SM City Calamba prepares to reopen its doors to mall goers

SM  City Calamba will be opening its non-leisure shops at 50% capacity on May 16, 2020. Safety is of topmost priority, thus continuous sanitation will be observed throughout the mall. 

Strict measures will be enforced in the mall such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and temperature check.

Other SM malls in Laguna will also operate under the guidelines of modified ECQ. 

For more updates, like and follow SM City Calamba on Facebook and Instagram or call 530-0062. 

SMC donates swabbing booths, test kits to all Metro Manila LGUs

SMC donates swabbing booths, test kits to all MM LGUs; puts up own testing lab for 70,000 in its network

San Miguel Corporation has teamed up with 17 local government units in Metro Manila to put up more testing booths in areas with high-density of COVID-19 cases as well as donate test kits to allow the poorest communities access to free testing.

SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said the booths would be scattered strategically around areas in most dire need “so our local officials can easily ask people to get tested.”

This, he said, will complement the national government’s expanded testing efforts, which is focused on building “mega swabbing centers” in key, major commercial areas to test, initially, returning overseas Filipino workers.

“This is the best way we can help our local governments ramp up or expand their testing capacity--in particular, for poorer barangays and communities, even as national government takes care of building our mega swabbing centers, which for now will be focused on our returning OFWs,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang.

“Our aim is to help flatten the curve in our less fortunate barangays, especially in areas where there have been outbreaks. Our less-fortunate countrymen are really vulnerable, because their living conditions make it harder to observe social distancing and other preventive measures. So we want to focus our efforts on helping them,” said Ang.

He added that while local governments have initiated testing efforts and also have their own budgets to do so, SMC’s donation would help expand testing capacity, particularly as the government considers the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in some parts of Luzon.

SMC TESTING LABORATORY

At the same time, Ang said SMC is moving ahead with plans to put up its own testing laboratory to test its 70,000 employees and extended workforce to help government in its efforts to test aggressively and gradually reopen the economy.

“Apart from donating more test kits, we are increasing donation of high-capacity testing machines to help significantly increase the number of tests that can be processed daily to contain the spread of the virus,”Ang said.

He added: “Testing booths are just one component of the entire infrastructure for an efficient widespread testing. We need to produce more test kits, and make testing affordable, if not free, to the hardest-hit communities. We also need enough equipment to be able to process all these tests. We have to mobilize all these components to be able to test at scale,” he added.

SMC is also donating three more sets of testing equipment, consisting of RT-PCR machines and automated RNA extraction machines, to specific health facilities and institutions in Metro Manila, including the National Center for Mental Health in its home city of Mandaluyong.

“There are many people and sectors in need of help today. We will make sure they are not overlooked or neglected,” he added.

REGULATE PRICING

Ang also batted for the regulation of the price of testing, noting that some reports have it that people pay as much as P4,000 or higher for tests.

Making testing affordable is the right thing to do now given that “this pandemic has profoundly affected the lives and livelihood of millions of Filipinos,” he said.

He added: “We have to be able to find a way to regulate the price for testing. These test kits are in short supply but right now, we are fortunate to have been able get them at less than P1,500.00 each. We believe that this is a fair enough rate for medical facilities that are using donated equipment and PPEs to charge especially to small companies who would have to test their employees to be able to safely reopen their workplaces,” Ang said.

San Miguel Corporation is donating swabbing booths and PCR test kits to all 17 LGUs in Metro Manila to help them further expand testing at the barangay level and focus on areas with high-incidence of COVID-19. It is also putting up its own laboratory to test 70,000 in its network.

SMC opens two pilot stores: Local farmers start selling produce at Petron stations

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has opened its first local farm produce stands in two Petron stations as it prepares to open more such stores throughout Metro Manila to help provide outlets for local farmers to sell their crops during these difficult times.

The two fresh produce stores it opened up are located at Petron Katipunan, near La Vista subdivision and Petron Zabarte station in Caloocan. Both are operated by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The program, which is in support of the DA’s “Kadiwa ng Ani at Kita” nationwide agri market program, aims to provide local farmers a ready market for their products, especially at this time when the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly restricted access to markets.

At the same time, it makes fresh, healthy produce more easily accessible to consumers via Petron’s vast network of gas stations.

