help provide Filipinos with better access to more inclusive and affordable insurance products and services.

2018 data from the Insurance Commission reveals that almost 40 million or only 37% of the country’s 105 million total population are covered by insurance. Further highlighting how getting insurance can be a challenge, owing to most Filipinos’ ineligibility for insurance, the inaccessibility of products, and high cost of premiums.

With CLIB, which transforms the 20-year-old Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions into a future-ready insurance broker, providing even more Filipinos with access to insurance that is affordable and designed for their everyday life. Moreover, Cebuana Lhuillier will offer an array of life and non-life insurance product made possible by their partnerships with an unlimited number of insurance providers and accessible through their state of the art digital platforms. The transformation into a brokerage company further highlights Cebuana Lhuillier’s capability to help Filipinos overcome the challenges in availing insurance.

“Today marks a new and exciting chapter in the history of Cebuana Lhuillier as we continue to champion financial inclusion—no longer just an agent, but a broker—providing Filipinos, regardless of their socioeconomic class, access to insurance products that fit their needs, financial capabilities and at the comforts of their own home,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO.

Cebuana Lhuillier is also expected to offer its newest portfolio of personal, health, property, group, loan, and business and liability insurance products through CLIB. These include CL Personal Accident Basic, CL Travel Prime, CL Pamilya Max, CL Health Dengue and Leptospirosis, CL Fire, Typhoon, Flood, EQ Care, CL Drive Lite, CL Tourista Protect, CL Hotel Guest Care, CL Passenger Care, CL Employee Care Plus, CL MicroBiz Protek, CL AgriCare, and Cyber Insurance.

CLIB aims to bring prospective insurance providers and buyers together through different touch points, including the eCebuana mobile app and ProtectNow, a digital one-stop insurance shop which allows clients to compare the lowest prices of insurance offerings and monitor their insurance policies and claims in real-time.

The insurance broker will also bring its partner products, along with Cebuana Lhuillier’s flagship Protect Max, to some of the country’s biggest online stores, including Lazada and Shopee.

On ground, CLIB will offer products in more than 2,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide as well as through their 6,500 domestic partner outlets, giving their insurance partners a unique advantage of establishing their presence in most urban and rural communities, which is still considered a largely untapped insurance market.

During the launch event, dubbed “Move into the Future”, Lhuillier, together with Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions first vice president and group head, Jonathan Batangan, paid tribute to several insurance companies who have been their trusted partners through 20 years.

Representing some of the industry’s most prominent insurance companies were Pioneer Insurance group head and CEO David Coyukiat, Prudential Guarantee chairman and CEO Robert Coyiuto, Malayan Insurance Company president and CEO Paolo Abaya, Federal Phoenix Group Insurance president and CEO Generosa Pia de Rosa, Western Guaranty Corporation EVP and general manager Claire Chua, Standard Insurance Company Inc. chairman Patricia Chilip, AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora, and Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company president and CEO Kelvin Ang.

Public School Teacher Zaldy Bueno is hailed as Cebuana Lhuillier’s Happiest Pinoy 2019

Tweet

Zaldy Bueno, a 37-year old teacher from Gumaca, Quezon was hailed as the 4th Happiest Pinoy, winning Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy!

Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy honors  the Filipinos’ innate “optimism, resilience, and hope amidst different life crises.”

Zaldy bested nine other finalists from different categories, winning one million cash and a trophy.

The board of judges composed of Usec. Zenaida Maglaya, Gang Badoy Capati, James Deakin, RJ Ledesma, Love Anover-Lianko, Jonathan Yabut, Winston Maxino, Rommel Arellano, and Richardson Navor chose Bueno unanimously by virtue of his advocacy to see more children’s lives change through education. Zaldy volunteered as an ALS teacher and taught on weekends, he even had his mother as his student at one point and helped her finish her secondary education. 

Among many inspiring things about  Zaldy , he is co-founder of PADYAK project since 2017... PADYAK stands for Pidal Apakan Dunong Yayaman, Asenso’y Kakamtan, which aims to provide bicycle units for students who could not afford to travel to school.

