Engineering Innovation - German-Engineered Covid-19 Killing Pipes for your Homes Now in the Philippines

We live in a time where it is of the utmost importance that we prioritize health above all. With all the viral scares that have recently plagued the world, we need to make sure that our homes and workspaces are built to be safe from viruses and bacteria down from its very foundation. Having a clean and safe waterline system in our homes and offices already helps reduce instances of people getting sick. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, which is a key measure to prevent not only diarrhoeal diseases, but acute respiratory infections and numerous neglected tropical diseases. 

But, as with most often the case, the clean and safe water from the source could get contaminated via the delivery system – in our pipes. If the piping isn’t up to standard, there’s a very high chance that we can all still get very sick.  

With that in mind, we are proud to announce that Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes has become the only state-of-the-art German waterline pipe that has been proven and certified to destroy microbes such as viruses and bacteria – making it the pipe of choice of architects, developers, and medical institutions. This is another pioneering innovation of the firm and the first in the world. With a waterline system as sophisticated and “future-proof” as this one, Vesbo is helping raise the overall global health standard. 

At the beginning of the Pandemic, people have been scrambling to make sense of things. Now that we are finally through the worst of it, we have the opportunity to learn from this and start future-proofing our projects. This is what Vesbo BioCote Pipes can do for you and how it plays an integral part with building for the future. By integrating safety measures like this, your future space is ready should another viral emergency comparable to COVID arises once again. 

Making our spaces secure against viral and bacterial health risks starts with something as basic and structural as our pipelines. With our pipes delivering such an essential need as water, having a health safeguard allows us to rest easier in our homes and offices. Vesbo Pipes does this by warding off microbes and not just bacteria. Anti-bacterial simply deals with bacteria. Vesbo Pipes takes this a step further by being Anti-microbial which means that it is effective against a wide spectrum of microbes – such as Bacteria, Mold, Fungi, Protozoan, Algae, and Virus (Covid-19 and its many variants included). 

This feat was achieved by Vesbo in a $10 Million joint-Engineering project with Biocote to develop pipes that have been formulated with anti-microbial additives. With an R&D of over 5 years, these pipes were then tested according to the ISO 22196 standard and were shown to have a remarkable effectiveness level for its antimicrobial effect on a wide range of microbes without degrading in time. Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes have shown to eradicate and reduce the presence of viruses, bacteria, and mold by up to 99.99% while also minimizing staining and bad odors. This is in effect whether the pipes are in storage or are already in-use. The partnership with Biocote also means that these pipes are certified by the HACCP International’s Food Safety Certification. 

With that kind of protection at such a structural level, not only does this give you the peace of mind you need when coming in contact with your water but it also reassures you that your water is safe for drinking which does save you time and/or effort in the long run. Plus, Vebso assures that these pipes will last more than a lifetime compared to standard piping systems in the market to date making it the most ideal choice for your homes and building projects. 

Get longer-lasting pipes, and safe water for you and your loved ones. Be sure to have your water protected with Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes. To know more and to see what pipes are available, please check out our website at https://vesbo.com/vesbo-anti-microbial/ and https://www.techglobal.com.ph/products/vesbo/ . Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes is officially and exclusively distributed by Techglobal Incorporated.

Get Back on Track After Flu and Other Ailments

Manla, Philippines – Flu is definitely bad news, especially when you have to worry about the ongoing pandemic along with it. There is always the possibility that the symptoms you are feeling could be signs of COVID-19. 

This only means one thing: When you are experiencing flu symptoms, you need to address them right away with the right steps and the right medication, so you can get back on track.

 

The flu is a contagious infection caused by the influenza virus. It is usually accompanied by a cough or cold, and its symptoms could last from two to three days to about a week. These symptoms include clogged nose, sneezing, runny nose, headaches and body aches, fever. Having the flu can leave you feeling tired and restless the whole day, if not for several days. When you have the flu, it’s likely that you will need bed to alleviate its symptoms. 

Leaving your flu untreated could lead to more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time from the illness.  

