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Edukasyon.ph offers free tools for students, schools struggling through COVID-19

Edukasyon.ph, the largest online platform empowering Filipino Gen Z youth from education to career, recognizes the serious toll that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing on schools and students nationwide. Since the enhanced community quarantine was declared in March, the edtech startup has been working on several initiatives to improve connectivity, enhance efficiency and bring convenience to its student and partner communities through its platform.

Edukasyon.ph’s school services have led to over 500 senior high schools and colleges joining the platform in the last three years. However, during these challenging times, these online tools do much more: ensure process continuity and help protect frontline staff from unnecessary physical contact with students or parents.

By offering all senior high schools, colleges and technical-vocational institutions free access to their own dedicated Edukasyon.ph account, their Admissions Departments can:

  • Create a school profile page and upload all relevant information including admissions requirements, photos of facilities, videos and important school updates/announcements
  • Respond to questions from Edukasyon.ph’s eight million annual students in real-time
  • Turn on an online application form and process all student applications received

Nearly 200 new partner schools have signed up to the Edukasyon.ph platform in the last four weeks alone, including University of the Visayas campuses, University of Mindanao campuses and the AMA Education System—joining existing partners like Ateneo de Manila University, Mapua University and Silliman University.

“These months have historically been peak season for senior high students searching for courses, colleges and scholarships on Edukasyon.ph, and we are now seeing 10x more online inquiries given the challenges of community lockdown,” said Henry Motte-Muñoz, Founder and CEO of Edukasyon.ph. “We’re grateful that more schools are opening up to online operations and are pleased to offer our services for free to ensure both schools and students are connected and supported.”

Interested schools can sign-up for Edukasyon.ph’s free platform here.

Break for Asia’s clogged capitals as coronavirus curbs traffic

MANILA – Strict lockdowns, school closures and curbs on commerce are giving Asia’s congested capitals rare respite from transport mayhem, as the global fight to contain the coronavirus creates a free-flow of traffic not seen in years.

Horns have fallen silent across many Asian cities as cars, vans and motorcycles hum along highways in India, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, home to some of the world’s worst traffic jams, and its worst levels of air pollution.

Reuters journalists have captured footage of various intersections in New Delhi, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta, contrasting previous chaos with a new calm that has followed government measures to arrest the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Seven of the 11 most gridlocked cities in the world are in Asia, according to the 2019 Traffic Index of Dutch digital mapping company TomTom, topped by Bangalore then Manila, where the average driver spends the equivalent of 10 days a year in traffic queues.

In Manila, where street snarl-ups cause an estimated $67 million in daily business losses, the city’s chronically jammed Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) thoroughfare was unusually quiet, with home quarantine measures keeping most of the city’s 3.5 million registered vehicles off the roads.

An average 400,000 of those use EDSA on a typical day, according to the transport authority, but strict lockdown laws in the Philippines – which has 3,870 confirmed cases – have slashed traffic volume by a staggering 96% compared to a year ago, according to TomTom data.

That data was compiled as Reuters crew filmed its 23.8-kilometer commute, which took just 20 minutes compared to more than two hours normally.

In Delhi, which has nearly 11 million registered vehicles, congestion was down by about 59%, due to a lockdown of the country’s 1.3 billion people. India has reported 4,789 cases

Traffic is lighter too in Jakarta two weeks into a state of emergency that saw schools close and employees encouraged to work from home. Volume was down 48% from a year ago at the time of filming on Tuesday. Indonesia has 2,738 reported cases.

Authorities in Singapore are expecting a sharp traffic reduction following closures of offices and schools, while Malaysia is seeing quieter streets in its capital Kuala Lumpur, where an average 509,000 vehicles drive on an average day.

Bangkok registered a million new vehicles last year, adding to 10 million already in use, but few were around on Tuesday, and no sign of the usual jostling between cars and motorcycles.

