Secretary Briones lauds World Vision initiative to assist DepEd's learning continuity plan

Sec. Leonor Magtolis Briones of the Department of Education (DepEd) commended World Vision's massive educational fund drive "Abutin Na10" that aims to fund the reproduction of self-learning materials and gadgets to help thousands of students facing the new school year yet challenged by the COVID-19 crisis.

The education chief asserts that “education must continue” with or without the threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) because it “is perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave our learners and our children.”

Briones said that "the health emergency has affected so many lives around the world, and has damaged our education curriculum, class schedules and overturned the system of delivering learning to children."

As learning continues, Briones also underscored to ensure that "the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel are protected.” The Abutin Na10 campaign hopes to bridge a gap by enabling distance learning and home-schooling modalities.

“We hope we can come together and do the things we thought can never be accomplished, and let us support the implementation of the country’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan for our children through “Abutin Na10”,” added DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq.

Helping children reach their dreams

World Vision chairperson and former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno said that the vision of “Abutin Na10” is long term as the partnership seeks to contribute enduring solutions to the current gaps in education in the country.

In his keynote message, CJ Puno revealed an alarming reality to most families who have become more vulnerable due to the pandemic. From a rapid assessment conducted by World Vision, some parents are compelled to consider drastic measures like sending children to work or away from home that could possibly compromise their well-being including their education and protection.

“Let us therefore help the state, represented by the Department of Education, to discharge its constitutional duty to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and also to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all,” the former chief magistrate said.

“To my fellow Filipinos, I encourage you to help our vulnerable children finish their education,” Puno added.

More partners giving their support

World Vision's Education Technical Program Manager Geomel Jetonzo explained that Abutin Na10 is a platform for education champions to contribute solutions in delivering quality education to learners.

“We thank you for trusting World Vision in reaching our last mile learners,” said Jetonzo.

Director Vinci Beltran of the Office of the President of the Philippines - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), who gave her message of support, encouraged the advocates of the campaign to embody the values of unity, generosity and faith to be able to serve the needs of learners.

Beltran added that with the honor of being part of the “Abutin Na10” campaign comes the challenge, and “as a humble personal contribution, I pledge to use and maximize the platform provided by our work at the PCOO and become the voice for the most vulnerable children and youth.” 

Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar of the Philippine National Police (PNP) also sent his solidarity message.

“I have faith and confidence to the officers, staff, partners and donors of World Vision on this program,” said Lt. Gen. Eleazar.

General Eleazar added that this is a clear and loud call for responsible adults to be united and to work together for their future, and invited everyone “Let us be one for children.”

Other partners present during the virtual launch included My Pope Philippines Magazine led by its Editor-In-Chief Aizel Dolom, One Network Bank, Texas Instruments, LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, San Miguel Foundation, Museo Pambata, Department of Transportation, Land Bank of the Philippines, DepEd Schools Division Office of Las Piñas City led by its Superintendent Dr. Joel Torrecampo, San Antonio High School of Parañaque City led by its Principal Dr. Maria Rhodora P. Espino, Reading Association of the Philippines, Education Network Philippines, Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, Psychological Association of the Philippines, and Asian Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation.

Jetonzo encouraged that every concerned Filipino can contribute. It's as simple as giving 10 pesos a day for 10 days, or just donating at least 100 pesos would go a long way. "Sampung piso, sampung araw, sampung milyong Pilipino, para sa sampung milyong mag-aaral, Abutin Na10!”.

For more details visit worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/ and facebook.com/AbutinNa10.

One Peso City Blends Coffee and up to 50% off on over 150 items await you on 7-Eleven Day! #711

7-Eleven Philippines is gearing up for another #711Day on July 11 with a lineup of exclusive deals and discounts just for YOU—their loyal customers!

Being on quarantine won’t stop 7 Eleven from finding ways to bring more convenience during these tough times. In fact, this year’s birthday is all about giving back.

“Because of the pandemic, people are more conscious of how they spend their money,” says Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO of Philippine Seven Corporation. “We hope to make it easier for them by offering 50% off on over 150 essential items and more.”

On July 11 only, 7-Eleven will give a 50% discount on grocery items and select snacks, like Big Bite Hotdog and 7-Fresh Budget Siopao. Better to start off your quick convenience store run with a small cup of City Blends Coffee for only P1! Yes, a coffee for One Peso only!

Keep cool with a FREE 12oz. Gulp for every purchase of 1pc. Crunch Time Fried Chicken.

Bring home and share the fried chicken goodness with your family with 7-Eleven’s Crunch Time Crunch Carrier where you can get a FREE 1pc. Fried Chicken and P11 e-wallet rebate for every purchase via CLiQQ app!

For the complete list of sale items click here - https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/whatsnew/711-day-2020

Don’t forget to mark your calendars! These discounts are valid until July 11, 2020 only.

Spend less, save big, and go cashless as 7 Eleven accepts payments via CLiQQ app and GCash. Make sure to follow in-store safety protocols, such as proper wearing of masks and physical distancing. To ensure a safe environment, hand sanitizers are available for use in-store.

The Philippines’ number one convenience store is always here to celebrate special moments with you. Drop by at any 7-Eleven store nationwide this 7-Eleven Day!

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter for more information.

Adae The Explorer : Bartering is Fun

Life is full of sweet discoveries. And one thing I recently discovered is the word BARTER in action.  Of course, I've heard the word before and been hearing it lately from the news, from the Facebook timelines of friends and others. Now this is a new thing for me to explore. I am actually and presently learning The Art of Barter!

It all started from a chat with a friend who's into bartering since the time of Enhanced Community Quarantine period. Bartering made her able to put food on their table. I got so curious and excited. I remember doing some series of reducing our stuff at home and tried selling it online. But to no avail, it was not that easy to dispose second hand items for a reasonable cost.

The Art of Barter is a delight as I see it. You simply exchange your items or goods without shelling out cash from your pocket. The sweet thing about it, you also get what you like. It's a good way to unload our unwanted things and have it swapped with something that we like and lucky what we need.

Now sharing with you my successful barter transactions. At first, I posted my items on my timeline with an album entitled "Swap It", unfortunately, I only got one from a church friend. She's finding  cooking pots for her induction cooker. So i offered my non-stick grill pan that I barely use. She offered her pot that she can't use because it's not designed for induction stove. Perfect! We then decided to swap our cookware! She booked and I booked thru a courier. We're both happy! Then that's the start of my bartering journey.

My first actual barter from an online barter group happened week after my first Swap It.  I posted my items and I got some responses. Two barter in one day! What a happy day.  But before that, a day before, I was surprised that my posts were all barred. It was because I replied to someone on the comment to at least find other item she can offer because my item is worth 4K and it's brand new. Which is a No, No! I missed reading the rules, out of so much excitement. Good thing, my two items and the barters contacted me thru private messaging. That's when we're able to continue with our deals. Lesson learned, don't forget to read the rules.

BARTER #1 from my toilet organizer to a bag of Korean noodles!

BARTER #2 from shoe boxes to earphone, mic and succulents

BARTER #3 from native lamp to snake plants

                              

BARTER #4 from my grocery bag to plants

BARTER #5 from my Himalayan Lamp to Monstera Pinnata

I really enjoy bartering! It's quite entertaining. You'll get to see other people's stuff that are extra ordinary, ordinary, and even out of this world. This old ways of trading is now on its popularity again. We can get what we want by offering what we have. We can now turn our unused collection to get something that we need.

How to BARTER?

1. Ready your stuff, unwanted things, unused for more than 6 months anything you do not find useful at all. Organize. Declutter. Let go.

2. Clean it up if it has been stored for quite a long time.

3. Choose items that are still in good condition not to disappoint your co-barter

4. Find a group (Online Group). Read and stick with the rules.
    Sample rules:
   A.No mentioning of the actual price or value of the item
   B. No cash involve etc

5. Join the groups within your area to avoid shipping fees.

6. If you are not willing to spend for the shipping, make it a meet-up thing.

7. Be careful. Stay safe.

Here's an example of my post where I'm just a new member.

Yes, I'll say it again "Bartering is fun! You just need to also learn the art of letting go. 

photo borrowed online

photo borrowed online

And if we'll look at God perspective....

Happy Bartering! Happy letting go! God bless!

Feel free to comment below. 

METROBANK-SUPPORTED MOLECULAR LABORATORY FOR COVID-19 TESTING INAUGURATED: LARGEST IN THE COUNTRY

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon hand a plaque to GT Foundation president and Federal Land chairperson Alfred Ty (center) and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobreña (left) to recognize the Php18 million donation of Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings to construct and equip the country’s largest molecular laboratory at the former PRC Headquarters in Port Area Manila on June 27.

On June 27, the country inaugurated its largest molecular laboratory capable of detecting COVID-19 and other contagious diseases at the former Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Headquarters in Port Area Manila. Through the initiatives of the Philippine Red Cross, the project was partly funded by Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings through a PhP 18 million donation, coursed through its corporate social responsibility arm Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) and Ty family’s GT Foundation (GTFI). The donation went for the construction and equipping the facility with two automated extraction machines for testing of samples. With additional contributions from the Australian Embassy and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), the laboratory has an overall capacity to test 14,000 samples a day.

The ceremonies were led by PRC chairman Senator Richard Gordon, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Inter-Agency Task Force Deputy Implementer Undersecretary Vivencio Dizon, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson AO, GTFI president and Federal Land chairman Alfred Ty, MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña and FFCCCII president Henry Bon Liong.

“We have been working hard in supporting various initiatives to address and combat the effects of the pandemic since the start of the lockdown. We advocate and support the conduct of “Test, Trace, and Treat” or T3 in order to identify the various factors in the development and mitigation of the spread of virus which could lead in flattening the curve," said Mr. Ty.

The laboratory will also go a long way in ensuring early detection and efficient treatment of other contagious and deadly diseases such as cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, dengue, malaria, tuberculosis, Zika virus among others.

The donation was part of the P220 million contribution by Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings to fund and support efforts to combat the pandemic and help those in need. The amount was allocated for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to benefit healthcare and security frontliners; support for the production of RT-PRC testing kits through the UP National Institutes of Health; “Project Ugnayan” led by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation; distribution of meals and food packs to underprivileged families; construction and equipping of molecular laboratories for the testing of cases in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross, and Ayala Group; and Go Negosyo’s Project ARK (Antibody Rapid test Kits) of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation. Just recently, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation donated 30 VIOS units for the mobility of healthcare frontliners of DOH and local government hospitals.

Metrobank is the country’s premier universal bank and has one of the largest domestic networks with over 950 branches and over 2,300 automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide, and over 30 foreign branches, subsidiaries and representative offices. For inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications Department at 8-857-5526, or Investor Relations Department at 8-857-9783 and investor.relations@metrobank.com.ph. Or call the Metrobank 24/7 Customer Hotline at 8-870-0700, or log on to www.metrobank.com.ph. For provincial areas, call toll-free 1-800-1888-5775.

GOLDILOCKS : Back To Baon

We are back to reality, back to baon!

As the "New Normal" is slowly accepted all over the country, eager Filipinos are finally allowed to go back to work given they follow specific social distancing guidelines.

Along with the return to the workforce is a return to bringing packed meals, that is why Goldilocks, the country's number one bakeshop is proud to introduce the newest additions to their acclaimed PinoyDeli meals!

Indulge in delicious pre-packed meals such as Beef Caldereta, Kare-Kare, Boneless Chicken, Dinuguan, Korean Beef Bulgogi, and Chicken Teriyaki, all of which come with a side of white rice and simply need to be heated in a microwave to enjoy!

Grab these and other goodies at select Goldilocks Full Stores in the Philippines, namely; Shaw, Pasong Tamo, Robinsons Manila, SM 1, SM Valenzuela, SM Mall of Asia, Gatchalian Paranaque, GMA Kamuning, Alphaland Southgate, Marikina Concepcion, Market Market, Espana, SM Megamall, SM Bicutan, SM San Lazaro, SM Masinag and various Bakeshops which include; Rosario Pasig, Parang Marikina, Cogeo, Antipolo 1, Tanay, Montalban, Waltermart North EDSA, Waltermart Makati, 11th Ave. Caloocan, JP Rizal, Waterfun Taguig, Masangkay, Scout Borromeo, Casimiro Las Pinas

For more information, you may follow 

@GoldilocksPH on 

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or 

visit the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph.

Digital Systems, Telehealth Demand Expected to Increase Due to COVID-19

In a recent webinar organized by insurance company Allianz PNB Life, Reach52 founder and Chief Executive Officer Edward Booty revealed that demand for digital and telehealth services are expected to increase as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this period of community quarantine, the global insurer has been sponsoring talks about the impact of COVID-19 on life and business in a bid to help Filipinos become more informed in adjusting to the new normal. Booty, who has worked for the UK National Health Service (NHS) and one of the world’s largest consulting organizations prior to launching his award-winning social enterprise in 2016, was the guest speaker on the webinar, “Insights and Learnings: COVID-19 Impact on Healthcare System.”

During his talk, Booty emphasized the importance of digital systems and telehealth services in addressing the non-COVID health problems that would arise from the pandemic.

“Global demand for telehealth is expected to increase due to COVID-19,” he said.

In the US, the telehealth market is projected to grow by 80 percent. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has already started boosting telehealth services in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is expected to expand this to other regions soon.

