ING continues to support clients during ECQ and extends help in the fight against COVID-19

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The extended community quarantine (ECQ) across Luzon due to COVID-19 has seen many Filipinos gradually shifting to the use of online banking, especially as movements of non-essential personnel and goods have been limited to control the spread of the pandemic. Transferring money, monitoring finances and managing funds are now increasingly done from the safety of people’s homes.

According to Nicholas Mapa, Senior Economist at ING Bank, growth of the Philippine economy can fall to as low as -0.1% if the situation does not improve by May. This means that major economic drivers like consumer spending, OFW remittances and local trade and tourism are slowly declining, therefore ultimately affecting the way people manage their finances during this time. 

“In many ways, we now see that Filipinos have a higher awareness of the need to build their savings and keep an emergency fund. As an all-digital bank, we want to continue being our customers’ partner towards financial security. That is why we have decided to keep the ING Savings interest rate at 4% per annum*. This way, we hope to give our customers the assurance that their money will continue to grow with ING as their sustained savings or for any emergency needs,” said Hans Sicat, country manager of ING Bank in the Philippines.

“Our mobile app continues to be accessible 24/7 in our promise to provide simple, easy and convenient banking services to Filipinos. We know that managing your money digitally is highly necessary at this time, so it is important for us to maintain our no-fees policy when customers transfer funds from ING to other local banks.”

In addition to keeping the interest rate, ING Bank together with its global processing and support centre ING Business Shared Services, Manila have committed to donate €100,000 to several healthcare and non-governmental organizations in response to the immediate needs. True to its long-standing partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), ING is also supporting the UNICEF donation drive initiative to provide aid to the local healthcare sector in the Philippines. 

Hans added: “We remain hopeful that things will get better soon and we will continue to support all our clients and the local communities as we power through this challenging time together.”

More details of this offer can be found on https://ing.com.ph/promos/4-percent-interest 

*4% interest rate per annum for balance up to P10 million, till July 31, 2020

Ateneo helps frontliners, affected communities amid COVID-19 outbreak

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With the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the need to support our healthcare workers and the underprivileged has been of tantamount importance to stave off the spread of the virus. 

The Ateneo de Manila University has been actively playing a part in making a difference in the lives of frontliners and those adversely affected by the declaration of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) brought about by the pandemic. 

Just last April 15, Ateneo opened its doors to 23 medical and support staff from the Quirino Medical Center, one of the government hospitals that are leading the battle against COVID-19. The dormitory inside the Institute of Social Order was picked to house the healthcare workers (HCWs). Under the “Project Panunuluyan: Kanlungan at Bayanihan” Ateneo will provide board and lodging for the HCWs, plus a point-to-point shuttle service to and from the hospital, until May 15, 2020. 

Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ, president of the Ateneo de Manila welcomes several medical and support staff from the Quirino Medical Center.

"We consider it a privilege to be of service somehow to our [healthcare workers] by providing this place where they can rest, reflect, and renew their body and spirit," Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, president of Ateneo de Manila University said. "This is panunuluyan during Easter time, a time to open ourselves to how the Spirit is entreating and moving us in the world today.”

Aside from providing temporary shelter to our health care workers, Ateneo is also offering psychological support through the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services. The center provides free online counselling and psychological first aid to frontliners who need assistance amid these difficult times. 

Ateneo has also provided over 12,500 meals to the health care workers of the Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, East Avenue Medical Center, and the Mandaluyong City Medical Center.

In addition, Ateneo has helped in providing personal protective equipment to our health care workers in 96 health institutions. The University, in close coordination with the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH), also gave hazardous material (hazmat) suits to The Medical City. The specifications of the hazmat suit design came from ASMPH Dean Dr. Cenon R. Alfonso, M.D., and produced by Marie Alexene Cabantac and Dennie Tan Ruiz using a fabric called Taslan 80 gsm which makes the suits reusable after proper decontamination.

Dr. Lourdes “Des” Jimenez (center), Chairperson of The Medical City’s Emergency Room Medicine and Dr. Menandro Sandoval (right), Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Alumnus and ER Medicine staff, received the hazmat suits donation.

The Areté Makerspace team has also assembled more than 1,600 face shields for the use of healthcare professionals in various hospitals in Metro Manila and around the country.

“We are one with our frontliners as they bravely face this disease. What we’re doing for them is just our own little way to help them with their burden as they continue to lead this fight against COVID-19. We are proud to support them and will continue to do whatever we can to make a difference in their lives,” Villarin said.

Meanwhile, Ateneo has also been taking part in assisting communities affected by the declaration of the ECQ. Over 44,600 families have already been given food and relief packs containing various essential goods. 

