REBISCO aids DepEd on continued learning during the pandemic

Keeping the Filipino bayanihan spirit alive, the Republic Biscuit Corporation (REBISCO) recently launched new programs to aid the continued education of school children during the pandemic. As the Department of Education (DepEd) pushes for online learning at home to curb the spread of the virus, REBISCO has come up with a series of learning materials in various formats that both educators and students can use.

Supplementary Learning Kits

Last July, REBISCO began its distribution of supplementary learning kits to 240 public schools in NCR. The kit contains school materials such as pencils, crayons, and other basic school supplies. According to Quezon City, Pasay, and Las Piñas school divisions, REBISCO is the first private stakeholder to respond to DepEd’s “Bayanihan Para Sa Paaralan” which seeks for support from private sectors in producing modified learning materials fit for home education. As the effects of the global pandemic were utterly unexpected, support from private entities are very crucial in accomplishing all planned activities for restructuring and reorganizing the education system to cope with the changes.

Activity Worksheets

Supplementary activity worksheets were also produced by REBISCO and will be incorporated into the printed modules that the DepEd will distribute to students once the school year officially starts on October 5. These will reach 351 thousand learners from the early grade.  

Instructional Videos For Teachers, Parents, and Learners

REBISCO is also instrumental in producing instructional videos to help educators navigate the new technologies to be used in virtual teaching. The two video materials are for DepEd Commons and DepEd LMS.

The DepEd Commons is an online library portal of learning materials accessible to public and private school students from Kinder up to Grade 12. 

The DepEd LMS is a virtual classroom where educators can facilitate the class and check 

real-time activities, among others.

Instructional Videos For Students

REBISCO is also leading in the production of branded video materials that can further reinforce learning among young grade schoolers. These videos will be made available on DepEd’s website https://commons.deped.gov.ph/and will include the following instructional videos for students: REBISCO Hand Eatiquette, Topps SarapBalikEskwela tips, Frootees’ The Frooteam, and The Hanchies from Hansel Sandwich.

“For many years, REBISCO has enjoyed the untiring patronage of Filipino consumers, particularly the parents whose children would often bring our products to school as their baon. During this time when kids are forced to stay home and miss out on the learning opportunities, they can only get from attending school, we felt the need to help so our children can continue their development. Through these supplementary materials that we have provided the DepEd, we hope that our school children will be inspired to continue their quest for learning and education and be motivated to strive and do well even under challenging circumstances,” said Rey Delos Reyes, Rebisco’s Senior Vice President for Marketing.

To access the supplementary learning materials from REBISCO, visit the DepEd’s official website at www.deped.gov.ph, and social media accounts: Facebook (DepEd Philippines), Instagram (@depedphilippines), and Twitter (@DepEd_PH).

To learn more about Rebisco head to www.rebisco.com.ph and follow REBISCO’s official social Facebook page www.facebook.com/RebiscoOfficialPage.

Kuya J just opened their stores in SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Galleria South, and SM BF Paranaque for dine-in, take-out, and delivery orders

Can’t get enough of Kuya J's delightful offerings? Lucky for you, they are now available in more places as Kuya J reopens three additional stores so more people can easily satisfy their cravings for Filipino comfort food.

Kuya J just opened their stores in SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Galleria South, and SM BF Paranaque for dine-in, take-out, and delivery orders.

With the lifting of the recent ECQ, Kuya J has reopened a total of 27 stores nationwide. Now, foodies in different parts of the country are closer to tasting their irresistibly delicious signature dishes and delights, such as the tender and flavorful Crispy Pata, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is the Lechon Baka, the succulent Beef Kare-Kare, and the rich and luscious Caldereta.

Aside from the three recently reopened stores, Kuya J is also open in several other locations including Otis, SM San Lazaro, Robinsons Manila, SM Megamall, Eastwood, Paseo de Magallanes, Waltermart North EDSA, SM Novaliches, SM Cubao, SM Sucat, SM Southmall, Festival Mall, SM East Ortigas, SM Marikina, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Baclaran, and SM Fairview.

Kuya J is also offering Filipino comfort food outside of ¹Metro Manila. Go ahead and visit its branches in Robinsons Naga, SM Legazpi, Robinsons Imus, SM Pampanga, SM Lipa, SM Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Valencia, SM San Mateo, and SM Cebu.

