ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING A SAFE AND RESILIENT LIVELIHOOD THAT BRIDGES PEOPLES AND CULTURES

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While the Philippine economy reels from the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic with the easing of quarantine restrictions, the months-long quarantine have created a chain reaction that led to many Filipinos losing their jobs and livelihood.

On March 16, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the entire island of Luzon with its population of 58 million under community quarantine to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Though community quarantine measures are effective methods in flattening the infection curve, it resulted in a downturn in economic activity.

Public transport was halted and the movement of private vehicles was also regulated. Various industries were badly-hit, causing a stoppage of business operations, massive lay-offs, and cease-hiring altogether. Tourism, trade, and consumption drastically dropped during this period, and according to the Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III, 2.6 million Filipinos have already lost their jobs due to the temporary halting of operations of business establishments.

As the onsite or office-based jobs and opportunities dwindled, home-based, online jobs and livelihoods flourished as a safe and resilient way to conduct business and continue earning.

The Philippines, as among the most populous English-speaking nations, has long been a destination for top business process outsourcing firms and call centers. In recent years, online English teaching has become a very popular career choice, which turned out to be one of the least affected jobs amid the pandemic. Most online teachers in the Philippines typically work from home, which insulated them from the quarantine measures that have devastated other businesses.

Being an online English teacher can be very rewarding. In 2019, the average monthly salary in the Philippines was PHP 50,600 and online English teachers may earn more than this amount per month, depending on their number of classes.

Online English platform 51Talk, which has been around since 2011, has been promoting this home-based online English teaching opportunity. 51Talk connects its 20,000 English teachers to Chinese students using its proprietary technology called Air Class to deliver live, one-on-one, interactive, and fun lessons.

Zeeryl Vivi, a licensed professional teacher from Bacolod City, has been teaching with 51Talk for two years now. Zeeryl said that her earnings have increased during the pandemic because her students are mostly staying at home. “I continued to earn from home despite the quarantine restrictions. I actually realized that I was earning more than usual and I was able to provide for my family’s needs. This home-based opportunity really helped us a lot.”

Despite initial reservations, more and more people are coming to appreciate online freelance opportunities that are flexible yet stable and sustainable.

“My family is really thankful that I was able to contribute even more during this time. My dad was not able to receive his salary for two months and I was able to cover some of the bills that we have here at home,” added Zeeryl.

Teacher Xandra Hill found her career as a professional pilot in limbo as travel restrictions meant that the travel industry was put in a standstill. “As a pilot, the world literally stopped for me because of the suspension of work, which was my main source of income. I had to look for alternative means to earn and sustain my family’s daily necessities. That’s how I found 51Talk,” said Xandra.

Xandra is a graduate of AB Psychology and loves to teach. She said that her family felt proud that she was able to be productive during the quarantine while helping people in a different kind of way. “To those looking for a job in these trying times, I strongly recommend teaching at 51Talk. You can earn in the comfort and safety of your own homes, anytime. All you need is a computer, a good internet connection, and a heart that is willing to serve other people through teaching,” added Xandra.

Newly-launched teacher Trixie Laura worked as a production staff in an advertising company before she joined 51Talk. Having no background in teaching, she said it was quite challenging at first because teaching was far from what she was used to doing. At 51Talk, teachers are encouraged to attend the free training sessions that equip them with the necessary teaching skills to make them competent and confident in handling online lessons. “This livelihood opportunity helped me discover new skills and has eased my anxiety as I get to earn and keep myself busy,” explained Trixie.

51Talk, even throughout the pandemic, has been hard-at-work in empowering Filipinos across the Philippines by spreading awareness about the advantages of being a home-based online English teacher through digital conferences and webinars, and social media campaigns.

“Everyone has seen, especially in the past three months, that earning a livelihood from home is not just possible but also sustainable and profitable. Business processes like meetings and interviews can all be carried out virtually with the aid of technology. We have been doing this for 9 years now and as you can see, our teachers are able to earn and be safe as they continue to teach from home with 51Talk.” said 51Talk Founder and CEO Jack Huang.