Tanging Yaman Foundation has also been helping fishing communities in Visayas by purchasing their products. This past Holy Week, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ and the Ateneo-Jesuit consortium ordered 38 tons of assorted bulad or dried fish that were also added to the relief packs that were given to poor families here in Metro Manila. 

In partnership with the De La Salle Brothers and the Philippine Jesuits, Ateneo has also helped provide a safe shelter to 446 individuals. 

“We believe that this is an opportunity for the entire Ateneo community to come together and help people who need it most. And I am proud that many in our community are stepping up to extend a helping hand during this crisis,” Villarin added.

To know how you can help, visit giving.ateneo.edu.

Alfamart Ph continues Super Minimart openings to serve more communities

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Amid the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, has resumed its expansion to cater to the needs of local communities.

The newly opened Alfamart branch in Bagong Silang, Caloocan enforces strict social distancing in compliance with ECQ rules. Having “walking distance” Super Minimarts nearby keep residents from having to go out too far just to get supplies.

What was once a simple and mundane task has been made more challenging and risky by the ECQ. 

Grocery shopping is now much more complicated than it used to be, as people now have to contend with curfews, checkpoints, social distancing, and quarantine passes to help stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To help address these concerns and alleviate the burden on individual households, neighborhood minimarts like Alfamart have become more popular destinations for these errands, as they are closer to home. 

In the recent week, Alfamart opened eight new stores across Luzon; namely, in Tabun, Angeles, Pampanga; Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan; Poblacion, Floridablanca, Pampanga; Palico, Imus, Cavite; Silangan, Rosario, Cavite; Daan Sarile, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Saog, Marilao, Bulacan; and Grand Valley Subdivision, Angono, Rizal.

Ten more stores are opening in other locations in May.

Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey Ong pointed out that the expansion amid the ECQ is more about following through on Alfamart’s advocacy to improve communities. “The ECQ has been very challenging for everyone, especially those living in communities that are significantly farther from malls, supermarkets, and groceries,” Ong said. “We want to bring that safe, convenient, and comfortable shopping experience closer to home through our Super Minimarts,” he continued.

Ong also highlighted how Alfamart is doing everything it can to reduce health risks, and inconveniences, for both employees and customers. “Our stores follow strict sanitary and hygiene protocols. We also provide PPEs for our frontline and backend staff,” he said. “Also, as part of our walk-to-work philosophy, we hire our store crew locally. As much as possible, we prefer our employees to be within walking distance of their assigned stores. This helps manage their travel time,” he further explained.

Ong enumerated other measures that ensure the store staff are taken care of such as free shuttle rides, proper coordination with checkpoints for expedited supply chain deliveries, proper scheduling and shorter operating hours.

Alfamart frontline staff disinfecting incoming customers to minimize transmissions. As seen in the photo Alfamart branches are operating at limited hours, instead of the usual 24/7, amid the ECQ.

Alfamart frontline staff restocking personal hygiene shelves. Keeping the shelves stocked amid the ECQ is a fully operational distribution center that delivers needed supplies to over 800 stores.

Most Alfamart employees are local hires from within the community. The Super Minimart chain has been encouraging a “walk-to-work” philosophy even before the ECQ.

“In these trying times, everyone is called to be vigilant and serve. Alfamart will do its part to help the community by keeping as many of our existing stores open and reaching out to more communities so we can serve more people,” he concluded.

Makati innovates financial aid distribution amid COVID-19 through GCash

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With the help of GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, the City of Makati will disburse the second tranche of financial assistance to over 8,000 drivers to help them cope with the national health crisis and aid them in providing for their families.

According to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, each of the 8,376 jeepney, tricycle, and pedicab drivers in Makati will receive P2,000 via their GCash accounts. Broken down, the beneficiaries are: 5,952 registered tricycle drivers, 598 pedicab drivers, and 1,826 jeepney drivers who are part of the Makati Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (JODA).

This is the second tranche of the local government’s initiative to provide P16.7 million financial assistance to the city’s transportation sector via electronic means to ensure transparency and to avoid physical transactions in light of the dangers brought by COVID-19.

The first tranche of the financial aid was disbursed three weeks ago via manual cash distribution, but the City of Makati found that handing out financial aid via GCash is much faster and more efficient versus having city hall employees go through each house to send money.

“Drivers who are Makatizen cardholders will receive their financial aid through their GCash e-wallets. We will also course through GCash the cash grant for our citizens who have yet to receive their Makatizen Cards. It’s a big help for both the city and its residents not only because it’s a faster way of transferring money for everyday use, but also because it also promotes public health by avoiding physical contact,” said Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.

Health experts around the world have found that paper money increases the risk of viral transmission since harmful bacteria and viruses can survive on its surface for several days. Given the safety protocols implemented by the government this past month, digital fund transfers are becoming the norm.

Establishments ranging from grocery stores to organizations collecting donations have shifted

to digital financial services like GCash for a more efficient way of transacting and transferring money amid the pandemic. Government units also are encouraged to utilize such platforms to promote accountability and health safety in the distribution of financial aid to intended beneficiaries.

Makati is the first city in Metro Manila to implement contactless financial assistance through GCash and the Makatizen Card.

Likewise, the City of Makati will be creating GCash accounts for non-Makatizen card holders based on the mobile number and other information that they have provided to the local government.

Once they receive the financial aid, beneficiaries can opt to use their card or e-wallet to buy food, medicines, and other products from grocery stores, convenience centers, and even pharmacies. They may also use the funds to pay their utility bills or government dues, or even transfer cash to their loved ones through the GCash app.

Recipients of the financial aid may also cash out or withdraw the money through authorized GCash Cash In/Cash Out agents. They only need to present a government issued ID and a text message showing the remittance of the financial assistance to their Makatizen card or GCash e-wallet.

Through its digital wallet, GCash has paved the way for 20 million Filipinos to have a safer and more efficient way of transacting either online or offline. With roughly 70,000 partner merchants across the archipelago, GCash users can dispense with the use of paper bills whenever they need to buy their essentials to protect themselves from the virus.

“We at GCash always strive to provide relevant services to our customers. Seeing our platform being used by local governments as a conduit for financial assistance to help their citizens cope with the national health crisis encourages us further to focus on creating impact to the ways of people, businesses, government institutions, and organizations especially during these very challenging times,” GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy said.

HBO Asia Original Series ‘The Head’ Premieres June 12 on HBO GO and HBO

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WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks recently announced the premiere date and released the trailer of the brand-new HBO Asia Original, The Head, produced in association with Hulu Japan and THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO. 

The series will premiere on 12 June at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO.

The Head is a survival thriller set in the Polaris VI international polar station in Antarctica during its long, dark Antarctic months, engulfed by the cold, the wind and the vast expanses of ice. A select group of scientists from different countries are in charge of maintaining the base operational during the long polar nights. But in the midst of winter, the station suddenly stops communicating with the outside world. With dialogues in English and Danish, the suspenseful storyline develops over six hour-long episodes and is directed by Jorge Dorado (“The Pier”, “Mindscape”).

The Head’s international cast include Tomohisa Yamashita (“Code Blue”), John Lynch (“The Terror”), Katherine O'Donnelly (“Mary Queen of Scots”), Alexandre Willaume (“Below the Surface”, “Tomb Raider”), Laura Bach (“Sprinter Galore”), Sandra Andreis (“The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”), Amelia Hoy (“Killing Eve”) , Chris Reilly (“Allied”, “Everest”), Richard Sammel (“Inglorious Bastards”) and Tom Lawrence (“The King”, “The Crown”), in addition to the special collaboration

The series was shot in a two-thousand-square-meter studio in Tenerife, Spain, where the purpose-built set of the Polaris VI research station where most of the action takes place was erected, reproduced to actual scale, based on information about the layout and operation of this type of scientific facility, which enabled the show-runners to film long shots of the characters wandering around inside the station with complete authenticity. The production crew also travelled to the rugged landscapes of Iceland to shoot the series' exteriors, although most of the story is set inside the polar station, which provides a particular feel of encapsulation.

The Head was presented in a forum session at Series Mania in 2017, a prestigious international festival in France, and garnered enormous interest among representatives from the media and entertainment industry.

SYNOPSIS

Winter has fallen on the South Pole. The sun will soon disappear for the next six months. A small team of scientists, known as the Winterers, will remain at the Polaris VI Antarctic Research Station to continue their innovative research. 

Their work is crucial in the fight against climate change and they are under the command of renowned biologist Arthur Wilde (John Lynch). But when spring comes, summer commander Johan Berg (Alexander Willaume) returns to the station only to find most of the team dead or missing. 

A killer is on the loose and Annika (Laura Bach), Johan's wife, is missing too. If he wants to find her alive, he will have to trust Maggie (Katherine O’Donnelly), the young doctor who is profoundly shaken and apparently the sole survivor from the group… or, is there someone else who survived?

TECHNICAL SPECS

An HBO Asia Original production, in association with A THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO and HULU JAPAN / Creators: Àlex Pastor & David Pastor / Directed by: Jorge Dorado / Screenwriters: Àlex Pastor & David Pastor and Isaac Sastre / Production Director: Anna Vilella / Production Design: Alain Bainée / Cinematography by: David Acereto / Original Score by: Federico Judid / Executive Producers: Laura Fdez. Espeso, Javier Méndez, Ran Tellem, Bernat Elías, Mariano Baselga, Kazufumi Nagasawa, Jorge Dorado, Àlex Pastor & David Pastor

The Head will premiere on HBO and HBO Go onJune 12, 2020.