Author: WILMAR NICOLAS DULDULAO

  • SM Foundation turns over ICU ventilators to Philippine General Hospital

    SM Foundation turns over ICU ventilators to Philippine General Hospital

    To fight against the COVID-19, the SM Foundation delivered units of intensive care unit ventilator machines to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on March 27, 2020.

    The donation of critical medical equipment is in addition to a cash donation made to PGH that was received by the team of Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Director of PGH.

    The donation forms part of PHP170 million in allocations pledged by SM Foundation to help medical front liners and 50 hospitals nationwide. 

    Link:
    https://www.facebook.com/SMFoundationInc/photos/a.1076589832703643/1079037485792211/?type=3

    REFERENCE:

    Chesca Ortega

    PR and Events Specialist

    Roar Agile Communicators Corp
    roar.ph chesca.roar@gmail.com

  • SM Distributes PPEs and Medical Supplies to over 50 Hospitals Nationwide

    SM Distributes PPEs and Medical Supplies to over 50 Hospitals Nationwide

    Through SM Foundation, SM is helping the community with the crisis that we’re facing today, donating over PHP170M towards the fight against COVID 19, surpassing its initial allocation of PHP100 M to help ensure: Healthcare workers in hospitals nationwide are armored with personal protective equipment; Testing is made more widely available; Providing ICU-grade ventilators to help hospitals manage patients with severe cases.

    CHINESE GENERAL HOSPITAL

    Among the hospitals that received PPE donations as of March 27, 2020 are the following designated COVID Hospitals: University of the Philippines PGH, Lung Center of the Philippines and Jose N Rodriguez Memorial Hospital.

    RIZAL MEDICAL CENTER

    Major government hospitals are: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) , National Kidney and Transplant Institute, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical.Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, National Children’s Hospital and Rizal Medical Center.

    PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL

    Other hospitals include Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM) Memorial Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, University of Sto Tomas Hospital, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Ospital ng Muntinlupa and more.

    RIZAL MEDICAL CENTER

    Several shipments of PPEs are also on their way to provincial hospitals nationwide. Read more:
    https://www.sminvestments.com/company-releases/sm-distributes-ppes-and-medical-supplies-over-50-hospitals-nationwide#overlay-context=company-releases/ospital-ng-sampaloc-receives-medical-supplies-sm-foundation

    REFERENCE:

    Chesca Ortega

    PR and Events Specialist

    Roar Agile Communicators Corp
    roar.ph chesca.roar@gmail.com

  • Shopee donates 3,000 test kits and 100,000 masks as part of Shopee Bayanihan’s initiative to support the front liners’ fight against COVID-19

    Shopee donates 3,000 test kits and 100,000 masks as part of Shopee Bayanihan’s initiative to support the front liners’ fight against COVID-19

    Shopee works together with Senator Bong Go to help medical front liners.

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues its efforts to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines with its latest initiative Shopee Bayanihan. Together with the Office of Senator Bong Go, Shopee donates 100,000 surgical masks and 3,000 FDA approved COVID-19 test kits to support public hospitals and front-liners in their battle against COVID-19. The 100,000 masks were distributed to over 40 hospitals across Luzon including public and private hospitals from Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, Quezon City, Rizal, and Batangas.

    Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines said, “It is important for us to tide through this fight against the COVID-19 outbreak as one community. Our medical front liners and hospitals in the Philippines are working around the clock to contain the outbreak and we applaud them for their hard work and dedication. We are committed to doing what we can to support these medical front liners, the government, and the wider community during this period.”

    Senator Bong Go said, “We laud Shopee for their generous donation and for stepping up their social responsibility efforts to help fight COVID-19. Shopee, as an e-commerce platform, helps support our government’s efforts to promote social distancing by ensuring that consumers can get their goods safely and conveniently straight to their own homes. Both the government and the private sector must work together and do what we can to address and respond to the growing threats of COVID-19. Magbayanihan po tayo. Tulungan nating bumangon ang bawat Pilipino bilang isang nagkakaisang bansa. Together, we can heal as one.”

    Gerard Ho, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines said, “I commend Shopee in their efforts to support the Filipino community during this Enhanced Community Quarantine period in the country. Their donation will help medical front liners battle the crisis caused by COVID-19. This is a great example of a private enterprise contributing to the community.”

    Shopee Bayanihan demonstrates its commitment to provide support to those most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Shopee will continue to work closely with the government and step up its efforts to support them to prevent, detect and manage COVID-19.

    For more information, please visit: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan

    Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

    REFERENCE:

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M.+63 919 005 2173

    M2COMMS  | M2SOCIAL  | M2LIVE  | PROI

  • Shopee launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need

    Shopee launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need

    Shopee donates 2,800 KFN4 respiratory masks to the Philippine Lung Center to help medical front liners fight COVID-19.