Huang Jiajia, or Jack Huang, Founder and CEO of 51Talk

51Talk recently has generated a great deal of attention in the news and in social media. In a video message posted on social media, Mr. Huang encouraged Filipinos whose regular work was affected to join 51Talk. “If the pandemic affected your job, then 51Talk can offer you a new option. There has probably never been a better time than right now to teach English online,” according to Mr. Huang.

The Chinese market for foreign English teachers has grown massively over the past decade, and it shows no sign of slowing down. In China, all children from age seven are required by law to learn English and most parents enroll their children earlier than this, even as young as two years old because they want their children to gain an advantage in a highly competitive environment. This means there is a very bright future for the online ESL industry in the Philippines to meet this increasing demand from China.

The Phillippine government in recent years has made great strides in furthering its relationship with China. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sought stronger ties amid challenges such as the on-going COVID-19 pandemic adding that these special ties should be fully realized. President Duterte describes Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “valued friend” and he promised to “preserve and build on the gains of our close partnership for greater peace, progress and prosperity for our nations.”

During President Duterte’s most recent visit to China in 2019, the two countries discussed ways to deepen its friendship and have agreed to hasten education cooperation through sharing of information and study of languages, establishing more Confucius Institutes in the Philippines, and promoting participation in scholarships, training programs and workshops, among others.

According to Mr. Huang, beyond the livelihood opportunity and English language education his platform provides, 51Talk has long been a bridge that promotes cooperation and understanding between the Philippines and China with its thousands of Filipino teachers interacting with and educating Chinese children daily.

“We are very proud to serve as a bridge to further educational and cultural exchanges between the two peoples through language education. May this strengthen the bond and friendship between us,” said Mr. Huang.

Alfamart"s Collaboration and Partnership: Business Growth in the New Normal

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The economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic can never be overstated. In the wake of the disease – and the quarantines implemented to control it – countless businesses have been forced to cease operations, and ultimately, close shop. 

Of course, there are those who are fortunate enough to survive. However, as the economy continues to bear the brunt of diminished consumer spending, even mere survival is becoming a challenge. The prospect of sustained growth seems to be on another level entirely. 

Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the country, has always believed that collaborations and partnerships are the keys to growth, especially during trying times. 

“Partnerships have been a key component and core foundation of Alfamart’s progress,” said Alfamart Philippines Chief Operating Officer Harvey Ong. “Ever since we started in 2014, we have been collaborating with landowners, lessors, suppliers, and partner consignees to make sure we can give the best selection and service to our customers,” he continued. 

As far as Ong is concerned, an alliance can only be called a true partnership if the benefits apply to all stakeholders. A prime example of this is their tie-up with DECS, a spin-off of the original Diao Eng Chay Chinese deli of Binondo fame. 

Justin Chua, a 4th generation owner of DECS, was a former Alfamart employee who was inspired to start his own business. When he was starting DECS, he saw it fit to partner with Alfamart so that their products could reach more people. 

“Partnering with Alfamart helped DECS achieve its main objectives,” Chua explained. “Our market reach has expanded considerably, and we have been given an opportunity and a channel to introduce DECS products to non-Filipino-Chinese.” 

Justin Chua is a 4th generation owner of the iconic Diao Eng Chay deli in Binondo. Through their partnership with Alfamart, more people outside Chinatown were introduced to their legendary delicacies. 

DECS’ lumpia, dimsum, and pies were a big hit with Alfamart’s customers and introduced the legendary Diao Eng Chay lumpia, dimsum, and pies to a whole new audience. 

“DECS’ growth climbed faster than we imagined,” Chua enthused. 

Another Alfamart partner-success story is Bakeshop16, a baked goods and pastry supplier. The proprietors, mom Eunette Ong and her daughters Erica and Eryll, believe that working with Alfamart gave their young business a good boost, especially with their brand equity. 

“Being associated with Alfamart helps in building the consumers’ perception towards Bakeshop16,” Eryll said. She also pointed out that the partnership came with exciting challenges that became opportunities for growth. 

