Las Piñas school heads initiate voluntary drive to support World Vision’s Abutin Na10

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A week after the launch of World Vision’s Abutin Na10 (to be read as ‘na-ten’) campaign, DepEd Las Piñas initiated a city-wide advocacy drive among its stakeholders to support the country’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. 

“We are a family under one country so we ought to be compassionate for others who are in need, especially the most vulnerable children,” said Dr. Joel Torrecampo, Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Las Piñas City.

Dr. Torrecampo, known by his colleagues to be hands-on and tech-savvy, immediately posted an appeal to his social media groups followed mostly by his fellow DepEd officials and school heads. He led a simple voluntary ‘pass the hat’ initiative to help last-mile learners cope with the impact of COVID-19.

Turnover of Abutin Na10 donation: Las Piñas City Schools Division Office Superintendent Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., World Vision Education Manager Geomel P. Jetonzo, and Pulang Lupa Elementary School Principal III Dr. Aileen O. Ballaran

In less than two weeks, they were able to raise Php 70,000, which they turned over to World Vision Education Manager Geomel P. Jetonzo and DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq.

In a recent return of blessing to the school division’s initiative, the local government of Las Piñas recently confirmed the provision of educational equipment, gadgets and hygiene kits to be used by its teachers and students while in the new normal.

“I believe it is our collective resolve here in Las Piñas City, our students and their parents, teachers and principals, together with our local government, to be of humble service to those in dire need, so our children will be able to reach their dreams, and not stop schooling because of this pandemic,” shared Dr. Torrecampo, who in his younger years endured walking several kilometres just to attend and eventually finish school. Believing that this pandemic has opened a horizon of generosity, he decided to support schools of other provinces through the Abutin Na10 fund drive. 

World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel V. Fuerte shared that “our rapid impact assessment reveals that one of the top most critical problems faced by children and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic is education opportunities, aside from food security and access to health care.”

Of the children respondents, 21% said they are either unwilling or unsure to attend school (face-to-face or blended learning) when classes start this August. The other 89% of those surveyed anticipate challenges on the use of online learning platforms while 38% do not have access to internet. Their parents share the same sentiments including the absence of gadgets.

It is because of these challenges and many others that World Vision Philippines and the Department of Education partnered for Abutin Na10: Para sa Sampung Milyong Mag-aaral, Sampung Piso, Sampung Araw, Sampung Milyong Pilipino. 

““With millions of Filipinos taking part in this endeavor, last-mile learners can continue their education while ensuring that their lives are not at risk due to COVID-19,” Fuerte shared. He explained that the funds will be used by DepEd for the printing of self-learning materials and/or procurement of gadgets to support the children’s blended or distance learning from home.

During the campaign launch Abutin Na10, no less than the DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones commended this worthy effort and asserted that “education must continue with or without the threat of the COVID-19 because it is perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave our learners and our children.” The education chief also said that we should ensure that "the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel are protected.”

To support Abutin Na10, visit worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/ and facebook.com/AbutinNa10.

Gretchen Ho inspires young girls to dream big through World Vision’s 1,000 Girls campaign

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Gretchen Ho is the official ambassador in the Philippines for World Vision’s campaign, “1,000 Girls”. This year’s theme is “#GirlsCan”. By focusing on issues faced by young girls today due to the on-going pandemic, the challenge is to respond to their most urgent needs to help realize their full potential and have a better future. 

Gretchen’s support for this campaign is rooted on her belief that every girl has the capacity to be empowered and to overcome, but she also acknowledged the importance of support from family and friends. “It isn’t always easy to fight on your own. That’s why we need to provide them with support, guidance, resources and opportunities to be able to maximize their potential. Many girls are at a disadvantage because of their economic background or family set-ups. Sometimes, the only thing that a girl needs is a helping hand,” said Gretchen.

Through World Vision’s child sponsorship program, these young girls will have access to learning and development opportunities that are sustainable, community-driven, and long-term solutions. 

Gretchen sees education as one of the best ways to equip the youth. “Through education, a world of opportunities opens up for a young girl. If that young girl is able to build her self-confidence through those opportunities, there is potential to become a leader,” explained Gretchen. “In today’s world, where there is so much injustice, inequality, hatred and discrimination, we need the strengths of a female to overcome. We need more female voices to be heard”.

