Digido Finance Corp. lends a hand to Rizal’s Cuyambay Elementary School through education donation drive

Tweet

The school’s 269 students received tote bags containing tumblers, intermediate paper, crayons, ballpens and notebooks during a turnover programme.

Understanding the immediate need to empower young Filipinos during their early education years, volunteering employees and management of Digido Finance Corp. provided much-needed school supplies to Cuyambay Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal as a result of an in-house donation drive.

The school’s 269 students received tote bags containing tumblers, intermediate paper, crayons, ballpens, notebooks and personalized messages during the company’s “Pack a Bag: Ready, Set, Learn!” turnover programme last October 11, 2024. Light entertainment and meals were also provided during the one-day event.

The school’s hardworking teachers were also given basic supplies such as high-quality bond paper, manila paper, pens and scissors.

Whilst surrounded by stunning mountains and lakes, Cuyambay Elementary School’s upland location prevents it from easily accessing urban centers where school supplies are readily available.

“Opportunities to contribute towards a more equitable education for underserved learners completely align with our company ethos,” said Diane Tinoko, head of human resources and administration of Digido Finance Corp. “This particular initiative is a simple gesture to give back to our teachers going above and beyond to ensure their students have an inclusive space for learning. Our sincerest thanks to Cuyambay Elementary School for allowing us to understand some of their academic needs and lend a hand where we can.”

Dragonpay, a trusted partner of the company, made a monetary donation to support the initiative.

The event is part of the company’s series of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities, aimed to enhance the well-being of communities and promote sustainability.

While the Philippines has made significant progress in education in the past years, UNICEF said that participation in early childhood education remains limited in the country. Evidence also suggests that early childhood education in particular has long-term positive impacts on Filipino children’s education, according to the humanitarian aid organization.

Spread hope and happiness with UNICEF Christmas cards by Manuel Baldemor

Tweet

UNICEF Philippines ushers in the start of the Christmas season with the joyful art of Pinoy folk artist Manuel “Manny” Baldemor—this year’s featured artist for UNICEF Christmas Cards.

This 2024, UNICEF Cards feature the joyful works of Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. Get one box of UNICEF Cards for every P1,000 donation and help more vulnerable children survive and thrive. Get your own set of UNICEF Cards at https://donate.unicef.ph/.

A Filipino artist from Paete, Laguna, Manny Baldemor is renowned for his paintings, wood prints, and wood carvings featuring simplified geometric forms and folk art characters. He would often depict his hometown, its people, their daily activities, and traditions in his art. Baldemor participated in various national and international art exhibitions and received numerous prestigious awards.

The works of Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor are featured in this year’s UNICEF Cards. Go to https://donate.unicef.ph/ to get your own set today.

Having been a part of the UNICEF Cards roster of renowned artists since the 1990s, his works have been reproduced and sold in countries around the world for almost two decades.

The 2024 limited-edition UNICEF Cards feature four artworks from Baldemor’s vast collection: Pasko sa Aming Bayan (1992), Christmas Lanterns Festival (2006), Graces from the Land (2008), and Pasko ng Pamilya Pilipino (2024).

“My dream is for all children to be healthy and happy because they are our hope, our future. I am happy to contribute my time and talent to support UNICEF’s programs for children and I am very proud and honored to be a UNICEF artist,” says Manny Baldemor.

“It was a natural decision to have Manuel Baldemor as our contributing artist for UNICEF Christmas Cards. His passion for sharing the joyful spirit of Filipino values and culture is apparent in every piece he makes. By donating through these cards, you not only get to own a piece of Baldemor’s art, you are also supporting lifesaving programs for the most vulnerable children,” shares Carli Snyman, Chief of Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF Philippines.

Make someone happy today and help more children with UNICEF Cards! For every P1,000 donation, you get one box of UNICEF Cards featuring the art of Manuel Baldemor. Every donation supports UNICEF's lifesaving programs for children. Go now to https://donate.unicef.ph/.

Get one box set of UNICEF Cards for every P1,000 donation and receive 12 individual cards featuring Baldemor’s four artworks. Experience the unique joy of writing personal messages, sending Christmas cards, and making someone’s day with these limited-edition cards while helping the most vulnerable children through UNICEF’s lifesaving programs in health & nutrition, education, protection, and emergency support.