The project turned out huge with so many people donating new and used bicycle units from all over the Philippines even getting donations from OFWs abroad. This project drastically increased attendance for students at school for which their school received a perfect attendance award.

“I am very happy with the results of this year’s search -- with over 800,000 entries received through our branches, online, SMS, and walk-in entries. It’s been amazing to read the entries of the 10 finalists and Zaldy proves to be a worthy winner as his tale will definitely inspire countless people to push on despite life’s difficulties, Zaldy exemplifies the commendable Filipino spirit of rising up from your current predicament and using that as fuel to make a difference in the lives of others.” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Currently, Bueno serves as the head teacher of the English department at the Gumaca National High School. As a kid, their family would often encounter financial difficulties, Zaldy would help his mom wash clothes for their neighbours and would get his daily allowance from selling vegetables he planted to augment the family income. Zaldy vowed to work hard and study hard in order to improve their life.

A turning point in Zaldy’s life was when typhoon Rosing hit in 1995 which completely obliterated their house, and forced to stay at the barangay health center. During clinic days, Zaldy and his family had to move their things on the street to accommodate the influx of patients.

After graduating secondary school, Zaldy tried to get a college education but had to stop schooling due to financial constraints. In order to get back to school, he had to work two jobs, including stints at a tile store and as an advertiser scout for a local radio station. He finished college after 6 years.

Bueno is the fourth winner of the biennial search following Richardson Navor (2015), Rommel Arellano (2012), and Winston Maxino (2009).

When asked what Bueno will do with the prize money? 
"I will use it to further improve Project PADYAK by acquiring more bike units which more youths can use to get to school, " Zaldy shared

He also shared that he will use a part of it to bring his parents to Singapore for a well-deserved vacation.

Breaking its own record, the Cebuana Lhuillier search received over 800,000 nominations this year, the most entries it received in its ten-year history.

Congratulations to Zaldy Bueno, public school teacher from Gumaca, Quezon  winning Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy  2019!

Search for the Happiest Pinoy 2018 begins; P1 million grand prize at stake

Tweet

The country’s largest microfinancial services company, Cebuana Lhuillier, has formally opened this year’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy. The competition celebrates the Filipinos’ indomitable spirit of resilience and positivity and gives honor and recognition to outstanding Filipinos that best represent these values. 

“Cebuana Lhuillier has always believed that Filipinos are one of the most resilient people in the world. We have always faced life’s challenges with optimism, faith, and a can-do attitude—and we believe that this should be recognized and encouraged at all times. We have been celebrating this culture of happiness and resilience through the Search for the Happiest Pinoy since 2009,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies.

Happiest Pinoy. Cebuana Lhuillier has launched the fourth edition of the Search for the Happiest Pinoy, introducing ten new categories to enable resilient, optimistic and hopeful Filipinos from all walks of life to join the year-long search which promises a total of P1.5 million in cash prizes to the country's happiest Pinoys. Photo shows P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. (standing, from left) First vice president and IMC group head Michael Sena, president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, senior executive vice president Philippe Andre Lhuillier, and First vice president for Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, Foundation, and Business Solutions Jonathan Batangan. Joining them are 2015 Happiest Pinoy Richardson Navor and 2012 Happiest Pinoy Rommel Arellano.

In the 41st Annual Global End of Year Survey of Gallup International (http://www.gallup-international.com/surveys/happiness-hope-economic-optimism/), the Philippines ranked third among the happiest countries in the world. The survey revealed that Filipinos exude a positive outlook in life in spite of economic uncertainties and financial upheavals.

The 2018 Search for the Happiest Pinoy will be the most inclusive in its ten-year history since it now covers ten categories: 

youth, senior citizens, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), lingkod bayan, professionals, manggagawang Pinoy, entrepreneurs, employees, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.