 

To recover from the flu immediately, you will need to stay home and rest until your symptoms are better. This also prevents you from spreading it; it is important to stay away from children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to the flu’s more severe symptoms.

 

Constant hydration is also the key to recovering from the flu. You will also need to eat healthy foods during your bout with the illness, even if you have no appetite for it because of your condition.

 

Taking the right medication to treat your flu can also fast-track your way to recovery—like Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU), a multi-benefit solution to flu symptoms.

Unlike other medications that deal with only one or two symptoms brought about by the flu, Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) can address several flu-related ailments at once. It helps relieve clogged noses, sneezing, and runny nose and treats headaches, body aches, and fever. It is also formulated to relieve symptoms of other related ailments such as sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. This makes the product a valuable multi-purpose medication for every Filipino household.

Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) can also be taken to relieve side effects brought about by the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include fever, cough, tiredness, headache, body aches and pains—symptoms that the medicine is meant to treat.

 

At PHP7.50 SRP per tablet, it is also one of the most affordable multi-purpose flu solutions in the market today. 

It’s always good to keep medications at home so you can easily bounce back from the symptoms of flu and return to your healthy, lively, productive self. 

 

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About BIOFLU

Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) is a multi-benefit medication that provides relief for flu and related ailments. Learn more at this link. For updates, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Get your supply online at the official Lazada and Shopee stores.

6 Million Nurses Needed Amid the Pandemic says World Health Organization

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the global shortage of nurses—a challenge that the medical industry has been dealing with since 2016. According to the “State of the World’s Nursing”, a report released by the World Health Organization, there was a global shortage of 5.9 million nurses in 2018, a statistic which has been highly exacerbated during the pandemic. 

Now more than ever, the world needs nurses – at least 6 million – to fill the global shortage, and consequently meet the global development goals on health, which are to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages, including the provision of universal health coverage. 

With the increased demand for nurses in various parts of the world, Filipino nurses who are aspiring to work abroad can seize this opportunity to finally fulfill their dreams of having a lucrative and successful career abroad. While applicants may think that it takes a lot of paperwork to get started on applying for a position overseas, TrueProfile.io, a platform that provides Filipino healthcare professionals around the world with tools they need to secure a lucrative career abroad, offers everything that Filipino healthcare workers need to make the move abroad. Some of the services that are hosted on the TrueProfile.io platform include international job opportunities, document verification, licensing services, English language training and exclusive informational resources. 

 

To get started, aspiring healthcare workers must collect all the basic requirements which include either a 1x1 or 2x2 ID picture, PSA-authenticated birth certificate, resume, college diploma, transcript of records, employer contract, marriage contract (if applicable), NBI clearance, passport (valid for at least six months), as well as license and certifications.  

 

Next, since many foreign employers will want to make sure all these documents are authentic and valid, applicants must have their credentials verified.  This step can easily be done with the help of TrueProfile.io. By signing up to become a member, TrueProfile.io offers its members with a number of career solutions including a free digital CV that can be shared with employers, regulators and recruiters and can also be showcased on social media. 

 

For interested applicants, simply create an account on TrueProfile (https://member.trueprofile.io/register), build a myTrueProfile page, and then set contact settings to the ‘Recommended’ option in order to attract new career opportunities.

To know more, visit https://www.trueprofile.io/ 

About TrueProfile.io

TrueProfile.io works with employers and international job applicants to enhance human resource processes through a fully digital, on-demand Primary Source Verification (PSV) solution. TrueProfile.io removes the friction of ever-repetitive background checks and replaces it with a broadly accepted standard that connects applicants with employers in a secured and trusted environment. We do this by using cutting-edge blockchain technology to securely verify applicant qualifications for prospective employers. The PSV process ensures that all of the candidates’ credentials are authentic and issued by an accredited institution.

TrueProfile.io is part of the DataFlow Group, a leading global provider of specialized PSV solutions, background screening and immigration compliance services. Headquartered in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), the DataFlow Group has been delivering PSV services to regulators and governments in Asia and Europe since 2006.

https://www.trueprofile.io/

Is Your Home Clean and Safe this Holiday Season?