Thailand, which has 2,258 confirmed coronavirus cases, has closed malls and entertainment venues and is encouraging working from home, helping to cut Bangkok’s traffic on Tuesday by 31%. — Reuters

Stuff to do at home

BGC High Street virtual stations for Holy Week

Bonifacio High Street (BHS) provides the public with different ways to mark the Lenten season while under lockdown. The public can take a virtual walk through Walkway: Journey to the Cross of Christ, BGC’s annual Stations of the Cross, at http://withoutwalls.ph/walkway. Through this interactive online platform, visitors can go through each of the 14 stations, reflect, and pray over the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. There is also a Walkway Kids Edition which has a special map to help guide parents and children as they go through the stations together. BHS will also be hosting an Easter Expedition on April 12 on its Facebook page, with a virtual Easter Egg Hunt and other activities. Capping off the Holy Week activities is Walkway: Journey to the Cross of Christ Easter Concert. This live-streamed concert will be headlined by Martin Nievera along with surprise guests. It will be shown on BGC’s Facebook page on April 12, 8 p.m. For more details and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/ and http://withoutwalls.ph/walkway for Lenten Season activities.

 

Andrea Brocelli live from Milan on Easter

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will give a solo performance at the historic Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy on April 12. It will be exclusively streamed live globally on the tenor’s YouTube channel at https://AndreaBocelli.lnk.to/LiveFrom on April 13, 1 a.m. (Philippine time).

 

PETA’s Charot! The Unwanted Prequel 

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) launches episodes of Charot! The Unwanted Prequel once a week at its official Facebook page. The story is a prequel to its play, Charot! The Musical. The prequel is set in a country known as “P.I.,” which is governed by Papsy, as the nation deals with the “Charona veerus.” New episodes will be uploaded on PETA’s official Facebook page weekly. Aside from online content, the theater company is also conducting two donation efforts. One for the distribution of rice to 300 families in Brgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City; and another for medical equipment such as personal protective equipment for the frontliners of East Avenue Medical Center. To stream the show and for more information on donation efforts, visit https://www.facebook.com/PETATHEATER/.

 

Bid for a role

Theater Fans Manila, in cooperation with Open House (an online fundraising project for the benefit of the performing arts community), is auctioning off two roles in a live streamed reading of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by the members of C.A.S.T. (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre). The live online reading features Mako Alonso, Reb Atadero, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Maronne Cruz, Tarek El Tayech, Wanggo Gallaga, Nelsito Gomez, Jill Peña, Dean Rosen, and Brian Sy. Bids open at P2,500. State one’s bid in the comments section of the Open House Instagram posts for the male role or the female role. Bidding closes at midnight on April 12. All proceeds will go to the Open House fundraising campaign. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/OpenHouseFundraiser.

 

Color Manolo Blahnik designs

Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik shares a selection of his original sketches in an online coloring book. The shoe designs are downloadable at https://www.manoloblahnik.com/gb/smile.html.

 

DUP’s plays online

Three Dulaang UP  plays – Floy Quintos’ The Kundiman Party, Ang Nawalang Kapatid, and Nick Joaquin’s Father’s and Sons –  are now available for streaming on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm2k83BMK9Fq39P6yJH9lng.

 

Podcasts on Philippine crime

Stories After Dark features podcasts on Philippine true crime and mystery stories. It currently has 14 episodes including The Maguindanao Massacre (2009), The Ozone Disco Fire (1996), and Pepsi Paloma: Rape or Publicity Stunt? Suicide or Murder? (1982/1985). To listen, visit https://www.facebook.com/storiesafterdarkph/.

Open House show, classes, workshops

The Artists Welfare Project Inc., Philstage, SPIT, Third World Improve, the Theater Actors Guild, and Ticket2Me continue with the Open House online fundraising project for the benefit of the performing arts community. The project allows viewers to stream live online classes, shows, and workshops featuring some of the industry’s biggest names for free. On April 12 (10 p.m.), PalabasTayo AfterParty will feature the cast of Philippine Repertory’s Anna in the Tropics for backstories, lighthearted tea, and general shop talk. For more information and to stream programs, visit https://www.facebook.com/OpenHouseFundraiser. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/DonateOpenHouse.

Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals online

Andrew Lloyd Webber offers his musicals for free in the online series The Shows Must Go On. The series continues with Jesus Christ Superstar (2012), starring Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon.