Cebuana Lhuillier and a panel of judges representing the academe and the business community, as well as past Happiest Pinoy winners will pick a finalist from each category. The new Happiest Pinoy will be selected from the roster of 10 category winners. 

This year, the country’s happiest competition requires no third-party nomination. To join, interested individuals must first choose a category that best applies to them and answer the application form via SMS by texting their full name, birthdate, and category code to (0920) 958-2455 (Smart/Talk ‘N Text), (0917) 878-2453 (Globe/TM), or (0932) 842-8562 (Sun); via online by logging on atwww.happiestpinoy/register.aspx; or dropping their application form in any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2,200 branches nationwide.

The grand winner of the 2018 Search for the Happiest Pinoy will take home P1 million tax-free while category winners will win P50,000 each. The winner will also join an exclusive group of Filipinos composed of 2009 Happiest Pinoy winner Winston Maxino, 2012 Happiest Pinoy winner Rommel Arellano, and 2015 Happiest Pinoy winner Richardson Navor. 

For more information on the Search, visit www.happiest-pinoy.com or follow Happiest Pinoy on Facebook. 

Unified Tennis Philippines names National Junior Tennis Team members , UTP National Junior Tennis Team to compete in ITF event in Malaysia

Tweet

Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) has formed its first-ever national junior tennis team which will represent the country in several top tournaments sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF).

(From left) Team coach Karl Sta. Maria; UTP co-founder Randy Villanueva; UTP general manager Jackie Tomacruz; team coach Jun Tabura; national junior tennis team members Stephen Guia, Pherl Coderos, Denis Bernardo, Anna De Myer and Marc Suson; UTP president Jean Henri Lhuillier; UTP co-founder Gerard Maronilla; and team coach Roland Kraut.

The UTP national junior tennis team is composed of 24 tennis players—top four boys and girls from the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 categories which were selected based on UTP’s national ranking system and over 125 UTP sanctioned tournaments all over the country.

The U14 players are John David Velez, Brent Sigmond Cortez, Rainier Angelo Selmar, Rupert Ohrelle Tortal, Macie Carlos, Alexa Joy Milliam, Casey Padilla, and Alexandra Eala who bagged the top spot in the prestigious Les Petit 14 and Under European Championships in France while the U16 players are Michael Francis Eala, Stephen Zion Guia, John David Velez, Laurenz Quitara, Rovie Baulete, Anna Laura De Myer, Pherl Bless Cordero, and Denise Bernardo. 

Meanwhile, the U18 players are Manuel Balce III, Marc Nicole Suson, Arthur Craig Pantino who clinched an international doubles title in the Hong Kong ITF Juniors Tournament, Michael Francis Eala who made it to quarterfinal round at the China Junior in Chengdu, Bea Francesca Acena, Elizabeth Abarquez, Melanie Faye Dizon, and Mary Aubrey Calma.

Already, five players in the national junior tennis team—Stephen Guia, Marc Suson, Pherl Coderos, Anna De Myer, and Denis Bernardo—are competing in the 10th ITF Malacca International Junior Championship in Malaysia.

“I am very thankful to UTP for the chance to play in the ITF International Junior Championship in Malaysia. This is my first time to compete abroad and I am very excited,” shared Anna De Myer.

“I would like to congratulate all of you for being the first team to represent our organization in an international event. Not many people are given the chance to play abroad. You guys earned the right to go, so take advantage of that and seize the moment. This is your chance to excel,” said UTP president Jean Henri Lhuillier who is also president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

"We understand the importance of building a competent team to foster a shared national pride among us Filipinos. We believe that our participation in events such as this will fuel the passion and determination of the younger generation to be globally competitive not only in tennis but also in other sports,” said Bobby Castro, president and CEO of Palawan Pawnshop which supports the U14 boys’ and girls’ teams.

Palawan Pawnshop supports the U14 boys’ and girls’ teams while Cebuana Lhuillier supports the U16 boys’ and girls’ teams and the U18 girls’ team A group of UTP volunteers, on the other hand, is supporting the Under18 boys’ team. They are made up of former junior tennis players, tennis enthusiasts, successful tennis coaches based abroad and anonymous donors.

