HONOR Opens First Experience Store in Mindanao at SM City GenSan

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It is indeed the season of giving already! Leading global smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just officially opened its 11th Experience Store in the Philippines and the First in Mindanao at SM City General Santos, located at 3/F Cyberzone.

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HONOR Philippines secures nationwide visibility, opens first ever Experience Store in Mindanao at SM City General Santos

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Promarigold Corp. Operations Manager Margie Panga, Honorable Esperanza Sultan Kudarat Vice Mayor Lalaine Villaruel Suhanda, and HONOR Philippines GTM Manager Steven Yan

“When we re-introduced HONOR in the Philippines, we had a vision of providing quality service to the Filipinos and we are very happy to see it coming to life. We just opened HONOR Experience Store in Mindanao making us more and more accessible nationwide,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The successful store opening was officiated by Honorable Esperanza Sultan Kudarat Vice Mayor Lalaine Villaruel Suhanda, Promarigold Corp. Operations Manager Margie Panga, and HONOR Philippines GTM Manager Steven Yan.

Unstoppable HONOR 90 5G

Following the announcement of HONOR Philippines that HONOR 90 5G is Sold Out just four days after its store release, the clamor for HONOR’s newest smartphone has reached a whole new level.

The HONOR 90 5G is packed with an exceptional flagship camera featuring a 200MP Main Camera, a 12MP Ultra-Wide and Macro Camera, and a 2MP Depth Camera for a powerful photography experience. It also features an AI Vlog Assistant, which analyzes key details in real-time. Supported by the powerful Dual Main Camera system, the HONOR 90 5G supports 4K video shooting so that users can capture vivid videos and vlogs in five video modes, including Portrait Video, HDR Video, Close-up, Multi-video, Solo-cut, enabling a variety of content creation opportunities.

The HONOR 90 5G is equipped with industry-leading Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Dimming technology that allows the display to pulse at a rate of up to 3,840Hz for the display to maintain a more comfortable, flicker-free viewing experience even at lower brightness levels. With this, the HONOR 90 5G has received the TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification.

HONOR’s newest viral smartphone comes in Midnight Black, Emerald Green, and Diamond Silver, that can be purchased via all HONOR Experience Stores and partner dealers nationwide and online.

For more announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao celebrates its 7th Foundation Anniversary

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On December 4 - 7 and 9, 2022, a new milestone was hit for Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) as it held the first-ever week-long celebration of its foundation anniversary after seven years since its establishment with various activities to be enjoyed and shared among the whole Mapúa MCM community. Said celebration is in observance of the institution’s achievements since its incorporation in 2015.

The week-long foundation celebration is open to all students, parents, as well as friends of the community and features exciting events such as the institution’s first fun run, the unveiling of its new rebranded logo at the school’s front gate, dancing and singing competitions, battle of the bands, a Mr. and Ms. MMCM student pageant, e-game tournament, tree-lighting ceremony, and a community-run bazaar among many other activities to enjoy.

During this time, Mapúa MCM commemorates its achievements since its establishment and how it has pioneered blended learning in Mindanao to provide quality education by creating a progressive learning environment for students to hone and use to their full potential. Being a subsidiary school of Mapúa University, the institution is poised to deliver the same academic and technological excellence to its community in Mindanao.

In further establishing its ties with Mapúa University, the institution also recently rebranded from Malayan Colleges Mindanao, a Mapúa School to Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) earlier this year. The rebranding signifies their continued commitment to delivering world-class excellence in education by providing modern facilities, training their faculty, and continued collaboration with local and international institutions to better cater to the learning needs and demands of every 21st-century student.

Aligned to their mission in striving towards educational excellence, Mapúa MCM, through Mapúa University and alongside Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School, has joined in collaboration with Arizona State University to expand the access Filipino students will have to high-quality international education in both business and health sciences. This collaboration aims to provide students with highly differentiated instruction centered on three core pillars – international exposure, real-world experiential learning, and digital expertise.

