P3 Loans Breaches 110k Micro Entreps Assisted, P5.1B Loans Released

Over 110,000 micro entrepreneurs have been assisted even as P5.1 billion has been released through the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program, which is being rolled out to the countryside to provide affordable and easy access loans to micro entrepreneurs.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the P3 Program will continue without let up to achieve the Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan Agenda of the Duterte Administration.

“The P3 program was created so that even the smallest of entrepreneurs, like the sari-sari stores owners and market vendors, will have an opportunity to grow their business without the usurious 5-6 loans. I encourage all entrepreneurs in need of capital to avail of the P3 program through the DTI Negosyo Centers and accredited credit delivery partners,” said Sec. Lopez

As of December 23, 2019, the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), the micro financing arm of the DTI, has extended financing assistance through the P3 program to 110,006 micro entrepreneurs. Established as the government's flagship program with the aim to address loan sharks and their onerous loans, P3 has been widened to reach Filipinos throughout the countryside since its inception in 2017 to give them better access to financing.

The SB Corporation has also released a total of P5.15 billion worth of loans through partner micro finance institutes (MFIs). In July, the SB Corporation also introduced 10 Credit Delivery Partners (CDPs) from Luzon to Mindanao to deliver fast and efficiently P3 loans. The P3 Program also now has 412 micro financing institute (MFI) partners to reach rural and far-flung areas in the provinces.

The P3 program is a P1 billion loan financing program intended to give micro enterprises better access to finance, while providing them an alternative to the informal or 5-6 scheme of lending.

Meanwhile, the P3 program has reached out to Maranao entrepreneurs through the Bangon Marawi initiative and has released P7.5 million to 457 Maranao borrowers. Likewise, soldiers and policemen who were either wounded or killed in action during the Marawi siege were also provided assistance with a total of P31 million released to 412 soldiers and policemen, and their families.

The primary beneficiaries of the P3 Program are microenterprises and entrepreneurs that do not have easy access to credit, which include market vendors, agri-businessmen, members of cooperatives, and industry associations.

Under the P3 Program, a micro enterprise can borrow between P5,000 up to P200,000 depending on its business need and repayment capacity with no collateral requirement. Interest rate and service fees, all in, do not exceed 2.5% monthly.

The P3 Program serves as an alternative to the P30 billion “5-6” money lending industry that charges 20% nominal interest rate to MSMEs.

Bangon Marawi Pop-up Stores open at UP Town Center and Greenhills

Starting December 24, selected Marawi products will be available at UP Town Center, Quezon City and Greenhills Mall, San Juan City. Initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Task Force Bangon Marawi, the Bangon Marawi Pop-up stores will operate until June 23, 2020.

After the Marawi siege, the DTI has been active in assisting the Maranao entrepreneurs who were greatly affected by the crisis. The mounting of pop-up stores in major malls nationwide is part of the agency’s effort to provide opportunities to Marawi MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The pop-up stores will offer a wide array of products such as brassware, home décor (baur, kulintang in different sizes), woven products, malongs and other wearables, pearls and costume jewelry.

The Bangon Marawi Pop-up store at the UP Town Center will be located at the Ground Floor, Phase 1 in front of Sports Barbers. Its store at Greenhills Mall will be temporarily located at the Cellphones & Gadgets Extension (Former Admin. Office), Level 2, until January 8, 2020 and will be transferred to the Home Decors Section near Chinabank starting January 9, 2020.

You may visit the stores from Mondays to Sundays during mall hours.

DTI, CARD RENEW P3 PARTNERSHIP WITH ADDITIONAL PHP100M FOR MSME MICROFINANCING

MAKATI -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) renewed its partnership with the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc., an NGO that provides microfinancing loans.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed last 16 December, CARD committed an additional PHP 100 million of its funds for Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program. This brings CARD's total revolving fund for the P3 program since the partnership began in 2017 to PHP 300 million pesos, which it will lend out to other beneficiaries to widen the reach of the P3 program to more micro borrowers.