National Pilipino Protektado Day! Cebuana Lhuillier Insures One Million Filipinos and launches Cebuana Alerto app & MIAAPI

Tweet

Cebuana Lhuillier has declared July 21 as the National Pilipino Protektado Day as part of the company’s advocacy to build disaster-resilient communities and help the Insurance Commission achieve its vision of protecting 80% of the Filipinos with microinsurance by 2020 and continuing helping Filipinos be more disaster-resilient and prepared against various calamities.

One million Filipinos officially joined the country’s rally to be a fully-insured nation as Cebuana Lhuillier—the Philippines’ leading microfinancial company—provides free microinsurance through its National Pilipino Protektado Day campaign.

“For the past years, we’ve been constantly just introducing new and innovative products and services to the public to be able to help them be financially included. This time, with our National Pilipino Protektado Day campaign, we decided to take a bolder step and took the initiative to really touch ground with those who are most vulnerable to calamities and directly offer them free microinsurance as a new way for them to be secured,” Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

In partnership with Pioneer Insurance and with the help of various public and private organizations, free microinsurance were given out across the Philippines, prioritizing the most vulnerable communities, families and individuals from the marginalized sector.

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions General Manager Jonathan Batangan

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions General Manager Jonathan Batangan reiterates that National Pilipino Protektado Day is only one of the company’s many endeavors in its push for disaster resilience. “National Pilipino Protektado Day is a great milestone in our disaster preparedness campaign. But after insuring one million Filipinos, we are on to more initiatives that will help us promote microinsurance and foster disaster resiliency. We are introducing an app, a microinsurance organization, and later on, a website--all designed to ultimately promote the welfare of Filipinos,” he said.

Cebuana Alerto App

Reinforcing its disaster resilience advocacy further, Cebuana Lhuillier has also officially launched Cebuana Alerto during the culminating event. An android app that harnesses the digital mobile platform, Cebuana Alerto is designed to provide real-time vital information about disasters within the Philippines.

Equipped with an interactive technology that allows users to share updates in areas affected by any disaster, the Cebuana Alerto app features an alert system that sends notifications to the user in the event of disasters such as typhoon, earthquake, fire, and flood.

It has live newsfeeds that show the latest updates from third-party government agencies including the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDDRMC) for weather updates, the Department of Education (DEPED) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for school suspension announcements, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for information on traffic and road conditions. It also informs the users about Cebuana Lhuillier’s various insurance products and services which they can also purchase immediately online through the app.

Furthermore, the app also includes a "Safe Button" special feature that will automatically notify and send an “I AM SAFE” SMS message to the intended recipient about the user’s current state during a disaster.

MIAAPI

Simultaneously, Cebuana Lhuillier also led the formation of the Microinsurance Agents Association of the Philippines, Incorporated (MIAAPI)—an organization founded to promote the interests and welfare of microinsurance agents nationwide.

MIAAPI interim Board Members include ASEAN Insurance Council Head Michael Rellosa, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) RFPA Asia Senior Adviser Dante Portula, Pioneer Insurance VP Geric Laude, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines Past President Enrique Abellana, Philippine Insurers Club Treasurer Edgardo David, RBAP Coordinator Gay Mapano, Eternal Plans SAVP Jumer Lecetivo, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Executive Trustee Atty. Cesar Vidal, and CLIS General Manager Jonathan Batangan.

Moreover, Cebuana Lhuillier is also set to launch an online platform for insurance donations called OurHelp later this year. Connecting donees in the Philippines and donors from all over the world through a dedicated website, this crowdfunding website further aims to provide quality insurance protection awarded to the most vulnerable sectors in the form of premium donation from socially aware enterprises.