And for those who want to enjoy their delightful offerings in the comfort of their own home, Kuya J also offers pickup and delivery via www.centraldelivery.ph

For the latest promos, like and follow @kuyajresto on Facebook and Instagram.

Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Holds "September Online Sale" the Biggest Tourism Sale of 2020

With the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions around the country,  Filipinos are raring to pack their suitcases and travel, albeit more cautiously, to once again enjoy the country’s beautiful destinations with families and friends.

The Department of Tourism recently came up with a campaign to feed every Pinoys’ wanderlust: “Wake Up In the Philippines,” which showcases a series of online videos that feature all of the country’s picturesque beaches, breathtaking mountains, and mouthwatering cuisine. The virtual experience easily inspires one to start planning their next trip in the Philippines, be it in Batanes, Bohol, Boracay—or just about any place they want to visit soon in the country.

And with tourism being one of the hardest-hit industries--not just here, but all around the world--a local association of hotel marketers is holding a pivotal event aimed at further jumpstarting the Philippines’ hotel and hospitality industry: the September Online Sale, or S.O.S. Organized by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines, with the support of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), S.O.S. is a two-week online sale of 89 hotel accommodations and other offerings across the country, to be held on September 15 to 30, 2020. Through HSMA’s website, www.hsma.org.ph, travelers can find exclusive discounts of up to 70 percent off on regular rates of hotels in each of the featured destinations.

“Some of the promos are valid for up to a year—and even more-- while the others even have no expiration on their validity,” says Pearl Maclang, spokesperson for HSMA. “For travelers, the S.O.S. is both a limited-time offer that can help them save on their next trip and a chance to help the Philippines’ tourism industry bounce back from Covid-19.”

And speaking of Covid-19, HSMA Chair Margarita Munsayac assures S.O.S. buyers that all properties featured in the event have passed stringent health and hygiene safety protocols, all of which are also being communicated through their respective social media and digital platforms.

“Most hotels and resorts are ready with all health, safety, sanitation protocols, and are well-prepared to welcome guests again,” Munsayac says. “Months of quarantine have enabled these properties to plan carefully and in detail all these protocols, as prescribed by the government, to ensure the safety of guests as well as employees.”

HSMA President Christine Ibarreta stressed that this initiative offers hope for an estimated 5.7 million hospitality employees and workers.  “We have no illusions that life will be the same—if and when restrictions are lifted. But the public’s patronage and advanced bookings from the sale gives us hope that things will get better. It will also  enable us to plan ahead in terms of manpower and other operational requirements so that we will be able to hit the ground running when the pandemic scare is over,” shares Ibarreta.

The ultimate Philippine itinerary

S.O.S. offers options from 89 hotels and resorts all over the country, across eight key destinations: Manila, Pasay, Makati/Bonifacio Global City, the Ortigas Business Center,  Quezon City, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Boracay, Visayas, and Palawan/Mindanao.

Among the featured destinations and hotels during the 2-week sale are:

Boracay

Huge discounts on Deluxe Rooms (with breakfast or spa deals) at the Belmont Hotel;

Buy One, Take One massage offers at The Crimson Resort and Spa;

Buy Now, Travel Later with P6,000 resort credit promo at Discovery Shores;

Three Days, Two Nights packages at the Paradise Garden Resort and Convention Center, and at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa; and

A free night at The Lind, for a minimum paid two-night stay

Visayas

For families, Bluewater Resorts in Maribago, Panglao, and Sumilon offer up to 60 percent off on their Deluxe Room rates (with breakfast) for a three-day, two-night stay

The Bellevue Resort Bohol has promos for an overnight, two-night, or three-night stay, which include a 10 percent discount on boat rentals.

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan has extended its Forever Summer room rates at includes a 40% spa services discount at its AUM SPA

In Cebu City, locals can avail of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Staycation Spree deal for two or three nights.

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa will also be offering their own two-night staycation package, while

Savoy Hotel Mactan has a Welcome Back promo for an overnight stay.

Radisson Blu Cebu offers an Intimate Garden Wedding package for 20 persons, which includes an overnight stay for the couple.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, is welcoming back its guests with both dining and overnight stay discounts.

Palawan/Mindanao

Club Paradise Palawan: Break Free vouchers for three-day, two-night stays, inclusive of P6,000 resort credits for use in restaurants, spa, gift shop, and select island tours

Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido Resorts): Deals on four-day, three-night stays, with daily full-board meals

Seda Lio: Overnight stay for two, with P4,000 worth of food and beverage credits

Best Western The Ivywall: Overnight and three-day, two-night stay deals with discounts on local cocktails

Overnight stay with half-board meals at Aziza Paradise Hotel.

Davao

Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort offers discounted room rates for its Day Experience package inclusive of set lunch; and wedding packages for 25, 50, or 100 persons with a P30,000-50,000 discount

Dusit Thani D2 Davao will offer meeting room packages on a per-person rate, inclusive of special discount promos for room, food & beverage and wedding banquets  

North of Metro Manila

In Baguio City, there are huge discounts on accommodations and degustation menu for two persons at Grand Sierra Pines Hotel;

Costa Pacifica in Baler, Aurora offers special discounts on wedding package for 30 persons, as well as Buy Now, Stay Later vouchers;

Discounted weekend packages on rooms at Aureo La Union and jacuzzi villas at Vitalis Villas;

55% off on room rates at Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan inclusive of a heritage walking tour. 

Discounted room prices at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark in Pampanga

South of Metro Manila

Acacia Hotel Manila offers special rates for banquet and meeting functions for a minimum of 30 persons.

Extended Forever Summer hotel room rates and special banquet packages at  Crimson Hotel Filinvest City

Assorted room vouchers at The Bellevue Manila

The Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay city offers room discounts for two, while Quest Hotel also has its own version of a Forever Summer package

Seda Nuvali has an overnight accommodation promo for two

Overnight Deluxe Room vouchers at The Bayleaf Cavite.

Participating Metro Manila properties offering heavily-discounted overnight and staycation packages include: 

Manila, Pasay:

Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila, Conrad Manila, Diamond Hotel Manila, Golden Phoenix Manila, Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Hotel 101 - Manila, Jen Manila by Shangri-La, Kabayan Hotel, Midas Hotel and Casino, Savoy Hotel Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, The Bayleaf Intramuros, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Winford Manila Resorts and Casino

Makati, Bonifacio Global City

Discovery Primea, Dusit Thani Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila,  Holiday Inn and Suites Makati, Hotel Celeste, Makati Shangri-La Manila, New World Makati Hotel, Oxford Suites Makati, Seda BGC, Seda Residences Makati, Shangri-La at The Fort, and Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel

Ortigas and Quezon City:

Ace Hotel and Suites, Astoria Plaza, BSA Twin Towers Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Discovery Suites, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, Luxent Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Microtel by Wyndham - UP Technohub, Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites.

With the help of S.O.S, HSMA believes there is hope yet for the Philippines’ tourism industry to bounce back sooner rather than later, and come out stronger than ever, too.

“We believe that we will see the opening of domestic travel corridors by October, and more by December,” says HSMA vice president Benjie Martinez. “Come summer of 2021, we can expect the hospitality sector to be in a fairly better situation, as more people find ways to wake up in different parts of the Philippines.”

Book your ultimate vacation now! For a full list of participating hotels and resorts and their offers, visit  www.hsma.org.ph.  HSMA’s September Online Sale will run from September 15 to 30, 2020.  The vouchers are valid from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.  

Watch the S.O.S. webtalk on HSMA’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HSMAPH featuring Atty Tonette Allones of Tourism Promotions Board, Wil Dasovich, and David Celdran initially aired last Friday, September 11.

HSMA’s SOS is presented in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Atlantis, with special thanks to Isentia.

You can now shop for LG products on Lazada!

Over the past few months, more and more people have been staying at home due to the pandemic. It is the best way to stay smart, protect yourself and your family, and prevent infection. Social distancing is the responsible thing to do. There are times however, that essential items at home break down and require upgrading to a new one. The best solution for this is buying online. Ecommerce has boomed at a record-breaking rate since the pandemic started, since shopping remotely is incredibly convenient. Good news is that LG Products are available online with partner retailers and now, the electronics brand is also opening a new channel to cater to the needs of the customers. No need to go out and you are sure to receive your LG items in no time!

In a bid to make consumers #StaySmartStayHome, LG Philippines is set to launch their very own LG Official Flagship Store in Lazada. The launch, which will be announced via Facebook Live, will detail how during the new normal, ecommerce has seen an upsurge with consumers wanting direct-to-door delivery for convenience and safety reasons. The LazMall page of LG and its online partners will carry most of the technology brand’s product lines – home appliances, home entertainment, air-conditioners, and monitors. All items to be sold are guaranteed authentic and enjoy the reliable warranty services that loyal LG customers have come to know and rely on. One big benefit from ordering in LG’s Lazada page is free storewide shipping. 

Another exciting thing scheduled to be announced along with the Lazada launch is LG’s newest addition to their product line – LG’s XBoom Go PL5 and PL7. These are portable Bluetooth speakers that give any room, big or small, an immersive surround sound experience. To bring their XBOOM speakers to the next level, LG has collaborated with Meridian, the British pioneers and one of the pillars of High-Resolution audio. They are trailblazers in digital audio and their technology is actually used in premium British car brands such as McLaren, Jaguar, and Land Rover. With Meridian’s unrivalled sound quality and pioneering approach to audio, and LG’s reputation for producing award-winning, innovative consumer electronics, this partnership promises to deliver premium products with quality sound for everyone. As a special introductory offer on LG’s Lazada page, LG XBoom PL5 and PL7 purchases made from September 14 to 16 will automatically receive a P990 discount, free Shipping, and free Grab vouchers worth P300.

LG will also unveil a short series of livestreamed videos to be aired on LG’s official Facebook and Instagram, and Lazada page that will talk about the brand’s current product lineup and more. Watch the first installment of the video series in LG’s Official Facebook Page on September 14 at 12:00 noon. Follow LG’s social media channels for more details on the upcoming live streams which will feature different LG products that will surely grab your attention.

With LG, #LifesGoodWhenYouShopNow.

Visit their website now at lg.com/ph to know more about their product line up and where to buy! You may also visit and follow LG’s Lazada page here: lazada.com.ph/shop/lg-official-store/

ARISE PH announces first Board of Directors, 2021 agenda

ARISE Philippines convened and announced its first batch of Board of Directors in a virtual meeting held last Friday. The new and pioneering Board exchanged ideas and further discussed the next steps of the organization to formally set in motion the Alliance’s initial and forthcoming activities to achieve its goal of a disaster-resilient Philippines. 

ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) Philippines is a local network of the Global ARISE network, led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) where companies from the private sector are enabled to build and develop strategies to make their companies and its constituents resilient to disaster risk. The network supports the UN Office for Disaster Reduction (UNDRR) in its effort to pursue the Sendai Framework for Action for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-20130, a UN endorsed International agreement aimed to achieve “The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries”.

Challenge accepted! ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) PH Board of Directors convenes for the first ARISE PH Virtual Board Meeting this year. In the photo, from upper left, are Liza Silerio, PH Representative, ARISE Global; Kenneth Hartigan-Go, MD, MD (UK) School Head, Asian Institute of Management; Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, President, National Resilience Council; VAdm Alexander P. Pama AFP (ret), Consultant for Disaster Resilience, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Ed Sunico, Vice President, Unilever Philippines; Dr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, DPA, National President, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc.; Raymond Rufino, Chief Executive Officer, NEO; Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Rene Meily, President, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF); Ma. Teresita Medado, PhD, President, Asia Pacific College; Alex B. Cabrera, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC Philippines; and, Maribeth Marasigan, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation.

The Board of Directors is composed of exemplary men and women who are top leaders from various private sector member companies and organizations with the passion and purpose and commitment to make the Philippines a more sustainable and resilient nation through engaging and energizing the private sector in activities that are aligned with ARISE’s goals. The newly elected directors are:

●      Hans T. Sy, Board Member and, Co-Chair, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings Inc. 

●      VAdm Alexander P. Pama AFP (ret), Board Member and Co-Chair, Consultant for Disaster Resilience, SM Prime Holdings Inc. 

