DepEd, Land Bank ink deal for accessible loans for teachers and employees

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Department of Education (DepEd) gearing up for the benefits of the teachers and employees to avail loans through the Land Bank of the Philippines’ (LBP) Livelihood Loan Facility.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that this as an excellent opportunity for teachers and other DepEd Employees to improve their financial welfare by availing of low interest rates offered by LBP.

The Livelihood Loan Facility has a fixed interest rate of 10.5% per annum. Employees can borrow the equivalent of up to 8 months of their gross pay but not exceeding five hundred thousand pesos (PhP 500,000) for qualified rank- and- file employees and one million pesos (PhP 1,000,000) for qualified Department Officials. 

The rate offered by LBP is much lower than the rates offered by most private lenders who are accredited under DepEd’s salary deduction program. For a starting teacher borrowing at the maximum amount, the savings in amortization is approximately one thousand pesos (PhP 1,000) per month which goes a long way in increasing the net take home pay of teachers.

DepEd already has a standing agreement with the LBP where the latter facilitates the release of monthly salaries of DepEd employees through Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. With this agreement, employees who avail of the Livelihood Loan Facility can receive their loans through their bank accounts. Monthly amortizations towards payment of the loan could be made over-the-counter through salary deductions. 

The DepEd acknowledged that personal loan requirements in most lending institutions, such as necessary collateral and security, have made loans inaccessible. LBP has agreed that these loans shall be secured by the borrower’s assignment of funds such as salaries, allowances, leave credits and other monetary deliverables to the borrower’s bank account. 

To qualify for a loan, borrowers must be regular/ permanent employees of DepEd, between 18 and 62 years of age, and have been in service for at least one year. Because of the nature of the loan it is expected that employees maintain an LBP ATM Payroll account. There are restrictions however. Borrowers should not have any pending criminal or administrative cases against them, must have no pending applications for retirement or due for retirement within the term of the loan. Borrowers must also have a monthly net take home pay of at least three thousand pesos (PhP 3,000). Monthly Net take-home pay refers to the amount after considering all deductions and amortizations of all existing loans including the livelihood loan applied for. 

Aside from Secretary Luistro, other officials present during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing were LBP President Gilda. E. Pico, LBP Senior Vice President OIC Branch Banking Sector Marilyn M. Tiongson, Department of Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, DOF Undersecretary Jeremias N. Paul, Jr., DepEd Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Francisco M. Varela, and DepEd Regional Directors and Finance Officers from Regions IV-A, IV-B, and NCR.

“Positivenergy" to highlight Energizer Night Race Manila 2014

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After the last year’s “glowing race” with thousands of runners in the Greater Manila area, people can experience again the one-of-a-kind fun run as Energizer opens Night Race Manila 2014. 

Energizer’s night race is the perfect fit especially for those who love running but do not like the heat. Just like the past years, this event in September will also create a night of lights as the runners beam up the race route in Filinvest City Alabang produced by the Energizer 3LED Headlights which is part of their running gear.

The Energizer Night Race for a Brighter World is a Global series of nighttime running events where participants race by the light of an Energizer headlight to raise awareness for the need for safe, clean solar lighting around the world. First launched in South Africa in 2007, the race has become a well-established event taking place in Argentina, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and of course, Philippines. The event is a great occasion to engage with our target market (families) in a fun and entertaining way. Not only is this a fun run, the Energizer Night Race has been a venue to spread Positivenergy by contributing to local and international causes as part of our responsibility in making a positive impact around us.

Cara Ramirez-Tecson, Energizer Philippines, Inc. Marketing Manager explained the advocacy saying they are offering the run not just for the beneficiaries but for the runners too. 

“We would like this year’s run to be a venue of fun and excitement for everyone who will join, so we’re focusing on their enjoyment this time more than anything else,” she said.

“Beyond the beneficiaries, we will focus on our goal to provide that “fun” for the runners so we can radiate the positivenergy to everyone “said Tecson. 

Though the press kits include a headlight that is worth P499, organizers of the event still made the run more affordable for runners with the price registration ranging from P600 for 3k runners, P700 for 5k and P800 for 10k runners.

