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LRMC, GET Philippines team up for electric vehicle service

March 29, 2022 4:33 p.m.

Private operator of LRT-1 Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) remains committed in working towards its vision of integrated mobility as it partners with Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines, a Mobility-as-a-Service company engaged in providing a world-class, emissions-free transport system.

Under the strategic partnership, GET brings in its extensive experience in the operation of an integrated passenger and fleet management system for the shuttle service to benefit LRT-1 passengers. The shuttle service will feature the Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport (COMET) minibuses.

COMET electric minibuses are air-conditioned, fully electric, and zero-emission, with a capacity of 30 passengers and travel range of over 100 kilometers on a single full charge. They are also equipped with on-board cameras, media system, display monitors, Internet connectivity, as well as wheelchair slot and retractable electric ramp for Persons with Disabilities.

“We are excited to be partnering with LRMC to be able to provide green and affordable transport solutions to every Filipino,” Mr. Tony Olaes, GET Worldwide Chairman, said.

For the pilot implementation, the shuttle service will be between LRT-1 EDSA Station and the Manila Bay ASEANA area with designated loading and unloading points along Macapagal Boulevard until Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). For the second phase, the route will extend from LRT-1 EDSA Station to the Makati Central Business District.

“At LRMC, we are always on the lookout on how we can better serve our passengers and make their commute more convenient. LRT-1 passengers will also get to enjoy the first end-to-end emissions-free transport system in the Philippines as both LRT-1 and COMET help in reducing carbon footprint. LRMC has made a commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and part of this is adopting the use of digital management systems and promoting zero-emission transport solutions. Our partnership with GET aligns well with LRMC’s sustainability initiatives, and is anchored on UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action),” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso shared.

LRT-1 passengers can experience more seamless, comfortable, and convenient transport feeder service to and from select LRT-1 stations by signing up to become members of the LRT-1 Riders Club on the GETPASS App available for download from Google Play and App Store.

Membership passes for the LRT-1 Riders Club come in the following amounts and validity of unlimited rides: Bronze – Php 50 (1 day pass), Silver – Php 150 (1 week pass), and Gold – Php 500 (1 month pass). The membership pass also provides access to ride the COMET buses in other routes within the GET Philippines network.

As a special promotional offer, LRT-1 Riders Club members can avail of FREE UNLIMITED RIDES on the COMET electric bus through the GETPASS App starting 30 March 2022 until 17 April 2022.

COMET electric buses operate from 4am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday excluding holidays.

For more updates and information on the COMET shuttle service for LRT-1 passengers, download the GETPASS App for free on Google Play and App Store, and follow LRT-1 Riders Club on Facebook at facebook.com/lrt1ridersclub

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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.

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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.

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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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