World Vision partners with different stakeholders including the local community to build resilient families and create an enabling environment for the children. By allowing them to have access to education, nutritious food, and clean water, to enjoy quality health services, and to participate in spiritual nurture activities, these young girls are being empowered so they too can one day be agents of change.

“World Vision is excited to share with everyone an opportunity to help children meet their needs. The 1000 Girls campaign is one that highlights empowerment for education, health and protection. Your support will give hope to every child especially during this time,” said Rommel Fuerte, World Vision’s National Director.

“My message to all the young girls out there is — I believe you can make it. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Make the most out of what you have. If you have less in life, ask for help. If you have more in life, help others. There is room for success for everyone. Believe in yourself, be resourceful, be creative and you will conquer,” shared Gretchen. 

To know how you can support “1,000 Girls” by sponsoring a girl today, visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/1000girls/. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates. 

About World Vision 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. 

PLDT-Smart Foundation tops up educational grant for PNP dependents

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Dependents of Filipino police officers killed or injured in service receive a P1-million educational grant from PLDT-Smart Foundation, now on its 12^th year, with the aim of providing college educational opportunities. The PSF has so far produced 639 scholars through the Educational Assistance Program. 

  

"Education is an integral part of our efforts in the PLDT-Smart Foundation. We continue to do our part in the community to ensure that we provide adequate resources to support today's youth as they become our next generation of leaders,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan who is also the Chairman of the PLDT-Smart Foundation.  

  

In line with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Integrated Transformation Program, the PSF Educational Assistance Program aims to provide college educational opportunities to the dependents of PNP uniformed personnel, with highest priority to those who are sons/daughters of personnel who were killed in actual performance of duty (KIA), complete disability discharged (CDD) wounded or incapacitated in line of duty and those dependents who graduated with honors.  

  

"In PLDT and Smart, we appreciate and we are extremely grateful for the heroic efforts that our police force has done through the years. Even now, amid the pandemic, they serve our country and the Filipino people by ensuring our safety and protection,” said Smart President & CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio.   

  

Every year, a total of 50 dependents are selected by the PNP to benefit from this scholarship assistance. The annual grant of the PSF to the PNP is P500,000. Last year, the MVP Golf Cup led by PLDT Enterprise partnered with the PSF as its beneficiary for the mulligan donation. PLDT Enterprise matched the annual grant of the PSF, amounting to a total of P1-million educational grant for 2020.   

  

“Some of the most heartwarming stories I have ever heard are from the children of our PNP heroes. These are stories of loss, grief, hope and healing. We want to continue the legacy of these brave men and women by empowering their sons and daughters to have the best opportunities. In the PLDT-Smart Foundation, we become enablers of dreams and countless possibilities,” said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos. 

  

Empowering the youth 

  

20-year-old Jhosan Michelle Roy is one of this year’s beneficiaries of the educational grant. She is currently a third year college student, taking up BS Psychology in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Main Campus. Roy dreams to be a clinical psychologist someday while running her own business.  

  

“Malaking bagay po ang tulong na ibinigay sa akin ng PLDT-Smart Foundation. I’m sure na ‘yung papa ko po ay masaya ngayon dahil patuloy kong inaabot ang mga pangarap ko. Thank you, PLDT-Smart Foundation. Mabuhay po kayo,” said Roy.  

  

Over the last twelve years, the PSF has honored the sacrifices of our nation’s public servants – the brave women and men of the Philippine National Police. Through the years, the grant was able to make a big difference in the lives of beneficiaries and uplifted the morale of the entire police force. 

GCredit users may now transact with over 17,500 billers and merchants nationwide

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GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, has empowered its over 20 million users to transact with over 17,500 establishments via GCredit, the pioneering mobile-first digital credit facility powered by Fuse Lending, Inc. that helps extend the budgets of GCash users.

As the demand for more digital services continuously rises amid the pandemic, GCash has partnered with over 17,500 merchants to accept GCredit as a mode of payment. This allows GCash users to use a revolving credit facility to purchase goods and services, especially during emergencies.

“GCredit is broadening the possibilities for all of us. GCash through GCredit is offering a revolutionary way to still keep our lifestyle, provide for our needs  and achieve our goals when we have less resources compared to the pre-pandemic period,” GCash President Martha Sazon said.

GCredit is one of the many innovative features of GCash where users are enabled to borrow amounts within a certain credit limit from GCash to pay for goods, services and bills to partner merchants and billers. It serves as a preferred easy-access and hassle-free option to borrowing compared to traditional bank loans or credit cards.

GCredit is a revolving credit facility that can be tapped when a GCash user has a healthy GScore, the first trust score in the country. GCash users earn points in their GScore whenever they use GCash to settle any payment or even when simply cashing in.

Any GCash user with an eligible GScore is entitled to use GCredit. The higher the GScore is, 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 prorated daily interest rate.

While it is similar to a credit card, GCredit does not require users to submit extensive documentary requirements and wait in long lines to gain access to the revolving credit facility.

“We at GCash are cognizant that many Filipinos are struggling to make both ends meet.  GCredit seeks to provide a modest relief for Filipinos to still be able to pull through during these challenging times, while also contributing to the rally of financial inclusion in the country,” Sazon added.

The in-app borrowing facility is an essential tool for Filipinos in surviving the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the surge in GCredit availments during the Petsa de Peligro week or the days leading to the pay day when employees struggle with their remaining cash at hand.

GCash account holders use GCredit to do QR code payments for grocery runs and pharmacy purchases, as well as settling home bills such as electricity, telephone and internet lines.

“We have seen strong growth of GCredit usage throughout the country. We at GCash continue to complement the country’s ability to still persist and be resilient in the face of challenges. We continue to expand our current offerings like GCredit and create key services for the wise and flexible Filipino,” Sazon added.

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.

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

A flair for the finest fare only at Tagaytay Highlands

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If there’s any food for thought that the ongoing quarantine has brought us, it’s having a deeper appreciation for neighborhood restaurants whose take-out and home delivery services have enhanced their value in terms of customer convenience anywhere one goes in the world.

Still, amid today’s health situation, every day leaves people pining for their cozy neighborhood restaurants as places where both locals and visitors can relax, have a taste of home, and experience new and familiar cuisines. In most cases, people already miss spending time in quaint dining spots to simply enjoy each other’s company as they savor the food offerings and the homey ambiance. Small wonder why the restaurant and the culinary experience it provides have always been at the center of a community. 

In Tagaytay Highlands, a premier residential development and leisure destination in the Philippines, restaurants present an outstanding gastronomic experience to homeowners and their visitors, while retaining that familiar feeling of home. Featuring the finest dining outlets and specialty restaurants, Tagaytay Highlands makes sure that every place is worth the visit.

To start with, members and their guests have an impressive choice of local and international cuisines. Touting the best steak right off the grill, plus wines from the finest vineyards, the Highlander Steakhouse is the Club’s premier restaurant. Located along Belle View Drive, this restaurant features a log cabin design that enhances its rustic ambiance as diners enjoy US and Australian Wagyu steaks complemented by one of the most impressive collections of single malt in the country. 

For homeowners who prefer genuine Chinese cuisine, Highlands China Palace, set along Palace Drive near the Sports Center, is Tagaytay Highlands’ authentic Cantonese restaurant, which serves the best dishes all-year-round. Its Winter Garden on the ground floor serves Cantonese a la carte specialties. 

The Great Room is situated on one of the highest points of Tagaytay Highlands. Here, guests of The Spa and Lodge enjoy fine, healthy meals close to home amid an authentic log cabin ambience as one gets a whiff of the aromatic scent of its western red cedar logs.

Of course, Tagaytay Highlands serves classic and well-loved Filipino dishes at Concha’s Garden Café, situated at the Highlands Golfers’ Lounge and Midlands Golfers’ Lounge. Delectable heirloom dishes such as caldereta, crispy pata, laoya, and lechon kawali will surely satisfy diners’ cravings for Filipino food. 

Meanwhile, homeowners and guests who like Japanese dishes can head to Aozora Japanese Restaurant, which features a mouthwatering selection of Japanese a la carte set fare. Aozora’s authentic Japanese meals earned for it the Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award for 2018 and 2019. 

Finally, Italian restaurant Amare La Cucina, located along Gourmet Avenue, is Tagaytay Highlands’ go-to place for the biggest line-up of pizza and pasta selections. 

Having the best gastronomic experiences at this impressive array of dining places is just one of the exclusive benefits that Tagaytay Highlands offers its members and their guests. 

Tagaytay Highlands assures its homeowners and guests that it strictly adheres to stringent sanitation procedures in all of its establishments and facilities. Choice dishes from their menus are available for take-out and home delivery. For orders, homeowners may call 0917 563 4781.