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need. 

    In a true bayanihan spirit, Shopee partners with various humanitarian organizations like Red Cross, Kaya Natin and World Vision to raise funds to support different communities most affected by COVID-19 outbreak. Among those in need are hospitals faced with limited medical equipment and low-income households who face difficulties in securing daily necessities. Under Shopee Bayanihan, users can make a direct donation to these organizations via Shopee from 26 March onwards. Additionally, Shopee donates 2,800 KFN4 respiratory masks to support the health workers in the Philippine Lung Center in their combat against the virus.

    Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing of Shopee Philippines, said, “In the spirit of bayanihan, we need to come together and draw strength from one another as we tide through this COVID-19 outbreak as one community. We launched Shopee Bayanihan to provide Filipinos a platform to step forward and help those in need. The funds raised will channel much-needed resources to vulnerable individuals and families to help them cope with the situation. We urge everyone to stand together with us and help one another stay strong during this period.”

    All Filipinos can make a donation to their partner organizations of choice in amounts of P50, P100, P500, and P1,000 via Shopee Bayanihan. Here’s how:

    On March 31, users can tune in to Shopee Live to watch a special program on “Shopee Bayanihan Day”. During the program, popular local celebrities will put up a special performance to help raise funds under Shopee Bayanihan. Users can also find more information on what the partner organizations are doing to support the community.

    All proceeds made through Shopee Bayanihan will go straight to their partner organizations. For more information, please visit: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan

    Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

    About Shopee

    Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It was launched in 7 markets in 2015 to connect consumers, sellers, and businesses in the region.

    Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

    Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

    REFERENCE:

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M.+63 919 005 2173

    M2COMMS | M2SOCIAL | M2LIVE | PROI

  • J&T Express, to help mobilize goods amid community quarantine in Metro Manila

    J&T Express, to help mobilize goods amid community quarantine in Metro Manila

    Despite the government’s recent announcement of community quarantine of Luzon, J&T Express, the number one e-commerce delivery company in Southeast Asia, remains operational to help mobilize goods around the metropolis.

    Recently, the government put Metro Manila under community quarantine to contain the spreading of the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) starting from March 15 until April 14. During the month-long quarantine, traffic restrictions will be implemented for all domestic land, air, and water travel, entering and exiting the metro.

    According to Dean Ding, chief executive officer of J&T Express Philippines, the company sees the need to continue its operations and, it is ready to help any individual or organization in transporting goods and other products, as part of its commitment to help the public amid the COVID-19 situation.

    “As a delivery company, we want to help ensure that all-important goods and products, from food to disinfectants, are delivered on time, especially in difficult situations, such as this pandemic. We are also ready to help any organization should they need our assistance,” he said.

    Ding also noted that all its staff, riders, and deliverymen are well-equipped with the knowledge on health and safety procedures set by the authorities to ensure safety.

    “Everyone’s health and safety are our top priority. Our staff, including our riders and truck drivers, are equipped with facemasks, hand sanitizers/alcohols, and package disinfectants, as part of our precautionary measures,” Ding added.

    J&T Express also encourages citizens to heed to the government’s call to practice proper hygiene and safety precautions to beat the virus such as wearing facemasks, washing hands with water and soap, carrying hand sanitizers or alcohol, and practice social distancing by avoiding crowded places.

    For those who are experiencing symptoms of the virus, it is also advised to be self-quarantined at home or call DOH hotline (02)8651-7800 for inquiries on what to do.

    To know more about J&T Express and our services, visit their official FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/jntexpressphilippines.

    REFERENCE:

    Alvin A. Marayan

    External & Media Relations

    PRC, Inc.

    Unit 206 State Condominium IV, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan M.M.

    CP # 0998-9613729 Telefax# 02-7250237 * 02-4708535

    Email: alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph

  • 5 easy steps to combat fake news while on your mobile phones

    5 easy steps to combat fake news while on your mobile phones

    Right now, people around the globe, are stuck at home in a bid to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic—glued to their mobile phones, consuming the rapid spread of news and information that has multiplied even more in the already fast-paced online platform.

    Along with the pandemic, fake news also spreads abound bringing to attention
    the likewise important need to combat the scourge of misinformation.

    With the need for credible real-time updates, the call for social media responsibility has also risen exponentially with fake news keeping pace with the spread of the virus.

    With that, here are 5 easy steps to be a responsible mobile phone user by keeping the “fake news virus” at bay:

    1. Don’t share posts and news stories immediately

    Most headlines are crafted to give an enticing summary or lead-in to a story, but they aren’t always what they are, so it’s better to go through the entire story first. Oh, and make sure to check the date as well because some people tend to share news updates from even a few years back.

