Mapúa, BPI Foundation to offer scholarship to next of kin of deceased health frontliners



 

The Pagpugay Scholarship Fund aims to support the college education of the deserving next of kin of deceased medical frontliners such as doctors, nurses, medical technologists, community health workers, and administrative, utility, and support service personnel in health facilities.

 

Mapúa University has partnered with BPI Foundation to offer scholarship to next of kin of medical frontliners who passed away in the line of duty in the fight against COVID-19.

 

“Pagpugay,” which is a five-year scholarship program with an initial P1-million fund per school year, will choose 10 scholars who will be supported annually until the completion of their academic programs based on the scholarship program’s renewal guidelines.

 

Children of the deceased frontliners will be the priority beneficiaries of the program. If the frontliners were single and had no children, the beneficiaries can be next of kin up to second degree of consanguinity.

“iPeople and its network of schools are one with the bigger academic community in the advocacy to uplift the lives amid and through COVID-19. We are happy to open the Pagpugay Scholarship Program to our students from Mapúa, Malayan Colleges Laguna and Mindanao, National Teachers College, and University of Nueva Caceres. We hope that through education, our scholars will, in turn, use their knowledge and future expertise to build a better place for Filipinos and humankind, just like their parents so selflessly did.” ~Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, Mapúa and iPeople President

 

Qualified scholars will receive a maximum amount of P100,000 per academic year to cover tuition and other school fees for regular academic term.

 

Participating in Pagpugay Scholarship Fund are other iPeople schools, namely, Malayan Colleges Laguna, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, National Teachers College, and University of Nueva Caceres.

 

For more information on the requirements and the application process, visit the website of Mapúa University at www.mapua.edu.ph. Deadline of submission of applications is on July 10, 2020.

 

 



Eden Celebrates National Cheese Day by Sharing with the Community

 

 

As we slowly and carefully live to the “new normal”, as we deal with the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, in response to many families going hungry this COVID-19 pandemic, three months into what can only be described as the most unprecedented event in this lifetime, how are you doing? This is a trying time for everyone, regardless of where you are. One way we can all get through this together is by savoring the special moments that come our way, with the people who matter most – our families and loved ones.

 

“Our purpose is to nurture family connections with every savor-worthy meal. Despite the uncertainty of our current situation, we can still make the most out of our time at home. No family moment is too ordinary to share. We can cherish togetherness and bond over home-cooked dishes which are made more delicious with Eden Cheese. We wanted to show our support to the families of Rise Against Hunger’s community in Calauan, Laguna by celebrating National Cheese Day. We provided Eden family packs to 2,000 vulnerable families. We hope the enjoyable meals they can make together as a family and with Eden cheese, brings them some comfort during these uncertain times.” ~Kristen Mendoza, Eden Cheese Brand Manager

Families also received other snack products from the brand’s maker, Mondelez Philippines.

 



 

On the internet-proclaimed National Cheese Day on June 4, it’s only fitting that the country’s favorite Eden cheese marks the special day by providing ways for families to make ordinary moments more special and give comfort during these uncertain times.

 

Giving comfort and deliciousness to Filipino families is what Eden cheese has been doing for the past four decades. Currently, comfort and nourishment are what people need most, things which Eden cheese is ready to provide.

“It’s so important to keep extending support to communities and families at this difficult time. This crisis has impacted everyone, and more so the families who have little. We thank Eden Cheese for providing comfort to the families, so that at home they can experience small moments of delight as we endeavor to get through this crisis as one nation.” ~Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger

Celebrating National Cheese Day with 2,000 Families

With all the challenges in the world today, it’s good to take a break to celebrate the deliciousness and comfort that cheese can bring our meals and snacks. Eden cheese, together with partner Rise Against Hunger, thought to celebrate the role that cheese plays in our lives and kitchens by sharing snack products with the latter’s adopted community.

 



 

Mondelez Philippines has been sharing its snack products to health front liners and communities in danger of facing hunger since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. Their contribution has amounted to some P14 million worth of products distributed by partners like Rise Against Hunger and more than 40 other organizations and individuals nationwide. The Eden Cheese packs shared with families is one of the ways the Company aims to show that as a nation, we are #StrongerTogether. 

 



 



 

 

 

About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2019 net revenues of approximately $26 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

 

About Mondelez Philippines
Mondelez Philippines Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 57 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, belVita breakfast biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.

 

 

Messages of gratitude and support overflow as netizens design motivational cards for frontliners and COVID-19 patients

Photo credit: Stephanie Nodado

If there’s one thing that keeps the frontliners going it’s the overflowing support of families, friends, and even strangers.