Lady Reyes, Energizer Philippines, Product Manager for Lights & Specialty said “with the prices made very affordable, we are inviting everyone to come and join us in this event. This is a good venue to bond with families and friends as we spread positive energy.” 

"As a company we believe in coupling international and local marketing initiatives and we’re increasingly enjoying success, fuelled from extending our marketing efforts towards more community based activations that seeks to couple traditional advertising efforts with a positive and relevant cause that has some benefit in the community," Todd Montgomerie, Energizer Phils. Managing Director shared. 

"This will be our 5th night race in The Philippines in a 4 year period, and our second to be held in Manila area. In alignment with our brand value of “positive energy” we hope that the 2015 Energizer night Race will once again encourage friends, family, colleagues and other energetic and willing participants to engage in and display positive healthy energy by running either the 3, 5 or 10km course as their own positive energy levels permit. We will make it more positive we hope by again donating to the Kapuso foundation," Montgomerie said.

Tecson shared that since the Night Race was held in the Philippines, "we have donated hearing aid devices with Energizer Hearing Aid batteries to kids of the Kapuso Foundation, Solar Lights to thousands of homes in the country without electricity through the One Million Lights project, and this year batteries and lights again to our partner GMA Kapuso Foundation using part of the proceeds from the Night Race Kits sales."

We hope that through the Energizer Night Race, we spread Positivenergy while keeping the fun and enjoyment amongst the run enthusiasts. Layunin po namin na makapagbigay ng maayos, ligtas at masayang run event para sa lahat, at syempre po – makatulong sa mga less fortunate through Kapuso Foundation. It is our aim to provide a clean, safe and fun run while we are also able to help other people," Tecson adds.

The registration will start on August 2, 2014 at official registration sites including RUNNR at Bonifacio Global City, Alabang Town Center and Brooks SM North Edsa Annex.

Details of the event registration are also available on Energizer’s website at www.energizerbatteries.com.ph. and www.Facebook.com/EnergizerPH.

“GLOWING IN THE DARK” Now’s your chance to join a sparkling fun run as Energizer opens its fifth Night Race to share “Positivenergy” with your friends and families. Running for a brighter world,  gear up and be ready for this year’s Energizer Night Race.

Defend your home against underground termites

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Do you know about the invisible, silent destroyers that may be causing damage to your home? We’re talking about termites that cause major, permanent damage to your home if they are undetected. Every year, millions of pesos in costly damages happen to homeowners due to termite infestation.

Defend your home against underground termites. There are two types of termites: the subterranean termite and the drywood termite. 

Subterranean termites live in a nest or colony underground. This colony may be near or some distance away but the termites will be able to reach your house through the underground passages they build.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, make nests inside the wooden structures of your house. Whether subterranean or drywood, both kinds of termites can damage your house. Of the two, it’s the subterranean termites that present a trickier problem. 

Drywood termites can be eliminated by preserving and protecting the wooden portions of your property with Solignum wood preservative.   As for subterranean termites, they will continue to be a threat as long as they have access to your home. What’s the best way to protect your home against them?

 

The best way to defend against subterranean termites is to use an effective, convenient, and cost-effective soil termiticide, which is Hometrek from Jardine. Hometrek protects your house from the attack of termites by creating a barrier that blocks the termites’ passage. 

Hometrek has several advantages. It kills termites who try to breach the soil barrier. Hometrek is also safe to use, having passed the FDA standards for environmental safety.  It does not contaminate ground water. Use Hometrek to protect your home from subterranean termites now.

How do you know when your house is infested with termites? It’s not so easy to detect their presence because they stay hidden inside the walls, foundations, beams and other wooden structures in the house. Once damaged wood portions of the house become obvious, it’s usually at a point where considerable destruction has occurred. There are some signs of termite infestation that a homeowner can look out for including:

Damaged wooden portions of the house.  Damage can be obvious: wood has gaping holes where termites have eaten through.  Sometimes, however, the damage is inside the wood so the surface looks fine. So you can knock on the wood and check for a dull thud, a hollow sound.

Mud tubes.  Mud tubes are passages that subterranean termites use to go from their nests to your home. You may see these mud tubes in the exterior or interior of your house.

Shed insect wings.  When you find shed insect wings around your house, it could mean that a swarm of termites has been to your house. It’s possible that flying termites have landed near your home and are going to build a nest.