Even before the pandemic, Allianz has been offering 24/7 telehealth consultation as part of its Allianz Well! insurance product. With an annual plan limit of up to PhP100 million, it gives plan holders access to an accredited healthcare network.

“The market is slow now, but inevitably a number of core trends and needs will come out of this global crisis,” Booty added.

Trends and Opportunities

These trends include “digital health and remote care, with forced innovation adoption, and community-owned solutions.”

Data analytics and preparedness, which includes improving outcomes and patient-centric care, and focusing on prevention, is likewise expected.

Booty expounded that the demand in healthcare services is “patchy, and for many other diseases the use of health services actually decreases.”

He said that there are already 13.5 million people in the world who have missed their vaccines, with 21 countries experiencing vaccine shortage. For every death caused by COVID-19, he added, there will be 180 deaths from other diseases if vaccines are restricted.

In the UK, he cited, about 200,000 weekly screenings and test referral for cancer have been put on hold.

On the other hand, the number of visits to ambulatory care practices has declined by 60 percent, with surgical and procedural specialties and pediatrics experiencing the most significant decline. Patient volume has likewise decreased.

Global health, universal health coverage, increased equity, system strengthening, and continued low health worker numbers, as well as the need for sales, revenue generation, frugal solutions, and business model innovation are likewise expected.

Booty, however, pointed out that there is still a lack of solutions focusing on a comprehensive digital way. Time is also running out for the need for scale and accelerated progress towards universal healthcare.

On the one hand, demand for personal protective equipment is also projected to increase. For 2020 alone, 2.2 billion surgical masks, 1.1 billion gloves, 13 million goggles, and 8.8 million face shields are needed worldwide.

The global ventilators market is likewise projected to grow to $12.1 billion in 2020.

Impacts on income are just as worrying, especially in poor countries, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pulled $83 billion from emerging markets, with the World Bank (WB) also projecting that there would be 20% less remittances this year.

Looking forward, Booty said that it is important to “pivot now.”

“Plan for the longer term, and take sensible precautions, but also appreciate that the economy has to function,” he concluded.

#

About Allianz

The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with more than 92 million retail and corporate customers. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance. Allianz is one of the world’s largest investors, managing around 673 billion euros on behalf of its insurance customers. Furthermore, our asset managers PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors manage more than 1.4 trillion euros of third-party assets. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we hold the leading position for insurers in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2018, over 142,000 employees in more than 80 countries achieved total revenues of 131 billion euros and an operating profit of 11.5 billion euros for the group

These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Such deviations may arise due to, without limitation, (i) changes of the general economic conditions and competitive situation, particularly in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets (particularly market volatility, liquidity and credit events), (iii) frequency and severity of insured loss events, including from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates including the EUR/USD  exchange rate, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (x) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, and reorganization measures, and (xi) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences.

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The company assumes no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.

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Get up to 50% off on your favorite grocery items and essentials during 7-Eleven’s birthday week!

Another #711Day is coming up, and this time it’s all about YOU—their loyal customers!

Living in unprecedented times is tough, but 7-Eleven hopes to celebrate by giving back to the community and offering exclusive promos and discounts up to 50% off on over 150 grocery items.

“We prepared our big 7-Eleven birthday week with our customers in mind,” says Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO of Philippine Seven Corporation. “It’s their celebration as much as it is ours. Giving promos and discounts on basic essentials — it’s our own little way to help them save during this time.”

From July 1 to July 14, soaps, deodorant, detergents, batteries, and other select essentials will be 30% off! While you’re at it, make sure to grab your favorite chocolates, biscuits, cookies, juices, and other snacks—they’ll be at 30% off too.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, enjoy an even bigger discount at 50% off from July 7 to 11! 

Complete your meal with a FREE 12oz. Gulp for every purchase of 1pc. Crunch Time Fried Chicken from July 9 to 11—or better yet, celebrate with the whole family at home and get a FREE 1 pc. Fried Chicken for every purchase of 1 Crunch Time Crunch Carrier of 6pcs chicken from July 6 to 11 via CLiQQ app!

For the complete list of sale items click here - https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/whatsnew/711-day-2020

7-Eleven values your health and safety above anything else. They would like to remind everyone to follow the safety protocols implemented in-store, such as proper wearing of masks and physical distancing, at all times. For a safer experience, hand sanitizers are placed around the store for customers to use.

Customers can safely opt for a cashless payment method via CLiQQ app or GCash, available in all 7-Eleven stores.

No matter the situation, 7-Eleven is always ready to serve in your time of need. Drop by any 7-Eleven store nationwide this 7-Eleven Day!

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter for more information.