GCash helps extend budgets during COVID-19 emergency with GCredit

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is making it easier for Filipinos to have access to a credit line that they can tap amid the national health emergency caused by the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

GCredit, which works like a flexible loan or credit card, gives GCash access to money that they can use to buy groceries from supermarkets like Puregold, medicines from pharmacies like Mercury Drugs, and even utility bills. 

Globe Offers Awesome Discounts at the 6.6 Comeback Deals

Consumer behavior has undoubtedly been changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. With the government-imposed quarantine protocols, new habits have been formed and new needs have arisen. 

With the prevalence of doing practically everything from home, whether that be working, working out, or anything in between, Globe understands the heightened need for reliable tools in order to not just survive, but to thrive. 

This is why on June 6, in solidarity with Filipinos who are slowly getting back on their feet, Globe is rolling out discounts on select mobile devices with its 6.6 Comeback Deals. 

With as much as 29% savings, these smartphones are bundled with Globe Prepaid sim cards pre-loaded with free 1GB +500 MB video valid for 15 days when purchased from Globe Online Shop and the official Globe store on the Lazada and Shopee apps.

Globe partners with Philippine Red Cross to support rapid COVID-19 response app

With the unfamiliar situation brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, Globe believes that knowing how to stay informed in such times is crucial in ensuring the safety of Filipino citizens and in helping frontliners contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. 

That is why Globe is teaming up with the Philippine Red Cross to support RC143, a contact tracing mobile app created by Red Cross that can help medical frontliners identify possible patients and help users track their levels of exposure to the virus.

Globe partners with DOST to improve COVID-19 reporting and tracing via TanodCOVID

As the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, Globe continues to do its part in keeping families connected during these challenging times, while assisting organizations and government agencies in flattening the curve. Through its innovative developer group Globe Labs, the telco giant is once again taking new steps by partnering with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) for the implementation of a new online platform called TanodCOVID. 

Pandemic highlights need for fintech revolution

The national health crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the need for a financial technology (fintech) revolution in the Philippines, one where digital transactions become the new normal to keep people in their homes and help flatten the curve.

Digital finance is now emerging as the core of services today in the Philippines. Now, people are using their e-wallets to pay for bills, transact with merchants, send and receive money to and from loved ones and friends, and even donate to the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

National Live Events Coalition PH (NLEC) - An Alliance of Various Sectors of The Live Events Industry Recently Formed

Live Events was the first to feel the impact of the crisis when events were cancelled as early as January 2020 when news of the pandemic broke out. Live Events is now deemed the last to recover.  

LIVE EVENTS is an “experience industry” with a chain linking various sectors – from Theatre, Weddings and Social events, AVL (audio-video and lights) and staging suppliers, Agencies and Activations, Concerts, Gigs and Festivals, Freelance Production Workers, Conventions and Venues.

Celebrities join forces for “Songs of Hope” online concert series to support World Vision’s COVID-19 Emergency Response

World Vision Ambassadors Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Quest, Joyce Pring, Iñigo Pascual, Tippy Dos Santos, and the Perkins Twins with supporters Sitti Navarro, Janina Vela, and Pastor Rommel and Susan Guevara shared their talents for “Songs of Hope” online concert series that aims to increase awareness and support for World Vision’s COVID-19 Emergency Response. 

As a Christian non-profit organization, World Vision encourages everyone to remain “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12) in the mist of these difficult times. Through “Songs of Hope”, the organization aims to contribute in keeping the hope alive through inspiring music and positive content from its celebrity ambassadors and friends.

LRMC ramps up safety measures for operations restart New guidelines for LRT-1 passengers

Preparations are in full swing as the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) anticipates the resumption of the LRT-1 operations. This is after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released new safety guidelines for mass public transportation once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) enforced in Metro Manila is lifted.

To ensure the welfare and protection of both passengers and employees, LRT-1 private operator LRMC will implement the following health and safety measures to fight the spread of COVID-19 once it re-opens its trains to the public.

No service fees on Globe/TM load and promo loans extended until May 28

As the country continues to face the challenges brought by COVID-19, Globe remains committed in meeting the demands for strong data connection and continuous connectivity for users who cannot leave their homes and are struggling financially due to the effects of the pandemic.

To help Mobile Prepaid and TM customers stay connected, informed and  #SafeAtHome, Globe is extending its waived service fees for its Globe load and promo loans until May 28, 2020. With this, customers can continue to conveniently borrow load and subscribe to promos from the security and safety of their homes, without worrying about additional costs. 

Globe loans is an emergency service that allows Globe Prepaid and TM customers to continue using Globe services even without sufficient load. Eligible customers can avail loan products from P5 to P50 in the form of load and promo. Prepaid customers can also loan 5MB of data for P5 or 3 texts to Globe/TM + 1 load for P4. On their next top up, only the borrowed amount will be automatically collected (i.e. the standard service fees are waived). 

Online concert to raise funds for the fight against COVID-19 continues with even bigger stars this May

Smart Communications stages Season 2 of Bayanihan Musikahan to continue to rally support for those affected by COVID-19 while uplifting the spirits of Filipinos staying safe at home. In partnership with Smart Music Live (SML) Online Sessions, the online concert series increases its vigor as the most visible Filipino citizen action platform at this time

GCash provides more affordable digital insurance products amid COVID-19 situation

The coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) placed more than half of the world in a state of crisis, with almost every country battling the virus by all means to flatten the curve. Frontline workers emerged as modern-day heroes, as their jobs require them to take the highest risk of getting infected with the virus just to save lives. While the time stopped for the rest of the world, it did not stop for them.