Go to https://donate.unicef.ph/ to get your own set of UNICEF Christmas Cards today.

Social media influencers take on challenge to be Creators #ForEveryChild to protect children from online abuse and exploitation

Tweet

As the country wraps up this year’s Safer Internet Month, UNICEF Philippines awarded the first-ever annual badge of recognition to digital influencers who accepted the challenge to be Creators #ForEveryChild. They have lent their unique creative platforms and reach to fight for the rights of every child in the country, especially the most vulnerable to online abuse and exploitation.

(Left to Right): Creators #ForEveryChild Anina Rubio, AJ Bacar, Cat Triviño and Buji Babiera together with UNICEF Philippines Advocacy and Communications Chief Lely Djuhari (center)

The Creators #ForEveryChild -  AJ Bacar, Anina Rubio, Buji Babiera, Cat Triviño, Ginger Arboleda, Inka Magnaye, Jing Ruiz, Karl Bautista, Raco Ruiz, Reb Atadero, Riyan Portuguez - received the badge and certificates of appreciation during the Safer Internet Convention on Digital Responsibility held by UNICEF today. These influencers’ have contributed to ending online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including abusive and exploitative materials. This is very timely, as most Philippine children and young people look up – some of them exclusively - to social media influencers for informative content.

This year’s theme calls on everyone to prevent this scrouge and work with Government to step up implementation of Republic Act 11930, otherwise known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Act, that strengthens the country’s response and protection of children to online predators. According to a UNICEF-ECPAT-Interpol Disrupting Harm study, 20 per cent of children, 12 to 17, reported being victims of this abuse in 2021. Unfortunately, due to stigma, disclosure is disproportionately low - despite various reporting channels. Only 0-4 per cent of victims ever reported, and only 0-3 per cent know how to report to the police or to helplines.   

The convention was attended by close to 100 children and youth who co-developed a Digital Responsibility Programme which aims to increase the capacity and protective behavior of learners and teachers in navigating online and digital platforms. It was organized by the Positive Youth Development Network, the Department of Education and the local government units of Valenzuela City and Angeles City with UNICEF support. 

UNICEF Philippines underscores the importance of adults and children in growing their understanding of their digital responsibility. Safer internet Month is helping build youth, parent and caregiver’s digital literacy or the skills they need to live, learn, and work in a society where information is increasingly channeled through digital technology and social media. Ultimately, the collective effort will maximize the positive experience that children and young people can get from the internet, while preventing all forms of online abuse and exploitation. 

UNICEF urges intensified catch-up vaccination efforts to eradicate polio

Tweet

The World Health Organization Polio Risk Assessment for 2022-2023 shows that the Philippines is still considered at risk for polio outbreaks, with 24 out of 81 provinces considered high-risk. 

UNICEF Philippines, on the occasion of World Polio Day, urges the government and immunization partners to continue intensifying catch-up vaccination efforts to prevent the resurgence of this infectious, life-threatening disease, especially in vulnerable communities with limited access to essential health services. 

Children and young people want a society that leaves no one behind

Tweet

World Children’s Day celebrates stories of vulnerable children

Landmarks around the Philippines turned blue last Sunday, November 20, today to celebrate World Children’s Day—a day by children, for children. The Rizal Monument, the SM MOA Globe, the Office of the Bangsamoro Chief Minister, the Provincial Capitol of Dinagat Island and major expressways under the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation were awash in blue to impart an important message: that every child everywhere has a story to tell, regardless of their gender, race, status, and capabilities.

In September-October 2022, nearly half a million young people around the world who took part in a UNICEF U-Report poll said that discrimination is common in their environments such as school, community or workplace, and almost half of them felt that discrimination had impacted their lives or that of someone they know in a significant manner. In the Philippines, the most vulnerable children include children with disabilities, children who belong to indigenous groups, children living in poverty, and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

To celebrate children and their voices, young people, and adults who support them came together in “Sigaw ng Kabataan, Walang Iwanan,” a World Children’s Day event that rallied the public to listen and amplify their views. This included a children’s event with SM Mall of Asia and a three-day Children’s Congress in cooperation with the Cotabato City Government.

“Regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other status, every child deserves to be included and celebrated, as well as protected against all forms of discrimination. Children must have a say in decisions that affect them. Listening to their voices is crucial for inclusive development,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

As a way to support children’s participation, UNICEF undertakes capacity building activities that enable children and youth groups to advocate for their own rights. For this year’s WCD celebrations, children from Southern Leyte, CARAGA, Cotabato and Valenzuela teamed up with creatives using dance, film and photography to allow others to view the world through their eyes.

Help the victims of Typhoon Paeng via Shopee

Tweet

Shopee users can choose to donate to UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, Waves for Water, and GMA Kapuso Foundation by purchasing donation vouchers in-app

MANILA, OCTOBER 30, 2022 - To provide support to Filipinos affected by the heavy rains and gusty winds brought about by Typhoon Paeng across the Luzon, Visayas, and most especially the Mindanao region, Shopee launches its Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Paeng Support initiative together with partner charity organizations. Through the initiative, users can purchase donation vouchers from Shopee’s partner charities on the app. These efforts are part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.

From October 30 up to November 13, Shopee users can purchase the donation e-vouchers that will be used to provide victims of the typhoon with water kits, health, and sanitation stations, and other essentials such as food and clothes from partner charities UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, Waves for Water, and GMA Kapuso Foundation. Users can access e-vouchers for Typhoon Paeng through https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan and purchase them via Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are deeply saddened by the vast impact that Typhoon Paeng has brought to our Filipino communities across the country. Now more than ever, we will continue to maximize our platform and resources to provide immediate relief to our fellow Filipinos in need. With this initiative, we hope to provide our kababayans with the support they need to recoup and recover.”

To donate to those affected by Typhoon Paeng, users may:

1. Head to the microsite https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan.

2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity.

3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers using ShopeePay.

With its heavy rains and strong winds triggering floods and landslides, Typhoon Paeng’s adverse effects were felt throughout the Philippines’ different regions, particularly in areas across Mindanao, such as Cotabato and Maguindanao. Through Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee is committed to making e-commerce accessible for everyone by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.

To know more about Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Paeng Support, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan.

 

UNICEF cards bring back Paskong Pinoy

Tweet

• Give the gift of joy with limited-edition UNICEF Christmas cards  featuring the work of National Artist Larry Alcala

UNICEF shares in the excitement of the upcoming holiday season as the country opens up after a long period of lockdowns. The UN children’s agency brings back a Pinoy kind of Christmas with holiday cards featuring National Artist and master cartoonist Larry Alcala.

Showcasing Alcala’s iconic work from his Slice of Life cartoons, Remembering the Joy of Paskong Pinoy is a limited-edition set of cards that embodies the spirit of generosity and community that is the hallmark of Filipino culture.

From homes decorated with light-filled parols, to the bibingka and puto bumbong stalls that greet Simbang Gabi attendees, to the little ones’ laughter and joy as they make merry during their favorite time of the year, Mang Larry captures these uniquely Pinoy moments.

“UNICEF wanted to capture the color and spirit of one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world. When you give the gift of a UNICEF Christmas card, you not only bring a smile to your family or friends, you also give the gift of health and well-being to children in the Philippines,” shares Carli Snyman, Chief of Fundraising, UNICEF Philippines

Last year’s edition of UNICEF Christmas cards made by artist Robert Alejandro raised PHP8.4 million for children in the Philippines, among them children affected by Typhoon Odette. This year’s edition is a fitting tribute to one of the icons of Philippine art.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of my grandfather’s passing, and I think this project brings together so many things about his legacy. As a cartoonist, his work has been one of the most accessible forms of Philippine art, enjoyed by people of all ages, from all walks of life. So many people have shared to me their childhood memories of looking through lolo’s Slice of Life in the Sunday paper, and I’m so happy that with these Christmas cards, a new generation of children will not only enjoy his work but also benefit from the proceeds of this fundraising,” shares Ana Alcala, granddaughter of National Artist Larry Alcala.

Just like these nostalgic and heartwarming Christmas Cards, UNICEF hopes to bring back joy to children and the young at heart through this fundraising campaign. Proceeds of each UNICEF Slice of Life Greeting Card set will go towards helping vulnerable children stay healthy, educated and protected – before, during and after emergencies.