    2. Read through for inconsistencies

    Are you fond of reading stories actively or passively? By actively reading through articles, one could already deduce the credibility of the story. Fake news tends to include outrageous claims, biases, questionable facts and figures, and grammatical errors—one that a credible writer would seldom commit.

    3. Be on the lookout for the source

    We sometimes open shared articles or read news posts without checking who shared or posted these. To be sure, check the source of the story or post—it is usually located at the top or bottom of posts and images. For external links, scan through the website address located on top of the headline and verify it first before clicking—shady web addresses can lead to virus-infested websites.

    4. Visit the supposed source

    Does a source seem credible because of its name? Not entirely. News update templates can easily be retouched using readily available photo editing apps. To be sure, visit the official news sites or social media pages of the supposed source and verify if they did release the story. It would also be wise to check if other credible news sites released a similar story.

    5. Reflect on actually posting or sharing

    By the time you’ve finished verifying, and given that it is indeed a credible story from a bona fide source, you’ve probably had enough time to reflect on whether it is actually worth sharing in the first place. It would also be good to review your intentions in sharing the material.

    Additional step: Download credible news apps

    To get authentic news updates and stories on-the-dot, you could always download apps developed by top news sites in the country. These are readily available through the seamless Vivo app store, available in all Vivo smartphones.

    And there you go! There is power in staying in and keeping abreast with updates, and a seemingly little thing such as preventing the spread of fake news can go a long way.

    About Vivo

    Vivo is a leading global technology company committed to creating trendsetting smart mobile innovations and services. Vivo is devoted to forming a vibrant mobile internet ecosystem, and currently owns and operates an extensive network of research operations, with R&D centers focusing on the development of cutting-edge consumer technologies including 5G, AI, mobile photography and next-generation smartphone design.

    In recent years, Vivo has taken frequent efforts in the sports field and is committed to promoting the mutual penetration of the brand’s diverse fields and diversifying its brand image.

    Currently, Vivo has over two hundred million users enjoying its mobile products and services around the world. Vivo is present in 18 markets globally and features offline retail stores in over 1,000 cities worldwide. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide.

    For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

    REFERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +638937472 | +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Robinsons Bank’s Advisories for the COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine Period

    Robinsons Bank’s Advisories for the COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine Period

    Bank Branch Schedule

    Starting March 19, 2020, select RBank Branches in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be open to serve you. Check the link for the complete list here: http://bit.ly/391Wr3T

    For added safety, Robinsons Bank is encouraging its customers to enroll their accounts in RBank Digital (Online Banking). This facility can handle various transactions such as Bills Payment, Fund Transfers, Balance Inquiry, and more.

    Loan Payment Grace Period

    For due dates of March 16 to April 15, 2020

    Robinsons Bank is aware of the challenges you have encountered in settling your payments for Housing Loan, Auto Loan, Personal Loan, Motorcycle Loan, and Credit loan. They are providing a grace period of 30 days for payments due from March 16 to April 15, 2020 for customers with good credit standing.

    Customers may continue to settle their loans via RBank Digital (online banking) where they can pay their bills, transfer funds, and more.

    Trust Banking Advisory

    The Bankers Association of the Philippines and the Philippines Stock Exchange have issued a memo dated March 17, 2020, allowing the Foreign Exchange/Fixed Income Markets and Stock Trading & Settlements to resume operations on March 18, 2020 and March 19, 2020 respectively.

    Robinsons Bank advises that:

    Beginning March 18, 2020, RBank Trust & Investment Group (TIG) will be accepting subscriptions and redemptions for the Money Market Fund up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM, subject to existing guidelines on settlements.

    Beginning March 19, 2020, RBank TIG will be accepting subscriptions and redemptions for the Balanced Fund and the Tax-Exempt Retirements Balanced UITF up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM, subject to existing guidelines on settlement.

    For IMA/ Trust accounts, RBank TIG will accept new placements and regular withdrawals up to trading cut-off time 11:00AM. Any unscheduled withdrawals will require pre-termination/ divestment of securities will be serviced subject to existing guidelines, prevailing market prices and applicable charges, If any.

    This will remain effective until further notice.

    For any queries or concerns, please email TrustGroup@robinsonsbank.com.ph

    PISO-FEE for Instapay and PesoNet transactions

    In line with social distancing measures and home quarantine practices, RBank is making it easier for you to transfer funds to your loved ones.

    From March 19 until May 31, RBank is lowering the service fee for Instapay and PesoNet transactions from Php 25 to only 1 peso.

