NEWS
Aeta kids to benefit from 2 ‘Pagsasarili’ centers in Mabalacat, Bamban
CLARK FREEPORT—Aeta children in communities near this Freeport will be provided holistic development education program as Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently opened two Pagsasarili Family Care Centers in Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban, Tarlac.
Located in Marcos Village, Mabalacat City and in Sto. Nino, Bamban, Tarlac, the two educational facilities will be useful in delivering quality learning experience to 55 Aeta children who are currently enrolled under the ‘Pagsasarili’ educational program. More Aeta students and children are expected to join the said program.
The newly-opened facilities are two of the five ‘Pagsasarili’ Family Care centers that will rise within the expanse of CADT 025A area.
Meanwhile, CDC Chairman Atty. Edgardo Pamintuan graced the event and led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the launching of the two facilities. In his speech, Pamintuan expressed elation for the establishment of the two learning centers.
“CDC is really willing to develop this area. Ito po ay umpisa pa lang. This is, I think, one of the projects that will really go down in history. This is a momentous event,” he said.
Former CDC Chairman, currently Chairman of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., Jose P. De Jesus is also present during the event and conveyed his message of support on the creation of Pagsasarili Family Care Centers.
“It’s true that the idea of having a preschool project here under OB Montessori was initiated by yours truly. But you know, an idea, if it is not supported, will just die – a natural death,” De Jesus said.
“This idea was supported by the CDC Board (of Directors), then Bloomberry through PAGCOR, and of course our partner in the center, OB Montessori. This project involves many parents and the parenthood of this will pass on to the new Chairman of CDC. And the principal benefactor for this will continue to be CDC,” he added.
De Jesus also expressed his appreciation to those who extended help on the development of the project.
“I would like to say thank you to all those who believed in the idea and supported it not only with words but also with funds,” he said.
CDC Vice President for Admin and Finance Engr. Mariza O. Mandocdoc, CDC Vice President for Security Services Group Sheldon G. Jacaban, and CDC Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Rommel C. Narciso were also in attendance and represented CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan.
Also present during the event are Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Filipina C. Laureana and Operation Brotherhood Community Foundation, Inc. President Sara Francesca S. De Guzman, among others.
The ‘Pagsasarili’ program aims to provide early education, responsible parenting, livelihood skills training, feeding programs, and health services to Aeta kids and families in adjacent communities of this Freeport.
NEWS
Atayde bats for moratorium on student loan payments during emergencies, calamities
March 17, 2023 9:00 p.m.
STUDENTS won’t have to worry paying their loans during times of calamities and emergencies, as Quezon City first district Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde has introduced a moratorium on the payment of student loans administered by higher educational institutions (HEIs).
The House Bill 7279, which Atayde filed last Feb. 21, headed into its first reading six days later in the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, chaired by Baguio City Rep. Mark O. Go.
He said the bill — once it turns to a law — will halt the payment of all the fees, charges, and costs relating to student loans and technical-vocational training institutions (TVIs) or by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) during emergencies.
It will cover all students residing in areas declared to be under a state of calamity or emergency — those who are enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private HEIs, and public and private TVIs.
“We have to find a way to help our students and their families, when natural or even these man-made calamities hit them hard. We just have to make everything easy for them including a moratorium on the payment of student loans,” Atayde said. “It is a burden on a student and their family especially in difficult times like aftermath of typhoon, fire and earthquakes, among other disasters.”
“In the order of spending, student loans will be their least priority since spending will go mostly to basic necessities for survival,” Atayde added.
The moratorium shall be effective for the duration of the state of calamity or emergency and for 30 days after its lifting. No penalties shall be collected on the deferred payments.
“To provide adequate relief and protection to our students in times of calamities and emergencies, this measure shall allow the deferral of student loan collections for a reasonable period during and after the onset of disasters.”
The Quezon City lawmaker cited also the availability of the moratorium, which shall not adversely affect the status of the students concerned with regard to their eligibility for re-enrollment on the succeeding semesters or terms, or their eligibility for graduation.
“The proposed legislation doesn’t prevent public and private HEIs from implementing more favorable forms of payment relief or assistance to students affected by disasters, prohibiting students from voluntarily waiving the moratorium on student loan payments, or availing subsidies and assistance from the government,” Atayde concluded.
NEWS
ShopeePay now available as a payment method for App Store, other Apple services in PH
March 16, 2023 1:59 p.m.
Beginning today, ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, is now available as a payment method for Apple services in the Philippines. Customers can use their ShopeePay account to pay for App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV app, and iTunes Store purchases, iCloud storage and more.
The addition of ShopeePay as an Apple ID payment method offers a new way to pay for Apple services without needing a credit card and still allows for easy, secure one-tap purchasing from Apple products including iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Customers can manage their Apple ID payment information in Settings on iPhone and iPad, or on their Mac or PC.
Agatha Soh, Director at ShopeePay commented, “ShopeePay is committed to meeting the needs of users who are increasingly expecting seamless payments across all platforms. We are excited to offer ShopeePay as a convenient payment option for our customers, and expand access to digital payments, benefitting more users.”
For more information on how to add ShopeePay as a payment method, please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201266 or https://shopee.ph/m/ShopeePay-Apple-ID-PH.
NEWS
Be bolder, braver, more confident at SM Supermalls’ Women’s Month celebration!
March 8, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Ladies, take center stage as SM celebrates Women Power throughout the month of March. Lots of activities both online and on-ground are in store to empower women and girls all over the country.
Join the Future of Women Global Summit
SM Supermalls will be joining UN Women in kicking off the IWD 2023 celebration through a women’s summit on March 8, at the SM Aura Premier Samsung Hall. Focusing on the future of women in ICT, the two-part event will gather young women, country leaders, policy makers, and advocates together to share perspectives and affirm their commitment to supporting digital equality for women and girls.
Photo courtesy of SM City Lucena
Photo courtesy of SM City San Jose del Monte
Support your local Womenpreneurs
Great finds for ladies are on sale at the SM Womenpreneur Market! This pop-up of small and medium businesses owned by women for women will give you everything you need from food and beauty to wellness and fashion!
Wednesdays are for women!
Shopping on Wednesdays has become even more tempting because the Women’s Wednesday Sale is back! Achieve the glow-up you deserve with special discounts, deals, and promos on fashion, beauty, and fitness exclusively for women every Wednesday of March. So don’t hold back on your shopping; you deserve all these and more!
A beautiful treat of wellness all for you
Forda glow-up and pampering sesh tayo this month because lots of self-care deals are available at the Women’s Wellness Sale. Avail of great deals from wellness salons on facials, hair and body treatments, nail care, and massage from March 1 to March 31.
And more deals online!
Special deals are up for women via the SM Malls Online app. Get the best brand offerings every Wednesday from shoes and beauty and wellness to home and hobbies. Use the code WOMEN and get an extra 10% off, capped at 250. What’s great is that there’s no minimum purchase required!
Also, a collection of brand vouchers will be sent to all women SM Malls Online shoppers valid all month. Wait for your Beauty Pass and give yourself the retail therapy you deserve with tons of discounts, GWP deals, samplers, in-store pick up bonuses, and mystery boxes!
Plus, the SM Malls Online app will be hosting self-care sessions online. Follow SM Supermalls on social media to get a dose of starter packages, Get-Ready-With-Me routines, and beauty products that your favorite beauty experts swear by.
Photo courtesy of SM City East Ortigas
Photo courtesy of SM City Manila
Celebrate Women Power on IG!
Capture the beauty and power of women at the beautiful spots and installations all over SM. Be free to express your own uniqueness and creativity in the specially-designed selfie spaces in partnership with Selfie Studio. Don’t forget to tag us on IG!
We don’t know about you but exciting days await every SM woman. So be bolder, braver, and more confident! With these activities, you can confidently step forward in fashion, beauty, wellness, and express yourselves to make a positive impact.
Stay updated on all things women this IWD 2023 by visiting www.smsupermalls.com and following @smsupermalls on social media.
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