Checkpoints powered by solar energy
Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier president and chief executive officer, has teamed up with solar technology provider Hybrid Social Solutions to sponsor 12 checkpoints in need of power and electricity in the province of Rizal.
These checkpoints have been equipped with solar-powered equipment.
“The frontliners manning community checkpoints are important in our fight against COVID-19 as they ensure the safety and security of communities, and help slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus. By providing electricity through solar energy, we equip them to better fight this pandemic,” Lhuillier said.
The solar checkpoints frontliners are now able to get updated news, solar flashlights for night patrols, and overhead lights to brighten the surrounding area. A battery is also provided for charging electronic devices.
Solar fans were also installed to help air circulate inside the checkpoints and maintain a virus-free and mosquito-free surrounding. The frontliners were also provided with personal protective equipment, as well as alcohol, face shields and face masks.
Globe backs NGO
Globe has recently partnered with ChildFund Philippines to support the non-government organization in ensuring the health and safety of Filipino children.
Under the partnership, Globe will be providing SMS Blasting services via AMBER.ph to reach families and inform them on ways to keep their children safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes mitigating potential harm to kids and maintaining normalcy through continuous learning.
Enabled by Globe’s SMS blast solutions, ChildFund has also implemented a Home-based Family Activity Kits (HFAK) facility, reaching out to 8,729 families from Apayao to Tawi-Tawi, five days a week. This includes suggested activities in creating family routine, social and emotional learnings, farming, arts and crafts activities to foster unity and creativity among family members.
In addition, the organization has completed its six virtual training sessions on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Psychological First Aid (PFA), attended and completed by 43 individuals representing the organization’s 12 local partners nationwide. These virtual training sessions equip local partners with additional knowledge and skills to handle stress and anxiety that is inherent during a pandemic, which they, in turn, can utilize in conducting the same training to parents, volunteers, caregivers and some local government units, all to ensure the protection and development of a child.
“The quarantine poses challenges for us to physically reach families, but we believe that harnessing technology through our SMS services can help fulfill ChildFund’s vision of helping young individuals achieve their potential,” shared Globe chief commercial officer Albert de Larrazabal.
Aboitiz donates to Cebu quarantine facility
The Aboitiz Group, through the Aboitiz Foundation, has donated P3 million for the construction of the newly-opened quarantine facility at the Bayanihan Cebu IEC Field Center, joining the multi-sectoral Bayanihan Cebu PH movement in ensuring proper care and management for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients.
The quarantine facility, located inside the IEC Convention Center on Pope John Paul II Avenue, Cebu City, opened last May 26 and now caters to COVID-19-positive patients to help decongest Cebu City hospitals.
“Throughout this crisis, the Aboitiz Group has remained steadfast in supporting communities and the government, contributing to Covid-19 response initiatives where they are most needed. We are glad to be a part of this Bayanihan Cebu PH initiative that will certainly help our kababayans in Cebu fight this pandemic,” Sabin Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer .
Bayanihan Cebu PH initiative is a private sector-led information and coordination for COVID-19 response efforts. It aims to help bridge donations and support coming from different individuals, groups, or organizations for the Bayanihan Cebu PH Field Centers in Cebu, namely the IEC Convention Center and the old Sacred Heart School on General Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City.
Free access to software
Human resources (HR) management and software provider Sprout Solutions is extending the free access period for its Rescue Kit until June 30.
The Rescue Kit is a package of Sprout’s digital HR services including timekeeping, payroll, leave requests, 201-file management, digital activations, and access to legal expert webinars.
Since its introduction in April, Sprout’s Rescue Kit has supported over 350 businesses in maintaining their link to employees. It has gone beyond the standard HR service suite by providing access to an ISO 31000-certified Lead Risk Manager who advises companies about effective business continuity planning.
Sprout has also included InstaCash in its Rescue Kit. InstaCash is a hassle-free loan service available to all employees of companies running Sprout’s HR and Payroll software. This allows eligible employees to borrow up to P25,000 interest free through the HR platform’s dashboard, which can be processed in just a few minutes and transferred straight to the employee’s payroll account. The platform aims to relieve employees of unnecessary steps and paperwork to receive loans and instant source of cash to sustain their households amidst the pandemic.
