DigiPlus Interactive Empowers 75,000+ Filipinos for Typhoon Season Resilience

 In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Carina on Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, DigiPlus Interactive, through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, mobilized significant resources to support affected communities and strengthen resilience in barangays amidst the typhoon season ahead.

Digibuddy volunteers joined BingoPlus Foundation in delivering essentials to affected communities.

In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Foundation distributed essential goods to 15,160 households in NCR and affected provinces or an estimated 75,800 individuals. “Digibuddy” employee volunteers joined in repacking activities and distribution of relief goods in barangays across Marikina, Valenzuela, Navotas, Rizal, Bulacan and Pampanga.

The Foundation further provided rice and milk to the DSWD Pag-Abot Center and other shelters for abandoned children and elderly, in support of 787 homeless individuals rescued and housed in halfway homes. These initiatives align with the Foundation’s advocacy pillar focused on Community Resilience.

 

In the days leading up to Typhoon Carina, BingoPlusFoundation’s Barangay Bigayan efforts centered on bolstering the resilience of vulnerable communities. In Bulacan, a total of 610 residents in Norzagaray, including members of the nomadic Dumagat community, received a rainwater catchment tank and household water filtration systems, in partnership with Waves 4 Water. The initiative aimed to empower barangays with sustainable access to clean water amidst the impact of climate change.

 

Furthermore, the children of Dike Adwas Elementary School received emergency go bags and disaster preparedness training in a fun and engaging way through the donation of “Masters of Disaster” learning game sets designed by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation. These efforts underscore the companies' commitment to not only provide immediate relief but also to invest in long-term resilience and disaster preparedness.

 

The ongoing support aligns with the 10 million pesos commitment made during BingoPlus Day in Cebu, which continues to assist affected Filipinos in their recovery. DigiPlusInteractive and BingoPlus Foundation are actively engaging with public and private partners to rehabilitate livelihoods impacted by the typhoon and to enhance disaster response capabilities in vulnerable communities.

 

As the country anticipates more typhoons in the months ahead, DigiPlus Interactive and BingoPlus Foundation remain dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient Philippines.

mWell Enhances Mental Health Access with Affordable Counseling, Mind Health Score, and Wellness Tools

 

In response to mental health issues affecting millions of Filipinos, mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, strengthens its holistic health and wellness platform with affordable mind health services. Following the launch of the Mind Health Score in May, mWell now offers sessions with certified mind health coaches for as low as ₱499. As the only Philippine health and wellness app available globally, mWell provides mind health support to students, workforce members, and Overseas Filipino Workers. 

Mind health experts from Mental Health Hour Manila may be reached using the mWell app.

Certified mind health coaches, who are located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and speak various dialects such as Ilocano and Bisaya are ready to provide support in a fully confidential session.

 

mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan says, “mWell aims to transcend geographic boundaries and provide holistic wellness to our countrymen. Mental wellness is an important part of this, and helps us to make the most out of our lives. We look forward to helping even more Filipinos take control of their health wherever they may be.”

 

“As an advocate of holistic health, mWell is here to help through our Mind Health Score and self-guided modules. We have also made it affordable and accessible for everyone. By becoming healthier in mind and in body, Filipinos can provide better for their family, help the economy, and contribute to uplifting the country and the world,” said mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal- Revilla. 

 

Empowering Students, OFWs, and Members of the Workforce with Digital Mind Health Tools

According to recent reports, there is an urgent need for more mental health support for students. To address this need, mWell empowers them using the app’s Mind Health Score feature. 

 

Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Well-being Index, this exclusive feature contains modules that help boost self-awareness, foster empowerment, hope, and positivity through evidence-based techniques. It allows mWell users to improve their overall mental well-being at their own pace. 

mWell also promotes holistic wellness programs to help students reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress through campus tours across the country. 

 

To address the mental health needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), mWell has partnered with the Department of Migrant Workers, (DMW), Ding.com and PLDT Global to make mind health services accessible to them.

 

This ensures that OFWs can connect with Filipino mind health coaches and counselors with features and services that can help them manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges while away from home. 

 

mWell also works with various companies to create customized programs promoting holistic health for increased productivity in the workplace. The Mind Health features equip members of the workforce with tools to address stress and anxiety, enhancing work performance and well-being. 

 

 

Mind health issues affect more Filipinos

 

Mental health continues to be a sensitive issue in the Philippines, with many enduring in silence. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. According to the Philippine Mental Health Association there is less than one mental health worker for every 100,000 Filipinos. Access to mental health services remains limited due to the high cost, ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱4,500 per session.

Mind Healthsavers: Affordable, accessible professional counseling 

 

To address the lack of access to mental health experts, mWell gives an accessible platform for Filipinos. In partnership with experts from Mental Health Hour Manila, mWell introduces Mind Healthsavers—an exclusive package offering 30-minute video sessions for as low as ₱499. The collaboration allows coaches across the country to provide support in a fully confidential session, and even recommend specialized treatment.

 

“While conversations about mental illness are growing, we must also create safe spaces that truly listen to those in need. Mental Health Hour Manila is committed to this mission. And with our partnership with mWell, we are expanding to the most remote areas nationwideand abroad. Our goal is to bridge the gap between mental illness and support, break the stigma, and empower individuals to be self-sufficient. We are grateful to God for making this possible through our collaboration with mWell.” says Arianne Alvarez, Co-founder and President of Mental Health Hour Manila.