Palacio de Memoria virtual tour

Art and history enthusiasts can now go on a virtual tour of Palacio de Memoria, the Colonial Revival mansion, and marvel at its luxurious facilities and hundreds of Euro-Filipino paintings, sculptures, art displays, and historical pieces online. It features the showroom of Palacio de Memoria’s auction house, Casa de Memoria, which houses the Lhuillier family’s collection of antiques, the Mosphil Lounge, and a passenger plane that was refitted to be a lounge for special occasions. To view the Palacio de Memoria’s virtual tour, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com/tours.

Intramuros virtual tour 

Visit the sites of Intramuros through its virtual tours at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/intramuros-administration?fbclid=IwAR0aRtUOboFvmpk73FwjO_OZBBD5OKRfoFBWUOGgPAUUpaA7DquxNG0Jlks. The walled city’s sites may also be visited through the Experience Philippines augmented reality app. The app is free and available on Google Play or the App Store.

 

Photography workshops with Canon PH

Canon Philippines is offering photography workshops for the month of April via its official Facebook page. The workshops will feature Canon brand ambassadors and professional photographers who will tackle basic to advanced techniques, and specialized topics such as food, architecture, wedding, and music events photography, and vlogging. View the workshop schedule at https://www.facebook.com/canonphils/photos/a.436807569702668/2967524323297634/?type=3&theater.

 

MSO’s music online

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Ennio Marricone’s “Nella Fantasia” from The Mission (1986), which was recorded separately by its musicians while in quarantine, in the hope that it brings some comfort to the listener’s soul. To listen, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceKQHi-9OKQ&feature=youtu.be. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/manilasymphony/.

 

E-coloring books

The Getty Museum and the Getty Research Institute of Los Angeles offers the “Color Our Collections” edition for 2020. To view, visit http://library.nyam.org/colorourcollections/page/11/.

 

NFB animated shorts online

Watch animated short films from the National Film Board of Canada at

https://www.nfb.ca/animation/.

 

Silverlens launches Art Boost

To keep in touch with art lovers, Silverlens presents Art Boost, an online drive to maintain engagement with art through social media, exhibition catalogues, and videos. Follow Silverlens’ official social media pages for a series of #athomewith, #weeklyartwork, #trivia, and #sundayread. Visit Silverlens’ official YouTube and Vimeo for artists profiles such as Gary-Ross Pastrana, and Patricia Perez Eustaquio.

 

National Museum of the Philippines 

The National Museum uploaded a coloring sheet of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium by Bryan Ferrer which may be physically or digitally colored. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/nationalmuseumofthephilippines/posts/3123148164376147.

Children’s books online

Enjoy digitized children’s book titles from the University of California (UCLA)’s children’s book collection at https://archive.org/details/yrlsc_childrens&tab=collection; and University of Florida’s digital collection of the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at https://ufdc.ufl.edu/baldwin/all/thumbs.

Five-hour museum tour

Experience a five-hour tour in Russia’s Hermitage Museum, shot by filmmaker Axinya Gog on an iPhone 11 Pro. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=49YeFsx1rIw&feature=emb_title.

Guitar lessons with Fender

Fender is offering three months of free lessons for guitar, bass and ukulele. It includes high-resolution videos with teachers, and a progress tracker. Follow along to videos, and practice at your own pace with the adjustable scrolling tablature and a metronome. To sign up, visit https://try.fender.com/play/playthrough/?utm_source=bouncex&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=PlayThrough_BXPopup&utm_term=fender&src=emaill00DTplaypopup/

Toei anime on YouTube

Japanese animation studio Toei’s YouTube channel will stream shows for free. Seventy shows with English subtitles have been released; on April 13, it will release episode 3 and 4 of National Kid (updated on Mondays); and April 14, it will release episode 3 and 4 of Suki Suki Majo Sensei (updated on Tuesdays). To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/ToeiAnimationUS.

 

Educational TV shows return to ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN brings back 1990s educational TV shows every Saturday. Sineskwela (8:30 a.m.) explains topics on science, Bayani (9 a.m.) is about historical figures and events, and Hiraya Manawari (9:30 a.m.) which focuses on values.

 

Cirque Du Soleil online

Enjoy free 60-minute specials from shows such as Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities, O, and Luzia.To watch, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect.