Get one set of UNICEF Cards featuring the work of National Artist Larry Alcala for every Php 1,000 you donate—and give children the chance for a better, brighter, and healthier future. Donate now at https://donate.unicef.ph

*Delivery of cards start in October 2022

About UNICEF Cards

UNICEF's first greeting card was a painting by seven-year-old Jitka Samkova, whose village in Czechoslovakia received UNICEF emergency assistance in the form of food and medicine following World War II. Since then, giants of contemporary art, including Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Chagall, have created original artwork for the cards. Every greeting card will help fund lifesaving vaccines, nutrition, education, and emergency relief for the world's most vulnerable children.

About the Artist

Larry Alcala (1926 - 2002) was posthumously conferred the title of National Artist for the Visual Arts and the Grand Collar of the Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining for his contributions in editorial cartooning and illustration. Known for his iconic cartoons "Mang Ambo" and "Kalabog en Bosyo," among others, Larry Alcala has inspired generations of cartoonists and comic artists.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. In more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph. Follow UNICEF Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, please contact

Niko Wieland | Chief of Communication | +63 917 867 8366 | nmwieland@unicef.org

Marge Francia | Communication Officer | +63 917 858 9447 | mfrancia@unicef.org

Donate to Typhoon Odette Victims via Shopee App and Shopee Will Match It Up to ₱1M - Donate to Shopee’s partner organizations such as GMA Kapuso Foundation, UNICEF, and World Vision until January 4

Tweet

To help the thousands of devastated Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao grappling with the aftermath of super typhoon Odette, Shopee launches its Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support initiative wherein users can buy donation vouchers through the app, with the commitment to match up to ₱1,000,000 worth of total donations made to Shopee’s partner charities for this initiative. 

From December 23, 2021, to January 4, 2022, Shopee users can purchase the donation e-vouchers that will be used for water kits, health, and sanitation stations, and other essentials such as food and clothes from partner charities UNICEF, World Vision, and GMA Kapuso Foundation. Users can view and purchase these Typhoon Odette Support vouchers through https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support via Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

1. Head to the microsite https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support.

2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity.

3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers using ShopeePay.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are saddened to see the devastation brought by Typhoon Odette to our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao. As we are committed to using our platform to serve and give back to communities, we are working to provide immediate assistance to aid the speedy recovery of those affected by this natural disaster. We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and we will help as much as we can.”

Shopee remains steadfast in its commitment to be a force for good especially in times when Filipinos need help the most. Typhoon Odette is the 15th and strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this 2021 and has wreaked havoc in major areas in Visayas and Mindanao including Surigao, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Bohol, and the CARAGA region. Through this initiative, Shopee hopes to be able to give help to the affected communities who are reeling from the aftermath as part of its Shopee Bayanihan program.

To know more about Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support, visit https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support. 

COVID-19: Schools for more than 168 million children globally have been completely closed for almost a full year, says UNICEF

Tweet

UNICEF unveils ‘Pandemic Classroom’ at United Nations Headquarters in New York to call attention to the need for governments to prioritize the reopening of schools

NEW YORK, 3 March 2021 – Schools for more than 168 million children globally have been completely closed for almost an entire year due to COVID-19 lockdowns, according to new data released today by UNICEF. Furthermore, around 214 million children globally – or 1 in 7 – have missed more than three-quarters of their in-person learning.

The analysis of the school closure report notes that 14 countries worldwide have remained largely closed from March 2020 to February 2021. Two-thirds of those countries are in Latin America and the Caribbean, affecting nearly 98 million schoolchildren. Of the 14 countries, Panama has kept schools closed for the most days, followed by El Salvador, Bangladesh, and Bolivia.

“As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are again reminded of the catastrophic education emergency worldwide lockdowns have created. With every day that goes by, children unable to access in-person schooling fall further and further behind, with the most marginalized paying the heaviest price,” said Henrietta Fore UNICEF Executive Director. “We cannot afford to move into year two of limited or even no in-school learning for these children. No effort should be spared to keep schools open, or prioritize them in reopening plans.”

School closures have devastating consequences for children’s learning and wellbeing. The most vulnerable children and those unable to access remote learning are at an increased risk of never returning to the classroom, and even being forced into child marriage or child labor. According to latest data by UNESCO, more than 888 million children worldwide continue to face disruptions to their education due to full and partial school closures.