“With what we have accomplished in the past seven years,” shared Mapúa MCM’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Alejandro H. Ballado Jr. “...we believe our institution is poised to make its mark in the global community through research, innovations, and ranking.

Throughout the years, Mapúa MCM has continued to consistently strive towards its mission of providing access to effective education and an efficient and innovative learning experience to its students.

Mapúa MCM is currently open for applications for SY 2023 - 2024. You may go to mcm.edu.ph to learn more or visit the campus at General Douglas MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City.

Maya accelerates 'digi-palengke' thrust in Mindanao

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BSP-DILG’s Paleng-QR Ph launched in Davao City today

Maya, the country's only all-in-one money app, is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Mindanao today.

Spearheading the "digi-palengke" program is Davao City Government with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Also supporting the launch are PLDT and Smart Communications.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the ceremonies held today at the city's Bankerohan Public Market.

"By promoting the interoperable QR PH national standard codes, Paleng-QR PH creates a simple but more powerful digital finance experience at the local community level. At Maya, we fully support Davao City's vision to build a stronger digital ecosystem," said Orlando Vea, Maya CEO and Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder.

“Basta QR PH, pwede kami sa Maya,” Vea added.

The Paleng-QR Ph program aims to digitalize transactions starting with public markets and local transportation. The program enables vendors and tricycle drivers to accept digital payments from customers regardless of their e-wallet or bank accounts via QR Ph, the national standard for QR payment. Maya's QR codes are QR Ph-compliant, and its app can scan any QR Ph-powered transaction.

Creating digi-palengkes is part of Maya’s own LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (L.E.A.D). Through this program, Maya equips local governments like Davao City with business-in-a-box payment acceptance solutions and disbursement tools to enable faster public service delivery.

Maya is the first digital financial services platform to adopt QR Ph. More than 52 million users can enjoy a seamless experience using Maya's consumer platforms that can send and accept P2P payments from other QR Ph-participating financial institutions.

Meanwhile, non-Maya users can pay at over 800,000 QR Ph-enabled Maya merchants, which are present in 96% of the total cities and municipalities.

The BSP's OR Ph initiative is part of the overall financial services transformation roadmap of the Philippines. It aims to raise Filipinos' trust in digital financial services, as consumers and enterprises will get used to sending and receiving cashless payments for everyday transactions.

Maya's full support to QR PH is in line with the BSP's thrust to increase the share of Filipino adults with a financial account from 56% in 2021 to 70% in 2023 and grow the volume of digital payments from 20% in 2021 to 50% by next year.

"Digital payment is the entry point of Filipinos to the financial system. As they build their financial footprint, consumers and MSMEs can access more progressive digital banking services offered by Maya," said Vea.

Maya has made it easier for consumers to spend, save, get credit, and invest in crypto just by using its top-rated all-in-one money app. Its merchant partners, meanwhile, can open a business deposit account and access revolving credit lines leveraging their payment transactions.

To know more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, TikTok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join the Maya Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH

Shopee expands presence in Mindanao with a series of seller onboarding initiatives and the establishment of new hubs

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Initiatives include workshops and roundtable discussions with sellers on growing their business through e-commerce

As part of its continuous efforts to bring a fun and seamless online shopping experience to more Filipinos across the country, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, expands its serviceable areas through the establishment of new Shopee Xpress hubs across Mindanao. Through these new hubs in Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte, and other areas, local sellers are provided with greater opportunities to expand their business through e-commerce and compete at a national level. For Davao to Davao purchases, both shoppers and sellers can now enjoy shorter delivery times.

Department of Trade and Industry Region XI Division Chief, Small and Medium Enterprise Division Marie Ann J. How, Shopee Philippines VisMin Seller Acquisition Head Dane Mangoba, SY Glow Cosmetics shop owner Lou Putian, and Cacao Culture shop owner Sheila Lao at the Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City

Shopee also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to hold its first Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City. The masterclass educated Davao-based sellers on how to grow their businesses with e-commerce and onboarded new sellers to improve the overall online selling experience for Filipinos. Shopee also held another live seller engagement event in Davao City, Shopee Kumustahan, wherein representatives from the platform held roundtable discussions with local Shopee sellers to know more about their experience and get insights on what can help drive their business forward.

Shopee Philippines Seller Communications and Education Lead Mia Mendoza, SY Glow Cosmetics shop owner Lou Putian, and Cacao Culture shop owner Sheila Lao at the Shopee Kumustahan event in Davao City

“Here at Shopee, we are always driven by our objective to make e-commerce accessible to everyone. Through the Mindanao hub expansions and conducting educational workshops, our goal is to equip local sellers and business owners with the necessary knowledge and tools to make the most out of their e-commerce journey with Shopee,” shared Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines.

If you want to grow your business online and enjoy the numerous benefits of e-commerce, start your online selling journey with Shopee today. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

World Vision and partners respond to emergency needs of quake survivors

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Following three succeeding earthquakes that hit southern Mindanao last month, World Vision launched its relief operations to help the affected families of Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Tulunan in Northern Cotabato. 

To complement the efforts of the local government, World Vision provided non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, mosquito net, mats, and blankets, and emergency shelter kits (tarp and rope) among others. 

Volunteers from World Vision demonstrate how to produce potable water using a water purifier. 

One of the evacuees receives one set of emergency needs from the World Vision volunteers. 

World Vision volunteer gives instructions before the start of the distribution. 

World Vision also focused its efforts to address the special needs of children affected by the quake. Interventions such as child-friendly spaces and temporary learning centers provided children with psychosocial support and a safe place to learn and play. 

As of November 12, World Vision has reached at least 947 affected families with emergency shelter kits, hygiene kits, non-food items, and clean water kits (459 in the City of Kidapawan and 488 in the Municipality of Tulunan), 602 affected children with psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces in school-based evacuation centers in the City of Kidapawan, and 354 school children with 2 temporary learning spaces in their affected school in the Municipality of Makilala. 

With the help of generous individuals and companies like Owndays Philippines, J&J, Emerson, Nexus, and RichMedia Inc., the aim to assist 1000 families or 5000 individuals will soon be achieved. 

A happy recipient rushing to her shelter after receiving the kits from World Vision. 

A mother and her son happily check the World Vision kit that they received. 

A kid raises his newly received hygiene kit from World Vision. 

More Help is Needed 

Bringing help to the hard-hit earthquake sites are not without challenges. In Tulunan, World Vision response team had to brave the landslide-prone areas in order to reach the survivors including the indigenous tribe B’laan. 

“Every day since the quake, we had to walk at least two hours to go here and wait for help,” said 5-month pregnant Chona. She leaves her makeshift shelter at 6 o’clock in the morning and goes back at around 4 in the afternoon, depending on the schedule of relief distributions. 

Analiza, another B’laan from a different sitio shared, “We have no choice but to do this. Most of us are farmworkers, but our farms were damaged not only by the quake but by the landslides. It’s not easy.” 

While help has reached some of the quake-affected families, challenges remain to rebuild their communities and to start with their lives anew. 

"Thank you for partnering with us as we help fellow Filipinos affected by the Mindanao earthquake. Much needs to be done and we hope that God will continue to enable us to help reach the most vulnerable children and communities”, says World Vision Executive Director Rommel Fuerte. 

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824. 

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram. 

About World Vision 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

World Vision launches response to Mindanao quake

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Following the recent earthquakes in southern Mindanao, child-focused development and humanitarian agency World Vision launches its relief operations for the affected people of Northern Cotabato, including the city of Kidapawan and the hard-hit towns of Makilala and Tulunan. 

“We are committed to support the government-led response in Mindanao. World Vision in the Philippines is particularly concerned for the well-being of children“, says World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte.