When you suspect that your home is threatened by a termite infestation, be sure to use Hometrek and other Jardine products for total termite protection. 

For more information go to http://jardinedistribution.com/construction-products/soil-termiticides/hometrek-tc/ 

Erich and Enchong's 'Once A Princess' receives grade B from the CEB

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“Once a Princess,” Skylight Films’ first romantic-drama film co-produced by Regal Films, receives grade B from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). 

“Once A Princess” reunites the perennial loveteam Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales together with one of today’s most bankable actors JC De Vera under the direction the acclaimed filmmaker Laurice Guillen.

An adaptation of the Precious Hearts Romances book by Angel Bautista, "Once A Princess" centers on a popular girl in school, Erin (Erich Gonzales), who toys with the feelings of an awkward would-be scientist and because of sudden turn of events, unwittingly breaks the heart of this young guy Leonard (Enchong Dee).

The story when there was a princess who could not live happily ever after… Erin Almeda, one of the princesses of Gibbons International School belongs to a clique all-girl group whose members’ are considered as the most glamorous and richest of all. One day, Erin played with the innocent heart of their class geek, Leonard Jamieson.

Years later, their paths cross again, but things have changed. It seemed their roles have been reversed. At they meet again, it is Erin’s turn to feel the pain. And so Erin needed to find the magic that will lift that curse. Will they be able to make things right? Or, will things get worse? What if she already belongs to someone else? Will he be able to forgive her? Or she will die of heartache soon.

The movie marks the reunion of Gonzales and Dee on the big screen after the romantic-comedy film "I Do," which was released in 2010. Their last TV project together was "Maria la del Barrio," year 2012.

Directed by Laurice Guillen, "Once A Princess" also stars JC de Vera and Matt Evans. It will be shown in theaters nationwide on August 6.

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For more updates on your favorite Star Cinema movies, continue to visit www.starcinema.com.ph

Epson stood out as the “Most Satisfied Customers Award 2014"

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Besides the all-important coffee machine, one of the most relied upon devices used in many offices around the country is the humble printer. Canstar Blue asked small business owners to review their printer purchase, so they could determine which brands were the real stand outs.

In the latest Canstar Blue survey in of small business owners and the printers they use, Epson has won the prestigious “Most Satisfied Customers Award – Printers, Small Business Award” for 2014.

Canstar Blue, focused on product and service excellence, is one of the leading customer satisfaction research and ratings businesses that launched in July 2010 with the core purpose of helping consumers make better purchase decisions. Based on independent research conducted by Colmar Brunton, over 90,000 customers have rated their customer satisfaction across more than 100 different categories.

Epson stood out in these 2014 results, achieving our Most Satisfied Customers Award .

According to Canstar Blue, Epson not only won the award but, “stood out in these 2014 results, achieving five stars in many areas; such as reliability, value for money, features, and overall satisfaction.”

Per category, Epson received a five star rating for overall customer satisfaction, performance, reliability, and value for money. Epson customers also gave the company five stars for satisfaction with their printer’s range of features such as scanning, printing different sized pages, and printing photos. 

How Canstar Blue rated office printers

Canstar Blue commissioned Colmar Brunton to survey 855 small business owners and decision makers (i.e. the main decision maker for a small business) across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction with products and services related to their business. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who currently have an office printing device (including multifunction printers) that is used for work purposes – in this case, 749 small business owners/employees. Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.

Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. For the complete list of results please go to: http://www.canstarblue.com.au/small-business/office-printers

For more information on the full range of Epson printers go to: www.epson.com.ph

Epson is a global innovation leader dedicated to exceeding expectations with solutions for markets as diverse as the office, home, commerce and industry. Epson’s lineup ranges from inkjet printers, printing systems and 3LCD projectors to industrial robots, smart glasses and sensing systems and is based on original compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 94 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.

www.global.epson.com

About Epson Southeast Asia

Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities. http://www.epson.com.sg

About Epson Australia

Epson Australia offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is the market leader in Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education. Established in 1983 Epson Australia is headquartered in North Ryde NSW and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan. www.epson.com.au

About Epson Philippines

Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).

For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila:(02) 441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://customercare.epson.com.ph.