GSIS emergency loan to Mayon victims, earmarks P1B budget
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that the GSIS emergency loan window is now open to GSIS members and pensioners affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay. GSIS will accept applications for the loan until July 18.
According to GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso, GSIS immediately set aside a P1 billion budget to assist 39,000 GSIS members and pensioners in Albay who need our assistance. He added that members who have existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their previous emergency loan balance and still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000. Members and pensioners without existing emergency loan may apply for a P20,000 loan.
The loan has a low interest rate of 6% and a three-year payment term. With a redemption insurance feature, the balance will be deemed fully paid in the event of the borrower’s death, as long as payments are updated.
Eligible to apply for the loan are active members residing or working in the calamity area, not on leave without pay, have no pending administrative or criminal case, and have a net take-home pay of at least P5,000 after all mandatory monthly obligations have been deducted.
Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the province may also avail themselves of the loan if their resulting net monthly pension after loan availment is at least 25% of their basic monthly pension.
For further details, members and pensioners may visit the GSIS website.
Chooks-to-Go shifts to Google Workspace
Chooks-to-Go has joined forces with Globe Business to revolutionize the poultry industry by empowering their employees with flexibility and remote access using Google Workspace.
This partnership helped the company, dubbed “Manok ng Bayan”, move their operations from an on-premises provider to Google Workspace, a cloud-based productivity and collaboration platform, to further their digital shift journey.
The move to Google Workspace enabled employees to collaborate across multiple locations and stay connected to external clients and stakeholders. By providing over 400 Google Workspace licenses to Chooks-to-Go, Globe Business transformed their operations with an effective collaboration tool that allows efficient communication, employee engagement, and work flexibility.
Ronald Mascariñas, president, Chooks-to-Go, Inc., is confident the move towards digital transformation will help build a resilient and expanding business in the era of fast-moving digitalization. “During the pandemic, Chooks-to-Go survived supply chain, distribution, and on-the-ground challenges. Those days continue to motivate us to strengthen our operations and acquire systematized business solutions that meet our operational needs, employees’ well-being, and customers’ demands to build a resilient and growing business in a fast-moving digital era,” Mascariñas said.
Home Credit deal
One can avail of the iPhone 11 via Home Credit and enjoy zero interest offer f with 6-, 9-, and 12-month installment options.
Home Credit’s offer is ongoing and will last until September 30.
Mapúa Malayan Colleges bags awards
Mapúa Malayan Colleges (MMC) bagged two Catalyst Awards which recognize and honor innovation and excellence within Anthology’s global community.
Anthology is a leading provider of education solutions.
The first Catalyst Award bestowed upon MMC Mindanao was in the category of Student Experience. This accolade acknowledges institutions that effectively leverage technology to develop groundbreaking educational and administrative innovations, ultimately enhancing the overall learner experience both inside and outside the classroom.
The second Catalyst Award secured by MMC, this time for their Laguna campus, recognized their exceptional achievements in the realm of Teaching & Learning. This award specifically acknowledges institutions that have implemented Anthology solutions in innovative ways to advance the process of education.
Alas Oplas & Co., CPAs Bulacan Branch Unveils New Office Location
The Alas Oplas Bulacan branch, led by Partner Meg Paloyo, enthusiastically held a blessing ceremony to mark the opening of its new office location. The ceremony was honored by the presence of Alas Oplas Founding Partners, Donnies Alas and Marycris Oplas, who hold the positions of Chairman and CEO respectively. Additionally, HR Director Jenny Catapang was in attendance, adding to the significance of the event.
The newly inaugurated office, situated at Unit 7 TYK Building, Sta. Clara By-Pass Road, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, serves as a testament to Alas Oplas’ regional expansion efforts. This milestone reinforces the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing exceptional services to the community.
Partner Meg Paloyo expressed her enthusiasm about the new office, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil our new location in Bulacan. This expansion allows us to better serve our clients in the region and provide them with the highest quality of professional services. We are grateful to our esteemed Founding Partners and our dedicated team for their unwavering support in achieving this milestone.”
The Alas Oplas Bulacan branch is poised to create a positive impact in the local business community, fostering growth and driving success through its comprehensive range of services. With the new office’s strategic location, clients can conveniently access expert advice and tailored solutions to address their unique needs.
9th International Day of Yoga in the Philippines
The annual celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) was recently held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The event was attended by over 200 participants who practiced yoga as drawn from the Common Yoga Protocol under the guidance of the leading Yoga gurus and experts in the Philippines.