 

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, the number of cases has also escalated in the Philippines placing Filipino healthcare workers at the forefront to fight against the virus. Doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and hospital staff face the hazard of infection everyday, and extensive working hours at the hospital can be very exhausting. Virus-stricken patients, on the other hand, have limited contact with their families, and being away from loved ones can really be lonesome.

To show compassion for COVID-19 patients and gratitude for frontliners, online design platform Canva encouraged netizens to show their support by simply designing a motivational card using pre-made Canva templates. In response, different groups and individuals have shared their messages to our frontline heroes and COVID-19 patients. The Filipinos’ trait of bayanihan is indeed in action even online.



Photo Credit: Ivy Awayan Araullo

 

“At a time when the country is facing multiple restrictions, it’s more important than ever to reach out to those in isolation. It’s incredibly motivating to see so many people step up to demonstrate compassion, something I hope will continue once COVID-19 is eradicated. We’re putting people first, which in turn provides stability and psychological safety in the community - the key to all of us winning the war on an invisible, yet shared, enemy.” ~Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Manila, Country Manager

Photo Credit: Yasha Christina Alarcon



 Canva sent over 4,000 motivational cards and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donations to hospitals around Metro Manila to applaud the sacrifice and dedication of the healthcare workers, and to show support to COVID-19 patients.

Check out more cards for frontliners HERE and for COVID-19 patients HERE.

For more information about Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT CANVA
Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

 

 

 



Filipino startups step up, harness the power of tech to help combat COVID-19

Startup founders Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of MyKuya; Gabby Dizon, CEO and cofounder of Altitude Games; Moritz Gastl, vice-president of Growth of First Circle; Stefano Fazzini, CEO of MetroMart; and Bonnie Factor, founder of Leading with Success with moderator Rocky Chan and QBO Head of Operations Natasha Bautista and QBO Director Katrina Chan during the first virtual QLITAN session held amidst COVID-19.

(Photo credit: QBO Innovation Hub)

The impact of COVID-19 left many businesses navigating the digital space. Some are caught off guard while others utilize their expertise in technology. Take it from Filipino startups who have been stepping up to help combat COVID-19 in their own ways. To provide tips on how they’re doing it, startup founders gathered for a QLITAN, a bi-weekly networking event hosted by QBO Philippines.

But this time, QLITAN was held online. In this virtual event, founders shared how they are responding to the crisis. Headlining the session titled “Startup Survival Guide — Adapting to the New Norm” are Moritz Gastl, vice-president of Growth of First Circle, a startup which provides business financing and access to credit; Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of MyKuya, an app that allows on-demand services such as grocery deliveries; Gabby Dizon, CEO and cofounder of mobile and blockchain game studio Altitude Games; Stefano Fazzini, CEO of online grocery delivery service MetroMart; and Bonnie Factor, founder of Leading with Success.

 

MyKuya volunteer runners serve as frontliners at this time by helping run errands for those stuck at home and vulnerable to COVID-19. Photo credit: MyKuya

These startups are now using this opportunity to create a lasting difference — banding together and using technology not only to ease people’s burdens but even potentially save lives.

“Startups are called to do what they do best — they are rising up to this challenge by deploying innovative solutions, moving quickly, and showing us how we can harness the power of technology for the greater good. We are seeing startups from different industries working hard at this time, from logistics to ecommerce to fintech and edutech. At a time when most of us are relying on technology to stay connected and keep working, these startups are showing us how it can be done. They are, in a way, frontliners in their own rights, taking initiative to tackle this crisis by leveraging their strengths in technology to help our country move forward despite the challenges brought by this pandemic. Our mantra at QBO is ‘Filipino Startups Changing the World’. We have always believed that our homegrown ventures and innovators can make a meaningful contribution to solving critical challenges and create impact. Now, our startups are showing what they’re capable of, and we hope that everyone will take notice, and recognize the crucial role that Filipino startups can play in bringing fresh ideas into action and will continue to support them in future.” ~Katrina Chan, director of QBO

Filipino startup Container Living spearheads the creation of Rapid Deployment Hospitals to aid in the overcrowding of medical facilities due to COVID-19.
Photo credit: Container Living



Startups aiding the government on the battle against COVID-19

Now more than ever, the tech capability of startups can help the government in a number of ways. The Department of Science and Technology with Developers Connect helped launch the RapidPass system where frontliners manning checkpoints can easily inspect vehicles and individuals by scanning QR codes.
 

Senti, a startup specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, provides the knowledge-base for the chatbots that the Department of Health deploys in different channels to address COVID-19-related inquiries. Local tech company Multisys, on the other hand, developed the online and mobile platform StaySafe.ph which aims to help the government in conducting efficient contact tracing.
 

To enable faster response from local government units (LGUs) in the fight against COVID-19, Limitless Lab, in partnership with The Asia Foundation, developed LGU vs COVID PH. The platform is an easy-to-use, updated, and reliable dashboard of all COVID-19 related information that LGUs can use and refer to.

 

Startups offering convenience, on-demand services

Unknown to many, some of the essential needs met at this time are also powered by startups. MetroMart enables people who are stuck at home to have their goods delivered right at their doorstep. To further harness its capability, MetroMart launched MetroMart Cares, a special online store for grocery donations in partnership with World Vision and Gawad Kalinga. Another startup, Zagana, helps bridge the gap for local farmers and consumers in need of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

MyKuya also provides convenience during the quarantine by helping run errands for those stuck at home and vulnerable to COVID-19. Some of its services include meal delivery, bills payment, and pharmacy and grocery runs. AIDE, a home healthcare platform, connects patients and medical professionals straight from their smartphones.

 

Even outside the Metro, startups continue to thrive. Pandalivery, an on-demand food delivery service available in Camarines Sur and Albay, expanded its service by including groceries and medicines to help amidst the quarantine. Streetby, an app that allows different merchants to continue to reach households in areas in Mindanao including Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Davao, General Santos, and Iligan.

 

Startups connecting the world, bringing communities together

Aside from providing essentials, startups are also mobilizing their resources and skills to aid in addressing challenges brought about by COVID-19. QBO incubatees Container Living and Kumu are harnessing the power of their community.

 

Container Living, a startup that converts containers to buildings in its effort to lower carbon footprint and costs, saw the opportunity to pivot their innovation to address the overcrowding of medical facilities brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Container Living CEO Mac Evangelista spearheaded Rapid Deployment (RAD) Hospitals alongside its team of local architects, professionals and engineers to build scalable, easy-to-deploy, isolation, and intensive care facilities for COVID-19 patients.

 

Livestreaming app Kumu launched Kumu Lives Streaming Service which conducts private live streams for free in an effort to enable Filipino communities, here and around the world, to hold events and gatherings online amid the quarantine, and Social DistanSING, a livestreaming initiative for a cause which brought together artists and celebrities online to share their talents and help raise funds for families affected by COVID-19. To date, Kumu’s cause has raised an estimate of Php1.2 million pesos for charity.

 

For its part, QBO also harnesses the power of tech by continuously providing support and learning opportunities to Filipino startups, making sure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to push forward despite the threat of COVID-19. For more information, visit facebook.com/QBOphilippines/ and qbo.com.ph/.

 

About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

 

 



DOH’s anti-COVID-19 campaign supported by Hotel Sogo







Hotel Sogo is continuously supporting the nationwide anti-COVID-19 campaign amid the Luzon-wide quarantine working at hand, through information dissemination and by helping fellow healthcare frontliners to have proper accommodation in time of crisis.

“We don’t want our health workers to just sleep in the hospital corridors after long shifts , as they have nowhere else  to go. We want them to have a safe and nice place to stay, that’s why we are offering our hotels for them. Frontliners have shown selfless commitment and risk their lives every day, they deserve more than this.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo, Marketing Manager



 

Hotel Sogo has recently allocated 857 free rooms to healthcare workers, which cost about Php60-million in coordination with 11 hospital directors and various City Mayors. The management remains vigilant in improving its cleaning and sanitation protocols for the safety of the staff and frontliners as well.  The hotels placed hand sanitizers at all access points, and social distancing  is also implemented. All hotel staff use improvised Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their safety. 

“We asked if Hotel Sogo has given us the permission to use their rooms, so that we can house our personnel, because it would be easy for us to keep in touch and be able to report for work. And other hotels are doing the same thing and some of the  hospitals convert some of their floors to dormitories for their personnel so they won’t have to leave the premises any longer.” ~Dr. Oscar Tinio, Comission on Legislation Chair of Philippine Medical Association (PMA)

Upholding the “So clean, So good” tagline, Hotel Sogo will stay true to its trailblazing nature by providing fellow frontliners a clean and healthy facilities along with excellent hotel services. 



To find out more about this and other Hotel Sogo’s campaigns, visit our website at www.hotelsogo.com or like and follow Hotel Sogo on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HotelSogoOfficialPage/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/hotelsogo and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hotelsogo/, and Youtube account at https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialHotelSogo.