When the government placed the entire island of Luzon under enhanced community quarantine starting March 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Skin Magical, headed by Founder and Chief Operating Officer Ghie Pangilinan, and its subsidiaries wasted no time and extended a helping hand to their employees, distributors, franchisees, the community and frontliners in health facilities.

For her 242 employees, Pangilinan prepared rice and food packs that included canned and instant foods items. She was more creative with her relief efforts when it came to Skin Magical and Speaks G’s distributors and franchisees. Through her ambassadors Madam Kilay and Lars Pachecho, they were able to giveaway a P1,000 each to her distributors and franchises for a total of P140,000.

Pangilinan also held live raffles and gave away P500 each to 50 winners and P1,000 each to 40 winners. Twenty reseller packages worth P5,000 given away to those who took part in the Kwento ng Pag-asa Laban sa Corona. On Easter Sunday, which fell on April 12, Skin Magical and Speaks G conducted a virtual egg hunt. A total of 14 winners received a cash prize of P3,000 from Skin Magical while Speaks G gave P3,000 to 10 lucky winners. On Mother’s Day last May 10, Pangilinan’s Nanay Ko To Gandang Palaban gave away 24 reseller packages worth P2,500.

“No one expected this to happen and this was my little way of sharing what I have with my employees, distributors and franchisees,” Pangilinan said. “I am thankful for their support and I would not be where I am if not for them.”

The Skin Magical COO did not forget to extend a helping hand to the community where her business is located in Morong. Rizal. She distributed rice to residents in Barangays San Pedro, San Juan, San Jose, Maybancal, CCL, Lagundi and Bombongan. She was also able to send out meals and essential products to the hospital frontliners of Rizal Provincial Hospital, Morong Doctors Hospital, Dialysis Center Morong, Quirino Memorial Medical Center and the frontliners of Pililia. Rizal and Abra. Lastly, relief efforts were also extended in Bulacan as an initiative of Mr. Jerry Pangilinan, Skin Magical CEO and husband of Ms. Ghie Pangilinan.

“Skin Magical truly cares about our people and our community and we should not forget the valuable contribution of our frontliners,” she said. “They are risking their lives to make sure that everyone is safe from this virus and we can do our share by just staying at home.”

As the fires of the COVID - 19 pandemic rage onwards, Filipinos all over the country rely on the services of Frontliners more than ever.

Kris Nicolas, a volunteer firefighter, and a member of the COVID patient transmission team of Quezon City is one of our nation’s Frontliners. He selflessly risks his life to be of service to his fellow countrymen during this difficult time. Often, he spends extended periods away from home and being too tired once he finally has time to himself.

Unfortunately, this is an issue that a considerable majority of our COVID-19 Frontliners go through, with Kris himself longing to spend more time with his Grandmother especially last Mother’s Day.

When asked about his relationship with his grandmother, Kris automatically lit up with excitement. "When I was little, my Lola would bring me with her to the church, which nurtured a positive habit that I continue to practice to this day," he enthused.

"Whenever I have days off, she would cook for me, which is something I cherish greatly as my current schedule leaves me little to no time anymore. So, something as simple as a meal with her means the world to me," he added.

As Kris won't be able to physically be present with his grandmother during Mother's Day, Goldilocks, wanted to thank Kris for all that he has done as a Frontliner by surprising his Grandmother with a signature cake to celebrate such a special day.

Goldilocks is celebrating mothers for the whole month of May because our moms deserve more than just a day of celebration for their love and care. With the desire to make frontlines like John and his family happy, Goldilocks will be sending cakes to some deserving families throughout the month. 

Everyone’s favorite Jollibee Chickenjoy just got closer to home!

  

Jollibee’s Marinated Frozen Chicken Cut-Ups is now available in select Alfamart stores. 

The pre-marinated Chickenjoy cut-ups are seasoned with Jollibee’s signature spices, so all you need to do is thaw, coat in egg and flour, and deep fry.  

Alfamart is the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines with over 800 branches throughout north, central, and south Luzon. 