Adapting to the new normal: Fintech is bedrock of digital services as PH fights pandemic

The pandemic has changed the way Filipinos deal with everyday life. Today, services are now delivered through digital platforms, and adjusting to this new reality may come in with some form of learning curves.

Now, Filipinos are advised to leverage digital technologies and smartphone apps in conducting day-to-day activities to reduce their risks of contracting COVID-19 outside their homes. For most, working from home has become the new normal, and social interaction is now being done through social networking sites and messaging apps.

PLDT Enterprise provides Philippine Army COVID-19 quarantine sites with free connectivity

As part of its continuous efforts to support the country's response to COVID-19, PLDT Enterprise deploys free connectivity support to the quarantine areas covered by the Philippine Army.

All quarantine areas manned by uniformed personnel in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila for COVID-19 patients now have business-grade fiber internet which leverages on PLDT Group's most expansive fiber optic network in the country. The COVID-19 quarantine areas include Philippine Army Wellness Center, Gate 5 Barracks, SOQ TRADOC Building, and Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Grab helps Filipinos cope with COVID-19 through tech innovation

Grab has furthered its commitment to the Filpino communities as it introduced several innovations and initiatives that aim to actively protect those who are vulnerable and serving on the frontlines, and supporting those who are staying at home to flatten the curve.

While many companies respond to the crisis by donating cash, Grab has chosen to respond to the call of the pandemic by transforming its platform, re-focusing its resources, and banding together with its partners - both from the private and public sectors towards easing some of the toughest pain points brought by the pandemic.

GCash provides more affordable digital insurance products amid COVID-19 situation

The coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) placed more than half of the world in a state of crisis, with almost every country battling the virus by all means to flatten the curve. Frontline workers emerged as modern-day heroes, as their jobs require them to take the highest risk of getting infected with the virus just to save lives. While the time stopped for the rest of the world, it did not stop for them.

World Vision Acknowledges Corporate Partners and Individual Sponsors for over PHP60M Funding for COVID-19 Emergency Response

Amidst the current health crisis, World Vision in the Philippines has allotted the total amount of ₱60,254,512.70 from different funding sources and donations including corporate partners and individual child sponsors to fund its ongoing COVID-19 Emergency Response. 

“World Vision is so grateful for the support of all our generous donors in the battle against COVID-19. Like in our past initiatives, your donations are definitely a big help to the Filipino children and their families, and even to the frontliners that we are assisting during these difficult times,” said Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

One month on in its health emergency response, World Vision has served and assisted over 1.4 million people nationwide.

PGH calls for blood donations from COVID-19 survivors

Since April 15, the number of people who have recovered from the coronavirus disease has surpassed the nationwide death toll. Today, there are a total of 693 recoveries and 446 deaths. Of those 446, 9 died just yesterday. So while the situation is improving, there is still much to do.

“Filipinos continue to suffer and some eventually die from Covid 19 everyday. There is no proven treatment yet for this although different medications and regimens are being investigated. And the vaccine against the novel coronavirus is not yet available. That is why we are calling for plasma donations from Covid 19 survivors. Their antibodies  may help save patients who are still battling the disease, especially the severe and critical cases,” said Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, spokesperson for the Philippine General Hospital.

Known as convalescent plasma therapy, the treatment is a century-old technique that has been tried and tested on numerous illnesses, most recently for diseases such as Ebola, Sars, Mers, and Swine Flu. It involves the transfusion of plasma, the liquid component of blood, from a recovered patient to a sick patient.

One Meralco Foundation provides aid to homeless, PPEs for frontliners amid COVID-19 crisis

OMF turned over 1,600 face masks and 100 face shields to the
 Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Sta. Mesa, Manila,
recently designated by the Metro Pacific Hospitals
as its main COVID-19 referral hospital.

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the Manila Electric Company’s (MERALCO) social development arm, has mobilized to help thousands of homeless families and frontline medical personnel heavily impacted by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and the current enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed on Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

Without a roof over their heads, families living on the streets are among the most vulnerable as they are exposed to the elements and lack access to the basic necessities.

Joining Forces Alliance On The Elimination Of Violence Against Children

Child rights organizations call for the prevention of physical and humiliating punishment against children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Physical and psychological violence, particularly at home, are among the most pervasive types of abuse experienced by Filipino children. Both can be worsened by the COVID-19 enhanced community quarantine.

In fact, 3 in 5 children have experienced some form of physical violence, the 2016 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children revealed. Sixty percent of these cases happened in their own homes, with 1 in 2 children experiencing corporal punishment. 

DOST & SMART expands RapidPass project to cover entire Metro Manila

Smart provides 540 cell phones for police manning 180 checkpoints

Going through quarantine checkpoints in the entire Metro Manila area is about to become easier for frontline personnel and other people authorized to travel under the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions.

To achieve this, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) are expanding the RapidPass Project, an online registration service for frontliners, to cover the whole of Metro Manila.