Prior to the culmination of the National Pilipino Protektado Day, Cebuana Lhuillier kicked off its disaster resilience advocacy by mounting and leading the highly-commended “2016 READY: The Role of Microinsurance in Building Disaster Resilient Communities” forum last January. A series of roadshows in key cities such as Baguio, Cebu, and Davao immediately followed to cascade the Forum’s learnings. Simultaneously, Cebuana Lhuillier launched during the road shows the Alagang Cebuana Plus Gold or ACP Gold—an improved version of the company’s premiere microinsurance product that already includes a microlife component underwritten by PhilamLife. ACP to date has covered more than six million Filipinos.

How Cebuana Lhuillier helps micro entrepreneurs grow

Tweet

Most Filipinos dream of becoming an entrepreneur someday and they start early – the student who sells candies or pad paper to his classmates, or the girl who sells stationery paper to her peers. Then the entrepreneurial dream grows bigger to include home-baked goodies, a sari-sari store or small grocery, a fleet of tricycles, and other small-scale businesses.

The country’s leading microfinancial institution, Cebuana Lhuillier, recognizes this potential and aims to help strengthen the chances of Filipinos succeeding in entrepreneurship through a financial literacy campaign that showcases the available support for micro entrepreneurs today.

There are Cebuana Lhuillier products that provide for the needs and protect the resources of micro entrepreneurs – from micro insurance products to immediate financial assistance.

Keeping small businesses safe

One of Cebuana Lhuillier’s micro insurance products is the Alagang Cebuana Plus which offers affordable personal accident and fire insurance. For only P25, the holder is covered from accidental death, dismemberment, and disablement for P20,000, with an additional P5,000 coverage from fire. The coverage is valid for four (4) months.

There are other Cebuana Lhuillier micro insurance products that help micro entrepreneurs protect their investments and resources against various risks.

Banking without the bank

Nowadays, payment options available for businesses, no matter how small, include transactions that do not go through the banks. Social networking platforms have become the new marketplace that offers products ranging from home-baked goodies, imported candies and chocolates, second hand clothes and bags, and almost anything under the sun.

Micro entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this to grow and reach a wider market. With the help of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 24/7 Pera Padala nationwide operations, they are able to receive payments sent from across the country, in real time, hassle-free and without the need to open an account.

Easy-Access Funds

No matter how small the business, it is integral to have easy access to funds in the course of the operations. Cebuana Lhuillier offers a nationwide pawning service that can address the need for funds for sudden business expenses. Its high appraisal rates, low interest rates, flexible terms, hassle-free transactions and 24/7 operations for select branches, make Cebuana Lhuillier’s pawning services the perfect partner for micro entrepreneurs.

Becoming an entrepreneur can be a challenging task, but with the right support from microfinance institutions like Cebuana Lhuillier, it can be a sweet success.

Visit one-stop-shop website, 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillier's services

Tweet

Cebuana Lhuillier, a multi-industry company that owns and operates businesses dealing with financial services such as pawning, international and local remittance, microinsurance, bills payment, collections and payout services, and banking. Cebuana Lhuillier also ventured into other industries such as retail, hotel and restaurant management, IT, sports management, and real estate.

To enable more Filipinos to have access to financial solutions and to microfinance service needs, Cebuana Lhuillier offers a one-stop-shop service. Aside from pawning, clients can avail of international & domestic money remittance, microinsurance products, bills payment, foreign exchange and e-loading services.

Cebuana Lhuillier's services available to clients through all the available channels possible.

Aside from over 1,800 branches nationwide, you may access Cebuana Lhuillier's services using your mobile phone or computer.

The online domain of Cebuana Lhuillier was recently enhanced to consolidate all of the brand’s products and services in one website. Besides containing Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier Microinsurance, and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, the new website also contains information on PJ Lhuillier, Inc., the mother company of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Plus online portal and a dedicated section for corporate clients.

Cebuana Lhuillier desires to respond to the increasingly fast-paced, changing times through this consolidated website. It will giver customers access to information on remittance, insurance and pawnshop in one sitting and at the touch of their fingertips.

Cebuana Lhuillier is your one-stop website, your 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillie's services.

