GCash’s GCredit serves 550k customers, partners with CIMB Bank PH for stronger push for Finance for All

Tweet

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, and the most-awarded digital bank strengthened its strategic partnership with CIMB Bank Philippines to further widen the reach of GCredit, a digital credit facility available for GCash users. 

-GCash through Fuse Lending, Inc. disburses P5B in loans; provides credit line to 550,000 customers

GCash and CIMB Bank Philippines aim to help more Filipinos gain access to critical financial tools and services like credit, which has proven to be critical during the current pandemic. With the partnership, CIMB Bank Philippines will provide full back up funding support for the GCredit product line and provide best-in-class digital credit services to GCash users.

“We are happy to announce that with the full support of CIMB Bank Philippines, we can scale up GCredit to reach more customers who are in need of micro loans. This helps accelerate our vision of providing finance for all, which we at GCash have been pushing for the last decade,” GCash President and Chief Executive Officer Martha Sazon said.

Since it was first introduced in March 2018, GCredit has so far empowered 550,000 customers with credit lines, disbursing roughly P5 billion to date. GCredit has also gained popularity during the pandemic, with users extending their budgets for their groceries and payment for their utility bills. For this strengthened partnership, GCash and CIMB Bank Philippines are already working through the necessary regulatory approvals.

GCredit works like a flexible loan or credit card so it gives GCash customers access to money that they can use to buy groceries from supermarkets, medicines from pharmacies, and even utility bills. Any GCash user with an eligible GScore, the first digital credit rating score in the country, is entitled to use GCredit. The higher the GScore, the higher the credit limit that a user can tap. A GCash user may have access to up to P10,000 in credit line with a low daily interest rate computed as current interest rate divided by the number of days on credit.

While it functions like a credit card, GCredit does not require users to submit extensive documentary requirements or queue up to apply for a revolving credit facility.

“We at CIMB Bank Philippines are happy to strengthen our strategic alliance with GCash, the number one mobile wallet in the country. We believe that through our partnership, we will be able to further reach more Filipinos to help them save, gain access to credit, and manage their finances with us” CIMB Bank Philippines Chief Executive Officer Vijay Manoharan said.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc. CIMB Bank Philippines is part of the CIMB Group, ASEAN’s leading universal bank and is present in over 16 global markets.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com (https://www.gcash.com/)/.

Malacañang declares June 24 a special non-working holiday in Manila

Tweet

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang palace has declared Wednesday June 24, 2020 a special non-working day in Manila in connection with the capital’s 449th founding anniversary.

Getty Images

The holiday declaration was signed on June 9 by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, a copy of which was released by the Palace on Monday evening.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the city of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures.”

This year’s celebration marks the first Araw ng Maynila commemoration under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno after winning against former President Joseph Estrada. Moreno served as Estrada’s vice mayor.

Bundled for free on select devices starting July 1 - Lenovo unveils 3-Year Premium Care service to mitigate warranty issues during pandemic

Tweet

To better support its loyal customers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, global technology leader Lenovo is adding another year to its popular 2-year Premium Care warranty solution for select devices in its consumer lineup from July 1 onwards. This means that all new IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, and IdeaCentre devices are now automatically covered for three years with Premium Care’s International Coverage and Local On-site Service, while those with existing warranties may be upgraded to the same.

“At Lenovo, we are committed to putting our customers first, and this entails not only providing game-changing products but also extending them flexible and affordable technical support and solutions. The pandemic has disrupted day-to-day operations and pushed everyone to set up mobile working arrangements which leads to additional wear and tear to devices. Hopefully, with the added year of maintenance in our Premium Care service, our customers can spend their money on more essential goods in these trying times,” said Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager Michael Ngan.

Included among Lenovo’s robust solutions, Premium Care provides direct and easy connection to real Lenovo technicians, real fast resolution to PC troubles, and holistic comprehensive support even outside of the user’s home country. Aside from covering the usual store and manufacturer warranty, it possesses the following customer services:

·        24x7 access to Lenovo technicians via phone, chat, e-mail, and WhatsApp

·        Comprehensive support for hardware, peripherals, and software

·        On-site Repair on the next business day

·        ‘Getting started’ and ‘How to’ assistance

·        Annual PC Health Check

With all of these solutions combined, Lenovo customers are assured of a hassle- and worry-free maintenance experience even in the middle of the pandemic.

New Premium Care bundled for free

The 3-Year Premium Care service is bundled for free upon purchase of IdeaPad, Yoga, and Legion laptops and the IdeaCentre and Legion Tower gaming desktops with Intel Core i5 or i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processors. These are:

·        IdeaPad Slim 5	·        IdeaPad Gaming 3i
·        IdeaPad Slim 5i	·        Legion 5
·        IdeaPad Flex 5	·        Legion 5i
·        IdeaPad Flex 5i	·        Legion 5pi
·        Yoga Slim 7	·        Legion 7i
·        Yoga Slim 7i	·        Legion Tower 5i
·        Yoga C940	·        IdeaCentre 3
·        IdeaPad Gaming 3	·        IdeaCentre Gaming 5i
·        IdeaCentre AiO 3

Existing warranty extension available

Meanwhile, users who want to extend their existing warranty for other Lenovo devices need to go directly to their nearest Lenovo or Legion Concept Store or any Lenovo authorized reseller and provide information including the model name of the device, its serial number, and the customer’s name and email address for the registration of the new warranty.

The extension from 2-Year Premium Care to 3-Year Premium Care costs PHP 5,300. Users are allowed to extend their Premium Care warranty up until six months before the expiration of their outstanding device warranty. Meanwhile, those with devices currently under Lenovo’s 2-Year Carry-In Warranty can upgrade to the 3-Year Premium Care Warranty solution for PHP 9,100.

For more information about Lenovo’s Premium Care warranty solution and tips on how to maintain your devices, contact Lenovo on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lenovophilippines/ or via WhatsApp at +63 23953354. 

You can also visit https://www.lenovo.com/ph/en/premium-care.

Stranded OFWs and locals get help from PLDT Smart Foundation

Tweet

Haira Aba, 29 years old, is the breadwinner of her family in Datu Paglas in Maguindanao. She applied for a job as a domestic helper in Qatar and travelled to Manila. But the COVID-19 pandemic came, overseas travel came to a halt, and as a result, she has been stuck in Manila for the past four months.

54-year old Dennis Sebastian is a mechanical operator and harvester in Tuguegarao – a job he has been doing for six years now. He usually travels back to his hometown in Compra, Liloy in Zamboanga Del Norte three times a year. This year, he was scheduled to return home last April 6. But due to the pandemic, his flight was rescheduled to June 5 – and then was again cancelled.

Aba and Sebastian are two of the 350 returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and locally stranded individuals (LSI's) at the Villamor Elementary School in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City. They received meals and other assistance from the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) through employee-led fundraising initiatives such as the Fairness, Integrity, Transparency and Accountability (F.I.T.A.) Video Challenge and Kapit Kapatid Program.

The PSF also partnered with the Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Social Welfare and Development in the National Capital Region.

“Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters who are struggling to be reunited with their families. We understand how important being with family is in order to cope better during this difficult time. We hope that our simple gesture brought them some joy, especially during these trying times,” said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos.

'The Internet saved me'

According to Aba, her situation is difficult since she is far away from her family. She said that what brought comfort during this difficult time was the help they have received from various organizations and individuals.

“Kailangan kong magtiis. Nakikipagkuwentuhan na lang ako sa mga kasama ko dito para hindi ma-bored. Malaking tulong din ang cellphone at Internet dahil na rin may YouTube,” Aba said.

(I need to endure this. I just talk to some of the people that are also stranded here so that I won’t get bored. Having my cellphone with me and having Internet also helps a lot because there’s Youtube.) 

Finding all means to survive

Unable to fly home, Sebastian stayed for several weeks at a footbridge near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Last June 11, he was transferred to the Villamor Elementary School. In order to buy food, Sebastian said he had sold some of his personal belongings. This included his cellphone, which he sold for P300, a luggage for P500 and his shoes for P200.

According to Sebastian he lived like a nomad for weeks. “Palipat-lipat ako ng puwesto kapag sobrang init at umuulan. Sana hindi na maulit ito kasi apat na buwan na akong hindi nakakauwi. Wala na akong communication [sa aking pamilya]. Pero bago ko ibinenta ang cellphone ko, natawagan ko na sila at sinabi kong h’wag mag-alala,” Sebastian said.

(I keep changing positions and places where to stay, especially when it is extremely hot or when it rains. I hope this never happens again because it’s been four months that I haven’t been home. I don’t have any communication with my family. But before I sold my cellphone, I was able to call them and tell them not to worry.)

On June 25, Sebastian is scheduled to finally come home.

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit http://beta.pldt.com/covid19/.

JoyRide And Happy Move collaborate with PLDT Enterprise to expand business operations

Tweet

(Manila, Philippines - June 2020) In line with its vision to make a positive impact on every single business, PLDT Enterprise enables the expansion of JoyRide and Happy Move’s business operations through its connectivity services.

JoyRide and Happy Move tie up with PLDT Enterprise to equip their drivers and riders with communication and connectivity solutions they can utilize for daily operations.

JoyRide and Happy Move, a motorcycle ride-hailing firm that has innovated to become a delivery service, tie up with PLDT Enterprise to equip their drivers and riders with communication and connectivity solutions they can utilize for daily operations.

During the enhanced community quarantine, JoyRide and Happy Move partnered with different LGUs to give opportunities to tricycle drivers for alternative livelihood as delivery riders for the said apps. Around 10,000 tricycle drivers and other riders have been given livelihood, as JoyRide and Happy Move saw the need to change its platform to point-to-point (P2P) delivery and concierge service (JoyRide Pabili). 

“Our latest project with the local government units, the tricycle drivers conversion to independent delivery service providers, is a further testament to the commitment of JoyRide and Happy Move to assist public and private entities in creating jobs and livelihood opportunities during this pandemic. JoyRide and Happy Move will continue to be a true partner and “kasundo” of the Filipino in good times and in bad,” said Noli Eala, JoyRide Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

During the enhanced community quarantine, JoyRide and Happy Move partnered with different LGUs to give opportunities to tricycle drivers for alternative livelihood as delivery riders for the said apps.

Through its new partnership with PLDT Enterprise, JoyRide and Happy Move riders and bikers will now enjoy the benefits of Smart Bizload—where they can receive prepaid loads quickly using the platform to aid their communication requirements while doing deliveries.

PLDT Enterprise, together with Soprano, also provided Joyride and Happy Move with Smart Messaging Suite Service focused on enabling secure registration of new Joyride customers as well as text blasts for their customers. 

“We at PLDT Enterprise continue to commit to being of service to Filipinos while fighting COVID-19,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups. “These services will enable Joyride and Happy Move to blast news and announcements to our riders and help make their delivery service accessible and efficiently to those who need it.”

JoyRide and Happy Move have recently widened its ecosystem by tying up with local government units (LGUs) such as Antipolo, Valenzuela, Binangonan and Bacoor, to partnering with local institutions to broaden its rider base. 

“Among the many sectors of society most affected by the coronavirus pandemic has been the motorcycle taxi service sector. The need to provide immediate relief to our thousands of rider partners forced JoyRide and Happy Move to pivot our business model to a multi service, on-demand mobile delivery application,” Eala added.

This initiative is another addition to the ongoing efforts of PLDT Enterprise in enabling the private sector with connectivity and digital solutions amid the challenges posed by the community quarantine.

“We applaud JoyRide and Happy Move that amidst the job losses these past months, they have given hope to many riders. Their delivery services have been in great demand since the pandemic, and PLDT Enterprise’s solutions have enabled JoyRide and Happy Move to ensure strong connectivity and reliable service,” Hernandez added.

For more information, go to pldtenterprise.com.