 

Ayala Museum online

Continue learning at home with the Ayala Museum’s resources available online. Enjoy previous exhibitions and performances, coloring pages, and playlists. Visit https://www.ayalamuseum.org/online-resources/?fbclid=IwAR2psdA2kvBhhEC-iJs-seLvPXICAZ4zWO-bBIwvxjrhuTm18C_0zyOm3VE.

 

E-books for kids

Expand your kids’ library at home through the BuriBooks app. Titles include books from publisher Adarna House, reviewers, and Filipino textbooks. Access the app via iOS, Android, or a web browser. Sign up via https://buribooks.com/. Enjoy it free for 30 days.

 

National Gallery of Victoria’s virtual tours 

The National Gallery of Victoria has developed several virtual tours. Audiences can view exhibitions such as Companionship In The Age Of Loneliness of New York-based artist Brian Donnelly, a.k.a. KAWS; and the world premiere of Crossing Lines, featuring the works of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Visit  https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/channel/.

New free plays on Thursdays 

The National Theatre in London brings its shows to YouTube. Every Thursday (7 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. EST), National Theatre at Home will release a new play free to watch for one week. It includes cast and creative interviews and post-stream talks. The shows are Jane Eyre on April 9, Treasure Island on April 16, and Twelfth Night on April 23. For information, visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home?queueittoken=e_safetyevent25mar20~q_b79a6e28-67d9-44de-88e6-29cedc812122~ts_1585490458~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_8c7928d22caa971981f7edf53563d20e2fe8f68a3a3a1458b34b1cb17f11b50b.

Ballets at the Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre in Russia showcases The Golden Series of classic opera and ballet performances via livestream on the theater’s YouTube channel. Livestreaming began on April 1 with The Tsar’s Bride. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/bolshoi.

Free Murakami books online 

Japanese best-selling author Haruki Murakami’s stories are made available online for free at http://www.openculture.com/2014/08/read-five-stories-by-haruki-murakami-free-online.html. Titles include Kino, A Walk to Kobe, and Samsa in Love.

Free books on modern art

Enjoy PDF and ePubs on modern art from the Guggenheim Museum’s archive. The collection includes books on Francis Bacon, Max Ernst, and Mark Rothko. Visit https://archive.org/details/guggenheimmuseum.

Free vet consultations online

Dr. Cyron Sarmiento opened his Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mcejsarmiento) and Twitter (@Cyrooon) accounts for free online consultations.  For more inquiries, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/648196199302932/. Consultations will run for the entire duration of the enhanced community quarantine.

Free Japanese courses

The Japan Foundation Manila launched an e-learning program of free Japanese courses. It includes six-month beginner and intermediate lessons on calligraphy, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. Sign-up for your chosen course at https://minato-jf.jp/?fbclid=IwAR2SrhYV-9nH4Hbc9TbTspxg0t39DH6xtLQ-jz1n1uOkeGMK3bCdL022O8I.

Arts and Culture

Learn something new every day with Google Arts and Culture from virtual tours of sites, and museums to food, fashion, and design. Visit https://artsandculture.google.com/.

 

Frida Kahlo’s artworks online

View Frida Kahlo’s work online through the Google Arts & Culture platform. The website has 800 paintings, photographs, and objects by the Mexican artist from 33 international museums. To view the exhibition, visit https://artsandculture.google.com/project/frida-kahlo.

Scribd materials for free for 30 days

Enjoy free books, audiobooks, magazines, and documents for 30 days at Scribd. To view titles, visit https://www.scribd.com/readfree?fbclid=IwAR363ywNP9yoBbKJVQFYCtilfGfljPDGeOatqKJgWMV5Pj9-p7j-gkaGOb8.

Classic Pinoy films online

Director Mike de Leon uploaded classic Filipino films from the 1930s to 1960s on his vimeo account, Citizen Jake. Titles include Manuel Silos’ Pista sa Nayon (1948), Gregorio Fernandez’s Kung Ako’y Mahal Mo (1960), and Lamberto V. Avellana’s Aklat ng Buhay (1952). Watch films at https://vimeo.com/user83013343.

Free Neil Gaiman stories online

Best-selling author Neil Gaiman offers free essays, audiobooks, book excerpts, and videos at his official website under “Cool Stuff and Things.” Visit https://www.neilgaiman.com/Cool_Stuff.

Arts BGC at Home

Every Wednesday, Arts at BGC offers creative prompts at the Arts at BCG (https://www.facebook.com/artsatbgc/ and @artsatbgc) and BGC Art Center ( https://www.facebook.com/BGCArtsCenter/ and @bgcartscenter) Facebook and Instagram pages. Join the Arts at BGC Community to get in touch with other participants. https://www.facebook.com/groups/artsatbgc.

Ballet and opera free online 

The Royal Opera House is showing its performances online through its Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/royaloperahouse/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/RoyalOperaHouse) pages. Performances include Mozart’s Così fan tutte on April 10; and the ballet The Metamorphosis on April 17.

Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries – Quarantine Edition online

Best-selling author of The Princess Diaries Meg Cabot offers The Princess Diaries – Quarantine Edition for free on her official website. Entries are updated daily. Visit https://www.megcabot.com/2020/03/corona-princess-diaries-day-1/?utm_content=122945851&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-67512624694.

NHCP Documentaries on YouTube

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines makes Philippine history education accessible through documentaries on YouTube. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/historymuseumsPH/posts/997233837339314. Titles include: Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya, Apolinario Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan, Kababaihan ng Rebolusyon, and,  Gregoria de Jesus: Lakambini ng Katipunan.

 

Drawing lessons for kids with Mo Willems

Best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems is hosting drawing lessons for kids called Lunch Doodles every weekday on YouTube. Each session will be between 20 to 28 minutes long. Mr. Willems is also welcome to questions (send to: LUNCHDOODLES@kennedy-center.org) which he will try to answer during sessions. For sessions of Lunch Doodles, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL14hRqd0PELGbKihHuTqx_pbvCLqGbOkF.

Paulo Coelho’s books online 

Best-selling author Paulo Coelho has made his books available for free. Titles include: The Way of the Bow, The Manuscript Found in Accra, and Brida. Visit his blog at https://paulocoelhoblog.com/books-online/.

Shakespeare plays online

Shakespeare’s plays recorded at the Globe Theater are now available for online streaming. Titles include Hamlet and The Two Noble Kinsmen. To watch, visit https://globeplayer.tv/

Learn at home with Scholastic 

Scholastic is offering free online courses for levels pre-kindergarten to Grade 6. Duration of the courses is approximately three hours per day. They include writing, research projects, and virtual field trips. The website is accessible on any device. Visit https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

 

Free opera streaming online

OperaWire will host Nightly Met Opera Streams of the Metropolitan Opera for free. The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be available to stream for 20 hours. Visit https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-to-offer-up-nightly-met-opera-streams/. The Paris Opera is also streaming operas for free. Visit https://www.operadeparis.fr/.

 

Free films on YouTube

Catch Filipino films for free on the following channels: Regal Entertainment (https://www.youtube.com/user/regalcinema/featured); Cinema One Originals (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzggCZVkynvnjNV29L9EccA); and TBA Studios (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChh0rmwGvToBd3owvN2vRMg).

 

Free online courses

Enjoy 1,500 free online courses from leading universities such as Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and more. Download the audio and video courses (from iTunes, YouTube, or university web sites). Topics include archeology, art, finance, writing, law, health, religion, mathematics, and personality development. Visit http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses.

 

Online yoga classes

YogaPlus offers daily yoga classes via Facebook live. For schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/yogaplusph/.

 

Free Broadway performances online

Enjoy your favorite Broadway performances online for a limited time at https://www.broadwayhd.com/.

 

Virtual tours 

Explore museums around the world through virtual tours: the Solomon R. Guggenheim https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum?hl=en; the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour/current-exhibits); the Louvre Museum (https://www.youvisit.com/tour/louvremuseum).  View animals such as otters, penguins, turtles, and corals on live camera at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

 

Bayanihan Musikahan concerts

Bayanihan Musikahan, a fundraising effort to help urban poor communities in Metro Manila who are suffering from the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, gathers Pinoy musical artists online in a marathon concert series. On April 9, it is the turn of Bayanihan Huntahan (5 p.m.) and Gary Valenciano (8 p.m.). For more information and live shows, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/bayanihanmusikahan/about/?ref=page_internal. To donate, visit pymy.co/pbsp (for.Mastercard, Visa, JCB, PayMaya); donation.ph/pbsp (for BPI Credit/Debit cards, GCash, GrabPay); and http://give2asia.org/pbsp (for donations in US dollars).

CalCheese is one with the Filipinos against COVID-19

In the first week of quarantine, cheddar cheese wafer CalCheese sent out products to immediately aid the frontlines. The makers of CalCheeseis giving 20% discount to LGU’s on all their biscuits from April onwards. This is to extend support to the LGU’s providing relief to their constituents that are currently kept home during the quarantine.

They started their efforts in Metro Manila where most COVID-19 cases were. Partnering with GMA Foundation, they provided them with an initial P1Mworth of assorted biscuit products that include Malkist, Valmer, Wafello and Superstar.

When the government rolled out the enhanced community quarantine early last month, these brands partnered with various NGO’s like Frontline Feeders PH. The group made by doctors and restauranteurs sent out the products to National Capital Region hospitals. These includes those that are in the forefront of the fight, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines.

The effort of CalCheese is part of the P6M worth of product donations from PT Mayora Indah Tbk an Indonesian company. They are the makers of well-loved brands Kopiko, Energen and Le Minerale.

“What we are going through is a hardship we won’t wish for any generation. We need to take each day at a time while remaining hopeful. Our efforts are geared towards assisting the real heroes in the frontline and wish that somehow, we make their day a little brighter, said Coleen N. Ducusin, Marketing Manager for Biscuits, Chocolates and Candies.

The company has made measures that they have a steady supply of products for their consumers with a nationwide distribution to over 300,000 outlets.

Business guides offer continuity tips amid global lockdown

At a time when the world seems to have temporarily closed, industry leaders have had to make hard choices in order to ensure the longevity of their organizations through the current COVID-19 crisis.

The comprehensive continuity guides below were written specifically with the pandemic in mind. They include practical strategies that allow businesses to become more resilient in the coming months and even after the pandemic situation dies down. Everyone can use a bit of help in these trying times.

FastJobs Philippines

The job opportunity platform FastJobs Philippines created its Business Continuity Guide as a means to  help business owners – especially those with small and medium enterprises – plan in response to Covid-19. It covers the following key business operational risks: human resource management; processes and business functions; supplier and customer management; and communications. The aim is to guarantee plans are in place by minimizing the risk to employees as well as ensuring alternative arrangements with suppliers so that operations can continue.

The continuity guide is written with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – Requirements (SS ISO 22301; ISO 27031) and relevant government agency advisories in mind. You may download a copy here or email customercare@fastjobs.ph to access the latest version of the guide. 

The Founder Institute

This Novel Coronavirus Plan Version 2.1 for startups and small businesses was recommended by Rick Rasmussen, an Industry Fellow at the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology in UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering and guest speaker at the recently concluded TBI 4.0 Virtual Conference.

Created by Silicon Valley-based Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator, they used their experience of developing policies and transformed it into a basic template for anyone to copy, edit, and use.

Some of the recommended actions in the Response Plan include closing the office to non-essential staff, setting up technology that support remote work, reinvesting the time normally spent commuting to boosting team morale, and considering ways to preserve capital.

You may obtain a copy of the template at the link above. The bottom part of the said link also includes additional resources for fellowships, mental wellness, and free startup events.

People who are more vulnerable to COVID-19

By Michaela Tangan, Features Writer, The Philippine STAR

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, everyone is put ina new battleground.Hence, moreknowledge about the disease is essential. According to experts, there are certain groups of people whoare at higher risk for developing severe illness due to COVID-19.

SMOKERS

The COVID-19 attacks healthy cells, especially the ones in the respiratory tree (nose, throat, lungs), making smokers who are likely to have lung disease or reduced lung capacity more at risk of developing severe complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explained, “The act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips, which increases the possibility of transmission of the virus from hand to mouth.”

“Smoking products such as water pipes often involve the sharing of mouthpieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of COVID-19 in communal and social settings,” WHO added.

PEOPLE WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Current data points that people with underlying medical conditions — chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, chronic kidney disease, serious heart conditions, diabetes, immune deficiencies, and severe obesity — record higher COVID-19 deaths.

This group’s immune defenses are weak, do not function normally, and thus have reduced the ability to fight and recover when the virus infects their healthy cells.

OLDER PEOPLE

Current clinical data show that older adults are at higher risk of severe illness and even death associated with COVID-19.

Italy has recorded a high fatality rate due to its aging population.

People’s immune systems weaken in time, making the elderly more vulnerable to all types of infections and at risk of developing severe disease due to COVID-19, especially if they have pre-existing conditions.

PREGNANT WOMEN

Women’s immune system is complex during pregnancy. They are advised to take extra precautionary measures to avoid any sickness as this might harm or affect the growth and development of unborn babies.

As of now, it is unclear if pregnant women with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to their babies. However, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the UK is looking into the probability of mother-to-baby transmission of COVID-19 during pregnancy or birth after reporting a single case where this scenario appears likely.

In China, some mothers with COVID-19 symptoms reportedly deliver their babies prematurely to save both from possible complications or death.

 

Understanding ‘viral load’ and COVID-19

By Michaela Tangan, Features Writer, The Philippine STAR

According to the World Health Organization, older people and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of getting severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19). However, some young individuals and medical frontliners who are always exposed to numerous COVID-19 patients have also fallen seriously ill due to the virus.

As scientists and experts continue to understand the behavior of COVID-19, they are looking into “viral load”, which is the amount of virus a person has inside them, and whether a high viral load means worse illness.

A study from China, where the spread of the virus began, suggests that people exposed to a larger viral load could experience worse symptoms when they get the coronavirus. This was also observed during the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, another study reported that there is no difference between how much coronavirus a person is exposed to and how sick they get.

Sarah Caddy, a clinical research fellow in viral immunology and veterinary surgeon at University of Cambridge, wrote in The Conversation that there are factors to consider aside from the amount of virus.

“It is important to bear in mind that the amount of virus it takes to cause infection is only one part of the story. How the body responds to the virus can also be critical. This is because the immune response to a virus can be both beneficial and harmful. If the immune system isn’t adequately activated, the virus can replicate faster. On the other hand, if the immune system is over-activated, it can damage healthy tissues,” Ms. Caddy wrote.

“There is a long list of medical conditions that can increase the chances of having a severe case of COVID-19, from diabetes to high blood pressure. But what about factors such as exhaustion or extreme stress? We expect many frontline medical staff to be under significant pressure in the coming weeks and months; could this affect their susceptibility?,” she added.

Meralco rate rises in April

By Adam J. Ang

Consumers in Metro Manila will likely see an increase in their electricity bills in April with a typical households set to see a P21 hike, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Thursday.

The rate hike comes amid falling demand in Luzon where most economic activities have been halted due to the enhanced community quarantine.

In a statement, Meralco said that the overall electricity rate rose by P0.1050 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P8.9951/kWh from March’s P8.8901/kWh.

Households consuming 300 kWh, 400 kWh, and 500 kWh could expect their monthly bills to rise by P31.50, P42.00, and P52.50, respectively.

The rate increase was due to the normalization of the universal charge, after a one-time refund in the universal charge-NPC stranded contract costs (UC-SCC).

Last March, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordered Meralco to implement a P0.1453/kWh rate reversal in the UC-SCC, representing collections in excess of the amount due to Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM).

Universal charges are remitted to the government for the electrification in off-grid areas, the National Power Corporation’s financial obligations in excess of privatization proceeds, and watershed rehabilitation and management.

However, Meralco noted that the April rate is still “significantly” lower compared to the rate in the same month in 2019.

It said the rate hike is tempered by the P0.0495/kWh decrease in the feed-in tariff allowance (FiT-All) for April, following the suspension of its collection as ordered by the ERC.

Recently, Meralco claimed a force majeure event during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, bringing down generation charges for its customers.