The majority of schoolchildren worldwide rely on their schools as a place where they can interact with their peers, seek support, access health and immunization services and a nutritious meal. The longer schools remain closed, the longer children are cut off from these critical elements of childhood.

To call attention to the education emergency and raise awareness about the need for governments to keep schools open, or prioritize them in reopening plans, UNICEF today unveiled ‘Pandemic Classroom,’ a model classroom made up of 168 empty desks, each desk representing the million children living in countries where schools have been almost entirely closed – a solemn reminder of the classrooms in every corner of the world that remain empty.

“This classroom represents the millions of centers of learning that have sat empty—many for almost the entire year. Behind each empty chair hangs an empty backpack—a placeholder for a child’s deferred potential,” said Fore. “We do not want shuttered doors and closed buildings to obscure the fact that our children’s futures are being put on indefinite pause. This installation is a message to governments: we must prioritize reopening schools, and we must prioritize reopening them better than they were before.”

As students return to their classrooms, they will need support to readjust and catch up on their learning. School reopening plans must incorporate efforts to recover children’s lost education. UNICEF urges governments to prioritize the unique needs of every student, with comprehensive services covering remedial learning, health and nutrition, and mental health and protection measures in schools to nurture children and adolescents’ development and wellbeing. UNICEF’s Framework for Reopening Schools, issued jointly with UNESCO, UNHCR, WFP, and the World Bank, offers practical advice for national and local authorities.

ANZCHAM and SaferKidsPH join forces against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Filipino Children

Tweet

The Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF, on behalf of the SaferKidsPH Consortium, to help address the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the Philippines. SaferKidsPH is an Australian Government Initiative that is implemented in partnership with Save the Children Philippines, The Asia Foundation, and UNICEF Philippines.

OSAEC is a borderless and complex crime that requires a coordinated and multi-sectoral response from all governments and stakeholders, including the private sector. Under the partnership with SaferKidsPH, ANZCHAM commits to supporting advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising activities to keep Filipino children safe online.

“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a top priority of UNICEF's Program of Cooperation with the Philippine Government for 2019 to 2023. Together with our partners, we are committed to improving child protection systems to address and prevent OSAEC,” said UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. In the Philippines, UNICEF is supporting a targeted program to strengthen the capacity of government systems, parents, caregivers, and community members to protect children from all forms of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

“OSAEC is everyone’s responsibility to fight against and the ANZCHAM business community is committed to bringing the conversation to our members’ respective organisations and eventually in their employees’ own homes. With more than 350 ANZCHAM member companies, we will continue to educate our members on how we can create a safer online environment for every child,” said Daniel Alexander, President of ANZCHAM.

“The work of SaferKidsPH isn’t limited to our governments and civil society partners. To succeed we must also involve communities, families, media, other development partners, and you, the business community. This could be through raising the awareness of your employees on this issue, promoting child-sensitive business practices, and supporting safe spaces and practices in schools and communities,” said Richard Sisson, Chargé d’affaires of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Kids Online Survey supported by the Australian Government and conducted by UNICEF in 2016, nearly half of child respondents said the internet is not safe for them. Two in 10 children are vulnerable to OSAEC, and boys are as vulnerable as girls. In 2018, at least 600,000 child abuse materials of Filipino children, including infants, were shared and sold online.

The vulnerabilities of Filipino children and their families have increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and youth are more at risk of OSAEC during this quarantine period as they, consequentially, spend more time online. Also, the economic strain on families can make them and their children more vulnerable to engaging in or falling victim to OSAEC. The Government has seen an increase of about 260 percent in reports of online child abuse materials from March to May 2020.

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

Tweet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One big effort vs. COVID-19 

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

Donate via online, mobile 

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

Go to http://donate.paymaya.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To donate using the PayMaya app, follow these steps: 

Log in to your PayMaya account

Click the ‘Pay Bills’ button 

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

In the Account Number field, enter ‘00000’ 

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

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

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

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

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

Shopee and Unilever promote charity with successful #BeautyThatCares Sale

Tweet

UNICEF, The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Future Faces benefit from the sale 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with Unilever, the leading beauty and personal care company in the Philippines, for the #BeautyThatCares sale in August. The campaign was a big success as it leveraged e-commerce to increase awareness for UNICEF, The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Future Faces. 

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “We are very proud to partner with Unilever for this philanthropic cause. This partnership has given us the opportunity to empower our users to support causes they believe in. Through the #BeautyThatCares sale, participating advocacy groups are able to reach a wider audience. Aside from our post-sale donation, we hope the continued support from our users will go a long way for these groups." 

At the same time, Dorothy Dee-Ching, Unilever Philippines’ Vice President for Beauty and Personal Care says, “The #BeautyThatCares philosophy is grounded in purpose: to care for the people, the society, and the planet. Each brand under the Unilever Beauty and Personal Care category has its own thrust, acting as a compass for all its campaigns and innovations. It's not just about what products we put out, but also why we develop them at all. We want Filipinos to feel that they are being cared for by the brands they love. We are grateful for our partnership with Shopee—they have allowed us to reach more people online and raise the visibility of our purpose.” 

The sale, which ran from August 7 to 9, gave Shopee users the opportunity to show their support for causes they believe in by buying Unilever products on the shopping platform. 20% of the proceeds from the sale went to the three partner organizations of Unilever. 

Benefitting from the sale are: 

● UNICEF - champions the rights of children everywhere in the world so they can reach their full potential. 

● The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce - advocates for safe workplaces that promote equality. 

● Future Faces - a group of young adults that use repurposed plastics to provide nutritious meals to children in impoverished areas. 

Shop Unilever personal care products on its official store on Shopee at https://shopee.ph/unilever_personalcare. 

Visit the Shopee website at https://shopee.ph/ and download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Korean government and UNICEF launch First 1000 Days Program for vulnerable communities

Tweet

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UN children’s agency UNICEF, in partnership with the Department of Health and National Nutrition Council, launch an integrated nutrition and health program targeting the first 1,000 days of life to benefit vulnerable children and women in Samar, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Integrated Nutrition and Health Actions in the First 1,000 Days of Life Program to benefit 40,000 children under-5 and 57,000 pregnant/lactating women in Samar, Northern Samar and Zamboanga del Norte

(L-R) Dr. Gerardo V. Bayugo, DOH Undersecretary of Health; Senator Risa Hontiveros; Ms. Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines Representative; Ms. Paik Senghwa, Deputy Director KOICA Philippines

“The Korean Government fully supports the Philippine government in its goal of addressing malnutrition and achieving universal healthcare. By giving assistance to this project, the most vulnerable – mothers and children ages 0-5 years old – will be ensured access to vital health and nutrition services which will help them develop fully later in life,” says Ambassador HAN Dong-Man, Korean envoy to the Philippines.

The support from KOICA amounts to US$6 million and targets 19 local government units in three provinces, namely Samar and Northern Samar in Region VIII and Zamboanga Del Norte in Region IX. Expected reach through the initiative will be 12,000 infants 0-5 months old, 36,000 6-23 months old – including children from poor families and children from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas – and 57,000 pregnant and lactating women. It also aims to improve the LGU’s policy, governance frameworks and service delivery systems and enhance the capacity of 1,370 nutrition and health personnel.

 

“We thank the Korean government for supporting the Filipino child’s right to survive and thrive. Supporting interventions at the local level is important to reach every vulnerable mother and child especially those who do not have access to essential services,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander says.

Technical support at the national level is expected to reach an estimated 14 million children under five years of age including acutely malnourished children, premature newborns, an estimated 3.5 million pregnant women, and 3 million lactating women in 17 regions across the country.

The project aims to: a) establish a more responsive enabling policy environment at the national and local level that supports the comprehensive approach to maternal, infant and child nutrition and health in the critical first 1,000 days window; b) strengthen systems for the delivery of quality and comprehensive nutrition and health services for the first 1,000 days provided to women, newborns and children; and c) improve knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women, mothers and caregivers in the 19 project areas on maternal and child nutrition and health.

Under-nutrition in the Philippines remains a serious problem. The damage to health, physical growth and brain development of children affected by chronic under-nutrition—stunting in the first two years—is often irreversible, impairing children for life and leaving them with lower chances of finishing school and becoming highly-productive adults. Stunting, iron and iodine deficiencies impact learning abilities and intelligence of children. Studies show that populations affected by iodine deficiency have 10 - 15 IQ points less than those not affected.