“During this time of crisis, our farmers, livestock raisers, fishermen, and everyone in the agricultural sector, are also unsung heroes. We depend on them for our food supply. And yet, they are also among the most vulnerable to the crisis, especially since quarantine restrictions also impact their access to their traditional markets,” explained SMC president Ramon S. Ang.

That is why we are grateful to DA Secretary William Dar for giving us the chance to help our farmers through their Kadiwa program. This way, our farmers can still continue their livelihood even during this pandemic,” Ang said.

“At the same time, we will help boost food accessibility for our citizens, who are asked to limit their movement to essential activities during the quarantine,” he added.

Earlier, SMC rolled out the first 30 of its target 90 refrigerated van-cum-rolling stores, now situated at various Petron stations. The trucks bring fresh poultry, meats, and ready-to-eat food closer to consumers.

Meanwhile, six Petron Treats convenience stores—out of a target 50 branches— have also started doubling as pick-up/fulfillment stores for San Miguel Foods Inc.’s new online ordering plaform, www.order.sanmiguelfoods.com.

Ang added that Petron Corporation and San Miguel Foods Inc., both major businesses under SMC, are currently finalizing plans with the DA to roll out the next farmers’ produce outlets.

In a statement, DA Secretary William Dar said: “Our partnerships with the LGUs, the private sector like SMC and Petron, and farmers' and fisherfolk's groups, attain what we at the Department of Agriculture wanted all along to institutionalize, that is, ensure farmers of a ready market for their produce and a steady income stream, and provide consumers with affordable, healthy and nutritious food. Further, along the process, we also help stabilize the prices of basic commodities.”

Implemented by the DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, the Kadiwa program has four variants: Kadiwa on Wheels (vans, jeepneys, trucks, etc.); Kadiwa Retail (fixed location); Kadiwa Express (transport of products to offloading points, where LGUs or private sector can collect their orders), and Kadiwa online (eKadiwa.da.gov.ph). #SMC Media Affairs

Photo credit: Mr. Nonong Velasco, QC Food Security Task Force Head.

SM Builds Seven Emergency Quarantine Facilities in Metro Manila

SM, through SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), recently constructed seven (7) insulated emergency quarantine facilities (EQFs) in Pasay and Quezon City to house and treat patients affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Built by the SM Engineering Design and Development (SM EDD) team, and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, these include four facilities in Camp Crame and two facilities at the AFP Health Service Command – V. Luna in Quezon City; as well as one at the Air Force General Hospital – Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Completed within a span of six to ten days, these feature a total of 156 beds, air conditioning units, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, restrooms, shower areas, and nurse lounges. The EQFs are set to accommodate COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.

In the Camp Crame EQFs, each bed has a built-in call system and patients will have an access to Wi-Fi connectivity. PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa thanked SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans ‘Chico’ Sy Jr. and WTA Architecture and Designs for their contributions to the facility.

Apart from contributing to the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, this social initiative also served as a platform for volunteeriSM for SM employees, especially those from SM EDD.

Through the EQF project, SM EDD employees were able to volunteer their time and expertise in constructing the insulated EQFs, an initiative that has received encouragement and strong support from the President of SM EDD, Hans ‘Chico’ Sy Jr.

SMFI’s Leadership Team expressed gratitude to SM EDD volunteers for carrying out its purpose and commitment to provide EQFs to its partners in the uniformed service.

“We have courageous employee volunteers from SM EDD, sharing their expertise and time amidst COVID-19. We’re proud to support their contribution during this time of incredible need,” the team added.

The building of insulated EQFs is one of SM’s initiatives in line with its commitment to be of service to the Filipino public, its hospitals, and government during the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, SM, through SM Foundation donated over PHP170 million worth of personal protective equipment, testing kits, and intensive care unit (ICU-grade) ventilators to over 100 hospitals and medical institutions.

MOM'S MONTH: KAPITNANAY WITH MARIAN AND WALTERMART

This Mom’s Month, Marian Rivera-Dantes shares the story of the amazing moms who have molded her to become the person that she is today, and how she, as a mom, faces the challenges of our present situation with WalterMart.

Marian feels fortunate that she has two moms. She grew up with her lola, whom she fondly calls nanay, after her parents separated when she was two. It was her nanay, whom she considers the heart of the home (puso ng tahanan), who taught Marian that you can surpass anything if you have determination in life, faith in God, and believe in yourself and in the people, that surround you and love you – values that have contributed to her success.

And then, there is her mom, who she became close to when she returned, and now considers more of a best friend.

As a mom in our current situation, Marian’s priority is her kids. She comes up with activities for her 4- year- old daughter Zia to keep her busy - home-studying, doing fun art and craft activities and baking.

Marian is also hands-on in planning and preparing food for her family.  “Iyon ang pinakamahalaga na maihain ko sa kanila kung ano ang dapat at ligtas para sa kanila.” 

 She makes sure to get fresh ingredients and to complete her grocery list from WalterMart.   And now because of the ECQ, WalterMart Supermarket delivery service is a big help for her.

Acknowledging, however, that she can’t do everything herself, she believes that teamwork is important in families with husband Dingdong, daughter Zia, and of course, herself –taking on  different tasks.

This Mother’s Day, Marian thanks all moms for taking care of and loving their families. While she feels sad about the current situation, she feels it is important that “we stay strong together, stay in touch, and inspire each other.” 

“Kung may kapitbahay na nagtutulungan sa oras ng kagipitan, tayo namang mga mommy ay magkakapit-nanay,” she suggests. 

This Mother’s Month, Marian gives a special salute to our “kapit-nanay frontliners - doctors, nurses, police at military.  Mga government workers, food and grocery workers, OFWs, at lahat ng essential workers.” She believes that together, “kaya natin ito dahil magtutulungan tayo.  Mabuhay ang mga #KapitNanay.

Like Marian, you can enjoy WalterMart’s hassle-free grocery shopping experience through WalterMart Delivery service.  Just visit www.waltermartdelivery.com.ph for all your grocery needs. 

And those who wish to visit the supermarket need not worry as WalterMart implements its 4S program – Screening, Sanitation, Social Distancing and Service -  across all WalterMart Community Malls.  This is to ensure the well-being and safety of the families and communities it serves amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

MPIC NAG-ABOT NG TULONG SA MGA MAHIHIRAP NA MAMAMAYAN NG LALAWIGAN NG CAVITE

Tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagbibigay-ayuda ng Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) sa mga kababayan natin ngayong panahon ng ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine).

Habang nasa extended ECQ pa, namahagi ang Metro Pacific Investments Foundation ng 1,000 sako ng bigas at 1,000 grocery bags para sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan sa lalawigan ng Cavite.

Ang pamamahagi ng nasabing ayuda ay pinangungunahan ni MPIF President Melody Del Rosario at ni Governor Jonvic Remulla ng Cavite kasama sina PLDT Relationship Management Executive Arlyn Dungca - Del Prado at PLDT Business Head, CRB Mid Luzon, Michael Nolasco.

Makikita sa larawan (sa kanan) si MPIF President Melody Del Rosario at si Governor Jonvic Remulla ng Cavite. Kasama sina PLDT Relationship Management Executive Arlyn Dungca - Del Prado at PLDT Business Head, CRB Mid Luzon, Michael Nolasco.

Daily Update on COVID-19 Cases in the Philippines

DOH COVID-19 CASE BULLETIN #055

As of 4PM today, May 8, 2020, the Department of Health reports 120 new cases (PH10344-PH10463) of COVID-19.  NCR with additional 84 new cases , Region 7 with additional 28 new cases and 8 new additional cases from different Regions. The total number of cases in the country is now at 10,463.

DOH also announces 116 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 1,734.

FRONTROW FOUNDERS CONTINUES TO GIVE AID

In their respective Facebook account, Frontrow Chief Executive Officer, Sam Verzosa and President, Raymond “RS” Francisco both announces that the sales for the whole month of May will be donated to Frontliners and Indigents all around the Philippines. This initiative is even different from the existing donations they are giving away individually with a published of more than 45 million pesos as this writing. 

Both from a humble beginnings, Sam and RS both can relate on what’s happening right now in the country. Lockdown means staying home and work are on hold. Some workers are even experiencing hunger because of the "No Work, No Pay" scheme. Both these executives, has their own team to give out donations and have their own ways to deliver those. 

Just recently, we saw that Sam visited Payatas, Quezon City and Porac, Pampanga in person to share his blessings while RS teamed up with a restaurant to give away food to indigents with a “Kontra Gutom: Feeding Program.”

RS and Sam also helped personally the “OPM for a Cause: A Charity Concert” of Tag Media Group with an objective to help different hospitals, orphanages and LGUs. Entertainers performed includes Arnel Pineda, Adonis Tabanda, Gherns, Yazmin Aziz, Andria Bondad Nicolas, Frank Lloyd Mamaril and Elisha Pontanares. 

Both Raymond “RS” Francisco and Sam Verzosa receives awards recently under American Association of the Philippines with Philanthropy Awards. One of the awards they received also under Asia Leaders Awards 2019 among others. Truly these duo are walking the talk.

Daily Update on COVID-19 Cases in the Philippines

DOH COVID-19 CASE BULLETIN #053

As of 4PM today, May 6, 2020,  the Department of Health reports 320 new cases (PH9685-PH10004) of COVID-19. NCR with additional 179 new cases, Region 7 with an additional 98 new cases and 43 new cases from different Regions. The total number of cases in the country is now at 10,004.

DOH also announces 98 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 1,506.

Daily Update on COVID-19 Cases in the PhilIppines

DOH COVID-19 CASE BULLETIN #052

As of 4PM today, May 5, 2020, the Department of Health reports 199 new cases (PH9486-PH9684) of COVID-19. NCR with 173 new additional cases, Region 7 with additional 1 case and 25 new cases from different Regions.The total number of cases in the country is now at 9,684.

DOH also announces 93 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 1,408.

Daily Update on COVID-19 Cases in the Philippines

DOH COVID-19 CASE BULLETIN #051

As of 4PM today,  May 4, 2020, the Department of Health reports 262 new cases (PH9224-PH9485) of COVID-19. NCR with additional 122 cases, Region 7 with additional 88 cases and 52 additional cases from different regions. The total number of cases in the country is now at 9,485.

DOH also announces 101 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 1,315.

Daily Update on COVID-19 Cases in the Philippines

DOH COVID-19 CASE BULLETIN #50

As of 4PM today, May 3, 2020, the Department of Health reports 295 new cases (PH8929-PH9223) of COVID-19. The total number of cases in the country is now at 9,223

DOH also announces 90 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 1,214.

DOLE realigns budget to aid workers

The labor department has realigned P1.5 billion of its 2020 budget in order to provide a one-time assistance of P5,000 to an additional 300,000 workers already processed under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).

The realignment was ordered by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to enable DOLE to assist more formal sector workers displaced by the COVID pandemic, which has further ballooned to over 2.3 million.

As of April 28, some 87,301 establishments reported that over 1.6 million of their workers were affected by temporary closures while 797,729 were on alternative work arrangements due to the quarantine being implemented to stop the spread of the virus.

With internally sourced funds, DOLE will now be able to assist a total of about 650,000 workers with P3.24 billion in total CAMP assistance.

This, however, will leave around 1,000,000 workers still unserved under the special amelioration program. The requests for assistance submitted by their employers had already been processed.

So far, DOLE has already provided assistance to 407,300 under CAMP, or an additional 58,000 beneficiaries with the infusion of the realigned funds.

On OFW assistance, DOLE said it has provided the P10,000 cash assistance to more than 70,000 OFWs or close to 50 percent of targeted beneficiaries of the P1.5 billion AKAP assistance fund.

From reports of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices and local offices of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, more than 297,000 OFWs are seeking the cash assistance.

Meanwhile, DOLE said it will commence next month its regular Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in areas outside of the extended enhanced community quarantine. The program will utilize a separate P1 billion realigned regular funds of the labor department.

DOLE had already used up over P1 billion to fund the emergency TUPAD Barangay Ko Bahay Ko (TUPAD BKBK) to assist informal sector workers hard hit by the pandemic. It had 275,000 beneficiaries.

The program was recently cited by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization having been adopted specifically for informal sector workers and adopted by only 11 countries to mitigate the impact of the global crisis.

Aside from the Philippines, the other countries cited for such programs are Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, Thailand, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. ###

https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dole-realigns-budget-to-aid-workers/