Philippine Trade and Investment Center brings Filipino food closer to HK with "Philippine Flavours" campaign launch

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Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC – Hong Kong) promotional  campaign entitled “PHILIPPINE FLAVOURS

The marketing collateral for the unveiling ceremony of PHILIPPINE FLAVOURS issued on 25 July 2021.

(HONG KONG SAR)--The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC – Hong Kong) will conduct an unveiling ceremony for its new brand marketing campaign entitled, “PHILIPPINE FLAVOURS,” in the Hong Kong market together with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong (PCGHK), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Beijing, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Shanghai, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Guangzhou, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau, the Department of Trade and Industry Baguio – Benguet, and the Office of Agriculture Counsellor of the Philippines in Beijing, on 5 August 2021 at 2:00PM.

The unveiling ceremony will be streamed live via zoom and via the Facebook account PTIC-Hong Kong. During the event, Consul General of the Philippines to Hong Kong Raly L. Tejada, will welcome and thank all the participants to the unveiling. The main launch will feature a Philippine local Chef – businessman and a Hong Konger Key Opinion Leader – chef using Filipino ingredients in cooking three (3) dishes which are popular in Hong Kong. After the video, a panel will discuss how the concept of Philippine Flavours came to be and its relevance to the Philippines and Hong Kong today. The Secretary of the DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez will further the importance of supporting Filipino products in his closing remarks.

The Philippines, being located close by Hong Kong, has been untapped by the Hong Kong market for the Philippines food, beverages, and ingredients. The presentation will highlight the different possibilities that Filipino products may take part of in the Hong Kong market. On the other hand, the Hong Kong market will be informed about the similarities of the Filipino and Hong Kong palates and flavours with respect to their own cuisines, so the Hong Kong market can make use of a lot of Filipino products in their daily needs.

We welcome everyone to register thru https://tinyurl.com/4rtb2upv to join the unveiling ceremony if you are interested.

For more information, please visit PTIC-HK’s microsite at www.dti.gov.ph/overseas/hongkong or send emails to hongkong@dti.gov.ph.

GCash named ‘Outstanding Partner’ at the BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony 2021

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GCash, the undisputed no. 1 mobile wallet app in the Philippines, was named an “Outstanding Partner” by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) at this year’s Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony for its innovative financial solutions to grant financial access to all Filipinos, especially the unbanked and underbanked segments.

GCash President and CEO, Martha Sazon receives token as an Outstanding Partner of the BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony 2021

“We are very honored to be named as one of the Outstanding Partners by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. At GCash, we have been working very hard to provide more relevant financial services and products to build a more inclusive financial ecosystem,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive officer. “This recognition is an affirmation of our hard work to achieve finance for all.”

For this year, the annual BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony was done virtually. With the theme “Pagpugay at Pagkilala sa Gitna ng Hamon ng Pandemya,” the awarding ceremony acknowledged the outstanding partners who have supported BSP’s various initiatives and advocacy programs especially during the pandemic.

“It has been more than a year since the pandemic began, and with cautious optimism, we can say that the worst is over. Though our economy received big blows because of the pandemic, we started green shoots of recovery as early as the third quarter of last year. This is because of a whole nation approach that we, which includes our partners, employed,” said BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno.

In support of BSP’s recovery efforts, including its vision of financial inclusion for Filipinos, GCash has launched a host of products and services at the height of the pandemic. On the app, users can enjoy GSave, an online savings bank; GInvest, an easy investment feature; GInsure for insurance for medical emergencies such as dengue, COVID-19, and accidents; GCredit, a personal credit line with up to P30,000 credit line and up to 3% prorated interest rate. GCash features GLife, the e-commerce feature on the GCash app that allows users to shop exclusive deals from 35 brands across retail, food, gaming, entertainment, and transport.

To help mobilize the economy, GCash partnered with businesses and rolled out GCash QR on Demand. On the app, users can use the QR Code in place of their mobile number to send or receive money, whether for personal use or small businesses. These business partnerships include market vendors and customers, helping them have a safe and convenient payment method. GCash has also enabled 15,000 jeepney drivers to receive alternative income sources through the app and provides PUJ drivers and commuters with a safe and cashless transaction option amid the pandemic via P2P QR Codes on the GCash app.

Recently, GCash partnered with the BSP in launching a webinar series, which kicked off with the webinar entitled, “One with the Nation: Forging Public-Private Partnerships Towards Digital Inclusion in the Philippines.” The online event featured distinguished speakers from the public and private sectors led by Diokno, Sazon, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Congressman Jose Enrirque Garcia, DSWD Director Wayne Belizar, and Bureau of Treasury of the Philippines OIC Deputy Treasurer Ed Marino.

TODA drivers go cashless with GCash to secure commuter’s safety

With its numerous programs and initiatives to promote digital transformation among Filipinos during the pandemic, the e-wallet app has grown its user base to more than 40 million, doubling the figure from 20 million users in January 2020.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

 

Online Learning Tips and Must-Haves

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Another school year is about to start. Another year of learning online and studying at home for your children, with parents also taking on the role of their teachers most of the time. Juggling this task with work responsibilities and household chores can be exhausting and stressful. But more so for your children who’ll be spending the whole day in front of the computer. To reduce their mental fatigue and increase their productivity, here are some easy and practical tips so you’ll breeze through online learning this year. 

 

Reduce distractions

 

There are so many distractions with the home learning set-up that can affect your child’s focus. Even if they have their own designated study area, there will still be distractions that will be too hard to avoid. Like the flurry of household activities, construction noises from the neighbor, barking dogs, crowing roosters, crying babies, bad internet connection, power outages, and many others. 

 

This is why it’s important to establish boundaries and reduce disruptions until classes are over and study time is complete. Eliminate distractions by logging them off their social media accounts or turning off the notifications. When their gadgets are not constantly buzzing or lighting up with notifications, they can work uninterrupted and even finish tasks earlier. 

 

Get enough breaks between classes

 

The longer online classes go, the harder it is for children to remain focused on their tasks. Even 5-minute breaks are important to give the brain a chance to rest. These short breaks allow attention spans to reset and improve attentiveness. 

 

Frequent breaks also boost learning productivity. They can burn off their energy so that they’d be less distracted or even disruptive during class. Aside from this, having regular breaks can help them relax and reduce the stress that usually comes from having back to back online classes. 

 

Create a schedule

 

Map out your child’s daily online learning schedule to help them stay on track. This way, they’ll know everything they need to accomplish on a particular day. 

 

Wake them early so they have enough time to prepare before classes start. Schedule meals where your child can sit down, rest, eat, and refuel. Block off time for naps and set early bedtimes, too. 

 

Carve out time for extracurricular activities. Let them do some physical exercises. Allow them to explore their creative side by doing craft activities, playing music, reading books, painting, or drawing. Encourage them to pursue their passions even for just a few minutes each day so they can grow outside the online classroom setup.  

 

Reduce screen time

 

They’re already exposed to their computer screens for most of the day, so try to reduce their screen time after classes. Instead of letting them play on their phones or tablets, they can read or play with toys instead. They can use this down time to rest, spend time with the family, or help with some household chores. 

 

It also helps to create screen-free spots in your home. Don’t allow gadgets during meal times, or remove TVs from their rooms if they have one. Don’t leave the TV on all night as background noise, either. 

 

Connect with your child’s teachers

 

If there are any struggles or challenges with the online learning setup, reach out to your child’s teachers. They’re more than willing to help out, especially when it involves their students. Remember that they have the same goal: to make every online class successful, productive, and fun. Having an open line of communication with your child’s teachers is also a way of being proactive.

 

Invest in more reliable tools

 

If you have poor internet connection, consider getting an upgrade. And if possible, get a backup internet connection, like a pocket Wi-Fi device. 

 

If it’s time for a laptop upgrade, get an AMD A series or at least an Intel Core i5 processor. It’s also good to have a laptop with at least 2 USB ports so you can connect several devices at the same time. 

 

Look online for the best offers. If you have an RCBC Bankard, you can advantage of exclusive discounts or opt for easy and convenient 0% installment for up to 24 months. Get the best deals here <link to https://rcbcbankard.com/promos/all/installment>

The online learning setup may not be ideal, but there are still more advantages than disadvantages. The most important thing is that your children are safe at home. There may be challenges, but the good thing is that there are many ways to overcome these challenges. Having the right mindset, right tools, and an RCBC Bankard for easy payment terms and great deals, can certainly make a world of difference! 

 

DITO Telecommunity hits 2 million subscribers

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DITO Telecommunity, the country’s newest major telecommunications player has hit another milestone a few days ago, hits 2 million subscriber mark, and now expands commercial coverage.

“We in DITO are pleased to announce that as of the first of August, two-million Filipinos have joined our fast growing telecommunity,” DITO Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Adel Tamano disclosed. 

“If you may recall, DITO hit its one-millionth subscriber mark mid-June of this year as well, and these two milestones have inspired us to remain steadfast in our goal of building strong communities with even stronger connectivity in the years to come.”

In addition, new areas in various parts of the country have been announced where DITO is and will be commercially available in the next few days.

July 30 (10 Areas)

1. General Trias, Cavite

2. Trece Martirez, Cavite

3. San Pablo City, Laguna

4. Alaminos, Laguna

5. Iloilo City, Iloilo

6. Binalbagan, Negros Occidental

7. Villanueva, Misamis Oriental

8. Naawan, Misamis Oriental

9. Rosario, Agusan Del Sur

10. San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

By August 6, 2021 (17 Areas)

1. Taal, Batangas

2. San Luis, Batangas

3. Balayan, Batangas

4. Calaca, Batangas

5. Tanza, Cavite

6. Oton, Iloilo

7. Daanbantayan, Cebu

8. Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

9. City of EL Salvador, Misamis Oriental

10. Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

11. Opol, Misamis Oriental

12. Quezon, Bukidnon

13. City of Valencia, Bukidnon

14. Island City of Samal, Davao Del Norte

15. Hagonoy, Davao Del Sur

16. Polomolok, South Cotabato

17. Monkayo, Compostela Valley

Aside from expanding its coverage in various areas nationwide, DITO also continues to make its products and services accessible to more Filipinos by opening new sales channels and partnering with more retailers. Currently, DITO has 30,000 sales touchpoints all over the Philippines and is available for purchase and top up via the DITO E-shop, DITO App, Shopee, and Lazada.

For any questions or additional information on coverage areas, point of sales, or phone compatibility, check out your DITO App, DITO's website (www.dito.ph) and @DITOphofficial social media pages.

Alleviating hunger with cashless technologies : PayMaya powers online donations for Kain Tayo, Pilipinas!

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 As part of its mission to enable "digital bayanihan," PayMaya has equipped the Kain Tayo, Pilipinas! private sector-led campaign with online donation acceptance, allowing citizens to donate using their PayMaya account and any credit, debit, and prepaid card as well as other e-wallets.  

 

Kain Tayo, Pilipinas! is a flagship program under the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) movement, led by private corporations, media, non-government organizations, together with the Department of Education, the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute, and the National Nutrition Council. PayMaya is one of the key private sector partners supporting this effort.  

 

The campaign, launched in time for the Philippine National Nutrition Month, is another milestone for the country’s public and private sectors to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030, following the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. It aims to feed more Filipino children and equip families with nutrition information to help alleviate malnutrition, especially amongst children 5 years and below.  

PayMaya users can now donate by simply scanning the PayMaya QR in the website using their app. Anyone from around the world can also contribute to the campaign using any debit, credit, or prepaid card as well as any e-wallet through the Kain Tayo, Pilipinas! website via the PayMaya Checkout online payment gateway. Donations via PayMaya platforms for Kain Tayo, Pilipinas! are accepted by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) as the campaign's donation acceptance partner.  

 

Funds raised through the campaign will be distributed to non-profit organizations such as ABS-CBN Foundation, Gawad Kalinga, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Kabisig ng Kalahi, PBSP, Project Pearls, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, and UN’s World Food Programme. These organizations will, in turn, distribute meals to target beneficiaries. 

 

“The Kain Tayo, Pilipinas! campaign aims to holistically address the issue of hunger and malnutrition in the country. With PayMaya's digital payment technologies, we can accept donations not just from PayMaya users but also from any cardholder, even those from overseas,” said Private Sector Lead of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom Margot Torres.  

 

“Ensuring that each Filipino is getting enough nutrition from their meals is an enormous task. We, at PayMaya, are glad to be part of the Kain Tayo, Pilipinas! campaign to help achieve Zero Hunger by 2030 for the Philippines. Enabling this campaign with our digital payment technologies is in line with our mission of using financial technologies to make the lives of every Filipino better,” said Shailesh Baidwan, PayMaya President. 

 

PayMaya has been leading the charge in enabling various non-profit organizations and communities through 'digital bayanihan' with its cashless technologies. It has provided the non-profit sector with solutions to digitalize transactions, allowing it to disburse cash to an ewallet account for emergency and relief response. Last year, under its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility program #PayMayaItForward, it launched the #OneAgainstCOVID, #OneForTaal, and #TyphoonRelief online donation campaigns to help over 50 donation partners to raise funds through PayMaya's online donation channels--the PayMaya website, donate.paymaya.com; PayMaya QR code; and through the Donation tile in the PayMaya app. 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.  It provides more than 38 million Filipinos with access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 250,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.  

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 45,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.