Humanitarian Lighting: Lighting homes, rebuilding lives. Signify (former Philips Lighting) helps Filipinos affected by recent calamities.

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Manila, Philippines – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) donated over 2,200 Philips LED bulbs, solar lanterns, and floodlights to over 1,500 families across the Bicol Region and Cagayan to use in rebuilding their homes after the devastating effects of typhoons Ulysses and Rolly.

Distributed from November 28-29, 2020 and December 12-13, 2020, beneficiaries included communities from Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Albay, and Cagayan. Signify Philippines employees also volunteered in contributing cash and goods in order to gather food packs, hygiene kits, and other essentials given alongside the company’s lighting donations.

 

Jagan Srinivasan, Country Leader of Signify Philippines, personally turned over lighting products and essential goods donated by Signify Philippines to Capt. Rolando V. Ramos, PGCA (Director Auxiliary Squadron, 125^th Squadron), Capt. Emmanuel T. Velante, PCGA (Director Auxiliary Squadron, 102nd Squadron), and Capt. Yashika F.Torib, PCGA.

    

With the Bicol Region and Cagayan among the areas in the country impacted the most by the typhoon, the need for quick assistance was a top priority. As a company with longstanding history both in lighting and Corporate Social Responsibility, Signify deeply understands the importance of lighting as a basic necessity, especially for those affected by calamities. In order for relocation and rebuilding activities to continue into the nighttime hours, the need for lighting is critical. 

“Considering the urgency of providing support to typhoon-affected families, we intended for our humble contributions to reach as many places in need in the quickest possible time,” said Jagan Srinivasan, country leader of Signify the Philippines“. Understanding their wide reach and connections with essential logistics and support groups, we took action in partnership with the PCGA.”

 

·        Members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) distributes lighting products and essential goods donated by Signify Philippines.

These efforts are in line with Brighter Lives, Better World – Signify’s global program which aims to create positive change in developing and disaster-affected locations. The program focuses on three key areas: Lighting Lives by providing off-grid and partial grid communities with access to light; Lighting Entrepreneurs by developing business skills in communities to stimulate and improve productivity; and Humanitarian Lighting by donating lights to disaster-struck areas, providing lighting to both residents and aid workers.

Signify’s efforts are part of its commitment to actively contribute to the communities it operates in and continues to serve.

Globe and NPC launch partnership on digital citizenship

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The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has launched a partnership with Globe to promote digital responsibility and data privacy among the Filipino youth. NPC’s program, “Kabataang Digital'', aims to provide age-appropriate support for children to help them understand the nature of privacy and the digital environment’s implications on their privacy rights. It aims to raise awareness among children, their parent and/or guardians, school authorities, and relevant entities regarding children’s privacy rights, risks, and possible harm when using information and communication technology; and collaborate with other agencies, particularly the Department of Education, in developing appropriate legislative and policy frameworks balancing the right to privacy and free flow of information. 

The “Kabataang Digital” program was introduced by the NPC last December 2019 in front of over 500 students and educators during the 52nd Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) Forum in Cebu City. It was officially launched last 25 November 2020 by way of a virtual program.

 

Part of the partnership between Globe and NPC was to create a book for children to better understand the concept of data privacy and security. The book is available in print, with copies shared with youth in various schools and communities, and through an e-book version uploaded in the Globe e-Library and DepEd Commons. Globe commissioned the Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS) to create the book, as well as the artwork that serves as the book cover.

 

“In difficult times like these, we see opportunities in creating more worthwhile partnerships with different sectors who we can work with towards the same goals. Kabataang Digital is simply an avenue in educating and propagating the ideas that we in the National Privacy Commission upholds to further our fight in protecting our young users from all the power they have with every click. With all the possibilities on the Internet, data security, amongst others, is very vital in creating a safer online environment for everyone – most especially the youth,” shared Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro.

 

Prior to the launch, Globe enabled project and program heads of the NPC with all five (5) Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) modules: Digital Insight, Digital Impact, Digital Ambition, and Digital Discernment, and the Parent Module, through a train-the-trainer workshop.

 

The award-winning DTP is a series of workshops designed to educate learners, parents and educators alike on digital citizenship, online safety, and the responsible use of the internet. The modules were designed to increase participant knowledge of the following:

●        The current and constantly changing landscape of life online in the Philippines

●        The various online threats, abuses, and predatorial and abusive behavior that netizens in the Philippines may fall victim to; and how to protect one’s self and others from these.

●        The essential principles and practices around cyber safety and security

●        Online etiquette and how to help create a responsible online community

●        How to identify what information online is credible or questionable

●        How as parents and educators can we can keep children safe online

 

The training was conducted in line with Globe’s thrust to promote online safety, security, and critical thinking, as well as NPC’s advocacy on PSST! (Privacy, Safety, Security, and Trust), another flagship project of the Commission. Digital versions of the modules are also available on Globe’s website, Youtube, and the Kabataang Digital microsite of the NPC.

 

“The National Privacy Commission is together on this initiative from Globe. The Digital Thumbprint Program as linked closely to the objectives of Kabataan Digital by the NPC, generates content as tools in upbringing more responsible digital citizens. I take part as an ambassador of the program by always putting first the security of users online and continuing the cause that the Commission is mandated to – and that is to protect their data as their own,” Mr. Liboro added.

 

“We congratulate the National Privacy Commission on the successful launch of the Kabataang Digital Program, and are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and contribute through our Digital Thumbprint Program. At Globe, we are committed to upholding privacy rights by promoting responsible digital citizenship to the Filipino youth. We are hopeful that, through the NPC's Kabataang Digital Program and Globe's Digital Thumbprint Program, we can make the internet a safer space for our children to learn, explore, communicate, and create,” said Atty. Irish Almeida, Data Protection Director at Globe.

 

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

 

For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

 

Share. Protect. Earn. Everyone wins with financial inclusion via FWD’s Affiliate Program

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FWD Insurance is excited to announce the launch of a digital ecosystem that rewards everyone for doing good by way of sharing financial life skills and helping bridge the protection gap in the country. 

The groundbreaking FWD Affiliate Program is a first in the market. Everyone can be an affiliate by simply downloading the mobile app and completing the registration process for free. Through the app, our financial advisors can spread financial knowledge and awareness in a trust-based environment to help others upskill their financial management and start futureproofing with investments and life insurance. 

At a time when Filipinos are stretching their budgets, now they can get expert financial self-help, and even be an ambassador helping others increase their financial IQ by sharing inspiring posts with rewards. Technology that enables this Affiliate app could not have come at a better time. The current global pandemic has made people think more about life and health issues, while economic uncertainty has triggered increasing interest in financial management and planning. Recent statements made by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas exposed the average Filipino’s vulnerability: only 48% have savings to lean on during hard times, while household out-of-pocket expenses for health financing rose to a staggering P379.7B in 2019, as reported by the latest Philippine Statistics Authority numbers. 

According to FWD Insurance President and CEO Li Hao Zhuang, the Affiliate Program is a win-win platform for everyone involved. The app offers shareable financial knowledge, tools, and solutions while also creating employment, with an aim to start a virtuous cycle that directly empowers people and impacts enhances protection inclusion.

Li Hao said: “We want to reduce the digital divide and address the protection gap in the country. Through FWD’s Affiliate app, we democratize financial education and protection and make it rewarding for everyone. It allows our customers to be rewarded for doing good, and we believe that is especially valuable in this time of need.”

For more information regarding FWD Insurance’s products, customers can connect with their FWD Insurance advisor or via FWD’s 24/7 Live Chat (https://fwd.com.ph). 

About FWD Insurance 

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Insurance) is part of pan-Asian FWD Group. FWD Insurance launched its commercial operations in September 2014. As of end-2019, FWD Insurance ranks 1st in Customer Experience in the Philippines1. FWD Insurance maintains its strong financial position as top 3 and 8 in terms of Paid-up Capital 2 and New Business Annual Premium Equivalent 3, respectively.

Why you should buy a Beko double oven electric cooker

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When buying a cooker, it is best to choose one that will address your specific needs. For example, do you usually prepare a lot of dishes at one time? Do you cook and bake at the same time or do you just cook and order baked goodies?

Beko, Europe's No. 1 appliance brand, aims to empower Filipinos to live healthier lives and offer them convenience with products that have the latest innovations and technologies.

A good and reliable cooker is particularly important during the holidays when Filipino families prepare so much food, which is the center of celebrations.

Beko's cookers offer convenience so that you can multi-task while cooking your family's Christmas feast. The Beko Freestanding 60 c.m. Double Oven Electric Cooker BDC6C55X is a 3-in-1 with an electric induction-cooker and two ovens with a grill.

Here are the reasons why Beko Freestanding 60cm Double Oven Electric Cooker BDC6C55X should be your choice:

• It's a 3-in-1 so you can cook, bake and grill simultaneously. 
• A cooker that is functional helps make food preparation hassle-free. Home chefs with large families often spend almost the entire day cooking. The BDC6C55X eases your stress in cooking with its time-saving features.
• The heart of every kitchen is the cooker. Aside from being functional, Beko's cookers are built along classic and stylish lines so they look good in your kitchen. The Beko BDC6C55X comes in Stainless Steel.

"The Filipino Christmas celebration is centered around food and Beko is very proud to be part of that with our cookers. Even in these difficult times, families still want to celebrate the joys of the season with sumptuous and festive food," said Beko Pilipinas Country Manager Gurhan Gunal.

For more information, visit Beko Philippines’ Facebook page at facebook.com/bekoph.

B. Braun Avitum set to start Make-A-Wish Christmas campaign

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Leading renal care provider and dialysis center, B. Braun Avitum, announced the resumption of its annual Christmas campaign, this time in partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines.

Founded in 1980 in the U.S., the Make-A-Wish Foundation helps fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses. It was established in the Philippines in January 2000.

During the holiday season, B. Braun employees reach into the kindness of their hearts and “adopt” (i.e., buy) a customized B. Braun Bear. This program contributes to the Foundation’s cause of granting a wish for children currently afflicted with a critical illness. 

Medical research and doctors agree that a wish can help improve a child’s quality of life and serve as a catalyst to better health: when a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope.

On top of contributing to the cause of Make-A-Wish Foundation, B. Braun Avitum will be granting the wishes of its own dialysis patients. Part of the proceeds offset the cost of dialysis treatments, typically scheduled 2 to 3 times a week, for patients financially burdened by a crucial procedure.

For an additional cost, an employee also has the option to sponsor a bear for a child at the Bahay ni San Jose Orphanage, an annual beneficiary of B. Braun’s charity work.

A non-government group run by the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph, the orphanage is the first and only Catholic institution involved in the care of special children with multi-disabilities.

“Sponsoring a bear puts a smile on a kid’s face,” said B. Braun Avitum Philippines, Inc. Managing Director Eduardo Rodriguez. “Our plan is to send out a bear for all 116 children at the Bahay ni San Jose Orphanage this Christmas, together with a personal note bearing the sponsor’s name.”

For 20 years, Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines has granted a total 3,575 wishes – with 110 from this year – on its own, as well as together with a number of philanthropic corporate partnerships, including B. Braun.

B. Braun runs its Make-A-Wish campaign under B. Braun Cares, the medical company’s umbrella CSR (corporate social responsibility) program, which includes, most especially, charities that help out young B. Braun dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The B. Braun Cares program also supports its Global CSR program, B. Braun for Children.

Hope for a better tomorrow appears to be a recurring theme in most B. Braun charities. A touching video on its Make-A-Wish program sums it up best, “My favorite wish is the next one. And the one after that, and the next 10, and the next 100, because as with life, a wish has less to do with what has been and more to do with what’s coming up.”

At the moment, B. Braun’s Make-A-Wish program is open only to employees. This will, in the future be open to the general public.

For more information, visit the Make-A-Wish website at https://makeawish.org.ph/.