Celebrities join forces for “Songs of Hope” online concert series to support World Vision’s COVID-19 Emergency Response

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World Vision Ambassadors Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Quest, Joyce Pring, Iñigo Pascual, Tippy Dos Santos, and the Perkins Twins with supporters Sitti Navarro, Janina Vela, and Pastor Rommel and Susan Guevara shared their talents for “Songs of Hope” online concert series that aims to increase awareness and support for World Vision’s COVID-19 Emergency Response.

As a Christian non-profit organization, World Vision encourages everyone to remain “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12) in the mist of these difficult times. Through “Songs of Hope”, the organization aims to contribute in keeping the hope alive through inspiring music and positive content from its celebrity ambassadors and friends.

“I’m happy we’re doing this ‘Songs of Hope’ for World Vision. I’ve been involved with this organization for 8 years now and I’m proud to be a part of their work”, said Ogie Alcasid.

To continue supporting the children and the communities being assisted by World Vision, the organization has implemented relief efforts in different parts of the country. All funds raised through this online series will be contributed to the over-all fundraising efforts by World Vision for its on-going emergency response.

“I want to thank World Vision for doing this, for spreading awareness that there are families out there who are having a hard time because of our situation. We don’t know until when this will last but what we can do is to keep hoping and praying that things will get better real soon,” Inigo Pascual shared during his Instagram Live.

The celebrity ambassadors hosted their online concerts on their social media accounts and was shared by World Vision to its online assets. While doing the initiative, the ambassadors inspired thru their personal stories, inspiring songs, positive words of encouragement, and prayers. They also honored our modern-day heroes, our frontliners, who despite the risks involved are selflessly serving people and saving lives. 

They also challenged their family, friends, and fans to join in the fight against COVID-19 by donating to World Vision’s emergency response efforts. The significance of their help is not in the amount they donate, but in the willingness to be a part of this great cause.

“Our World Vision ambassadors are our long-time supporters as well. Every moment, situation, and crisis that we have, they are always ready to help us in every way they can. World Vision is so blessed and grateful to have these talented artists on our side. With prayers and hope, and everyone helping each other, this crisis shall pass,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

To help and learn more about World Vision’s initiative against COVID-19, please visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/coronavirus-health-crisis/

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Love Within the Lockdown : Goldilocks' Mother's Day Story

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The threat of the pandemic has continuously put pressure on Filipino families both physically and emotionally, that is why a stable support system at home is a must during these trying times. Even more so for families of frontliners and essential workers.

Sam Etcuban, a Correctional Officer and Registered Nurse who works at the Bureau of Corrections as a COVID – 19 Nurse finds the strength to continue forward thanks to the encouragement of his loving wife. 

"My wife is my greatest supporter and number one fan," Sam gushed when asked about how he would describe his wife. 

"We love to watch movies and go to the grocery together," he added. However, with the new normal settling in, Sam now must deal with a new reality.

"Now, I'm doing all these activities alone due to COVID. I would rather expose myself outside since my body is stronger," but that does not stop Sam's wife from encouraging him to the best of her ability "she prepares everything I need before my shift starts, and she will never forget to remind me how much she loves me," he concluded. The simple boost of encouragement is all Sam needs to get through his shift, which often lasts for weeks at a time. 

Goldilocks sees and admires the sacrifice that Sam makes for his family and community and that is why they surprised Sam's wife a special Mother's Day cake which serves as a simple gesture of gratitude for courageously fighting for Filipino lives. 

 

Goldilocks is celebrating mothers for the whole month of May because our moms definitely deserve more than just a day of celebration for their love and care. 

With the desire to make frontlines like Sam and his family happy, Goldilocks will be sending cakes to some deserving families throughout the month. 

Daikin donates aircon units to medical facilities fighting COVID-19

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Daikin, the world’s leading air conditioning manufacturer, recently donated aircon units for use in newly constructed emergency medical facilities for treating non-critical COVID-19 patients.

Lung Center donation:

Employees from the Lung Center of the Philippines receive 600 ready-to-cook chicken packs from Daikin Philippines.

According to Takayoshi Miki, President of Daikin Philippines, the donated aircon units was their own way of supporting the frontliners and the community in the battle against COVID-19. “Amid this global pandemic, we at Daikin recognize that our medical workers are at the forefront of saving lives, and we are deeply committed to working with our community to support them in whatever way we can,” he said.

Daikin donated 11 floor-mounted aircons for the newly built Emergency Quarantine Facility (EQF) in Camp Aguinaldo, which was built in partnership with WTA Architecture + Design. Daikin also donated 17 ceiling suspended aircons to Philippine Contractors Association (PCA) and EEI Corporation, for container vans converted into mobile medical facilities.

Daikin donated 17 ceiling suspended aircons for the construction of mobile medical facilities.

The newly built medical facilities came as the country’s hospitals continued to battle the coronavirus pandemic, often straining to handle the growing number of affected patients.

Daikin continues to service and repair aircon units for essential establishments like supermarkets, drugstores, and banks

“We need to pool our resources to control the spread and rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country,” said Wilfredo L. Decena, President of PCA. 

That Bayanihan spirit was echoed by the other members of this COVID-19 initiative, with both WTA and EEI Corporation expressing their gratitude for Daikin’s support in outfitting Emergency Quarantine Facilities in Metro Manila with proper thermal comfort, and lending modular cabins to hospital facilities in Luzon.

As part of their advocacy to support frontliners during this time, Daikin also donated 600 ready- to-cook chicken packs to Lung Center of the Philippines. Additionally, the aircon manufacturer extended much needed financial assistance to all its home appliance promoters.

Beyond donations, Daikin has committed to continued emergency service response during the enhanced community quarantine. This is to promote business continuity, especially to the essential business category.

Since March 27, Daikin has serviced and repaired aircon units of several supermarkets, convenience stores, and other food establishments to ensure that essential services continue to operate in comfortable working environments.

More recently, Daikin announced that a select authorized dealers have resumed their operations, with others eventually opening up in the coming weeks. “With summer already here, we want to be able to provide comfortable and sustainable living environments for the many Filipinos stuck at home during the ECQ,” said Ikuo Kani, Vice President of Daikin Philippines.

For a list of authorized dealers, visit https://www.daikin.com.ph/dealer-locator. 

QBO's online conference empowers startups in the face of COVID-19

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Over 100 startup and technology leaders from 20 cities across the Philippines, other parts of Southeast Asia, and the United States gathered together in a five-day virtual training conference organized by QBO Innovation Hub together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The conference aims to elevate the capacities of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in the country.

Speakers of the virtual conference share different aspects of startup operations from remote global locations. Photo credit: QBO Innovation Hub

TBIs are facilities that house startups and equip their business development. They ensure the sustainability of the startup’s operation, the advancement of entrepreneurs, and partnership of the startups with public sectors.

"During this difficult time, the need to come together and work on solutions is placed at the forefront of innovation. Now is the best time for us incubator managers and technology leaders to help give birth to new startups and develop existing ones,” shared QBO Operations Head Natasha Bautista.

QBO Operations Head Natasha Bautista emphasized the importance of leadership and the clarity of the mission and vision in the day-to-day business of a startup. Photo credit: QBO Innovation Hub

DOST, for its part, is keen on paving the road through tech-enabled assembly as it aligns with the agency’s #RoadTo100Startups initiative to support the training and development of startup industry leaders all over the country and enable a rise in the number of Filipino startups. 

DOST Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit remarked, “We at the DOST, firmly believe in the startups’ vital role in our nation’s future. With the right support and resources, their capacities are limitless. We aim to empower them and elevate their operations so they can remain at the forefront of innovation. That’s why conferences like these are so important.”

Funding support for startups 

Insights from the conference focused on the creation of incubator programs, use of creative marketing tools, planning of effective online campaigns, fostering of startup engagement, development of incubators in university setting, and garnering of stakeholder support especially during times of crisis.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, examining company values may prove particularly apt. It’s during a crisis that startups who can provide solutions may need more funding.

Innovative startups will also need to know how to remain relevant. That’s why in a session focusing on the best ways to generate buzz for a startup, tech media outlet e27 co-founder Thaddeus Koh encouraged startups to improve their public relations tactics and invest in their relationship with the media as it will help drive awareness for their brand. “PR is about telling the best story about someone else,” explained Koh.

The pandemic has also shown why there is a need for strong startup support and funding. Early-stage venture fund and seed accelerator 500 Startups was represented by Singapore Country Lead EE Ling Lim. According to her, accelerators and incubators always make sure to ask startup founders about what they want their startups to get out of their programs. 

Lim was joined by their Partnerships Director Thomas Jeng who bared that operations require paying the bills, thus strong support is needed. “Accelerators and incubators need to pay for staff and related expenses: grants, and stipends, and entrepreneurs; office space and other overhead; marketing and PR for the programs as well as ongoing events especially those that are trying to build sustainable communities around entrepreneurship, ranging from demo days to happy hours, to networking events,” he explained. 

Working together to solve problems

Collaborations are not only possible during crises but are also welcomed under normal circumstances. This was highlighted by Plug and Play Tech Center’s Co-Founder Jojo Flores, who talked about “Bridging the Startup-Corporate Gap.”

As a large organization itself, Plug and Play Tech Center invests in around 200 early stage startups per year and works with over 400 large global networks. “Corporations have accepted that a lot of new technologies, new ideas and innovation is really happening outside their environment,” said Flores. “It’s all about creating this platform whereby startups can collaborate with the various stakeholders, whether corporations, VCs, etc.”

QBO brings its community online in a virtual conference to continue empowering and honing their operations amidst COVID-19. Photo credit: QBO Innovation Hub

In the Philippines, for example, startups step up to help combat COVID-19 through collaborating with the private sector and the government. DOST, in collaboration with Developers Connect, helped launch the RapidPass system where frontliners manning checkpoints can easily inspect vehicles and individuals by scanning QR codes. Tech startup Senti is working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) by providing the knowledge-base for the chatbots in DOH’s different channels to address COVID-19-related inquiries while Multisys developed the online and mobile platform StaySafe.ph which aims to help the government in conducting efficient contact tracing. Limitless Lab, in partnership with The Asia Foundation, developed LGU vs COVID PH, an easy-to-use, updated, and reliable dashboard of all COVID-19 related information which LGUs can use and refer to.

Academes stepping up to develop startups

Collaboration in the interest of innovation isn’t limited solely between corporations and startups. Schools, for one, also definitely play a role in the innovation ecosystem.

This was the topic covered by Rick Rasmussen, an industry fellow at UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. During his session he explored not only the evolution of incubator and accelerator programs but also the various ways schools such as UC Berkeley mentor startups and foster environments that will help them grow. Here, he cited examples such as Northwestern University’s “Experiential Entrepreneurship Course” and UC Berkeley’s “Disrupt Berkeley” to illustrate how academe collaborates with startups to enable their growth. 

In “Disrupt Berkeley”, for instance, Rasmussen details how that class covered the idea of social entrepreneurships. “We talked about how you do mission-based interviews and goals, and identify impact. We also covered problem-solution in social entrepreneurship mode.” It was during this class that Rasmussen was able to guide his students to create projects of their own that would solve various issues around campus. 

It’s this sort of guidance that startups can do with, especially in a challenging and unprecedented crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools playing their role in the startup ecosystem, startups can look back on the values of social entrepreneurship and solving real-world problems.

Apart from the technical aspect of operations, the key takeaway from the training conference is that there is a glimmer of hope even in tough times, the Filipino startup community is still rallying and going strong. In fact, it may be them that best ensures our country can have a future to look forward to, and so the push by QBO and DOST to encourage the growth of Filipino startups is now timelier than ever.

“There is a need to support our startups now, more than ever,” concluded Bautista. “Because startups and what they bring–digitalization, automation, speed–will be what we need to keep going in the post COVID-world.”

ABOUT QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

Messages of gratitude and support overflow as netizens design motivational cards for frontliners and COVID-19 patients

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As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, the number of cases has also escalated in the Philippines placing Filipino healthcare workers at the forefront to fight against the virus. Doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and hospital staff face the hazard of infection everyday, and extensive working hours at the hospital can be very exhausting. Virus-stricken patients, on the other hand, have limited contact with their families, and being away from loved ones can really be lonesome.

Photo credit: Stephanie Nodado

If there’s one thing that keeps them going: it’s the overflowing support of families, friends, and even strangers.

To show compassion for COVID-19 patients and gratitude for frontliners, online design platform Canva encouraged netizens to show their support by simply designing a motivational card using pre-made Canva templates. In response, different groups and individuals have shared their messages to our frontline heroes and COVID-19 patients. The Filipinos’ trait of bayanihan is indeed in action even online.

Photo Credit: Ivy Awayan Araullo

Photo Credit: Yasha Christina Alarcon

“At a time when the country is facing multiple restrictions, it’s more important than ever to reach out to those in isolation. It’s incredibly motivating to see so many people step up to demonstrate compassion, something I hope will continue once COVID-19 is eradicated. We’re putting people first, which in turn provides stability and psychological safety in the community - the key to all of us winning the war on an invisible, yet shared, enemy,” shared Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Manila, Country Manager.

Canva sent over 4,000 motivational cards and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donations to hospitals around Metro Manila to applaud the sacrifice and dedication of the healthcare workers, and to show support to COVID-19 patients.

Check out more cards for frontliners here and for COVID-19 patients here.

For more information about Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.