Now you won't have to worry about travel restrictions or facing long lines at the check-out counter to get your Chickenjoy fix. Just waltz over to the nearest Alfamart in your neighborhood to know more. 

Jollibee’s Marinated Frozen Chicken Cut-Ups are available while supplies last.

Amid ongoing relief operations in response to the COVID-19 crisis, Congresswoman Rida Robes of the lone district of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) City, Bulacan touched base with her constituents in a 5-minute talk with members of the media on April 2. The congresswoman had just finished doing self-quarantine — something she chose to do after she was exposed to some public servants and politicians who later tested positive for COVID-19.

Robes used a very personal approach to encourage people to be responsible enough to automatically undergo self-quarantine and practice physical distancing. "Alam n'yo nung panahon na ako ay nasa loob lang ng kwarto, sobrang lungkot ako. My daughter was asking me, 'Mom, when can I hug you? When can I kiss you?' I told her, 'On Thursday, anak. And that's today, my 21st day of self-quarantine. Bakit ko ito ginawa? Kasi I love my family most and, of course, I love my family here in the district of the city of San Jose del Monte. Ayaw ko 'yung na-expose na nga ako, tapos lalabas pa ako. It's very irresponsible if I do that. Dahil mahal ko kayo, tiniis ko na nakikita ko lang si Mayor [Arthur Robes] outside, nakikita ko lang ang aking mga kapamilya combatting this kind of calamity."

The congresswoman went on to discuss SJDM's efforts during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). She explained that she and her husband SJDM Mayor Arthur Robes (who went into self-quarantine about a week after she did) and their respective teams worked using a three-point framework that was based on one principle: "Pagyamanin mo kung ano ang meron ka." This involved the following:

1. Seeking a resolution to enable the use of the calamity fund.

2. Coordinated with frontlines, which included the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) about setting up of checkpoints according to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the implementation of the ECQ.

3. Implementing rehabilitation programs to address the needs of the people, especially the micro and small business owners.

In line with the Robes couple's mission of inclusive progress, Congresswoman Robes explained that they made sure to cater to nearly 69,000 indigent people in SJDM. Indeed, in the first wave of the distribution of relief packs, 10,910 indigent people were served. In the second wave, 58,060 people were reached. Congresswoman Robes stated that there would be a third wave of relief pack distribution. "Ideally, we could go to all the 145,000 households in SJDM," she added.

Robes mentioned that they were also waiting for the full implementation of the "Bayanihan Heal as One" (BAHO) Act so that more help could be extended to the people of SJDM.

When asked how she felt about the bashers who criticized her and Mayor Robes' efforts, Congresswoman Robes said, "Nakikiusuap po ako na huwag na po nating isali ang pamumulitika rito. Your criticisms are welcome, but if you cannot contribute anything then please just pray for our city." The congresswoman asked everyone to just unite so that the whole district could get through the crisis.

Just a week after its #OneAgainstCOVID19 initiative launched, PayMaya has already helped raised more than P7.8 million in donations from Filipinos all over the world through its digital payments channels, with donations growing rapidly by the day.

This feat was accomplished as companies and non-profit organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, Caritas Manila, OXFAM Pilipinas, the UP PGH Foundation and other groups work together to mobilize much needed relief and resources to help combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

With many financial touch points such as banks and payment centers in limited operations and as cash handling is discouraged to prevent the spread of the virus, digital financial services like PayMaya indeed offer the fastest, safest and easiest way for people to contribute to various response and relief efforts addressing COVID-19. 

“The response we have gotten just a week after launch has been tremendous, which only highlights not just the magnanimity but also the creativity of Filipinos in responding to this crisis, aided by technology. We will continue to support consumers, businesses, communities, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations in this united effort during this pandemic by providing the most convenient and inclusive means of sending monetary support,” said Orlando Vea, Founder and CEO of PayMaya. 

