Pru Life UK employees continue to take part in life-saving initiative

Tweet

Pru Life UK’s commitment to supporting communities goes beyond financial education and inclusion. The leading life insurer also advocates health and safety protection, especially for families in need. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, Pru Life UK employees are engaged in blood donation drives, contributing to a safe and quality blood supply for the Filipino community.

Pru Life UK employees at the blood donation drive with the Philippine Red Cross

The blood donation drive has been an integral part of Pru Life UK's community investment programs since 2016. To date, close to 500 [MFA1] bags of life-saving blood have been donated by PRU employees and agents. Sustainability Changemakers, Pru Life UK’s volunteerism program, engages its people to take part in supporting communities in need.

Pru Life UK Employee Blood Drive Jonel Yulas

“My younger brother needed to get immediate surgery during pandemic. Imagine the feeling of being helpless with hospitals saying no to my brother's surgery. People experience this most of the time, so I want to help even with the simple gesture of donating blood. Since then, I've donated four times through Pru Life UK's employee blood donation initiative. More than just donating, bloodletting reminds me of how fragile life is and that we should take care of our health in any way we can.” PRULifer Jonel Yulas shared following the company’s recent blood donation drive.

The activity is the first of three[HDLA2] [MFA3] [HA4] [HDLA5] planned legs for the blood donation drive this 2024. Know more about Pru Life UK’s community investment initiatives at www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/corporate-social-responsibility/

[MFA1]471 exact number per Hannah

[HDLA2]Confirmed for this year.

[MFA3]Changed the last sentence to be a CTA to website @Hannah Desiree L. Aman

[HA4]@Maria Feliza Agodon website page still needs to be updated, reco to remove

[HDLA5]This is a local program. PF was not directly involved.

EastWest Rural Bank Champions Health and Education in Davao Del Norte with Pioneering Initiative

Tweet

EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) proudly launched its first Brigada Eskwela campaign for the year at Gupitan Elementary School in the remote barangay of Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte. This event is the first of a series of Health & Wellness initiatives that the Bank will run with partner districts/divisions or schools across the country, marking EWRB’s continuing commitment to the Department of Education’s MATATAG agenda, aimed at supporting teachers so they can teach better everyday.

Front row (from left to right): Dr. Mahmod L. Bernardino Jr., MD; Racquel Bernardino; Germie B. Capiolos, Loans Specialist; Nelson B. Nazareno, Team Leader – Sales; Ronie D. Maog, Loans Specialist; Aeron M. Santos, Digital Channels & Brand Management Officer; Sarah F. Montero, Product Management Officer; Hera A. Duka, Business Innovation Group Leader; Dominic M. Dizon, District Supervisor; Marilou A. Malinao, Team Leader - Sales & Collection; Roy P. Miano, Business Innovation Group, Team Leader, EastWest Rural Bank

The program included a variety of activities designed to uplift and engage educators. These included games, a raffle with prizes such as a Huawei Matepad and gift boxes, a wellness talk by Dr. Mahmod Bernardino on holistic health, a session on the impact of cybersecurity on financial health. The Komo App was also showcased, introducing digital tools to support the audiences’ professional and personal lives.

Dominic M. Dizon, the District Head of Langilan shared his gratitude, noting the significant impact of such support on the community’s educators. “This support from EastWest Rural Bank is invaluable. It enhances our ability to serve our students effectively, ensuring that our teachers are not only well-equipped but also well-cared for,” said Mr. Dizon.

Strengthening Connections

Shiela Marasigan Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, expressed her enthusiasm for what’s ahead: “At EWRB, we believe in the power of community and education. Today’s event is just the start. We are committed to not only supporting our teachers with resources but also empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need for their critical role in shaping future generations.”

This initiative is a testament to EWRB’s dedication to community engagement and the enhancement of educational environments across the Philippines, setting a strong foundation for future support programs.

Empowering Communities: BingoPlus Foundation kicks off Barangay Bigayan Program

Tweet

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of Digiplus Interactive Corp, continues to multiply the good with the launch of the Barangay Bigayan Program as part of efforts to uplift lives and contribute to a digitally-advanced and resilient Philippines.

The BingoPlus Foundation hands over a public tricycle to District 2 in Lemery, Batangas 

The Barangay Bigayan Program provides immediate support for target sectors and long-term capacity-building investments across four pillars: Technology Education, Accessible Healthcare, Community Resilience, and Responsible Digitalization.

Multiply the Good

Barangay Bigayan kicked-off at Barangay District 2, Lemery, Batangas where BingoPlus Foundation handed over a public tricycle. The tricycle serves as vital transportation support for senior citizens, pregnant women, parents with young children, and persons with disabilities, providing easier access to local health and daycare centers. It is also used for evening security checks, ensuring the safety of residents.

The tricycle transports target sectors during the day and aids in security checks at night.

Meanwhile, BingoPlus Foundation joined in the fun at Barangay Pitogo in Taguig City during their Foundation Week celebration where the foundation provided ambulance services and critical support to the community. Nearly 50 senior citizens and the local health center received a grant comprising wheelchairs, nebulizer kits, blood pressure monitoring kits, and glucose monitoring kits. This donation has made accessible healthcare a reality for the elders of Barangay Pitogo

Fun and safety go hand-in-hand as BingoPlus Foundation supports Barangay Pitogo’s Foundation Week with medical services. 

Nearly 50 senior citizens receive a grant of medical equipment to assist in making healthcare more accessible.