 

To complement the Mind Health offer, the mWellness Score providesan overall physical health score daily. This allows users to monitor physical activity, step count, and sleep for long-term health. With its gamification feature, users may join wellness challenges, check their rank in the leaderboard, and monitor their progress. The mWellnessScore works best when paired with Wearables like the mWell Watch and Rings. 

 

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

 

Follow mWell on Facebook and mWellph on Instagram for more updates. 

 

PLDT High Speed Hitters Showcase ‘Puso,’ Aim to Close PVL Reinforced Conference with a Victory

 

 

The drum beats on for the PLDT High Speed Hitters as they shoot to clinch a third-place finish in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Wednesday, September 4. Although not in the championship game at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City, the High Speed Hitters are committed to finish the conference with “puso” ringing through the end.

 

The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed team lost their finals ticket after a heartbreaking 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 24-26, 15-17 loss against the Akari Chargers in the knockout semifinal.

 

“Personally, nahirapan akong tanggapin nung una kasi feeling ko malapit na naming maabot ang goal namin as a team,” said team captain Kath Arado. “Pero kahit masakit para sa amin kung ano ang naging outcome ng game, pinakita ng team kung gaanosila ka-professional bilang manlalaro at ka-passionate sa sport. For this, I remain thankful.”

 

PLDT's conference stint was the epitome of “puso,” as the team played the entire tournament without leading local scorers in Savi Davison and Kianna Dy – who were both out due to injury. Despite that, the team made a spirited run to the semifinals, facing the undefeated Akari Chargers as the fourth overall seed.

 

The High Speed Hitters were close to sealing the deal, but breaks of the game did not turn into their favor. They ultimately fell short of a finals stint against powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, facing sister team Cignal HD Spikers for the bronze medal instead.

 

Puso = power

“Despite these tough times, we remain committed to finishing the tournament. Puso ang ipanlalaban namin,” said Arado. “Masnanaig pa din yung integrity na gusto naming i-instill sa bawatisa na lalaban kami palagi nang tapat at patas. Dahil para saakin, dito mas mahuhubog yung loob at isip namin tanggapinano man ang mangyari at palaging mag-set ng positive mindset sa mga bagay na mahal namin kagaya ng volleyball.”

 

Arado, a three-time PVL Best Libero, registered 19 excellent digs in their last match, supporting setter Kim Fajardo’s efficient and well-distributed plays. Import Lena Samoilenko led PLDT’s scoresheet at 30 points, with contributions from Erika Santos (15 pts.), Fiola Ceballos (14 pts.), Majoy Baron (7 pts.), and the returning Mika Reyes (7 pts.).

 

Although the team lost in deflating fashion, the team remains inspired by the love sent on social media from the throngs of supporters the team has and had gained over the past few days. On Monday night, X (formerly Twitter) saw “We stand with PLDT” trending in relation to the team’s ongoing quest.

 

Fighting the good fight

Head coach Rald Ricafort shares that the team is very much inspired by the overwhelming, all-out support. He intends to use it as a major rallying cry to end the conference on a high note.

 

“I just constantly remind them who we are as a team. That we did everything the right way with purpose, integrity, and the growth mindset na nakatulong sa amin throughout the years,” said Ricafort.

 

“I think more than the motivation of getting a podium finish, these players remain very focused and disciplined. As we pursuea winning culture and try to help them reach the next level, yungfocus at disiplina talaga nila ang nagdadala. They also truly trust each other, including us as coaches,” he added.

While the team was understaffed, Ricafort was adamant the team did not do anything special to adjust – banking on the trust he had for his wards that they would deliver.

 

“There were some bumps along the way, especially sa mgacrucial games na hindi namin nakukuha, but we know and they understand that success doesn’t come easily. That it’s a process. Still, I feel and believe that we are on the right direction,” he concluded.

 

Catch the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ remaining game at the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on September 4, 4PM at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City. Stay tuned for updates by following the team on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

 

Explore the latest series of toys with Jollibee’s Dora and her friends

 Learn, play, and go on a new adventure with Dora! in the new Jollibee Kids Meal! You and your kids can join Dora and her friends in Dora: Learn & Explore, the latest series of toys that feature handy gadgets that help you learn and discover, just like your favorite adventurer! 

Each toy is a helpful device that Dora and her friends can use to create a fun learning experience. The Dora Wonder Whistle helps you call fellow adventurers to help you out, while Boots Explorer Lens gets you to see wonderful sights up-close. 

 

Backpack Translator Buddy gives you a quick way to learn new words in a different language, and the Camera Swap & Save lets you learn more about Dora’s friends, and other creatures you can find in their journey ahead. With all these tools, you can surely make each adventure colorful and educational!

 

Each Dora: Learn and Explore playset is available with every purchase of a Yumburger with Drink (PHP 120.00), YumburgerSolo (PHP 95.00), Jolly Spaghetti with Drink (PHP 140.00), Jolly Spaghetti Solo (PHP 115.00), 1-pc. Burger Steak with Drink (PHP 140.00), 1-pc. Burger Steak (PHP 115.00), 1-pc. Chickenjoy with Drink (PHP 162.00), 1-pc. Chickenjoy Solo (PHP 137.00), 4-pc. Chicken Nuggets with Drink (PHP 140.00), and 4-pc. Chicken Nuggets Solo (PHP 115.00).

 

The promo is available on September 1, 2024, so don’t miss a chance to collect all of the Dora: Learn & Explore Playsets!

 

Get your Jollibee Kids Meals in your nearest Jollibee branch or have them delivered through the Jollibee App, calling the #8700 hotline, foodpanda, or Grab.

 

For more info on Jollibee Kids Meals and other products, follow Jollibee on Facebook, and @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.