A joint research by UNICEF Philippines and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) revealed that every $1 (P53) invested in interventions to combat child malnutrition and accompanying problems can save around $12 (P639) in foregone earnings or health expenditures – equivalent to a 12:1 benefit-cost ratio.

The Kalusugan and Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, more commonly known as First 1000 Days Law, was approved by the end of 2018 and heralds the beginning of more concerted efforts by the national and local government, donors, and civil society.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. PAIK Seunghwa, Assistant Country Director, KOICA, Mobile: +63917-800-3058, philippines@koica.go.kr

Ms. Michelle Apostol, MD, Health Specialist, KOICA, Mobile: +63905-462-2356, philippines@koica.go.kr

Ms. Zafrin Chowdhury, Chief of Communication, UNICEF Philippines, Mobile: +63 917 867 8366, zchowdhury@unicef.org

Ms. Marge Francia, Communication Officer, UNICEF Philippines, Mobile: +63 917 858 9447, mfrancia@unicef.org

Cebu Pacific expands ‘Change for Good’ initiative to Clark hub

Tweet

The Philippines' leading airline, Cebu Pacific  marks the third year of its partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) through the Change for Good initiative with the expansion of the program to all flights in and out of its hub at the Clark International Airport. Beginning September 1, 2018, passengers on all Cebu Pacific domestic and international flights to and from Clark will be able participate and donate loose change, spare foreign currency or whatever amount they can spare to help vulnerable children in the Philippines receive proper nutrition in the first 1,000 days of their lives. 

“We are very grateful to Cebu Pacific for further expanding our Change for Good partnership. Now, passengers boarding Clark flights can join in the fight to ensure that children in the Philippines not only survive but thrive. By donating any amount, you invest in the future of Filipino children,” UNICEF Representative Lotta Sylwander says. 

Change for Good was established by UNICEF in 1987, in alliance with the global airline industry. The alliance is designed to collect spare currency from passengers on board flights of partner airlines with the aim to reach millions of undernourished children in over 150 countries. To date, Change for Good is one of the longest-running efforts of the UN children’s agency. 

A Cebu Pacific flight attendant collects donations for Change For Good.
 ©Cebu Pacific/2017/Arvin Sky Guillermo 

Cebu Pacific is the first and only partner of UNICEF for the Change for Good initiative in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. To date, CEB is also the only local airline partner who raises funds to benefit children in its home country. All funds donated by passengers aboard Cebu Pacific flights for the Change for Good initiative benefit children in marginalized communities in the Philippines. 

“We are immensely thankful to all our passengers who have donated to Change for Good for the past two years. The program is a practical way to put spare foreign currency or loose change to good use, rather than letting these become clutter in our homes. As we roll-out to more flights, more passengers will have the opportunity to help make a change, and will give hope to more disadvantaged children in the Philippines,” said Atty. JR Mantaring, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Cebu Pacific. 

According to UNICEF, the first 1,000 days of life have a significant effect on a child’s future. This golden window of opportunity builds the foundation for a child’s ability to grow, learn and earn. Children who get the right health and nutrition in their first 1,000 days are ten times more likely to overcome life-threatening diseases, more likely to complete more grade levels in school, and go on to earn up to 50% more in wages as adults. Sadly, around 3.4 million Filipino children who are stunted may never reach their full potential due to poor nutrition. The collections from Change for Good supports UNICEF Philippines’ program on ensuring optimal health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a Filipino child -- from conception to the child’s second year of life. 

About Cebu Air Inc. 

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. 

CEB and subsidiary Cebgo fly to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, with over 108 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA. The CEB network operates flights out of seven strategically placed hubs in the Philippines: Clark, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo and Manila. 

CEB boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with a total of 67 aircraft with an average age of 4.8 years. The CEB fleet is comprised of 36 Airbus A320, five Airbus A321CEO (Current Engine Option), and eight Airbus A330; while the Cebgo fleet is composed of eight ATR 72-500, and ten ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of two more A321 CEO,six ATR 72-600, and 32 Airbus A321NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft. 

For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632) 7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) pages. 

Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play. 

About UNICEF 

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph