PHINMA Education fulfills Unbreakable Commitment to accessible education in the next normal

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PHINMA Education, a fast-growing network of schools in Southeast Asia, believes that access to quality education can make lives better for millions of underserved youth. Witnessing that many students are unable to complete their college degrees, the institution aims to make education accessible particularly in some key growth areas across the Philippines.

Christopher Tan, Chief Operations Officer of PHINMA Education

However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their unbreakable commitment to delivering quality education towards gainful employment for their students and graduates was severely challenged.

“It was a very disruptive year for the educational sector. The pandemic made it very difficult for all types of schools, whether public or private to fulfill their mission of educating their students,” said Christopher A. Tan, Chief Operating Officer of PHINMA Education.

The institution, which operates nine tertiary schools in the country, recognized that flexible learning would be the way forward for students and teachers. While online education became common for most educational institutions in the country, PHINMA Education’s unique market needed a different solution.

“We serve students from lower-income households and many of them are not prepared well in their grade school and high school for college. They are more likely to drop out even under normal circumstances and the big problem with distance learning is not so much the quality of education, but it’s the ability to complete the program,” explained Tan.

The challenge for the institution is to generate creative and innovative approaches to manage these problems differently. They also need to make sure that the distance learning setup would be suited even for students from low-income families. Thus, they launched Flex and RaDLearning, which rely on printed courseware, strong teacher support, and constant interaction with peers. This made the infrastructure that would enable them to connect with their students and faculty the utmost importance.

They partnered with PLDT Enterprise and Smart for connectivity solutions that effectively support the digital learning needs of their students and faculty members. Smart provided tailor-made Giga Study plans that further boost PHINMA Education’s pledge to ease the learning experience of students in the new normal.

“Combining printed modules with remote coaching and the data plan from Smart helped us come up with an almost robust workable solution we can develop for these very difficult times. We appreciate PLDT Enterprise for understanding the underlying principles that we cared about and for coming up with a very flexible plan that gave access to our key programs,” said Tan.

“Giga Study Plan has the key features of stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. PLDT Enterprise was very generous in developing a program that gave enough bandwidth and access to our students, at the same time, really kept the costs low,” he added.

“PLDT Enterprise heeds the call of the education sector for solutions that will enable students and educators to easily steer distance learning. We are committed to supporting the needs of our partners, such as the PHINMA Education, to empower them in maintaining their unbreakable commitment despite these most difficult times,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP and Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise.

PLDT Enterprise recently introduced its Unbreakable Commitment campaign to highlight its partnerships with various organizations in the country to demonstrate how fostering partnerships could help companies thrive despite the obstacles they face and in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos.

The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering organizations through the power of technology.

“Smart Giga Study Plans helped us promise our students that for this year, they do not have to worry about connecting to their teachers and classmates. That’s a very important message especially in times of uncertainty and suffering. We promised our students that they are not going to be alone in going through their classes this year, and PLDT Enterprise helped fulfill that promise,” Tan furthered.

“But one of the important values we see in this partnership is not just the technology but the strategic thinking that we can do together to solve complex social problems.”

Through fostering partnerships that would help them navigate uncertainties, PHINMA Education Network was able to stay true to its unbreakable commitment to providing access to education to students despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the help of the right partner who successfully attends to the needs of its stakeholders, the institution can carry on its mission to educate and guide its learners no matter how unique and tough the journey will be ahead of the next normal.

Watch PHINMA Education’s interview here: https://youtu.be/5lV7Ltxkzms

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. 

DITO Telecommunity connecting Filipinos after Typhoon Odette onslaught in beleaguered localities

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Nothing is more crucial than staying connected in times of calamity and DITO Telecommunity has been a lifebelt for many Filipinos who have been massively affected by the recent onslaught of typhoon Odette in the country.

Dr. Jobe Buling-Viernes, the coordinator of San Beda University-Graduate School of Business, joins relief operations to distribute 500 DITO SIM cards to local members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), students, drivers, and municipal employees in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Photos were taken by: Dr. Jobe Buling-Viernes

While most mobile services were temporarily rendered unserviceable by the catastrophe, the newly laid out DITO cell towers stood resilient in the beleaguered provinces, except for only six of DITO microsites that were affected.

In particular, residents of Negros Oriental were able to rely on the continuous and strong connection provided by DITO.

One resident from Valencia, Negros Oriental who participated in the relief operations, Dr. Jobe Buling-Viernes, coordinator of the San Beda University - Graduate School of Business, started distributing 500 DITO SIM cards to local members of the Philippine National Police, students, drivers and municipal employees.

Using #DitoNaKamisaDITO, #DITONaKami, #DitoTayoSaDITO on social media, recipients expressed their appreciation to the telco for its strong internet speed and reliable connectivity while being economical for as low as PhP39 for 3GB, PhP99 for 10GB, and PhP199 for 25GB.

“What struck me the most is the idea of connecting people and lives during disasters – I’ve really proven that DITO was there,” shared Dr. Viernes.

As government and non-government relief and recovery work began in earnest in the Visayas, DITO also provided 1000 SIM cards to the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the AFP Visayas Command and another 250 to the regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management offices for the use of the responders.

This effort is in collaboration with Udenna Foundation's UCare, UShare initiative, a program that aims to feed, protect, and connect the community in the time of COVID, and DITO CME, a majority shareholder of DITO Telecommunity that provides telecommunications, multimedia, and IT services in the country.

Start the year right with these realme gadgets, available up to P8,000 OFF on January 15-17

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Shop your favorite realme smartphones and TechLife devices for as much as 55% OFF during Lazada’s Sulit Sweldo Sale on January 15-17!

2022 is finally here and what better way to welcome the new year than with new gadgets to help you achieve your goals and resolutions. Be it for leisure, productivity or everything in between, realme, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for three consecutive quarters (according to Canalys and IDC sell-in data Q1-Q3 2021), has got you covered.

To kick off the year with a bang, realme is joining Lazada’s Sulit Sweldo Sale on January 15 to 17, offering discounts of as much as P8,000 OFF on its well-loved smartphones and TechLife devices. This is in line with the brand’s commitment of providing quality tech and lifestyle products to cater to everyone’s digital-driven needs. 

Here’s a rundown of some of the discounted products you can expect during realme’s three-day sale on Lazada:

narzo 50A (Sale price: P7,289 from SRP P7,990)

If you’re looking to level up in mobile gaming this year, then the narzo 50A is for you! With a MediaTek Helio G85 gaming processor, a powerful 6000mAh battery, and a 50MP AI Triple Camera, among many other features, the narzo 50A is your best bet when it comes to mobile gaming, content creation and many others. Coming in the 4GB+64GB variant and in Oxygen Blue and Oxygen Green colors, the narzo 50A will be available on Lazada at P701 OFF!

realme C21-Y (Sale price: P5,989 from SRP P6,490)

A new year means a new set of memories to make and cherish. To help with content creation, the realme C21-Y is packed with a 13MP Triple AI Camera so you can enjoy taking vibrant and quality photos in different photo modes, whether landscape, portrait, or macro shot. If you wish to capture moments beautifully without breaking the bank, you can check out the realme C21-Y 4GB+64GB variant for only P5,689 on Lazada.

realme 8i (Sale price: P10,989 from SRP P11,990)

If you’re due for a phone upgrade, the realme 8i might be the ideal choice! It promises #infinitelySmooth capabilities with the powerful MediaTek Helio G96 chipset and a 120Hz Ultra Smooth display, allowing users to perform any task seamlessly. The realme 8i also comes with a 6.6-inch LCD display, and content creators get a huge level up with the realme 8i’s 50MP AI Triple Camera setup. Get this best-selling smartphone at P1,001 OFF on Lazada. 

realme Pad (Sale price: starts at P8,990 from SRP P10,990)

Got an exciting list of TV shows to binge-watch this year? Then realme’s first-ever tablet is perfect for you! The realme Pad is designed to be a portable entertainment powerhouse with a 10-inch high-resolution screen, crystal-clear Dolby Atmos quad speakers on each corner, a 7100mAh mega battery for all-day use, and a slim and lightweight body. What’s even better is it will be on sale for P2,000 OFF! Get it on Lazada for only P8,990 (3GB+32GB), P12,990 (4GB+64GB), and P14,990 (6GB+128GB).

realme Book (Sale Price: starts at P29,990 from SRP P37,990)

For those looking to boost their productivity this year, now is the best time to get realme's first-ever laptop, the realme Book with a huge discount of P8,000 for the i3 variant.  The i5 variant will also be available for up to P6,000 OFF.  This device is powered by the 11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor and equipped with 8 GB dual-channel LPDDR4x RAM, up to 512GB SSD storage, and a picture-perfect high-resolution 14” 2K Full Vision display.

realme Buds Air 2 Neo (Sale price: P1,490 from SRP P1,990)

Need a fresh pair of earbuds for your online classes or work calls? The realme Buds Air 2 Neo might just come in handy. It’s the ideal choice as it comes with  Active Noise Cancellation of up to 25dB, a 10mm Bass Boost Driver that makes for a richer audio experience with deep bass, and AAC high-quality audio technology for higher fidelity. It comes in two colors – Active Black and Calm Gray. Get these stylish earbuds at P500 OFF on Lazada.

Don’t miss out on these incredible offers during Lazada’s Sulit Sweldo Sale starting on January 15 12 m.n. until January 17! To know more about the complete line-up of discounts and other deals, be sure to check out the realme Official Store on Lazada, follow realme on Facebook at www.facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit www.realme.com.ph. 

Keeping Safe Amidst the Spread of Omicron

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New year, new variant this is how we start our 2022. Due to the highly mutated Omicron variant, coronavirus infection will probably continue rising and will cause another “serious surge”.

As the country faces another variant of concern, it is important to know what Omicron is, how it starts and what are the symptoms of this new COVID-19 variant?

The multiple variations of Omicron may lead to more aggressive resistance to current vaccines. Triple mutations in the strain suggest a stronger immune capacity.

Since the first detection of this strain on November 09, 2021, it has spread to 106 countries and regions as of December 21, 2021.

On December 12, 2021, The WHO said that the Omicron strain is more contagious compared to the Delta strain, as suggested by early data obtained from relevant studies, and that it could undermine the potency of vaccines but cause less severe symptoms.

On December 15, 2021, A report issued by the WHO revealed that the Omicron strain has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and puts exposed individuals at a higher risk of contracting this strain.

On December 31, 2021, The Department of Health detected 10 more Omicron cases - three of which are local cases. According to the DOH, there is already a “high possibility” of local transmission of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the Philippines. Following the detection of the three local Omicron cases, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced last Friday, December 31, 2021, that Metro Manila will be placed under Alert 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022 - cutting short Alert Level 2 in the region.

Fr. Austriaco, a Filipino priest/microbiologist, says that a rapid increase in cases is to be expected. However, he is optimistic that Omicron might actually be a blessing and may signal the end of the pandemic. “We have to realize that Omicron is the beginning of the end of the pandemic because Omicron is going to provide the kind of population immunity that should stabilize our societies and should allow us to reopen,” he said speaking during a GoNegosyo Townhall. He followed saying the surge caused by Omicron will be mild cases with lesser hospitalizations and fatalities. “It’s milder, but if you’re unvaccinated, it’s still harder for you,” he added.

Getting infected by Omicron comes with its own symptoms and to achieve immunity from this strain once infected, recovery is still the goal

To date, the known symptoms of Omicron are as follows:

● Sore Muscles

● Fever

● Dry Cough/Sore Throat

● Extreme Tiredness

Reminders on health protocols

There are many treatments that were not given much stress throughout the pandemic. Physiological, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation treatments also play a big part in battling this virus. In China, there are three Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to treat COVID-19 and we are very lucky to have one of these three TCMs registered and widely distributed in the Philippines - Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.

Of course, getting vaccinated is imperative and recommended for protection against the virus, as is getting a booster shot for more protection.

Following the preventive measures of social distancing, wearing of face mask, frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer alcohol, and keeping healthy by exercising, getting sunshine, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Early treatment is important. Do not wait until symptoms become worse before taking Lianhua Qingwen. Take it at the onset of symptoms to recover quickly. Remember the importance of the Philippine government’s PDITR +V strategy, which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate, and Vaccinate, which is sure to cut off transmission chains. Of course, with the cooperation of all the Filipinos, we can do our share to help control and manage the surge of COVID-19.

Hopefully, all this information will be of good use to the community, companies & organizations, and on a macro scale for local and national governments as the country goes through a “serious surge” of the Omicron Variant. This is a war between an elusive virus and man. If everyone works together, there will surely be success in this war against COVID-19.

Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen is currently classified as a prescription drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription-holding consumers may purchase it in all Mercury Drug Stores, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, and TGP nationwide and other pharmacies at a suggested retail price of P288.00/box (24 capsules/box).

For more information on Lianhua Qingwen, visit www.philarchipelago.com or call tel. no. (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844.

Personal Collection's Recyclable-to-Biodegradable Transition Promotes Sustainable Opportunities in the Philippines

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Moving from recyclable to biodegradable packaging, a pioneer among Filipino companies, Personal Collection takes strides to reshape the future through green initiatives

Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. (PC) has successfully transitioned from recyclable packaging to the newest biodegradable packaging, making it the first company in the Philippines to do so. PC is leading the drive towards ridding the world of plastics that are harmful to the environment by shifting to biodegradable packaging. Its new biodegradable packaging is estimated to decompose in landfills after only five to ten years, while regular plastic packaging may last for at least a thousand years.

The traditional notion that recycling alone could eliminate plastic waste is being questioned by data from the US Environment Protection Agency (FPA) that Americans, for example, recycle only 35 percent of more than 267 million tons of solid waste every year. According to a 2020 study of the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, at the national level, only 40% of packaging waste in the Philippines is collected, and only 9% of the plastic waste is recycled.

Keeping this in mind, PC takes a further step by not just going recyclable but also turning to biodegradable packaging. Through the launch of its “A Green Life is A Great Life” movement last June 2020, PC’s network of sellers has been mobilized to advocate for the advantages of biodegradable packaging as their contribution to helping protect the environment. 

Personal Collection President and CEO Jerome Tuguin said, “We endeavored the shift from recyclable to biodegradable packaging because we believe that this is a sustainable solution that will not only address the major plastic pollution crisis, but will also mitigate many other environmental issues. And we are very enthusiastic to have pioneered this groundbreaking move that also aims to impact the future of every Filipino household.”

PC is also one of the few companies around the world that continues to manufacture the greatest number of biodegradable bottles that are viable for preserving the quality of our environment. Just this December 7, 2021, the company received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, for its invaluable work, strategic measures, and active participation to advocate for environmental protection and sustainability amidst the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jerome Tuguin expressed, “We continue to look into more programs and initiatives to support our #GreenLifeGreatLife movement. Last October, we started our coastal cleanups in some parts of the country, and just recently, we planted more than 70,000 mangroves in over 27.5 hectares of reforestation sites in Pampanga and Bataan.”

DUMAGUETE. Before concluding the cleanup drive, PC employees and dealers from the PC Dumaguete branch invite more volunteers to join PC’s mission.

BAYAWAN, Negros Oriental. PC employees and dealers from the PC Bayawan branch are shown collecting trash and other debris along the shoreline of Villareal Beach.

MACABEBE, Pampanga. Volunteers stand 1 meter apart from each other while planting mangrove propagules.

As part of PC’s primary environmental advocacy, a long-term partnership with Marine Conservation Philippines was made to conduct coastal cleanups in different areas of the country. Last October 26, 2021, PC facilitated its first coastal cleanup at Albiga Beach, Siaton, in Negros Oriental. Subsequently, the Siliman Beach cleanup in Dumaguete on November 16, 2021 took place, followed by the coastal cleanup in Villareal Beach, Bayawan on December 14, 2021. In all these cleanup activities, tons of plastic waste and other toxic materials were collected.