In the morning of October 16, magnitude 6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin, hit the province of North Cotabato, with the epicenter located in the town of Tulunan. Days after, another quake of greater magnitude occurred from almost the same location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 6.6-magnitude earthquake, followed by another equally strong quake on Oct. 31 at 6.5 magnitude with a shallow depth of 2kilometers which triggered more destruction and risk in the province.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC, Nov 5), the series of earthquakes affected about 188,583 persons or 37,716 families in Regions XI and XII. Over 28,070 persons are currently taking shelter in 32 evacuation camps. Meanwhile, there are 1,493 more families being served outside of the evacuation centers.

“They are in a state of shock and as per report Cotabato is going to be more susceptible to aftershocks in the coming days. We are appealing to our partners and fellow Filipinos for support so that we can respond to the immediate needs of displaced children and their families. We can do more together”, added Fuerte.

A total of 1,075 schools were damaged, including about 26 totally damaged. According to the Department of Education, more than 3 million students are affected due to suspension of classes. Today, child-friendly spaces will be set up to provide psychosocial support to help children cope from the calamity, while temporary learning spaces will also be provided in coordination with the affected schools. 

Complementing the government’s massive emergency operations in the province, World Vision complements and provides non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), emergency shelter kit (tarp and rope) among others. 

Through the generous support of donors, World Vision aims to initially help 1,000 families or 5,000 individuals.

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionphon Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

UNHCR and UNIQLO return to Marawi for World Humanitarian Day

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On 19 August, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, and UNIQLO, a global retailer giant, commemorate World Humanitarian Day by distributing clothing to some 750 families displaced by the Marawi conflict. This marks the second visit by the partnership to the besieged city of Marawi.

“Two years after the conflict, while the Philippine Government continues its recovery and rehabilitation efforts, displaced and returned families in Marawi remain facing significant challenges, such as lack of access to basic services and insufficient livelihood opportunities. Today, we honor the world’s humanitarians by joining the affected communities most in need through the provision of humanitarian assistance,” said Shinji Kubo, UNHCR Representative to the Philippines. 

Nearly 2,300 families remain displaced and stay in transitory sites in Marawi City1. In one of the three government-run transitory shelters, UNIQLO joined the commemoration of World Humanitarian Day with UNHCR culminating the event with the distribution of 5,000 pieces of clothing as part of its commitment to helping forcibly displaced people throughout the world. 

Through its innovative All-Product Recycling Initiative and partnership with UNHCR, globally, UNIQLO has distributed 30,290,000 garments in 65 countries and regions. In the Philippines, UNIQLO has donated close to one million items of clothing to families in need in relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan affected communities in 2014 and for those forcibly displaced by the armed conflict in Zamboanga in 2015. In 2018, two clothing distribution activities were conducted in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and Marawi City for Maranao families hosted in evacuation camps and transitory shelters. 

UNHCR and UNIQLO are no strangers to each other as the two organizations have worked in partnership since 2006 to provide life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. “UNIQLO has been a staunch global humanitarian partner of UNHCR for many years, in many aspects of our work that extends beyond providing clothing. UNIQLO also supports self-reliance and livelihood programs in Asia, enhancing protection and empowerment for the refugees and internally displaced populations,” said Kubo.

Honoring Women Humanitarians 

On the tenth year of commemorating World Humanitarian Day, UNHCR is also honoring the women humanitarians around the world. These individuals play vital roles in every aspect of humanitarian action across the world, making up an estimated 43 percent of the total humanitarian workforce.2 

“Today is profoundly important, as it is the very day that honors aid workers, and reminds the international community of their obligations to protect them, and the life-saving work they do,” said Kubo. “It’s also important to remind the world that a big portion of aid workers are women, whose strength, determination, and perseverance are very much needed on the front lines in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous settings.” 

UNHCR has been closely working with the Government and the people of the Philippines over the past 30 years, focusing on three pillars: providing durable solutions to refugees in line with the Global Compact on Refugees, ending and reducing statelessness under the #IBELONG campaign, and enhancing a protection environment for the forcibly displaced. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, UNHCR co-leads the Protection Working Group under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Services. 

The fighting in Marawi City in 2017 has displaced more than 353,000 people, and to this day, thousands continue to live in displacement. UNHCR remains committed to helping displaced families and communities rebuild their lives with life-saving aid and in rebuilding their lives in safety and in dignity. 