The 9th IDY celebration was held with the theme, “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means “Yoga for the world is one family.” The event restarted last year after a two-year gap due to the pandemic.
H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to the Philippines felicitated the local yoga teachers and institutions who took part in the celebration. Ambassador noted that as we enter the post pandemic phase, Yoga is gaining greater popularity in the Philippines as an effective practice for well-being and prophylaxis. At the same time, the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda has also generated considerable interest.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga in December 2014.
Pre–events were organized to promote awareness on Yoga across different sections in Metro Manila. Bharati — Indian Expat Women’s Association held yoga practice sessions at the National Training School for Girls and the Haven for Women Institute run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) in Muntinlupa City, the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, and the Bureau of Fire Protection in the City of Manila. Yoga practice sessions were also conducted by Bharati in Paranaque City’s Nord Anglia International School and Miriam College in Quezon City. In Pampanga City, the Indian Cultural Association of the Philippines (ICAP) held a Yoga practice session at Alpha Aviation Group in Clark. The Indian Women in Enterprise (I-WE) held a Yoga practice session at the Club United, Merville in Parañaque City.
BDO, OWWA honor overseas Filipinos
BDO Unibank and the SM Supermalls in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), collaborated once again to honor the Overseas Filipinos.
Spearheaded by the DMW and OWWA, Migrant Workers’ Day celebrations were held recently at the DMW office in EDSA-Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, SM North EDSA and SM City Bacolod, wherein BDO and SM Supermalls brought fun and laughter to the occasion together with comedians MC & Lassy.
The migrant workers were treated to various fun and entertaining activities, including games and prizes as well as informative talks on financial education by BDO representatives and how BDO can help them reach their financial goals.
Aside from the events in DMW office, SM North EDSA & SM City Bacolod, Migrant Workers’ Day celebrations were also held in SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao (Ecoland) & SM City Tuguegarao. Off-mall activities were also held in Clark, Pampanga; Bacoor, Cavite; and Libmanan, Camarines Sur.
Rising stars in business
The Business Manual, the Philippines’ pioneering online subscription-based business platform, has announced its highly anticipated event of the year, “Growth Con PH” on Thursday, June 29 at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
This interactive growth seminar aims to showcase the remarkable contributions of small to medium enterprises in shaping the Philippine business landscape. It brings together aspiring and established entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and business professionals for a captivating evening of learning, networking, and celebration.
The event will feature a recognition ceremony honoring the 20 outstanding “Rising Stars” of the business world, highlighting their innovative approaches and positive influence in their industries. Among them are Brian Poe Llamanzares of Artifract, Nina Ellaine Dizon of Colourette, Jon Carlo Lim of DragonFi, Isabel Lim De Vicente of Easy Franchise, King Alandy Dy of Expedock, ER Rollan of Growsari, Alejandro Manalac of Havitas, Aaron Roska Espina of ImmuniGlobal, John-Michael Hilton of Visum Ventures/Koomi, Jaime Gonzalez of PickUp Coffee, Ron Baetiong of Podcast Network Asia, Dennis Velasco of Prosperna, May Antonette Leuterio of Rent.Ph, Rachel Renucci-Tan of Renucci Rice, Bam Mejia of Sarisuki, Jean Magboo-Yuzon of Suds Sustainable Pods, Carlo Ople of Unbox, Dean Bernales of Uniquecorn Strategies, Pia Ugarte Garcia-Morera of Viajecito, and Vincent del Rosario of Vivamax.
Framework for disaster preparedness
Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm in Asia and Africa of Prudential plc, Pru Life UK’s parent company, conducted a field visit to Bulihan National High School in Malolos, Bulacan together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Save the Children.
This visit is part of their joint commitment to support the local implementation of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF).
Created in 2013 by Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES), the CSSF is a global framework aimed at reducing risks from hazards throughout the education sector.
In the Philippines, Prudence Foundation, Save the Children, and the Department of Education collaborated to develop the Comprehensive School Safety Ecosystem initiative, which aims to empower students, teachers, and the government by providing vital knowledge and skills to respond to hazards and disasters effectively.
Initially implemented on a school-by-school basis, the project’s current goal is to roll out a comprehensive policy and system to more than 47,000 schools nationwide through the help of DepEd.
One of its outstanding developments is the introduction of digital tools such as the School Watching App and the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report, designed to aid the information management and communication system of schools during disasters.