●      Alex B. Cabrera, Board Member and Vice-Chair, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC Philippines 

●      Ma. Teresita Medado, PhD, Board Member and Treasurer, Asia Pacific College, President

●      Maribeth Marasigan, Board Member, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation

●      Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go, MD, MD (UK), Board Member, School Head, Asian Institute of Management

●      Raymond Rufino, Board Member, Chief Executive Officer, NEO

●      Rene “Butch” Meily, Board Member, President, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF)

●      Ed Sunico, Board Member, Vice President, Unilever Philippines

●      Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Board Member, President, National Resilience Council

●      Dr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, DPA, Board Member, National President, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc

In his welcoming remarks, Former ARISE Global Board Member and ARISE PH Co-Chair, Mr. Hans T. Sy persuaded the board to make institutionalization of disaster risk reduction as a business strategy an important part of the organization’s advocacy. 

“Consider that your election to the ARISE Board means that you are part of the integral and growing worldwide movement. As a member, you will have first-hand access to the current life-saving and critical knowledge in DRR methodologies. You’ll be able to strengthen your own company’s DRR using the network that welcomes you with open arms and you will share your programs to help others in return. We can’t predict a crisis or disaster but we can better prepare, and I am sure you will all agree with me that DRR as a good business strategy should be our advocacy,” he said.

During the meeting, VAdm Alexander P. Pama AFP (ret), Board Member and Co-Chair, laid down the organization’s initial plans in response to the COVID-19 crisis in the country. He noted that the organization will likewise have to undertake a significant paradigm shift in order to achieve its vision and mission given that the pandemic has fundamentally upended the nature of the corresponding DRR models.

“We have initially lined up activities to be undertaken in order for ARISE Philippines to rise up to the occasion and immediately address the needs to re-energize the private sector for the attainment of our vision of a disaster-resilient and prosperous country and society,” Vice Admiral Pama shared.

The initial plans include the Annual General Membership Meeting 2020; Review and Reassessment of Arise Philippines Goals and Objectives with the ARISE Four (4) Priority Areas such as integrating DRR into the financial sector decision making, building the resilience of SMEs, resilient infrastructure, and the role of insurance in DRR and resilience; Setting up KPIs and Target Accomplishments; and, Work Plan for 2020-2023 as the main activity references and drivers. These plans will be further discussed and fine-tuned by the members in the coming days. 

ARISE Vice Chair Alex Cabrera noted that the pandemic is a sufficient motivation for the Board to succeed in its goals. “Our job today is pretty much cut out in building a resilient business community and resilient society… I will be very interested to work on what kind of partnerships we can do with the public sector as well and how can we improve the quality of intervention of the public sector in helping ARISE achieve its purpose as an organization,” Cabrera added.

PDRF’s President and ARISE Board Member Butch Meily, on the other hand, encouraged all the members to stand united in boosting their DRR efforts amid the crisis. “If there's one thing that we've learned in this pandemic is that we all have to work together… Unless we are all safe, no one is safe, and I think it's time for the ARISE Board to come together,” he told the members. 

Ms. Toni Loyzaga, National Resilience Council President and ARISE Board Member for her part said that, “We (at the NRC) look forward to even close collaboration with ARISE Philippines as it steers the course (of) this country for evidence-based private sector partnerships in pursuit of DRR and resilience development.”

Meanwhile, PH representative to the ARISE Global Board, Liza Silerio lauded the members’ selfless service and commitment in the acceptance of this critical position.  “It (election of local board) proves that the Philippine Private Sector is united in its strong desire to make a mark in the country’s Disaster Risk Reduction. This coming together of diverse private sector groups manifested a mutually energized partnership and convergence,” Silerio said.

To know more about ARISE Philippines, you may contact its secretariat through arisephilippines@smprime.com or visit  https://cc.preventionweb.net/arise/asia_pacific/arise_philippines

Super energetic comedians top TV5’s hit game shows

TV5’s comedy game shows get extra crazy and super energetic this week with hyper comediennes Candy Pangilinan and Tuesday Vargas in the house. The countdown to Christmas also begins as “Fill in the Bank” and “Bawal na Game Show” continue to give away cash prizes and more surprises.   

On September 14, “Fill in the Bank” will have massage therapists as contenders who will vie for the jackpot money of as much as Php150,000. House husbands will take charge on September 16 when the show starts counting 100 days before Christmas. The players will go through the fun money-saving rounds: Enter your Pin Code, Cheque or X, Coin Rush and Huli Cash.