Pasig City, Philippines – [December 16, 2021] – Last year, the pandemic stole our Christmas as if the COVID-19 virus was the Grinch. But this year, due to people’s continued compliance with safety protocols, as well as the ongoing rollout of the nationwide vaccination program, quarantine restrictions have now been less stringent, especially since health authorities record a lower number of COVID-19 cases every day.

While everything is, in a way, now slowly going back to normal, with the holiday season just around the corner, welcoming Christmas guests is inevitable. And yes, it does not mean that we need to let our guards down since the sickness-causing virus still lurks around.

Aside from continuously following health protocols, what more can you do to ensure that your home remains free from the harmful COVID-19? Here are some tips as listed by Pine-Sol, a trusted cleaner for the home since 1929, to keep your home safe and clean so you can have a merry, worry-free, and Pine-tastic Christmas this season.

Start to declutter

Admit it. There’s nothing that feels homier whenever you see your house organized—no dirty dishes in the kitchen, no traces of shoe dirt on your walkway, no dirty laundry on the floor, and no random food wrappers sitting under the sofa.

So, unleash your inner Marie Kondo, and start tidying your space as the first step to make your home clean. Also, be sure to throw away the garbage. Remember, less mess, less stress.

Wipe down your home

Regularly cleaning your home after welcoming guests reduces the risk of spreading the virus. So, with a mixture of water and Pine-Sol Original, the No.1 pine-scented dilutable cleaner, always remember to clean the places your guests visit at your home.

As it has no rinsing requirement except for rubber or asphalt tile, you can just wipe down your entryway, floors, tables, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, doorknobs, windows, and other high-touch surfaces. And while it powerfully cleans your home and is safe on surfaces, it also deodorizes terrible odors and gives you a fresh and longer-lasting pine fragrance to enjoy this Christmas season.

Always disinfect

Isn’t cleaning the same as disinfecting? For the books, cleaning uses a mixture of water and soap for surface dirt and impurities, while disinfecting uses products to kill germs and viruses.

We don’t want our home to be the mutation ground of bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases, like the COVID-19 virus. That is why it is also necessary to disinfect your spaces thoroughly by using Pine-Sol Original to kill viruses on high-touch or exposed surfaces.

With the power to kill 99.9% of germs, including the COVID-19 virus, pour a concentrated portion of Pine-Sol Original in a sponge or cloth and wipe it on a wet surface. To effectively disinfect and help control the spread of the coronavirus, let it remain for 10 minutes on hard and nonporous surfaces, such as finished hardwood, cement, ceramic tiles, glass, plastic, carpet, linoleum, and granite, then wash it off.

“This holiday season, we at Clorox want to make sure that everyone is safe from the COVID-19 virus. Even if the country is slowly going back to normal, we must protect our loved ones from sickness. That’s why it’s important always to keep our home safe and clean so everyone can have a merry and worry-free Christmas,” said Monique Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Clorox Southeast Asia.

To learn more about Pine-Sol Original, visit the website at https://www.pinesol.com/products/original-pine-cleaner/.

Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Creates Employment with TESDA Skill-Building Program

Manila, Philippines — As more homes need to be powered by connectivity in response to the pandemic situation, the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA) has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to co-develop training programs for potential workers in the ever-growing cable TV and broadband space. 

According to surveys, cable connectivity is one of the few industries that experienced growth in 2020 and PCTA members need more skilled workers to help connect homes and bring them online, to help them stay entertained at home or work and study at home. 

The program is designed to engage the direct participation of employers, workers, learning institutions and government in the design, development and implementation of industry-driven and demand-driven technical education and skills development towards creation of qualified, competent, and job-ready Filipino workforce. It also aims to provide for more strategic policy reforms in Tech-Voc training that is aligned to the industry requirements to address the unemployment and job-skill mismatch. 

“For decades, the PCTA has wanted a Cable TV academy and we had already laid the groundwork for it by joining up with TESDA to create courses for cable installers. The challenge was always ‘where will we put the academy?’ With the pandemic showing distance or virtual instruction can work, the academy can be anywhere where there is internet,” says PCTA President Joel Dabao. 

Through the strength of TESDA’s nationwide network of learning hubs, there will be more Filipinos who can be given job opportunities to help support their families. With this program, the PCTA hopes to be a primary driver of pandemic recovery. With more skilled workers available for hiring by the PCTA members all over the country, more homes will be able to go online and work from home through reliable broadband technology. Increasing the work forces in the cable industry will likewise help drive a rise in consumption and subscription services, ensuring security for those who previously could not find work.

Dabao says, “Our touchpoints in our industry are the Filipino homes and communities. We launched our Mabuhay ang Lokal campaign early this year to celebrate our culture and share the stories of our communities. With this partnership with TESDA, we are now empowering those in our communities whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. PCTA is committed to uplift its role in the local community by providing employment to at-risk and in-need Filipinos.”

PCTA hopes that it will inspire other industries to create new pathways towards employment and help the country bounce back towards recovery in the next normal. For more information on PCTA, visit www.pcta.org.ph or follow PCTA on Facebook.

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ABOUT PCTA

The PHILIPPINE CABLE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION (PCTA), INC. is the umbrella organization of nationwide Cable Television Operators and Internet Service Providers in the Philippines. Its membership roster includes the biggest cable operators in the country as well as the medium and small cable operators who, through their pain-staking efforts, have succeeded in bringing up-to-date programs, information, and technology to the farthest island in the country. To date, the PCTA has over 300 regular members. Together, the PCTA member-cable operators are serving 75% of the total cable TV subscribers in the Philippines.

DTI in Sydney offers Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Webinar Series to Overseas Filipinos Affected by COVID-19

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Sydney, the overseas office of the DTI in Australia, organized the first webinar of the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) webinar series held on 20 April 2020.

The TNK is an initiative of the DTI in partnership with other government agencies, private sector, academe and civil society organizations, to increase incomes by generating more jobs and promoting entrepreneurship. The program aims to popularize entrepreneurship as an alternative to unemployment, job-seeking or migration.

Alma Argayoso, the Philippine commercial consul to Australia said that PTIC-Sydney had conducted TNK seminars in the past and has lined-up several seminars this year. However, due to coronavirus restrictions, the physical events have been cancelled but they have decided to offer virtual seminars.

“We realized that the webinars would be very useful particularly for those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, or for returning Filipinos who would like to start their own business. The webinars might also be of interest to Overseas Filipino Investors (OFIs) or even Australians who would like to help the Philippines recover from the pandemic by investing in viable economic activities in the country as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted or helping finance the livelihood activities or rehabilitation efforts of their relatives or friends back home,” Argayoso said.

The first webinar of the series covered Franchising 101 and discussed key topics such as how to start and select a franchise business, benefits and pitfalls of franchising, franchising regulations, and franchising opportunities in Australia and the Philippines.

The speaker, Mr. Rudolf Kotik, founder of RK Franchise Consultancy Incorporated, discussed the basics of franchising for those looking for franchise opportunities in the Philippines or Australia, as well as opportunities for business owners who wish to develop their business into a franchise. An option to participate in a co-franchise agreement was also discussed where an opportunity to co-own a franchise together with other franchisees is available for those who wish to start a franchising business as a passive investor.

Mr. Kotik highlighted that the future of franchising is assured even after COVID-19 and is one of the most enduring industries one can think of. He said that aside from food businesses, the services sector such as beauty salons, spa services and laundry shops would bounce back immediately after lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“Franchising is an industry with a proven business system and the best way to invest your money and I highly recommend it to our overseas Filipino workers looking for alternative ways of employment or those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19,” Kotik added.

Argayoso, during her presentation, highlighted that aside from the webinar initiated by her office, the DTI in the Philippines offers various services, tools and information to help Filipinos succeed as entrepreneurs. Through DTI’s Negosyo Centers located all over the country, the agency provides business advisory, business registration facilitation, product catalogue preparation, packaging and labelling design development, mentorship, education and training, exposure to online platforms and trade fairs, as well as funding for MSMEs.

More recently, DTI’s financing arm, SB Corporation announced a P1B loan facility for MSMEs affected by COVID-19 which will be rolled out by partnering with Negosyo Centers in accepting loan applications for small enterprises.

Argayoso said the TNK webinar series will discuss various business opportunities and feature a sector or industry per session. It will also include other topics of interest related to starting a business

PGH Calls for Blood Donations from COVID-19 Survivors

Since April 15, the number of people who have recovered from the coronavirus disease has surpassed the nationwide death toll. Today, there are a total of 693 recoveries and 446 deaths. Of those 446, 9 died just yesterday. So while the situation is improving, there is still much to do.

“Filipinos continue to suffer and some eventually die from Covid 19 everyday. There is no proven treatment yet for this although different medications and regimens are being investigated. And the vaccine against the novel coronavirus is not yet available. That is why we are calling for plasma donations from Covid 19 survivors. Their antibodies may help save patients who are still battling the disease, especially the severe and critical cases,” said Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, spokesperson for the Philippine General Hospital.

Known as convalescent plasma therapy, the treatment is a century-old technique that has been tried and tested on numerous illnesses, most recently for diseases such as Ebola, Sars, Mers, and Swine Flu. It involves the transfusion of plasma, the liquid component of blood, from a recovered patient to a sick patient.

Much like other organizations around the world, the PGH sees plasma therapy as a possible stop-gap to hold the virus at bay while more complex treatments are developed. “A vaccine is a year out, but what if we can use the antibodies of those who have already survived to strengthen the immune system of those still battling the virus,” said Dr. Del Rosario.

Since beginning the experimental treatment very recently, the PGH has received over 90 inquiries with more than 21 passing the criteria and at least 19 having already donated plasma. At least 5 COVID-19 patients were able to receive transfusions.

“Right now, we are taking care of over 100 COVID-19 patients in the PGH, and some of those are severe and critical cases who have exhausted all other treatment options with no success. For them, plasma therapy could be the last resort. That’s why we’re looking for more donors,” said Dr. Del Rosario.

The plasma donation process for COVID-19 survivors is fairly straightforward. When a prospective donor calls the PGH hotline, he or she is first evaluated over the phone. Once found eligible to donate, PGH personnel will conduct a home visit to get informed consent and a blood sample. After that, the donor is invited to the College of Medicine in UP Manila to donate. For all COVID-19 survivors who want to donate, you may call the PGH hotline at 155-200.

Minimum Health Standards will be the New Protocol in Business Operations – DTI Chief

MANILA—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said best hygiene and health measures practiced among leading export companies should be the new protocol in business operations as the country prepares for the post-Enhanced Community Quarantine (post-ECQ) scenario.

“Minimum health standards such as strict social distancing, wearing of face masks, presence of sanitation stations, taking of body temperature, and provision of vitamins must always be observed in work and public places," Sec. Lopez said.

"Likewise, the conduct of COVID-19 tests, provision of nearby accommodations and shuttle services, allowing more work-from-home arrangements, and healthcare preparedness and insurance from enterprises, should be the new normal as we ease into the new way of doing business,” he added.

The trade chief explained that these measures must be exercised in order to minimize the health risk among workers as essential enterprises conduct their operations.

He further emphasized that these be strictly required once other sectors are granted to conduct businesses.

“We need to have a new way of doing business to ensure that our significant gains during the ECQ and the collective efforts in flattening the curve will not be put to waste once ECQ is fully lifted,” the trade secretary said.

“It is accepted that health takes primacy over the economy, but there is no dichotomy between the two if we take precautionary health measures when we do business and work with other people to minimize any health risk in a post-ECQ environment”, Sec. Lopez added.

Several sectors have been recognized by DTI for their interventions in protecting the safety and well-being of their employees, as well as in providing them with extensive health benefits.

Among these include leading export-oriented manufacturing industries, which provided additional health benefits such as near-site accommodation and shuttle services, hiring from local communities, provision of vitamins and medicines and regular check-ups and healthcare in the workplace. These companies also distributed face masks and digital thermometers to employees at no cost, and set up ambulances, isolation tents, and clinics in their facilities.

DTI has also been working with the DOH and DOLE to issue the new set of guidelines on the minimum health protocols in all business operations.

The trade chief acknowledged the importance of continuing working-from-home arrangements where possible to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the rise of the e-commerce industry and delivery models should be further enhanced even after the ECQ.

“As we continue to collaborate with different industries, we call on the cooperation of all our partners in the private sector to maintain best practices through observing health protocols and sustaining measures for employees’ welfare. Only then can we heal as one and move forward as one,” Sec. Lopez said.

DTI, CONWEP to produce 300,000 PPE coveralls for healthcare workers

MAKATI—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP) to produce 300,000 locally-manufactured personal protective equipment (PPE) coveralls for the country’s healthcare workers.

To address the deficient supply of PPE in the country, DTI launched the Bayanihan PPE Project with the garment exporters of CONWEP and the Department of Health (DOH) to help the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) through the local production of medical-grade PPEs.

On Wednesday, 22 April 2020, the Inter-Agency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID)—through DTI, DOH, and CONWEP—turned over to PGH the first 10,000 of the 300,000 locally-manufactured PPE coveralls.

“This collaboration by the government and the private sector aims to develop our country’s capacity to produce medical-grade PPE. This will also meet our demand for these vital medical supplies throughout the pandemic and beyond," said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

"There is really a need to create local manufacturing capacities to reduce import dependence, especially at a time when there is also a global shortage of critical medical supplies like PPEs and masks. Self-reliance is key to our strategy,” the trade chief added.

The project is an initiative by DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) to repurpose economic activities for the manufacture of health and medical products to address the COVID-19 situation. It leverages on the strengths of local firms and industries, particularly in product development, logistics and production systems, and the country’s skilled workforce.

While CONWEP, with the assistance of BOI, executed the design of the PPE coveralls, DOH and PGH ensured that the approved prototype can be used even in high
COVID-risk hospital situations such as operating rooms, COVID-19 positive wards, ICUs, and the like

To further address the shortage in PPEs, DTI issued on 11 April 2020 Memorandum Circular No. 20-15, which extends the daily operating hours of retail establishments authorized to operate during the enhanced community quarantine. DTI also approved the temporary increase of workforce capacity for manufacturers of essential goods to ensure sufficient supply of these necessities during the quarantine period.

With the increased supply and ongoing production of PPEs, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque is hopeful that public healthcare workers and frontliners at PGH will be fully equipped to serve without fear and doubt as they face their day-to-day challenges

“We are also future-proofing the Philippine health sector. We will continue to seek out ways to lessen the various risks to our frontliners as their safety and well-being remain our top priority,” Sec. Duque said

Meanwhile, Secretary Lopez highlighted that another important component of the initiative for repurposing manufacturing is the linking of resources and capabilities across different sectors

He expressed his thanks and appreciation to San Miguel Corporation for procuring the initial 10,000 pieces of PPE coveralls, to Minebea for donating 15,000 N95 masks to PGH, and to Steel Asia for pledging support to the Bayanihan PPE Project

The trade chief likewise extended his gratitude to the UPS Foundation, Air21, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation for their help in facilitating the airlift of fabrics from Shenzhen to Cavite, including the waiving of fees for transport and logistics.

“I am optimistic that this collaboration between the private and public sector will encourage other business groups to give support to the Bayanihan PPE Project,” Sec. Lopez said.

“By locally-manufacturing medical grade PPEs we not only protect those who are at the forefront of this health crisis, but also create a sustainable local supply chain amid the ongoing pandemic,” he added.

Vivo Provides Free Smartphone Warranty Extension

Vivo is providing a free warranty extension for smartphones purchased in official stores nationwide. This will automatically be applied to handsets with warranties expiring from March 16 to 30, 2020.

With utmost customer safety as its priority, especially in light of the enhanced community quarantine, the company encourages its customers to stay at home to protect themselves and their families.

Visit vivoglobal.ph, www.facebook.com/vivophil, www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/, and twitter.com/vivo_phil for updates, including announcements on the warranty extension.

About Vivo

vivo is a leading global technology company committed to creating trendsetting smart mobile innovations and services. vivo is devoted to forming a vibrant mobile internet ecosystem, and currently owns and operates an extensive network of research operations, with R&D centers focusing on the development of cutting-edge consumer technologies including 5G, AI, mobile photography and next-generation smartphone design.

In recent years, vivo has taken frequent efforts in the sports field and is committed to promoting the mutual penetration of the brand’s diverse fields and diversifying its brand image. vivo Philippines announced its partnership with the NBA by the end of 2018.

Currently, vivo has over two hundred million users enjoying its mobile products and services around the world. vivo is present in 18 markets globally and features offline retail stores in over 1,000 cities worldwide. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide.

For inquiries about vivo, visit the vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

6 Mobile Apps that the Whole Family can Enjoy

Running out of fun activities for the family during the extended enhanced community quarantine? Fret not. Here are six apps that you can enjoy with loved ones to help rid of the boredom:

Spaceteam (Free)

This game involves teamwork, quick reading and listening skills, and lots of shouting. Spaceteam is a multiplayer game where 2-8 players operate a spaceship by following on-screen instructions to successfully traverse space-avoiding asteroids and wormholes in the process. The catch? While each player has a unique set of controls, time-sensitive instructions to your controls will only be directed to any of your teammate’s screens—hence the shouting.

Heads Up (Free, with in-app purchases)

“The Ellen Show” fans will undoubtedly be familiar with this guessing game she plays with celebrity guests. With several categories to choose from, players take turns holding their smartphones on their foreheads as the app flashes words that the beholder must guess. The player opposite the screen helps the other player guess the word by shouting clues, doing accents, or acting the word out.

Out of the Loop (Free, with in-app purchases)

Being left out has never been this fun! Out of the Loop is a 5-9 player game that presents a secret word to all but one participant—the one dubbed “out of the loop” by the app. All players then proceed to answer questions about the word, with a vigilant ear to try and guess who they think is out of the loop. The challenge is for the person left out to try their best not to be obvious and pretend to be in the know.

Monopoly (P199)

More of the board game type? Good news! Monopoly is available for mobile devices for only P199. The mobile version of the popular board game allows a maximum of 4 players to sharpen their business minds in an attempt to bankrupt each other.

Exploding Kittens (P99)

For just P99, the nerve-wracking, hostility-inducing card game is available for mobile devices as well. Gather around and enjoy a highly-strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette with the entire family as the game allows for a maximum of 5 players.

TikTok (Free)

Those who want to shed off some quarantine-induced weight, showcase their talents, and simply have fun with the family can try TikTok, the latest and top destination for short-form creative videos. Family members can use the app to show off their dance moves, acting skills, humor and creativity. They can also follow @vivo_philippines to check out exciting videos from the smartphone brand.

So, what are you waiting for? Strategize, laugh, dance, and bond with the family by downloading these apps through the vivo app store which is pre-installed in all vivo smartphone models.

About VIVO

vivo is a leading global technology company that is product-driven with core businesses including smart terminals and intelligent services. vivo is committed to connecting users to the digital world by designing exciting and trendsetting smart mobile products and services which integrate technology and fashion in unique and creative ways. Adhering to its core values, which include "Benfen”, “innovation” and “consumer orientation”, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy to achieve its vision of becoming a leading, long-lasting, world-class enterprise.

vivo’s headquarters is located in Dongguan, China, with 9 R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo and San Diego. These centers focus on the development of cutting-edge consumer technologies including 5G, artificial intelligence, photography, design and other emerging fields. vivo has also set up five production hubs across China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, which manufacture over 200 million smartphones every year. As of 2019, vivo has developed its sales network across more than 30 countries and regions, attracting more than 300 million active users worldwide.