“Our partnership with Alfamart encouraged us to learn more about production and logistics,” she explained. “Nowadays, with careful planning and close coordination with Alfamart, we are able to build an even stronger partnership with them. Thus, we are still growing with Alfamart,” she underscored. 

Alfamart’s partnerships with DECS and Bakeshop16 have allowed the entrepreneurs behind them to look past the present challenges. “Through collaboration, we are able to maintain our growth-oriented perspective, instead of the prevailing survival-oriented one,” the Alfamart COO emphasized. “We are always driven by our advocacy of community development and service. Of course, that extends to our partners as well. We should always be lifting each other up, no matter what happens,” Ong concluded. 

To know more about how to become a supplier for Alfamart, please visit https://alfamart.com.ph/be-an-alfamart-supplier/. 

Knowledge Channel ready to work with gov't in distance learning

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As the government shifts to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Knowledge Channel is ready to share its video lessons that could reach as many as 7.6 million students, a huge portion of the 27 million expected to enroll this school year.

“Knowledge Channel is prepared to work with the government. We have created and acquired more than a thousand video lessons, all based on the K - 12 curriculum of the Department of Education and these are ready for use,” Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) director for operations Edric Calma said. 

For 21 years, KCFI has developed and acquired multimedia educational materials that public schools nationwide, especially in remote regions used to enhance teaching and learning. They are aired over Knowledge Channel and used for instruction by KCFI-trained teachers and are also designed for home-based learning. Before ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, Knowledge Channel aired over SKYcable, SKYdirect, ABS-CBN TVplus, and other cable and direct to home satellite TV providers, reaching millions of students. 

According to Calma, KCFI has developed into video format 50% of the most essential learning competencies (MELC) that DepEd requires to be taught for the school year, and that KCFI can easily develop the remaining 50%. 

Knowledge Channel’s method of using TV technology has proven to improve the performance of children in school. Studies conducted by the DLSU La Sallian Institute for Development and Educational Research and the UP Statistical Center for Research Foundation's Impact Study for Proficient Measures for Quality Education revealed that children who were taught using Knowledge Channel video lessons performed better in tests. 

“The most essential learning competencies are the minimum curriculum-prescribed skills that students must acquire,” Calma said.

Calma stressed that the 21st century DepEd curriculum is about understanding and creating designs, systems and processes, unlike in the past when students were just required to memorize. 

“Subjects like mathematics and the sciences involve understanding of processes, and they need to be visually illustrated for kids to understand,” he said, adding “with this kind of curriculum, we need TV.” 

Calma said that Knowledge Channel’s multimedia resources also teach kids critical thinking. 

“Children’s critical thinking and creativity are triggered by video lessons because we challenge them with questions at the beginning, halfway through and at the end of the episode,” Calma said.

Alice Panares, who sits in the board of the National Council for Children's Television, said that the government is faced with the near-impossible task of training a 900,000-strong teaching workforce to teach students using media before the August opening of classes. 

To address this problem, Panares suggested that Knowledge Channel be tapped at the very onset of the distance learning program. 

“While the teachers are being trained, why not tap first the lessons of Knowledge Channel since it already has existing materials,” Panares said, adding that “Knowledge Channel has done a very complete work in educating the students in different areas.”

Panares said that Knowledge Channel is ready with the different subjects that are already in the form of TV lessons made for different grade levels. “I’ve watched many of the lessons and they are ready for airing for the DepEd,” she said.

KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez Bautista appealed that KCFI be given the chance to share with the government its expertise for the sake of the children. 

Lopez Bautista said, “We believe that learning must continue for all and that no child should be left behind. We appeal to our lawmakers and the Filipino people to recognize ABS-CBN’s contributions to education and that ABS-CBN is granted a new franchise so that we can again reach the children no matter where they are in the Philippines. The Knowledge Channel Foundation continues, and will be working to continue to be in the service of Filipino children.” 

Home Credit launches credit card with QR payment feature in the Philippines

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As the country transitions to the new normal and the demand for safer, contactless payment options continue to rise, Home Credit—the first non-bank institution in the country to issue a credit card to its customers—is introducing another first: the Philippines’ first credit card that allows consumers to make cardless payments through the use of quick response or QR codes.