Not to be missed on September 18 is the electrifying tandem of Candy Pangilinan and Tuesday Vargas who will join “Fill in the Bank” hosts “Manedyer” Jose Manalo and “Madam Poky” Pokwang. Catch them compete in the show’s hilarious games Ayuda Teh! Machine (ATM) and Panghakot na Papremyo Equipment (PPE). Be a “Juan Partner” and bet on your favorite contestant online to win as much as Php5,000. Be sure to watch “Fill in the Bank” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 p.m. only on TV 5.  

“Bawal na Game Show” remains to be on top of its game with the cross-dressing tandem of Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros as the ever-funny Ghorl Twins. Studio players are up for a real challenge that will test their ability to follow rules through “Bawal Ma-Fall,” “Bawal ang Da Moves,” “Bawal ang Sablay,” “Bawal ang Sumuko” and “Bawal na Roleta” with a chance to win as much as Php100,000.  Be a “Bawal Lumabas” home partner by doing the signature “bawal pose” to win cash prizes. Don’t miss “Bawal na Game Show” airing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. only on TV5.

PLDT-Smart Foundation tops up educational grant for PNP dependents

Dependents of Filipino police officers killed or injured in service receive a P1-million educational grant from PLDT-Smart Foundation, now on its 12^th year, with the aim of providing college educational opportunities. The PSF has so far produced 639 scholars through the Educational Assistance Program. 

"Education is an integral part of our efforts in the PLDT-Smart Foundation. We continue to do our part in the community to ensure that we provide adequate resources to support today's youth as they become our next generation of leaders,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan who is also the Chairman of the PLDT-Smart Foundation.   

In line with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Integrated Transformation Program, the PSF Educational Assistance Program aims to provide college educational opportunities to the dependents of PNP uniformed personnel, with highest priority to those who are sons/daughters of personnel who were killed in actual performance of duty (KIA), complete disability discharged (CDD) wounded or incapacitated in line of duty and those dependents who graduated with honors.  

 The PLDT-Smart Foundation turns over the P1-M educational grant to the PNP. Present during the turnover are, from left: PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos, Smart Communications President and CEO Al Panlilio, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan, PNP Chief Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, Center for Police Strategy Management Director Police Brigadier General Rhoderick Armamento, PNP Health Service Director Police Brigadier General Ronaldo Olay.  

"In PLDT and Smart, we appreciate and we are extremely grateful for the heroic efforts that our police force has done through the years. Even now, amid the pandemic, they serve our country and the Filipino people by ensuring our safety and protection,” said Smart President & CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio.   

  

Every year, a total of 50 dependents are selected by the PNP to benefit from this scholarship assistance. The annual grant of the PSF to the PNP is P500,000. Last year, the MVP Golf Cup led by PLDT Enterprise partnered with the PSF as its beneficiary for the mulligan donation. PLDT Enterprise matched the annual grant of the PSF, amounting to a total of P1-million educational grant for 2020.   

  

“Some of the most heartwarming stories I have ever heard are from the children of our PNP heroes. These are stories of loss, grief, hope and healing. We want to continue the legacy of these brave men and women by empowering their sons and daughters to have the best opportunities. In the PLDT-Smart Foundation, we become enablers of dreams and countless possibilities,” said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos. 

  

Empowering the youth 

  

20-year-old Jhosan Michelle Roy is one of this year’s beneficiaries of the educational grant. She is currently a third year college student, taking up BS Psychology in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Main Campus. Roy dreams to be a clinical psychologist someday while running her own business.  

  

“Malaking bagay po ang tulong na ibinigay sa akin ng PLDT-Smart Foundation. I’m sure na ‘yung papa ko po ay masaya ngayon dahil patuloy kong inaabot ang mga pangarap ko. Thank you, PLDT-Smart Foundation. Mabuhay po kayo,” said Roy.  

  

Over the last twelve years, the PSF has honored the sacrifices of our nation’s public servants – the brave women and men of the Philippine National Police. Through the years, the grant was able to make a big difference in the lives of beneficiaries and uplifted the morale of the entire police force.