P3 is DTI's program that provides low-interest, no collateral loans for existing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The program, managed by Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), is a response to President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to combat 5-6 loans. Through P3, entrepreneurs can borrow amounts from PHP 5,000 to PHP 200,000 from CARD and other accredited credit delivery partners.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that DTI benefits from the partnership since CARD supplements the PHP 3.5 billion P3 allocation from the government with their own funds. CARD is also one of the biggest microfinance institutions in the Philippines, with 7 million borrowers nationwide.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip reported that CARD disbursed PHP 600 million in P3 loans to around 56,000 borrowers since 2017. He also said that CARD targets to increase its P3 allocation to PHP 100 million every year to reach 100,000 entrepreneurs.

Signing the agreement are (from L to R: ) SB Corp President Luna Cacanando, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, CARD Founder Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, CARD Inc President Flordeliza Sarmiento and Executive Director Jocelyn Dequito. 

DTI Remains Steadfast in Extending “Malasakit” to Marawi IDPs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) together with other members of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood continue to foster livelihood growth for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Marawi siege through the Kawiyagan program.

Dubbed as “Siyap sa Marawi, Gagaw ko Pagtao” (Pag-aalaga sa Marawi, Pagmamahal sa Kapwa), Kawiyagan is a series of distribution of livelihood assistance to the IDPs affected by the Marawi siege. The program is one of the TFBM’s initiatives in refreshing Marawi City’s illustrious business environment. Last August 22 marked the first anniversary of the Kawiyagan program since its launching on August 24, 2018.

During the program’s launching anniversary, DTI-10 Regional Director Linda Boniao emphasized its essence being an avenue not limited to the distribution of livelihood starter kits, but also a way to showcase the beneficiaries’ outputs, and how different agencies complement each other’s livelihood interventions.

Kawiyagan also ensures that livelihood programs will be immediately provided directly to the IDPs and it encourages other stakeholders to provide livelihood assistance to the IDPs. This ongoing initiative of the TFBM serves as an inspiration for the IDPs’ fellow residents of Marawi.

The Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood is chaired by DTI with member agencies the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), local government units (LGUs) of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur and humanitarian organizations.

As of August 23, 2019, 17,680 beneficiaries or 36% of the target 49,000 IDPs by the end of 2019, have already received starter kits from the DTI-TFBM livelihood interventions. The Department has released more than P200M worth of the starter kits including sari-sari store, bigasan, sewing, school supplies, carinderia, carpentry, electronic tools, and e-loading.

TFBM, through its Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood led by DTI, ensures the unceasing assistance for the revival of businesses and livelihood projects in the affected city.

McDonald’s Philippines sweeps PANAta Awards 2019 with 15 wins

JULY 2019 - MANILA, PHILIPPINES — McDonald’s, and its creative agency Leo Burnett, once again dominated the stage during the 2019 PANAta Awards as the brand brought home a multitude of recognitions—including five Golds, four Silvers, three Bronzes, and three People’s Choice Awards. Amongst over 130 entries received, McDonald’s campaigns that were recognized for their excellence included “Hope for Marawi,” “Frymoji,” “Doodelivery,” “#WalangPasok Deals,” and “ShaGab Loves McDo.” 

The Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) hosts its annual awards show called the PANAta Awards which showcases the industry’s best brand campaigns that have exhibited excellence in strategy, execution, and results. 

Last year, McDonald's won the Brand Builder of the Year Award for its McDelivery Pin campaign, following its induction into the “PANAta Hall Of Fame” the year before—a distinction held by no other brand in the industry.

“We always aim to deliver campaigns that showcase feel-good moments through stories that strongly resonate with the Filipino people. Our goal is to create strong and authentic connections with our customers, ensuring they have more and more reasons to love the brand and what it stands for,” says McDonald’s Marketing Director, Christina Lao.

Earlier this year, McDonald’s also won Gold for Advocacy for “Hope for Marawi” during the 2019 Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards.

SB Corp to introduce 10 Credit Delivery Partners for P3 program

The Small Business Corporation will introduce 10 Credit Delivery Partners (CDPs) from Luzon to Mindanao to deliver fast and efficiently the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program to micro entrepreneurs.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the 10 CDPs will make the delivery of the P3 program faster to micro entrepreneurs in rural areas to help spur economic activity in the countryside and provide employment to Filipinos.

“President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration always seeks for ways to provide service and assistance to our micro entrepreneurs in the easiest and most accessible way as possible, especially to those from the countryside,” said Sec. Lopez.

SB Corp., the micro financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, through the P3 program has extended financing assistance to over 89,000 micro entrepreneurs as the government's flagship program that aims to topple loan sharks has widen its reach throughout the country since its inception in 2017.

As of July 23, 2019, the SB Corp has released a total of P2.9 billion worth of loans to micro entrepreneurs through its 353 credit delivery partners that has reached rural and far-flung areas in the country.

SB Corp President and CEO Ma. Luna Cacanando welcomed the inclusion of the 10 Credit Delivery Partners, which she acknowledged would help in distributing the much-needed funds by micro entrepreneurs.

The Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program is a P1 billion loan financing program intended to give micro enterprises better access to finance, providing them an alternative to the informal or 5-6 scheme of lending.

Among the CDPs that will be introduced are rural banks and cooperatives: FICO Bank from Cauayan City, Isabela; GM Bank of Luzon from Cabanatuan City, Isabela; The New Rural Bank of San Leonardo from San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija; Bank of Florida from San Fernando, Pampanga; St. Francis Multi-purpose Cooperative from Malolos, Bulacan; MVSM Rural Bank from Marikina City; Cebu People’s Cooperative from Cebu City; Silangan Multi-purpose Cooperative from Davao City; Cantilan Bank from Surigao del Sur; and Yakap at Halik Multi-purpose Cooperative from Quezon Province.

Secretary Lopez reiterated that with the loan program, micro enterprises may find relief from overly expensive borrowings and afford cost-efficient and affordable form of loan that will help expand their businesses.

Meanwhile, the P3 program also has reached out to Maranao entrepreneurs through the Bangon Marawi initiative and has released P7.5 million to 457 Maranao borrowers. Likewise, soldiers and policemen who were either wounded or killed in action during the Marawi siege were also provided assistance with a total of P27.71 million released to 335 soldiers and policemen, and their families.

Under the P3 Program, a micro enterprise can borrow between P5,000 up to P200,000 depending on its business need and repayment capacity with no collateral requirement.  Interest rate and service fees, all in, do not exceed 2.5% monthly.

The P3 Program serves as an alternative to the P30 billion “5-6” money lending industry that charges 20% nominal interest rate to MSMEs.

The Woman Behind the Vision

Ideal Vision Center (IVC) is already a household name in the eye health care industry for more than three decades but according to Joy Go, IVC assistant vice president for marketing and merchandising, the vision should not stop there. She believes that the company’s reputation should be treated as an opportunity to continue to educate, innovate and research for the benefit of Filipinos.

“In the Philippines, eye health care is not a priority and we aim to change that mindset. It’s a long, ongoing process especially with the fast-changing business landscape but we look forward to seeing the light at the end of it,” Go says.

Go, whose grandfather launched Ideal Optical, is confident and determined to achieve their goals. As head of branding, marketing and merchandising, Go is also always finding new opportunities to explore, expand and discover new solutions to make eye care accessible to everyone.

Despite growing up in a family of eye care professionals, Go’s involvement in the eye care industry is not a childhood dream. Her initial passion was on food which explains why she has a degree in Culinary Arts and Related Services. Her interest in eyewear and eye care was piqued only when she started working part-time in IVC.

“More than the technicalities behind being an optometrist, I find the marketing and research side of the business very endearing. Aside from that, I am also very interested in eyewear fashion,” Go stated.

Go got her degree in optometry at the Centro Escolar University and joined the family business in 2002. She still loves to cook and says the key to finding a balance between two passions is “you don’t give up one or the other but enjoy both at the same time.”

The eye doctor also noted that being in the eye care industry gave her a meaningful purpose of taking care of other people’s needs and well-being. It has also become important to her to provide only the best vision solutions. “We always try to find the most advanced products, to offer more advanced and better products to our patients.”

To be able to do that, Go noted the importance of partnering with brands that share their vision. Hence, their partnership with Essilor, the world’s number one ophthalmic company that offers complete vision solution through its wide range of products including Crizal, Transitions and Varilux, gives them an opportunity to provide clients an access to world-class eye care products. “Partnering with Essilor for more than 32 years is the best move we made to improve our service to our customers. We at IVC, knows that Essilor share the same vision with us - to offer top-notch eye health care to Filipinos,” she said.

Aside from this vision, the eye doctor furthered about her personal goal on leaving a legacy in the eye health care industry. “It is my ambition, through IVC, to leave a legacy and be a part of every Filipino’s eye health care routine. It is a long and challenging path but we will never stop improving and finding solutions so that quality eye health care will be more convenient and accessible to all,” Go says.

Get the Perfect Lens Color for Your Lifestyle

People usually  carry  two eyeglasses -- one for reading and another for outdoor sun protection. Adaptive lenses can address both needs, thus you only need one pair of eyeglassess for reading and for sun protection.

One of the most popular brands of adaptive lenses is Transitions. Made by Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, the lenses continuously adapt to changing light conditions, reduce glare, minimize eye fatigue and block 100 of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Using Chromea7 technology, Crizal Transitions lenses offer and let you enjoy life in the best light.

Choose a Transitions unique color to match your lifestyle.

Amber. The tint reduces glare, blocks harmful blue light and enhances depth perception. It provides better vision on cloudy days. Amber-colored lenses are best for those who like sports that involve judging distances such as fishing, baseball, golfing, hunting and cycling.

Amethyst. Trendy and fashionable, this color can also help in navigation during difficult weather conditions like when there is mist or fog because it blocks the glare from excessive white light. It is best for hiking, hunting or playing tennis.

Sapphire. Like amethyst, sapphire is aesthetically pleasing - perfect for fashionistas. The tint brings out the contrast between green and orange and improves color and contour perception. It is best suited for people who like target shooting and hunting.

Emerald. Lenses with an emerald tint transmit all colors evenly and dim any glare while brightening shadowy areas. They maintain color distribution rain or shine and are good for all outdoor activities.

Get Transitions lenses from Sarabia Optical and experience its unique brand of professional eye care. Founded in 1906, Sarabia Optical has over 100 years of experience in bringing quality eye care and personalized service to Filipinos. It has more than 30 branches in world-class malls and shopping centers nationwide.

For more information on Crizal Transitions, visit Essilor’s website, www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Caring for our Most Overused Body Sense

The eyes are perhaps the most misused, ignored and overused part of the body. We use it while working in front of the computer, staying connected throughout the day via our mobile phones and tablets and even while entertaining ourselves watching movies and videos. Until we feel there’s something wrong, we tend to ignore our eyes because they are just there.

Now, more than ever, our eyes suffer even more abuse. According to Dr. Joy Go, assistant vice president for marketing and merchandising of  Ideal Vision Center (IVC), Because of all the electronic gadgets we use continuously throughout the day IVC deemed it necessary to upgrade its campaign from combating computer vision syndrome to digital vision syndrome.

“In the early 2000s, we had PCs so we’re talking about computers then. But now that almost everyone has a smartphone or a tablet, our eyes are constantly exposed to harmful blue light and at such a close range that they are easily absorbed by our eyes,” said Dr. Go,  a graduate of optometry from the Centro Escolar University. Since she became a doctor and joined the family business, she has been involved in various eye health care campaigns to educate the public on the importance of eyecare and prevention of vision problems.

Staring at our gadgets for eight straight hours can be very harmful because they emit harmful blue light. Our eyes have holes, called iris, through which lights pass, she explained.  “These harmful lights, when absorbed excessively by our retina, can cause eye damage and blindness.”

So how does one prevent vision problems? First, Dr. Go said, one should set a time limit on electronic device usage.  “Don’t stare at your gadgets continuously for long hours, especially not at night before going to bed because that’s the time when our body needs to “heal and recuperate.””

Those who are working in the office must practice the 20/20 rule. “After every 20 minutes of working in front of the computer, take a break and look outside for about 20 minutes, or if not possible, five to ten minutes. Then you go back to working again.”

She added that proper distance from the computer should also be observed. “It helps a lot. Kasi hindi lang mata ang masisira, pati ulo at likod.”  It is a must to blink and rest our eyes from time to time.

Lastly, Dr. Go stressed on the importance of wearing protective glasses with right lenses. “We want to raise awareness on the importance of wearing protective glasses which mean fewer headaches and less eye fatigue and damage caused by harmful lights from computer and devices screens.”

As a testament to their advocacy campaigns, IVC has been working with Essilor, the leading ophthalmic company in the country, for more than three decades now. Both companies share the same vision of raising awareness on proper eye care. The partnership also helps IVC provide advanced products to their clients.

Among the Essilor brands available at Ideal Vision are Crizal, Essilor’s flagship brand that provides complete protection against harmful UV rays; Transitions, the leading photochromic lenses that adapt to the changing light indoors and outdoors; and Varilux, the world’s most advanced progressive lens for those 40 years old and above.

Dr. Go is hopeful that one day, people will realize how important vision care is. She considers it a challenge and finds the thrill in finding new ways to raise awareness on quality eye care for Filipinos.

PR Campaign on Eye-care in the Philippines Join the Winners of the 2018 IPRA Golden World Awards

The IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA): the world’s most prestigious PR awards scheme, announces a total of 80 winners for 2018, up some 25% on last year. Many entries tackled social and health issues such as eye-care amongst children in the Philippines, and activities with an extraordinary 1 billion reach to promote World Water Day.

The IPRA GWA judges flew to Brussels, Belgium to make their final decisions: little knowing the atmosphere of the Belgian capital would be charged with World Cup fever. The jury comprised judges from all over the world including: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Holland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UK.

“This year the competition showed method, excellent planning and superb creativity,” explains Bart de Vries, IPRA’s President and chairman of the jury: "It was good to see our new categories of Influencer Management and Sport PR attracting quality entries. Some entries moved the heartstrings and others made us laugh."

The prestigious Grand Prix was also chosen but the judges have been sworn to secrecy. Along with the UN award for PR with an objective of meeting one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Grand Prix will be announced at the Golden World Awards Gala Dinner in Barcelona, Spain on 19 October 2018. “I look forward to meeting all the 80 winners in Barcelona,” adds Bart de Vries.

Background to IPRA

IPRA, the International Public Relations Association, is the leading global network for Public Relations professionals. Membership is individual not corporate. It aims to further the development of open communication and the ethical practice of public relations. IPRA fulfils this aim through networking opportunities, its code of conduct and intellectual leadership of the profession. IPRA is the organiser of the annual Golden World Awards for excellence – PR's global awards scheme. With 60 years of experience, IPRA, recognised by the United Nations, is now present throughout the world wherever public relations are practiced. IPRA welcomes all those within the profession who share its aim and who wish to be part of the IPRA worldwide fellowship. For more information please visit: www.ipra.org.

Background to the Golden World Awards for Excellence

The annual IPRA Golden World Awards (GWA) initiative, established in 1990, recognizes excellence in public relations practice worldwide in a variety of categories. Recipients of the award take particular pride in the recognition granted to their entry as meeting international standards of excellence in public relations. An overall IPRA Grand Prix for Excellence is presented each year to the entry judged as representing the highest standards that year. While there are many national and regional PR awards, there is only one truly global scheme: the GWA.

Understanding Age-Related Vision Problems

Celebrate National Sight Saving Month by learning more about age-related vision problems. Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, shares common age-related vision changes and tips on how to minimize the risks:

Blurred vision. Reading printed materials can become less clear, in part because the lens in your eyes becomes less flexible as you age. Objects can also appear hazy or out of focus at certain distances. When this happens, take time to rest your eyes for a few seconds. It also helps to exercise your eye muscles by regularly blinking.

Dry eyes. Aging also causes our bodies to produce fewer tears. Some people experience a burning sensation, stinging or eye discomfort related to dry eyes. Use artificial tears as needed throughout the day for comfort or best consult your eye doctor for prescription dry eyes medication.

Sensitivity to bright lights. When driving, you may notice additional glare from other cars, street lights or sun reflecting off windshields. This is because, as you age, the light entering your eyes tend to scatter rather than be focused precisely on the retina. It is important to be more cautious when driving and if possible, avoid driving at night.

Decreased color vision. While aging, normal colors can also decline in sensitivity, causing things around you to become less bright and contrast between different colors becomes less noticeable.

Correct age-related vision problems with Varilux® X seriesTM, a new premium progressive lens designed to help people 40 years old and above achieve clearer, better vision.

Manufactured by Essilor, this latest innovation progressive lens is developed using Xtend™, a new revolutionary technology which provides seamless vision between distances – near, mid or far. It also eliminates eye constraints, reduces glare and vividly brings out colors for wearers to enjoy edge-to-edge clarity.

Celebrate National Sight Saving Month by understanding age-related vision problems and achieving clearer, better eyesight. See life more clearly with the Varilux® X seriesTM progressive lenses.

For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Essilor

The world's leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its mission is to improve lives by improving sight. To support this mission, Essilor allocates more than €200 million to research and innovation every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Its flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Crizal Transitions®, Crizal Eyezen™, Xperio®, It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eye care professionals.

Facts and Fiction About Wearing Eyeglasses

Growing up we often encounter all kinds of misconceptions about wearing eyeglasses along with countless myths about vision problems.

How can we differentiate fact from fiction?

Wearers become dependent on their eye glasses, they will never take them off. FICTION

Prescription glasses correct your vision. Day-to-day tasks are easier because everything is clear. You constantly wear your glasses not out of dependence, but because all your visual difficulties disappear.

Wearing eye glasses will not aggravate your vision problems. FICTION

Eye glasses are aids to improve vision. They will not add to your sight problems. Our vision naturally deteriorates with age, so don’t fret because it is not the eye glasses’ fault. Regular eye check up will help identify the problem and the right prescription glasses can help you see clearly.

Wearing someone else’s glasses will ruin your eyes. FACT

This is so true. Wearing the wrong prescription glasses for a long period can cause headache and nausea. Go for an eye check-up and determine the right prescription for you.

Ready-made reading glasses may not address your vision problems. FICTION

Store bought reading glasses are not customized for the wearer mainly because the prescription grade is the same for both right and left lenses. Most people with vision problems have different prescription grades for each eye. Headache, eye strain and even nausea can result from wearing reading glasses that are not your actual prescription. Best to visit you eye doctor for a customized reading glasses prescription.

It is important that we take the necessary precautions in taking care of our eyes but we have to be aware of what’s true and what is not.

For the ultimate in eye care, Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company recommends Varilux® the optimum solution to achieve natural, sharper vision at any distance.

Don’t let myths keep you from proper eye care. Be confident and wear glasses with Varilux®. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Essilor Vision Foundation Launched Marawi 2020

Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF), the philanthropic arm of Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, in partnership with the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO), recently launched Marawi 2020, an advocacy campaign dedicated to bringing free eye care and 20,000 eye-glasses to residents of Marawi by year 2020. It is also set to create a sustainable access to vision care by creating an Eye & Vision Clinic at the Department of Health (DOH) Hospital in Marawi and providing livelihood to local optometrists. Present during the event were (L-R): Essilor Philippines marketing executive JV Velasco and marketing manager Jinky Navo, EVF ASEAN head Germaine Lye, Marawi City senior consultant on Health and Social Services Dr. Emelda Gandamra-Taib, Essilor regional VP for ASEAN and Korea Kathy Park, Essilor Philippines general manager Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor marketing head for AMERA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, Russia and Africa) Ivan Chuavon and Essilor commercial manager Dr. Kyle Galias.

*This is Press Release

Heart of Kapitan for the Country's Heroes

PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan is granting special privileges for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in recognition of their sacrifices for the country.

Dr. Tan is granting 40 kilos free baggage allowance to AFP and PNP personnel in active service traveling on all PAL domestic routes on official or personal capacity.

Military personnel are required to present their valid identification card upon check in at the airport. Baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance of 40 kilos shall be assessed the applicable excess baggage rates.

This grant, which is applicable across all fare brands, shall be valid only for travel until 31 December 2017.

“My heart goes out to our country's heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives in the battlefield and to all those who continue fighting to save Marawi and other critical areas. You deserve the country's highest honor,”stressed Chairman Tan.

In addition, a 20% discount on ALL regular domestic fare brands (except budget economy fare brands) is also being provided to all active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for any type of travel – official or personal. AFP and PNP personnel must present a valid ID card upon ticketing.


On July 25, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte will be honoring fallen soldiers of Marawi in Malacanang Palace with the family members of deceased soldiers as special guests.

PAL is extending two free domestic tickets to Manila for each family attending the said event called “Salamat Magigiting na Mandirigma, Go Negosyo Kapatid from Marawi Financial Assistance to the Families of Fallen Heroes”.

Earlier, the flag carrier donated two million pesos to the AFP for the soldiers who are fighting or have fought in Marawi. 

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of the LT Group as well as the PAL foundation are carrying out donation drives and humanitarian cargo grants, respectively, for those affected by the Marawi situation.

*This is Press Release