Cebuana Lhuillier introduces its Android application that will enable clients to use their mobile devices in availing Cebuana Lhuillier 24kOnline services like Appraisal Calculator, Renewal/Redemption, Rates Inquiry, Remittance Tracking and more.

Special Features

Knowledge Base

Instead of a regular FAQ section, the Cebuana Lhuillier Website has a knowledge base equipped with its own search engine so it’s easier or customers to look for the articles that address their concerns.

Brach Locator

With its geo-tagging feature, the branch locator has been enhanced to not only indicate the location of Cebuana Lhuillier branches but also to show the nearest one. It also lists all of the branches nationwide and all the partners for international remittance.

Appraisal Calculator

The appraisal calculator allows customers to get an estimated appraisal value so they already have an idea of how much they would get for their pawn items even before the visit a branch.

Mobile Optimized

The new website has been designed to be easily navigable through a mobile device so customers can conveniently check it even when on the move.

Shortcut Menu

On the first instance of opening the site for each day, a shortcut menu appears, containing its main sections. This is to assist clients with their concerns with less clicks and a shorter amount of time.

Cebuana Lhuillier App Center

The app center is a special part of the website that provides links to Cebuana Lhuillier’s online applications.

• Cebuana Lhuillier App – a mobile application that enables clients to avail of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Online features like the appraisal calculator, renewal/redemption, rates inquiry, and remittance tracking, above anything else.

MicroPINOY – the first microinsurance mobile app that allows users to browse the roster of microinsurance products and services of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions. It also allows clients to get customized insurance quotations online.

Cebuana Maze – a puzzle game that features Ninong Ceb, the mascot of the Philippine’s leading microfinancial and business-to-business solutions partner. The goal is to help Ninong Ceb get through mazes to find Cebuana Lhuillier branches I different parts of the country.

The 24k Plus Membership Rewards Program is Cebuana Lhuillier's way of showing gratitude to their loyal clients. 24k Plus cardholders are entitled to discounts, special offers, and other exciting freebies. The 24k Rewards Program instantly grants clients with exclusive privileges, discounts, and special service offerings as they transact at Cebuana Lhuillier branches. The first of its kind in the pawnshop and money remittance industries, the 24k Rewards Program allows clients to earn 1 point for every Php30 interest or service fee paid. Each point is equivalent to Php1. To join, the client has to earn at least 50 reward points or pay a Php100 processing fee.

Cebuana Lhuillier leads the pawning industry by offering safety and high appraisal rates in its more than 1,800 branches nationwide. Accepting an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals, the company’s core business has evolved with the needs of its clients.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s money transfer service is an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 1,800 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch.

With affordable insurance products to help low-income Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to, we offer innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position.

There are Upcoming Features of Cebuana Lhuillier

• Live Chat
• Online Transactions
• Loans Section

For more information and updates, visit www.cebuanalhuillier.com

Search for the Happiest Pinoy down to 10 finalists

Tweet

The Search for the Happiest Pinoy nears its grand finale as the top 10 finalists are revealed. Celebrating the values of optimism, resilience and hope among Filipinos, the competition aims to find a Filipino who has a positive outlook in life, was able to rise above life’s challenges and had a positive impact in the lives of others. 

Of the more than 280,000 entries reviewed through judging sessions and deliberations, ten were identified to be the most compelling. From these finalists, one will emerge as the grand winner of the Search which will be announced during the awards night on September 10, 2015 at the Solaire Resorts and Casino. A P1 million cash prize, tax-free, awaits the Search for the Happiest Pinoy 2014 grand winner which can be anyone of these:

The Search for the Happiest Pinoy grand finals will decide who among (standing, from left) Randy Halasan, Richardson Navor, Cyprian Jade Basa, Rodolfo Mendoza, Eduardo Hernal, Jr., Julia Marquez, Johnny Medrano, Rustie Quintana, (seated, from left) Don De Vera and Naprey Almario will take home the P1 million cash prize.

Johnny Medrano of Batangas has been deprived of walking since he was young but this did not stop him from learning basket weaving, embroidery, and drawing. Through hard work and determination, he was able to send his siblings to school. With the help of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System, Johnny was able to finish a vocational course in electronics and now runs his own watch and cellphone repair shop. He has also become a prominent resource speaker for different seminars.

Rustie Quintana was once a street kid in Plaza Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City. Eager to learn, he was admitted to the DepEd’s Alternative Learning System program for free. He soon discovered his talent for the arts and started selling his artworks to send his siblings to school. In 2005, Rustie received an award from the British Council’s I am a Changemaker program while his organization received the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Award in 2012. He recently earned a degree in Development Communication from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

Rodolfo Mendoza of Nueva Ecija was born handicapped but he did not let his condition get in the way of his education. Studying in a normal school, he excelled in academics, became a dean’s lister and earned an accounting degree. In 2008, Rodolfo received the Apolinario Mabini award as the Disabled Filipino of the year. Today, he serves as a PWD (person with disability) advocate, being the president of the Central Luzon Federation of PWDs and Region III’s National Anti-Poverty Commission Representative for PWDs.

Without prior teaching experience, Randy Halasan took a teaching job in Sitio Pegalongan, a remote area in Davao’s Marilog District. After years of teaching and immersing in the community, Randy was able to appreciate his job and is now the school’s teacher-in-charge. Through his efforts, a cultural-minority high school was established, bridges were built over two rivers he used to cross, and the tribe in Pegalongan are informed about their rights. In 2014, Randy was the only Filipino to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Eduardo Hernal, Jr. of Taguig City comes from an underprivileged family. In 1992, he finished BS Criminology while serving as a soldier at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila. During an Abu Sayyaf encounter in 2003, Eduardo was shot in the head and back. He miraculously survived the traumatic brain injury but was left paralyzed. Instead of dwelling on his situation, he studied Theology and became a pastor. Nowadays, he renders church services for free, sends scholars to school, and helps farmers earn a living.

Julia “Juling” Marquez, a 78-year-old retired teacher from Batangas, started working for her education at age 11, following the death of her mother. She worked as a helper, a vendor, and a store keeper to sustain herself through elementary and high school where she both graduated with honors. She married at age 19 but continued to work in the morning and study at night to graduate from the Philippine Normal College. Nowadays, Juling helps her community as an active church member and by sponsoring various medical missions.

Don De Vera is an “architect on wheels” from Las Pinas City. When he was just five months old, an accident caused complications to his spine which left him unable to walk. Determined to fulfill his dream of building houses and skyscrapers, he studied hard and finished a master’s degree in architecture. He also earned a master’s degree in International Affairs in Comparative and International Disability Policy which he uses to help his fellow PWDs. He also designed a permanent homes for Yolanda victims in coordination with the NHA and DPWH.

Richardson Navor was born with Cerebral Palsy. Rather than letting other people’s judgments get the better of him, he used his physical limitations to inspire people. Back in college, he was student council president and graduated magna cum laude with multiple leadership and academic awards. Currently a financial analyst, Richard has formed an organization called People Uplifting the Student and the Handicapped (PUSH) to show his advocacy for youth empowerment and his support to PWDs.

In 2003, Cyprian Jade Basa, a 19-year-old student from Capiz, lost his home during a super typhoon. Guided by optimism, he was able to help his family and neighbors to recover from the disaster and even volunteered to help his community. He put up ‘Sama-sama Tayong Lahat Organization’ which conducts feeding programs, clean-up drives, and tutorial services. At a young age, Cyprian has already received various awards including the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts in the Country in 2012 and the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Kabataang Pilipino award in 2014.

Suffering from polio since he was a kid, Naprey Almario did not let his disability stop him from finishing his education and taking up a master’s degree. The former teacher and businessman from Davao City later formed a volunteer group called Behind the Rolling Chair, which reaches out to communities through different projects that help the poor and vulnerable children, especially those with disability.