    24R Hub

    Robinsons Bank’s 24R Hubs continue to be available anytime for customers’ immediate banking needs.

    This anytime banking facility allows customers to withdraw funds, deposit cash, pay bills and transfer funds via RBank Digital, and even open their accounts online.

    Visit the 24R Hub locations at:

    • Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico, Manila
    • Udenna Tower, Rizal Drive corner 4th Ave, Bonifacio Global City
    • Cyberscape Gamma, Ruby St., Ortigas Center, Pasig

    In an effort to help contain the COVID – 19 virus, Robinsons Bank will be operating with limited services and a skeletal workforce. 

    Rbank maintains its promise of commitment to service and strives to ease the burden of its customers during this challenging time. It will continue to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of its customers and employees alike.

    For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank/ and follow them on Twitter @RBankCorp for the latest updates

    Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country in terms of assets amounting to Php 110.555 Bn as of September 2019.

    REFERENCE:

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M.+63 919 005 2173

    M2COMMS | M2SOCIAL | M2LIVE | PROI

  • Staying safe from COVID-19: Basic protective measures against the new Coronavirus

    Staying safe from COVID-19: Basic protective measures against the new Coronavirus

    It’s no secret that people are scared of the current Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak, previously known as Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Some even resorted to believing some misconceptions, claiming that it can help them avoid contracting it. 

    The outbreak has now affected 81 countries, including China, where the new coronavirus strain, which has not been previously identified in humans, was first recorded.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), clustering pneumonia cases of unknown etiology was reported in Wuhan, China, last December 2019—this signaled the start of the outbreak, which has since spread globally, affecting more than 94,0000 individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

    In outbreak situations like this, the saying, “prevention is better than cure,” becomes relevant more than ever. But, what should you do to protect yourself and the others against the disease

    Citing the WHO and DOH advisories, Sante, a provider of premier organic health and wellness products and services, lists down the basic preventive measures you should know and more importantly practice, amid the COVID-19 outbreak: 

    Practice frequent and proper handwashing. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to eliminate the virus if it is on your hands. It also important that you know how to properly wash your hands. You may also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if your hands are not visibly dirty.

    Observe proper cough etiquette. When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Don’t forget to discard the tissue once you use it and wash your hands after or disinfect with alcohol or hand sanitizer. In the absence of this, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow.

    By doing so, you can prevent the spread of germs and viruses, especially when you use your bare hands, you may contaminate objects or even the people you touch.

    Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Our hands touch many surfaces, which might be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your contaminated hands, you might transfer the virus from the surface to yourself. Should you need to touch any part of your face, make sure to wash your hands before doing so.

    Maintain Social Distance. If possible, maintain at least a meter (3 feet) distance away from other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing, and with a fever. When someone infected with respiratory diseases coughs or sneezes, that person projects small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you might breathe in the virus.

    Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals. As a general precaution, you should practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets, or animal product markets.

    When you go to these places, make sure that you sanitize or wash your hands with soap and water after touching the animals and animal products. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If there are sick animals or spoiled animal products, avoid close contact with them. 

    Any contact with other animals in the market, such as stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, cows, pigs goats and bats, should also be avoided, including the potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities.

    Cook food thoroughly. Per good food safety practices, you must handle raw meat, milk, or animal organs with care to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods. It also pays to ensure that all your meals are well-cooked. 

    Maintain a healthy lifestyle. While in the flu season, you need to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Aside from a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, it also pays to take vitamins and food supplements to boost your immune system. This is what Santé has been promoting to help everyone to live more and do more in life.

    With its mission to improve the quality of life of people around the world, Santé provides premier organic health and wellness products and services with Santé Barley at its core. Barley grass is an effective antioxidant, rich in vitamins and minerals that not only detoxifies the body but also, aids in digestive health and boosts the immune system. Santé’s products are also made, specifically, with organic pure barley from farms, as certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency.

    Among its products is Daily C, Sante’s non-acidic vitamin C contains 568mg of Sodium Ascorbate. When taken daily, Daily C can aid in boosting your immune system. Its non-acidic form makes it gentler on the stomach and safer for daily use. Without the acidic pain from your usual vitamin C, you get the most out of this vitamin source.

    To know more about Santé and its product offerings and other upcoming events, visit their official FB Page at www.facebook.com/pg/santeofficial.ph or their website at www.santebarley.com/ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Alvin A. Marayan

    Media & External Relations

    PRC, Inc. (PR, Digital Marketing, Activations)

    Website: http://Teamprcinc.com

    Unit 206 State Condominium IV, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan M.M.

    CP # 0998-9613729 Telefax# 02-7250237 * 02-4708535

    Email: alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph