Shopee Announces ₱200 million Seller Support Package, Aims to Help up to 80,000 Filipino SMEs

MANILA, April 23, 2020 - ​Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform of Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches the ₱200 million Seller Support Package to support up to 80,000 Filipino Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), whose businesses have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The ₱200 million Seller Support Package aims to help Filipino SMEs and sellers navigate the current economic climate, during the time of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and beyond.

The Shopee Seller Support Package aims to support both local SMEs and sellers with an existing online presence as well as those looking to expand their businesses online, through the provision of education, funding, and subsidies. It serves to soften the economic decline faced by Filipino SMEs and sellers during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period, by empowering them with more sales and growth opportunities, reducing their operational costs and facilitating their long-term business sustainability.

The Shopee Seller Support Package aims to benefit sellers with the following initiatives:

1. Lowered Commission and Operational Costs:

• Sellers who register for the package will receive reduced commission and transaction fees.
• Sellers who sign up for the package can enjoy the Coin Cashback and Free Shipping programs free of charge for 1 month. In addition, sellers who are currently part of these programs will also enjoy reduced fees.
• To ease SMEs and sellers’ operational costs, Shopee will also provide subsidies up to ₱15,000 per seller.

2. Increased Sales and Marketing Support:

• SMEs and sellers who register for the package can receive sales and marketing support in the form of 20% off shop vouchers to boost their online visibility and sales.

3. Helping new sellers succeed online: Shopee will continue to offer training and support to help sellers start, succeed, and grow on Shopee. New SMEs and sellers looking to start their online businesses on Shopee can continue to enjoy all existing benefits, including zero registration fees and 0% commission fee for marketplace sellers; as well as educational support via Shopee University online courses.

In addition, Shopee will continue to monitor the situation closely and to adjust its seller policies where required, in order to help SMEs and sellers better adapt to the evolving situation.

Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines, said: ​“During these challenging times, it is important for us to find ways to help our sellers and SMEs maintain long-term business sustainability. The launch of the Shopee Seller Support Package is part of our larger commitment to support our local communities through this Covid-19 period. We will continue to work closely with our extended network of partners, sellers, and shoppers to adapt our business and initiatives where required, as we remain united in getting through this together as one big community.”

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It was launched in 7 markets in 2015 to connect consumers, sellers, and businesses in the region.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

Canva Now Lets You Create Your Own Zoom Background

Global drag-and-drop graphic design platform, Canva, has released a Zoom background creator as working from home continues to become routine around the world. Now, users can create a custom background to prevent any embarrassing moments or ‘Zoombombing’ while keeping their private space, private.

Canva’s background removal tool also allows for users to have some fun designing backgrounds - join your next call from a beach, virtual office or simply a colourful wallpaper!

Other key features include

• A rich library with millions of images, illustrations and icons to choose from
• No design skills needed - Canva’s simple interface and templates have it covered!
• Agenda lists and even infographics can be added to backgrounds for a more practical use-casevideo
• Over 80 templates are already available with more to come

To see just how easy it is to create your own Zoom background using Canva, check out the video here . We’ve also listed the instructions for uploading your Canva background to Zoom here.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Akbayan Calls for Vigilance Against Corruption and Abuse amid Humanitarian Crisis

Just over a week, since President Duterte signed the Bayanihan to Heal as One (BAHO) Act, the emergency powers vested on him bared its fangs on the Filipino people.

Alongside the increase of cases of COVID-19, there seems to be an outbreak of violence and rights violations too. Last March 27, a teacher and her son were arrested in General Santos City for criticizing the mayor's inaction on food distribution. On April 1, the NBI filed a case against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for insisting on ferrying health workers with tricycles in the city. Later that evening, in reaction to public protest by residents of Sitio San Roque to clamor for food, Duterte ordered the military to "shoot them [any protesters] dead" in a nationwide address. In the morning of April 2, Atty. Chel Diokno released to the public that the NBI has filed subpoenas to individuals for critical opinions on social media.

It is clear in these cases how the BAHO Act has been weaponized to punish and silence critics of the government's insufficient response to the pandemic. The Filipino people need food, cash aid, and solidarity but are instead met with fear and threats of violence. This litany of abuses against civil liberties will continue to grow if we are to turn a blind eye to their actions - precisely what they want by keeping the people silent.

Our vigilance is part of our social solidarity. Government has launched today the social packages for the 18 million families. While we welcome this to aid struggling Filipino families, we demand the transparent and detailed breakdown of the P275 billion. We warn against red tape, unauthorized fees and other impediments in accessing the assistance. We continue our vigilance against corruption and abuse amidst this humanitarian crisis.

The solidarity of the people keep us strong. The health workers who take long shifts, the farmers and fisherfolk who put food on our table, and the ordinary volunteers and donors have kept us safe and strong in the middle of this crisis. While the government continues to threaten us while failing to keep us safe, we must continue to stand for each other against the sickness and the excessive violence they throw at us.

LBC Moving to 'Flatten The Curve': P50M for Mass Program

LBC heeds the government’s call to move for the nation, during this time of COVID-19, and commits Php 50 million worth of supply of (washable/reusable) 2-ply masks, to support Filipino communities and mitigate the virus’ spread in at-risk areas. This affirmative action is part of LBC’s response, and in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the temporary shortage of masks and distribution of these in densely populated areas of the country will be addressed. “The current situation calls for people to do their ‘part’: be it by staying at home or having to risk their own safety by going to work, to treat the sick. For us at LBC, our ‘part’ is to move-- together with our courageous frontliners, and join the fight,” said Executive Director of the LBC Foundation, Nena L. Wuthrich.

“LBC is starting this mask program with hopes of being one with all Filipinos--to ‘flatten the curve.’ This initiative is also set to assist in educating the public more, on the vital function of masks to protect not just themselves, but also others around them. We believe that masks can and will save lives,” Wuthrich adds. This initiative concurs with the recent announcement of The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, mandating the public to wear any type of mask before leaving their place of residence, to minimize or if not totally to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus from one person to another.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

Shopee Donates 3,000 Test Kits and 100,000 Masks as Part of Shopee Bayanihan’s Initiative to Support the Front Liners’ Fight Against COVID-19

PHILIPPINES, March 31, 2020 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues its efforts to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines with its latest initiative Shopee Bayanihan. Together with the Office of Senator Bong Go, Shopee donates 100,000 surgical masks and 3,000 FDA approved COVID-19 test kits to support public hospitals and front-liners in their battle against COVID-19. The 100,000 masks were distributed to over 40 hospitals across Luzon including public and private hospitals from Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, Quezon City, Rizal, and Batangas.

Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines said, “It is important for us to tide through this fight against the COVID-19 outbreak as one community. Our medical front liners and hospitals in the Philippines are working around the clock to contain the outbreak and we applaud them for their hard work and dedication. We are committed to doing what we can to support these medical front liners, the government, and the wider community during this period.”

Senator Bong Go said, “We laud Shopee for their generous donation and for stepping up their social responsibility efforts to help fight COVID-19. Shopee, as an e-commerce platform, helps support our government’s efforts to promote social distancing by ensuring that consumers can get their goods safely and conveniently straight to their own homes. Both the government and the private sector must work together and do what we can to address and respond to the growing threats of COVID-19. Magbayanihan po tayo. Tulungan nating bumangon ang bawat Pilipino bilang isang nagkakaisang bansa. Together, we can heal as one.”

Gerard Ho, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines said, “I commend Shopee in their efforts to support the Filipino community during this Enhanced Community Quarantine period in the country. Their donation will help medical front liners battle the crisis caused by COVID-19. This is a great example of a private enterprise contributing to the community.

Shopee Bayanihan demonstrates its commitment to provide support to those most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Shopee will continue to work closely with the government and step up its efforts to support them to prevent, detect and manage COVID-19.

For more information, please visit: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Shopee Launches Shopee Bayanihan, An Initiative Focused on Providing Support for Medical Front Liners and Filipinos in Need

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need.

In a true bayanihan spirit, Shopee partners with various humanitarian organizations like Red Cross, Kaya Natin and World Vision to raise funds to support different communities most affected by COVID-19 outbreak. Among those in need are hospitals faced with limited medical equipment and low-income households who face difficulties in securing daily necessities. Under Shopee Bayanihan, users can make a direct donation to these organizations via Shopee from 26 March onwards. Additionally, Shopee donates 2,800 KFN4 respiratory masks to support the health workers in the Philippine Lung Center in their combat against the virus.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing of Shopee Philippines, said, “In the spirit of bayanihan, we need to come together and draw strength from one another as we tide through this COVID-19 outbreak as one community. We launched Shopee Bayanihan to provide Filipinos a platform to step forward and help those in need. The funds raised will channel much-needed resources to vulnerable individuals and families to help them cope with the situation. We urge everyone to stand together with us and help one another stay strong during this period.”

All Filipinos can make a donation to their partner organizations of choice in amounts of P50, P100, P500, and P1,000 via Shopee Bayanihan. Here’s how:

On March 31, users can tune in to Shopee Live to watch a special program on “Shopee Bayanihan Day”. During the program, popular local celebrities will put up a special performance to help raise funds under Shopee Bayanihan. Users can also find more information on what the partner organizations are doing to support the community.

All proceeds made through Shopee Bayanihan will go straight to their partner organizations. For 
more information, please visit: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
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About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It was launched in 7 markets in 2015 to connect consumers, sellers, and businesses in the region.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.
Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

Canva Joins Fight Against COVID-19 by Giving all Public Health Organizations free Canva Pro to #StopTheSpread

Global design platform, Canva, has announced it is providing all public health organizations around the world free lifetime licenses for Canva Pro in an effort to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

To help spread accurate information across the globe, Canva has updated its Not For Profit (NFP) program which will now empower all public health organizations with premium design and publishing features such as access to more free diverse stock photos, illustrations, the ability to upload own font libraries and brand kits, as well as it’s productivity booster, the ‘Magic Resize’ button, which can automatically turn any design format into a collection optimized for sharing across more channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, posters, presentations, and more.

In its effort to educate the public on the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and supported, Canva also released #StopTheSpread graphics and templates which anyone can post and share online. These designs are available in Filipino which anyone can access by simply changing their language to Tagalog through the account settings. Find the step by step guide here.

Canva’s in-house design team has also committed to volunteering its services to local organizations in need of further assistance with delivering effective visual communications. Through its Enterprise team, Canva will aid in the design and graphic requirements of local government units, not for profit organizations, and hospitals who need to raise awareness about COVID-19. Interested individuals and groups can access this form to apply.

The move comes in response to the surge of misinformation surrounding the virus, as public health organizations struggle to fight back against myths and rumors gaining traction online.

Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla-Donato said sharing accurate information about the pandemic is crucial in helping the country #StopTheSpread.
“Canva’s mission is to always be a force for good. We’d like to champion our concept of bayanihan by tapping into our resources to help spread accurate information about COVID-19 and how people can protect themselves from it,” said Donato.

With a vast collection of new health-related templates including flyers, posters and social media posts designed with pre-populated content based on the information supplied by the World Health Organization (WHO) - Canva hopes its platform can be used as a force for good.

For further information or to apply for a free lifetime Canva Pro account, all public health organizations can contact health-assistance@canva.com.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Canva Releases New Women in the Workplace Photography to Celebrate International Women's Day

Design platform, Canva, is celebrating International Women’s Day by releasing a new collection of design templates and free stock photography, featuring its very own Canva employees who volunteered as models.

The photoshoot, titled Canva Studio Women, showcases Canva’s women at work, building on this year’s theme of #GenerationEquality which highlights the importance of a collective effort to forge a path towards gender equality.

Canva studio curator Elle Hughes explains the inspiration behind this special collection.

“With over 70% of women feeling underrepresented in everyday images in the media, our new stock photography collection aims to shine a light on the amazing diversity of women in the workplace.

“We have so many talented women in Canva — what better to showcase a diverse team than through a fun photoshoot — and then giving it away as a completely free stock photo collection?” she added.

Yani Hornilla-Donato, country manager of Canva Philippines added, “Since inception, Canva has placed a key focus on diversity and inclusion. Having our employees in the Manila office be part of this shows how committed we are to empower women and provide them with a platform to freely express themselves.”

Canva has also released an additional 50 design templates, encouraging its design community around the world to celebrate, praise and unite with women this International Women’s Day.

Check out the full photography collection here.

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Filigree to Open More Upscale Projects in 2020

Luxury real estate brand Filigree is expanding its portfolio of masterfully crafted, upscale living spaces with more prestigious, high-value developments this year.

Filigree projects have all been remarkably successful. Thanks to its commitment of continuously providing luxurious spaces that are exemplars of sophistication, comfort, convenience, and leisure expected by the discriminating few.

"Ever since the establishment of Filigree, we have always pushed ourselves to be the gold standard in luxury real-estate developments," says Catherine Ilagan, Filigree head. "For this year, we have plans that will strengthen the brand with unmatched value of our projects."

So far, all of Filigree's projects have been well-received by the market such as the The Enclave Alabang. The 13-hectare tropical modern subdivision on Daang Hari is home to a world class Club House and Central Park.

Bristol at Parkway Place is another instant fast-seller due to its highly coveted address at Filinvest City’s Millionaires’ Row. It is one of the most in-demand high-end properties in Metro South because of its location, amenities, and great investment opportunities. Ready for occupancy, its leasing rate is on a constant upswing. Units in this 40-storey tower are almost sold out and plans are now underway for another high rise residential development also along the Millionaire’s Row.

Filigree became a front-runner in green condo living with Botanika Nature Residences. This lush and green development proves that modern and upscale living can be environmentally sustainable. The development received a 4-star rating from the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE), and it continues to redefine present-day low-density vertical homes in the metropolis.

With the favorable reception of the first tower, Filigree will soon launch Botanika Tower 2, which will offer one-bedroom units that were not available in the first. A sky lounge and function room are also included in the plan, and like the first tower, the new building will follow the same green principles and will be connected to the central garden.

Filigree is now bringing its luxury living experience outside Metro Manila with the Golf Ridge Private Estate in the Leisure City of Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark, Pampanga. The low density condominium will rise on a carefully and deliberately chosen location with a vibrant, well-maintained, green, and tranquil environment.

As the name suggests, Golf Ridge has the unobstructed view of the Mimosa Golf Course for its main attraction. Exemplifying green living with its backdrop of greens, estate parks and open spaces, residents can enjoy a serene environment that seamlessly blends residential areas and premier hotels with retail and recreation.

With all of these impressive projects in the pipeline, Filigree is looking forward to a productive and successful year, as it hopes to get discerning clients to experience its version of high living that is at par with the world's best.

For more information, visit www.filigree.com.ph.

LBC Offers Lowest Rates Ever for Domestic Remittance Services

Committed to providing Filipinos access to cheap and convenient remittance services, LBC Express Inc., the leader in money remittance services, announces its lowest rate ever. For as low as Php2, senders can send their money to their loved ones with the help of LBC’s over 1,400 branches nationwide with its cheaper Instant Peso Padala service.

This announcement aims to benefit the over 52 million unbanked Filipinos, a number released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2018.

“We understand that sending and receiving money from your loved ones may be hindered with access to digital means. That is why our over 1,400 branches are open to serve as transaction points so Filipinos don’t have to worry about remitting money wherever in the country they may be. Our strong network coupled with these affordable rates will enable Filipinos to do quick, cheap, and safe financial transactions,” said OLV.

The new rates are as follows:

Amount	Provincial Rate	Manila Rate
Php0.01-Php100	Php2	Php3
Php100.01-Php200	Php3	Php6
Php200.01-Php300	Php5	Php9
Php300.01-Php400	Php8	Php12
Php400.01-Php500	Php8	Php15
Php500.01-Php600	Php10	Php18
Php600.01-Php700	Php10	Php21
Php700.01-Php800	Php12	Php24
Php800.01-Php900	Php12	Php27
Php900.01-Php1000	Php15	Php30
Php1000.01-Php1500	Php20	Php45
Php1500.01-Php2000	Php30	Php60
Php2000.01-Php2500	Php40	Php75
Php2500.01-Php3000	Php 50	Php90
Php3000.01-Php4000	Php70	Php120
Php4000.01-Php5000	Php90	Php125

To avail of the Instant Peso Padala service, LBC customers just need to go to the nearest LBC branch, fill out the form and hand their cash. In a few minutes, the cash is ready for pick up at any LBC branch in the Philippines.

LBC remains bullish of the remittance transactions in the Philippines citing that Filipinos are still looking after secured and fast means to send and encash money. For more information on LBC’s services, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).