Visit https://donate.unhcr.ph now to help protection internally displaced communities in Mindanao.

LG Makes its Mark in Mindanao

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LG Electronics, in keeping with its tradition of giving back to the community, recently paid a visit to The House of Hope in Davao.

The House of Hope Foundation, located inside the Southern Philippines Medical Center compound (SPMC), is a charitable group that provides temporary shelter to children with cancer. SPMC is the only hospital in the whole of Mindanao that offers free cancer treatment to children. Since a large majority of its patients are indigent families with no place to stay while they are undergoing treatment, the House of Hope provides a sanctuary for them.

On March 28, 2019, LG Philippines visited the brave families of the House of Hope. LG brought with them donations in-kind to improve the quality of life of the House of Hope’s residents. This includes over 27,000 various personal care products such as body wash, soap and toothpaste items, 5 43” Full HD TVs, 28 Dual Inverter Airconditioning units, 2 Top Load Washing Machines, and 2 Side by Side Refrigerators. The donations hope to help in making the environment conducive to the children’s recovery. LG Electronics Philippines Managing Director Inkwun Heo led the team that visited the children in Davao. “LG remains committed in creating social impact and being agents for change. These brave children serve as our inspiration. We hope that through our small gesture, we are able to enhance their quality of life”. 

Giving back to the community has always been the heart of LG’s core values. Earlier this month, LG also partnered up with Emcor to conduct a small series of medical missions in Mindanao. Dubbed as #LGFamilyFunDay, these pocket events held in Koronadal in South Cotabato, Digos in Davao, and San Francisco in Butuan, gave out free full physical and optical check-ups to the members of the community during the morning. In the afternoon, special activities were held for children, such as coloring sessions, an LG inflatable castle, and even a dedicated Netflix viewing area, making it a fun-filled family affair that’s not to be missed. 

LG Electronics Philippines managing director Mr. Inkwun Heo officially handed over to Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, program director of House of Hope Foundation the 3 Million worth of LG products in a simple turnover ceremony held in Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City.

PNB reopens branch in Marawi City

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True to its mandate of putting the needs of its customers first, Philippine National Bank reopened its Marawi Branch recently – the first bank to open in the city after the siege. 

The branch is located inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus. A day before it reopened, the bank was also the first to resume operations of ATM units – one machine in the MSU campus branch and another in the Capitol area. 

PNB’s Retail Banking Sector Head and EVP Bernie H. Tocmo underscores how the bank remains committed to serving the needs of its clients. “We knew that as soon as the dust had settled, we had to be ready to serve our customers,” he says. “We are focused on being a solid and dependable financial partner as Marawi starts to rebuild lives and businesses.” 

PNB Marawi Branch operates from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. As of September 2017, PNB has more than 680 branches and over 1,000 ATMs nationwide. The Bank has the widest international footprint among Philippine banks with 71 overseas branches, representative offices, and remittance centers and subsidiaries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

To know more about PNB, visit its official website: www.pnb.com.ph. 

About PNB

Philippine National Bank is one of the country’s largest private universal banks in terms of assets and deposits. It provides a full range of banking and other financial services to its highly diverse clientele comprised of individual depositors, small and medium enterprise, domestic and international corporations, government institutions, and overseas Filipinos. Backed by a century of stability and excellence, PNB looks forward to another hundred years of serving its customers first.

Wounded Marawi Soldiers Get Care from SM Foundation Fit for Heroes

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At least two medical facilities at the AFP Medical Center in V Luna – the Heroes’ Ward and Convalescence Ward – are giving proper recovery care for wounded soldiers from Marawi courtesy of a health and wellness program by SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI).

Under SMFI’s program, health facilities and dispensaries of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are renovated to improve the facilities and services for soldiers deployed and injured from armed conflicts in various parts of the country . The program has so far renovated 22 military health facilities that provide medical treatment and care to the Philippine Army, Navy, and Air Force.

As of June, at least 240 soldiers coming from Marawi are being cared for in the two renovated wards of the AFP Medical Center , SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Project Manager Albert Uy said. The Heroes’ Ward serves as the recovery facility, after which the patients will be brought to the Convalescence Ward where they will go through therapy that will help them back on their feet and into their normal lives.

“We are deeply thankful for our beloved soldiers’ service to the country, risking their lives so that we may enjoy our own with utmost freedom. SM Foundation’s program is dedicated to improving AFP’s health facilities so that our wounded soldiers can have the best medical care fit for heroes,” said Connie Angeles, Senior Assistant Vice President and Executive Director for health and medical programs of SMFI.

Medical facilities that go through renovation and rehabilitation under SMFI’s program get full enhancement from new paint to improved toilets, air conditioning systems, hospital beds, and other necessary reconstruction. The program has been recognized with an award by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, citing SMFI’s sincere efforts in alleviating the plight of injured personnel of the Philippine military forces.

The drink for every soldier: Coca-Cola powers Filipino troops in Marawi with beverage supply

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Every day, countless Filipino soldiers display gallantry, courage, and true heroism in the name of duty to our country.

The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines takes this time to honor and salute all Filipino troops stationed in various parts of Mindanao – the men and women who have dedicated their lives to reclaim and ensure peace for our fellow Filipinos.

Starting  August 4, Coca-Cola Philippines, bottling partner Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation, commit to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines by providing supplies of beverage products that will contribute to their well-being during their time of service.

The troops deployed in Marawi City will be given priority. A steady supply of beverages, which includes sports drink brand Powerade, Coca-Cola, and bottled water Wilkins Pure will be provided daily. Aside from being a beverage, bottled water is also used in the battlefield to clean and treat wounded soldiers.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Division Commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao said that the support given by companies like Coca-Cola and private individuals boosts the morale of the soldiers. While combat is the expertise of the troops, going to war and putting their lives on the line is the least of the things that they hope for.

The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines will also be extending additional support through the implementation of various sustainability programs for the Filipino troops and their families. A memorandum of agreement will be signed between the parties to formalize the support for our uniformed personnel.

Cebu Pacific to provide airlift support to wounded soldiers, cops in Marawi CEB to provide free cargo for relief goods for Marawi

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Image source: Cebu Pacific Air

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) will be providing airlift support to military and police personnel wounded in action (WIA) in Marawi City. On top of the free airlift on Cebu Pacific flights, the WIA government troops will also get baggage allowance of up to 40 kilograms.

In cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), this initiative aims to augment air support by the Philippine Air Force by helping move wounded government troops from field hospitals in the area to larger medical facilities of the AFP and PNP. Through this, field medical stations can be declogged, giving way for wounded soldiers and police personnel who need immediate medical attention.

"It is with deep gratitude that we accept this kind gesture of support by Cebu Pacific led by its President and CEO, Mr Lance Gokongwei, in the airlift of our heroes Wounded in Action in Marawi. This will not just afford our troops immediate treatment in hospitals that offer better facilities to aid their speedy recovery, but a meaningful gesture to make your Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines feel that their sacrifices are being recognized and appreciated," says Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Chief of the AFP's Public Affairs Office.

“The officers and rank-and-file of the Philippine National Police and our families are grateful for this magnanimous expression of kindness and compassion by the management of Cebu Pacific to provide life-saving medical evacuation to policemen who are wounded in fighting local terrorists in Mindanao. This is not the first time that Cebu Pacific extended a helping hand to our troops. We cannot thank them enough for keeping the Filipino spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ alive in such crucial time of emergency,” says Police Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, Chief of the PNP Public Information Office.

WIA government troops who are fit enough for commercial flights can be accommodated on Cebu Pacific flights from Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan Airport), and flown to any CEB domestic destination. Currently, Cebu Pacific has direct flights from Cagayan de Oro to Bacolod; Tagbilaran, Bohol; Cebu; Davao; Iloilo and Manila. By July 26, CEB will also fly direct between Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City.