BingoPlus Foundation aims to “multiply the good” by partnering with the public sector in bringing needed services, equipment and infrastructure closer to communities.

“With collaborative efforts with our local community partners, we are looking forward to making a lasting impact through addressing pressing needs of the communities we serve through the Barangay Bigayan Program,” said Andy Tsui, President of DigiPlus Interactive and Chairman of BingoPlus Foundation.

For 2024, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. allocated over P100M to support BingoPlus Foundation’s various projects and initiatives that provide support to important causes under its key pillars.

-------------------------------------

About BingoPlus Foundation

BingoPlus Foundation is the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp, one of the fastest growing digital entertainment companies in the country. BingoPlus Foundation aims to multiply the good to its partner communities through technology education, accessible healthcare, community safety and resiliency, and responsible digitalization. For more information, visit https://digiplus.com.ph/bingoplus-foundation/.

Protecting the growing freelancer and gig worker sector with Igloo's gadget protection

Tweet

As the Philippines grows into a formidable digital economy, the increasing connectivity and digital infrastructure have empowered individuals to offer their skills and services globally. Freelancing or gig working allowed Filipinos to participate in the global workforce while contributing to the country’s economic resilience and competitiveness in the digital era.

Regional insurtech Igloo, whose mission is to provide insurance for all, believes in protecting this growing workforce segment. Payoneer’s 2022 report on the Philippine freelance market estimates that 1.5 million Filipinos are engaged in freelance work such as content creation and customer service for local and global clients.

Igloo and its partners safeguard freelancers and gig workers by protecting their essential work devices such as phones, laptops, and other electronics through its Gadget Protection and Cracked Screen Protection products.

“Freelancers provide services that go beyond geographical limitations and with the added benefits of being able to work anywhere, choose flexible times, and the opportunity to showcase and hone their skills to global clientele, it’s easy to see why it’s a growing and attractive sector,” said Roberto Vea, Commercial Lead at Igloo Philippines.

The growing freelance sector has led to the Philippine government's initiative to pass the Freelance Worker Protection Act (HB 67183) in 2023. This bill aims to provide protection and incentives to freelance workers, including night differentials and hazard pay.

“We echo the government’s call to protect freelancers and gig workers and, with our partners, we do so by protecting the tools they use as with much of these jobs happening online, it’s crucial to protect these devices as without them, they can’t work effectively or earn income. Our gadgets and electronics products are designed to protect these devices that power the freelancer economy, ensuring they can continue their work smoothly and maintain their livelihoods,” Vea explained.

Gadget Protection ensures extensive device protection–from accidental and liquid damage and the added benefit of professional repair and service at authorized centers. The product is available via GInsure and Lazada.

Cracked Screen Protection covers screen damage caused by accidental physical impact for up to 12 months. This product is designed for phones and phone accessories purchased on Shopee, providing peace of mind for users concerned about screen damage.

To date, over 15.8 million policies of these two products have been sold in the Philippines across various distribution partner platforms since January 2023.

These products empower freelance and gig workers to boost productivity, efficiency, and career growth. Gadget Protection and Phone Screen Protection are some products that highlight Igloo’s mission to make insurance accessible and beneficial for everyone, including those in the rapidly growing freelance industry.

Learn more about Igloo’s Gadget Protection and its other protection products by visiting iglooinsure.com

Rizal Microbank-Franklin Baker partnership to benefit coconut farmers through quick loans

Tweet

Rizal Microbank, Inc. (RMB), a subsidiary of Yuchengco-led RCBC, has introduced an innovative financing mechanism with coconut suppliers of Franklin Baker, one of the largest global suppliers of desiccated coconuts. The new scheme seeks to streamline and expedite loan application process for coconut suppliers and farmers.

The partnership enables Franklin Baker suppliers to have access to a reusable source of funds for their business through the Revolving Credit Line (RCL) product offering under the framework of RMB’s Agricultural Value Chain Financing (AVCF) Program. RCL enables verified suppliers and borrowers to loan up to Php10 million.

Loan processing time for Franklin Baker suppliers has been significantly reduced to just one to two working days from the previous one to two weeks. Requirements for loan application have been simplified to include the following: one form of identification for credit report access, a barangay clearance or mayor's permit where applicable, and a statement of account (SOA) for existing loans and/or deposits if available.

“Our commitment goes beyond partnerships. It's about serving the underserved and making banking truly inclusive for all. By forging collaborations like this one with Franklin Baker suppliers, we're breaking barriers and ensuring that financial opportunities are accessible to every micro and small business, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant economic landscape,” said RMB President Raymundo Roxas.

Roxas added that through RMB's proactive approach, underpinned by its core value of malasakit or "compassion," the bank aims to be closer to the market and the realities faced by small entrepreneurs in the coconut farming industry.

“By prioritizing empathy and understanding, the bank fosters a financial inclusion initiative in the coconut industry, ensuring that the benefits of the partnership extend to the underserved,” Roxas said.

As of December 2023, RMB has successfully approved 32 suppliers in Franklin Baker’s Mindanao plants under this program. This year, RMB is expanding the initiative’s reach to Luzon to provide a similar level of financial assistance to coconut suppliers in the region.

RMB is a thrift bank of RCBC and a financial partner of micro and small entrepreneurs. It is focused on making financial services accessible and convenient for the unbanked and underserved communities. To learn more, visit www.rizalmicrobank.com.