With the most extensive network of humanitarian and non-profit partner organizations and various causes supported, the #OneAgainstCOVID19 initiative has quickly become a one-stop-shop for those who are looking to support medical personnel, frontliners, and disadvantaged communities who are caught in the crossfires of the battle against the disease. This is because aside from enabling donations via the PayMaya app, even overseas Filipinos and other card holders are able to contribute to #OneAgainstCOVID19 efforts via PayMaya's end-to-end platforms.  

To date, people with credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as PayMaya accounts, can donate via the website (http://donate.paymaya.com) or the PayMaya app to the following organizations: Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, PGH Medical Foundation, Caritas Manila, OXFAM Pilipinas, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance & Ethical Leadership, Ronald McDonald House of Charities Phlippines, YesPinoy Foundation, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Rock Ed Philippines, UTownPen Foundation, #nowheretogobutUP Foundation, and the #UniTENTweStandPH initiative of actress Angel Locsin. 

Online concerts, game streaming

As the enhanced community quarantine persists across the island of Luzon and some provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, many individuals and groups have turned to showcasing their talents and skills to help encourage people to donate to various funds for COVID-19 response and relief efforts through the #OneAgainstCOVID19 project.

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, for instance, has kickstarted “Bayanihan Musikahan” in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which features a nightly online concert highlighting the best of OPM via Facebook, YouTube, and other streaming channels. Donations to urban poor communities are accepted through PayMaya's #OneAgainstCOVID19 channels.

With the enhanced community quarantine still scheduled to last a few more weeks, the need for funds and resources will continue to rise as the whole country attempts to "flatten the curve" of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its socio-economic effects, especially to the most vulnerable segments of our communities. 

As part of precautionary measures against the disease, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has encourage the use of digital payments in transactions since paper bills have been found to be potential carriers of the virus. 

To this end, PayMaya has encouraged users to send money, pay their bills, or do bank transfers through the app instead of stepping out of the house to perform these transactions. Users can also send money to anyone in the country using their PayMaya account by doing a Send Money transaction to a Smart Padala by PayMaya center. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to self-isolate in their homes, digital financial initiatives such as #OneAgainstCOVID19 show that Filipinos can quickly stand united with the help of technology. 

To donate to the #OneAgainstPayMaya campaign, visit http://donate.paymaya.com or go to the Pay Bills section of the PayMaya app.

At a time when almost everything is at a halt due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Filipino Audio-Visual industry is suffering from the suspension of work and cancellation of events as recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease. While regular and contractual employees get to continue their tasks via alternative work arrangements and still get paid, most of the Audio-Visual (AV) industry workers are not as fortunate to have employment during the national state of calamity. These include freelancers—from talents, to production staff, and technical crew members who get paid on a "per day" basis, “no work, no pay” scheme, and have no direct employer to work for.

As the national film agency and whose stakeholders include audio-visual workers, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) created the Disaster/Emergency Assistance and Relief (DEAR) Program to assist its stakeholders during calamities and major disasters. This disaster-triggered funding mechanism of the FDCP came about as a response to the plight of freelance AV workers who have been displaced by the Enhanced Community Quarantine and consequent State of Calamity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The DEAR Program will be implemented through the FDCP National Registry, which maintains the database of the different sectors of the audio-visual industry including AV industry workers. FDCP supports and protects the interest of National Registry members by offering services that provide assistance in accessing social services, skills development workshops and programs, and basic legal assistance and work opportunities. Under the DEAR Program, the targeted support program DEAR ACTION! (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers) will provide financial assistance to disaster-affected freelance AV workers who suddenly lost work as a direct result of a major disaster. This income support program aims to complement the CAMP program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which covers private companies whose employees regardless of status (regular, contractual, project-based) can receive P5,000 in assistance.

The DEAR ACTION! (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers) is for those who have become suddenly unemployed for at least five (5) work days as a direct result of a major disaster and are not eligible for other government-instituted benefits. The application for the DEAR program and the FDCP National Registry can happen concurrently. A flat rate cash financial assistance of P8,000 will be given to a displaced worker whose application has been approved. The one-time tax-free financial assistance aims to help beneficiaries with their expenses for personal needs, medical expenses, housing, rent, and other essential needs. FDCP emphasizes that DEAR benefits are not payable to individuals who are entitled to or qualified for regular unemployment compensation, waiting period credit, or benefits from the DOLE, Social Security System (SSS), their local government unit, their own employer, and similar agencies.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra and CMB Film Services workers at a Technical Working Group meeting in 2019

DEAR Program Qualifications and Application Process

Conditions of Unemployment

One of the following conditions of loss of unemployment or engagement from a company, or inability to perform services in self-employment must have occurred as a direct result of the disaster:

- The individual is unable to reach his/her workplace.

- The individual was scheduled to start work and the job no longer exists or the individual was unable to reach the job.

- The individual cannot work because of an injury or illness.

- The individual lost a majority of income or revenue because the employer or self-employed business was damaged, destroyed, or closed by the government temporarily or permanently

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this benefit, the individual must satisfy all of the following:

- The individual must have had at least five (5) work days of loss of employment or engagement during the declared dates of the major disaster.

- The individual’s engagement or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster as declared by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

- The individual must have been determined not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits under any Local or National Law such as from SSS, DOLE, LGU, or from his/her own employer and similar agencies.

- The individual must prove that he/she is of low income and receives around P20,000 or less a month, has a package rate of P20,000 or less per project, or whose talent fee is around P3,000 or less per day.

Application Process

To file a claim, individuals who are suddenly unemployed or suddenly out of work as a direct result of the disaster should contact the Film Development Council of the Philippines National Registry.

Applications for DEAR ACTION! (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers) must be filed within thirty (30 days) of the announcement of the activation of the DEAR Program through an FDCP Advisory released online and through mass media channels. Applicants must follow the instructions in the FDCP Advisory and file for an application based on the filing methods used by the Agency (i.e. in person, mail, telephone, or online)  

Documentation

Applicants are required to substantiate loss of employment or engagement or self-employment or to substantiate work that was to begin on or after the declared date of the disaster.

If documentary proof cannot be provided at the time the claim is filed, individuals have twenty-one (21) calendar days from the time of application to meet this requirement.

Requirements for Displaced Freelance AV Workers:

- Copy of current membership to the National Registry for Audio-Visual Workers (NRAW). As for non-members, applications may be lodged to NRAW concurrent with the DEAR application. In light of the COVID-19 situation, the NRAW processing fee is waived.

- Filled out DEAR ACTION! form (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers)

- Affidavit of Unemployment (template available on the website) 

- Copy of latest income tax return (ITR) or any proof of income

- Proof of Engagement that Accounts for at least seven (7) work days of cancelled/suspended Work (during the declared period of the disaster)

e.g. Call Sheet, Contract of Service, Certificate of Engagement, or any Certification duly signed by the employer/producer

- Evidence of Unemployment (during the declared period of the disaster)

e.g. E-mails regarding suspension of work, Proof of Cancellation, etc.

- Copy of the Official Executive/Memorandum Order on the declaration for the State of Calamity

Return Service

The DEAR Program is a government fund and in the spirit of serving the community and stakeholders, the beneficiary must commit to rendering return service by participating in at least two (2) FDCP-led or FDCP-supported events, activities, or projects as a volunteer worker or professional, serving in the capacity of his/her field. The return service must be rendered for free within two (2) years upon the receipt of the assistance.

Declaration and Agreement

Each approved beneficiary worker of DEAR must sign a Declaration and Agreement with FDCP, agreeing and abiding to all the terms of the Program and certifying that all details of the application and documents submitted are factual and authentic.

For inquiries, contact the FDCP National Registry through dearnationalregistry@fdcp.ph or +63 917 800 3227.

For more information, visit http://fdcp.ph/dear-program and the FDCP National Registry Facebook page.

The cover photo is from the set of "Lola Igna," Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019 Best Picture.