On top of the airlifting of WIA government troops, CEB is also airlifting cargo of relief goods and other humanitarian assistance for affected residents. Donors may coordinate with the GMA Kapuso Foundation or the Philippine Business for Social Progress for packing and transport arrangements of their donated goods.

Cebu Pacific will continue to provide free cargo support for relief goods and other essential items for displaced residents of Marawi City and adjacent areas from various organizations, most notably the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These include food and water; medicines; bandages; clothing and other necessities. The airline has provided equipment support to the Office of Civil Defense in the transport of humanitarian assistance.

Heart of Kapitan for the country's heroes - Puso ni KAP para sa AFP at PNP

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PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan is granting special privileges for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in recognition of their sacrifices for the country.

Dr. Tan is granting 40 kilos free baggage allowance to AFP and PNP personnel in active service traveling on all PAL domestic routes on official or personal capacity. 

PAL continues to support the PH troops amid the Marawi crisis by granting special privileges to AFP and PNP personnel. Earlier this month, PAL chairman Dr. Lucio Tan has also personally turned over a P2 million check donation to support the country’s soldiers.

Military personnel are required to present their valid identification card upon check in at the airport. Baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance of 40 kilos shall be assessed the applicable excess baggage rates. 

This grant, which is applicable across all fare brands, shall be valid only for travel until 31 December 2017.

“My heart goes out to our country's heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives in the battlefield and to all those who continue fighting to save Marawi and other critical areas. You deserve the country's highest honor,”stressed Chairman Tan.

In addition, a 20% discount on ALL regular domestic fare brands (except budget economy fare brands) is also being provided to all active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for any type of travel – official or personal. AFP and PNP personnel must present a valid ID card upon ticketing.

On July 25, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte will be honoring fallen soldiers of Marawi in Malacanang Palace with the family members of deceased soldiers as special guests.

PAL is extending two free domestic tickets to Manila for each family attending the said event called “Salamat Magigiting na Mandirigma, Go Negosyo Kapatid from Marawi Financial Assistance to the Families of Fallen Heroes”. 

Earlier, the flag carrier donated two million pesos to the AFP for the soldiers who are fighting or have fought in Marawi. 

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of the LT Group as well as the PAL foundation are carrying out donation drives and humanitarian cargo grants, respectively, for those affected by the Marawi situation.

Marawi situation poses risks to children’s well-being

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Iligan City --- Child-focused aid organization World Vision began its relief operations last June 8, 2017 after more than 200,000 people were forced to flee the city of Marawi in Mindanao.

“We have started distributing relief items to at least 1,000 families today. It is heart breaking and heart-warming at the same time but knowing that there are people standing with them brings them so much hope and comfort,” shares Associate Director for Operations Jocelyn Mariscal.

Child-focused aid organization World Vision begins its relief operations after more than 200,000 people were forced to flee the city of Marawi in Mindanao. At least 1,000 displaced families now sheltering in evacuation centres and in their relatives' house were provided with hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, laundry soap, bath soap, undergarment, malong or tube skirt, sanitary pads) and non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat.

Child-focused aid organization World Vision begins its relief operations after more than 200,000 people were forced to flee the city of Marawi in Mindanao. At least 1,000 displaced families now sheltering in evacuation centres and in their relatives' house were provided with hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, laundry soap, bath soap, undergarment, malong or tube skirt, sanitary pads) and non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat.

The relief items include hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, undergarment for men and women, bath soap, laundry soap, sanitary pads, nail cutter, malong or tube skirt) and non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat. The distribution catered to those who are in evacuation centres and the home-based (those living with relatives) internally displaced families in Sta. Elena, Iligan City.

The clash started on May 23 after the Philippine Army conducted a raid operation in Marawi City where an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader was hiding. The government forces were met by gunfire coming from ASG’s local armed allies the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Maute group. This escalated to a massive firefight causing 175 deaths and displacing thousands of people. The still on-going clash has also affected 132 schools and more than 22,000 school children, said Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART).

World Vision hopes to reach at least 10,000 people or 2,000 families. In the next days, child-friendly spaces will also be set up in two evacuation centres to provide psychological first aid to the children affected by the conflict.

The Child Friendly Spaces created by World Vision are designed to let the children play and have the opportunity to interact with other children. It helps to provide an opportunity for children to express themselves through art, play and also to connect with other children facing similar distressing experiences.

6-year old Husnia joins her mother in getting the relief items. Until today, she and her mother are still waiting to hear from her father who was left in Marawi when they left for Iligan City.

World Vision is now in close coordination with the Department of Education to provide 10 schools with Temporary Learning Centres (TLCs) and 18, 000 learner’s kits for the students.

“We thank all the donors and sponsors who have supported us in responding to the needs of the affected children and their families. We also continue to appeal for support as World Vision continues to work with the government and other humanitarian actors in providing aid to the people of Marawi,” says Acting National Director Rommel Fuerte.

To extend your help to the people displaced by Marawi crisis, visit www.worldvision.org.ph/help-people-marawi or call 372-77-77, for more information.

Globe operates relief drive for displaced Marawi residents

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Delivery of Globe relief goods to Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

Globe Telecom has provided relief and communication assistance to Marawi residents who evacuated to a nearby town in Iligan City after a clash between the alleged ISIS backed-Maute group and the Philippine Army erupted in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur late last month.

“We sympathize with our kababayans who are displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi City. To do our share of helping those who are seeking refuge from this situation, we continue to support humanitarian efforts both of the government and the private sector through relief operations and provision of free calls to the evacuees,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe SVP for Corporate Communications.

The Globe Store in Iligan City, led by its retail manager Anna Irene Parcon, spearheaded the distribution of goods to the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) in Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) which currently houses more than 300 evacuees.

Globe Charging and Libreng Tawag station and some of the relief packages

A total of 210 food packages, 100 bags of toiletries/ biscuits, 100 pieces of towels, 50 pieces of sleeping mats and 50 pieces of blankets were sent over to Asst. Dean Sittie Pasandalan. Some food packs and sleeping items were allocated to Brgy. Tibanga Evacuation Center and Brgy. Balo-i Evacuation Center where affected families badly needed help.

Globe also set up Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging Stations and free wifi connections to serve evacuees who need to get in touch with their loved ones.

At the same time, Globe in coordination with the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and other partners, provided 250 food packages such as bottled water, noodles, sardines, tuna and assorted biscuits to 250 family evacuees staying at Brgy Pantar, Lanao del Norte and Kiwalan, Iligan City.

Cebu Pacific : MINDANAO TRAVEL ADVISORY

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Operations of Cebu Pacific in Mindanao remain normal, with no restrictions or limitations imposed on air travel by the authorities.

However, in light of recent situation in Marawi City and the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, Cebu Pacific and Cebgo strongly advise all its passengers to allot sufficient travel time to get to the airports due to the heightened security measures being implemented. Heavy traffic is also anticipated around the areas as numerous check points are expected to be put up.

Guests flying to and from any Cebu Pacific or Cebgo destination in Mindanao from May 25 to 31, 2017 who are concerned about travelling at this time may opt to rebook their tickets from free within 30 days; or place the cost of the ticket in a travel fund for future use.

For flight rebookings or other concerns, guests are advised to contact the Cebu Pacific hotline at +632 7020-888. 

They may also message the official Cebu Pacific Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) or Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) accounts.

CEB also reminds its passengers of the following:

· Remember to bring a valid ID* to be presented during check-in and boarding. 

· Liquids, aerosols, and gels inside a hand-carry bag should be in a container (100 ml or less) and they should be placed in a clear, re-se­alable plastic bag. 

· Be conscious in bringing objects with sharp edges (i.e. nail files, nippers, nail cutters, scissors, etc.) as these may not be allowed in your hand-carry baggage 

· If you are bringing gadgets like your laptop, be prepared to take it out for inspection

We sincerely hope for our guests’ understanding, as everyone’s safety remains our priority.