With this new feature, Home Credit Card cardholders no longer need to make physical contact and bring their cards or wallets when paying for their purchases. By updating the My Home Credit App to its latest version, cardholders will be able to scan QR codes to pay for their purchases in any AUB PayMate partner stores nationwide—providing a safer, more convenient, and secure payment option for those who prefer contactless transactions. 

All transactions made will be automatically charged to the Home Credit Card. In addition, for every QR payment, cardholders will earn 1% cashback, which can be checked by logging into the My Home Credit App.

The QR payment feature is Home Credit’s response to the increasing adoption of cashless and cardless payment options in the country brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Now, more than ever, safety is the number one consideration of people before doing any activity or going to any place, especially when shopping,” remarked David Minol, CEO of Home Credit Philippines. “With this new feature in our credit card and mobile app, our customers can enjoy the safest form of payments—one that involves zero contact and handling of cash—not to mention the most convenient.”

By 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) targets to shift all retail transactions in the Philippines to digital by 50 percent. The regulator is also aiming for at least 70 percent of all adult Filipinos to be using digital transaction accounts within this period.

“Without a doubt, digital is the new normal. This is the direction that Home Credit has already been heading towards even prior to the pandemic, but during these times it is vital that companies fully and quickly embrace digital and online technologies to serve their customers. And that is exactly what we are doing,” Minol added.

Aside from having the first credit card with QR payment feature in the country, Home Credit is also set to introduce more features of its My Home Credit App, which has already been downloaded over four million times, as well as a host of self-service digital tools such as voice bot and chat bot.

UNIQLO Sets to Open its Online Store with an Online Event on July 16

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Manila, Philippines - Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, announces today that its online store will officially launch on July 16, 2020.  The online store will be available both in the UNIQLO website and in its mobile application.

The launch will be accompanied by an online live event through UNIQLO’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UNIQLO.PH/) on the said date. 

“We are excited to finally launch our online store in the Philippines. Our online store enables us to convey our brand’s commitment to improve the lives of our customers through our LifeWear and service. We’re inviting everyone to check out our digital live event on July 16 to see our online store’s offerings and features,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, COO, UNIQLO Philippines.

Apart from the usual register and login, wish list, and shopping cart, the official online store launch will feature services aimed to enhance the enjoyment and convenience of the UNIQLO shopping experience.

Extended Sizes

In keeping with the brand’s philosophy of clothing made for all, customers can now purchase selected LifeWear items in XS to 3XL sizes.

Nationwide Delivery

The online store will offer nationwide delivery. Shipping fee is free of charge for a minimum single purchase of Php 2,500.

Search for Stock using the Mobile App 

The Scan Feature will be exclusive in the UNIQLO mobile application. Customers can scan the barcode found on the item’s tag, to see product availability online and other stores. This serves as a self-service inventory-check.

Click & Collect Option

Shop anytime and anywhere as customers can now have the option to either receive their purchases through home delivery or collect it in store. By choosing the Click & Collect option, online purchases can be picked up at any UNIQLO store of choice, after receiving the email confirmation with the date of pickup.

After receiving the email confirmation with the date of pickup, customers can proceed to collect the purchased items at the chosen store and try the items and return or exchange them instantly. Schedule of pickup will range from two (2) to seven (7) days depending on the customer’s location.  There is no minimum purchase for Click & Collect option.

Note: Fitting room and item exchange guidelines may vary depending on the LGU regulations.

Pay In Store Option

Customers in the store have the option to shop for their items online and pay for it in the store using credit card. Once the customer has transacted the payment in store, there is an option to have it delivered to the preferred address or pick up the items at the store of their choice.

The online store will offer a complete lineup of LifeWear items for men, women, kids, and babies to bring LifeWear apparel accessible to more customers—strengthening the brand’s philosophy of providing clothes to make lives better for everyone.

Watch out for more details on the UNIQLO online store digital live event launch on UNIQLO’s Facebook page. 

For more updates, customers may download the UNIQLO mobile app, or visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ 

and social media account, 

Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), 

Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) 

and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).