The distribution utility invoked a force majeure provision in its Power Supply Agreements (PSA), lowering fixed charges for generation capacity that was not consumed, as power demand dropped.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines earlier noted that electricity demand in the Luzon grid declined around 20-30% amid the Luzon-wide lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Generation charges for this month dropped by P0.0247/kWh to P4.6385/kWh, significantly lower compared to the April 2019 generation rate of P5.6322/kWh.

A force majeure event is an uncontrollable event that makes it impossible for power plant operators to fulfill their obligations. Without this, Meralco said that generation rate would have increased by P0.0259/kWh from last month’s rate.

Cost of power from its PSAs, which accounts to 51% of Meralco’s total electricity supply, was lowered to P0.1696/kWh, while charges from Independent Power Producers, which supplies 38% of the utility’s power needs, also decreased by P0.0965 due to higher average plant dispatch and Peso appreciation.

Moreover, charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, which has an 11% share in its supply needs, fell by P0.9429/kWh driven by improved supply conditions in the Luzon grid.

Earlier, Meralco announced a one-month extension of payments of bills falling from March 1 to April 14 in part of its measures to help households affected by the ECQ. Bills for the period will be computed based on customers’ average electricity consumption from January to March.

The ECQ has been extended until end-April.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

Working (out) from home? Four reasons to start exercising during the quarantine

Among the many changes COVID-19 has forced upon us, a general lack of movement and the realization of just how fragile our health can be are perhaps the most immediate in our daily lives.

With the possibility of the government’s quarantine measures extending and businesses struggling to find ways to continue servicing their customers, workers need to find ways to stay both healthy and productive in this period of isolation and social distancing.

But there’s a lot we can do, even from the confines of our homes, to keep our energy levels high and our immune systems strong as we support our nationwide efforts to beat COVID-19. Chief among them—commit to a simple daily exercise routine.

Here are four reasons why.

1. It boosts your immune system.

Our immune systems are our bodies’ defense against viruses like COVID-19. And while medicine and treatment are important, the best way to ensure we’re safe against sickness is to make sure we don’t get sick in the first place.

Time and again, exercise has been proven to naturally boost our immune systems. It lowers our levels of inflammatory cytokines, a by-product of our bodies fighting against infections. This, in turn, aids in preventing cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, among others. Safe to say, exercise is definitely a proactive way of boosting our body’s natural defenses against unwanted viruses and bacteria.

2. It helps manage your mental wellbeing.

Fear and uncertainty are high these days, and that stress can sap a lot of energy out of our days. Many studies have found that exercise is among the best natural tools we have on-hand to improve our mental wellbeing, reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods by improving not just self-esteem but also cognitive function.

On a scientific level, increased blood circulation during exercise leads to higher oxygen levels in our brains, helping us perform better. Exercise also produces endorphins, improving our moods, reducing stress levels, and leading to better sleep quality.

With our daily routines completely changed by this pandemic, setting aside time to exercise gives us control in a time where we are so limited by circumstance. That, in itself, is a huge boost to mental wellbeing.

3. It can be a great avenue for team-building.

For entrepreneurs, not being able to interact with your teams is a real problem. Even for firms that can still functionally operate remotely, having a separated workforce can really kill momentum and lead to employees becoming disconnected from one another.

To that end, exercise programs can do a lot to boost morale and keep co-workers connected. Using video conferencing tools like Skype or Zoom, it’s easy to schedule three days in the week for a 30-minute session where the team comes together for a quick workout. If you’ve ever done burpees before, you know that having people around you can be a huge motivator.

Bonus points if you can bring in a professional instructor to lead the group, as well as provide virtual guidance to each person. My team in Village Fitness has been running different formats of virtual programs for our members with the objective of keeping them engaged while our facilities are closed. We‘ve begun offering group sessions for our corporate clients as well, facilitating classes over Zoom.

4. Online programs have never been more accessible.

Given that equipment might not be as accessible during the enhanced community quarantine, it’s high time to get creative when designing fitness programs. Regular gym goers may be disappointed in seeing their progress melt away as they’re stuck at home. But there are still many resources available online to ensure your progress doesn’t end during the quarantine.

With the right combination of bodyweight fitness programs and mindful food choices, you can still supercharge your day and keep your health high. Exercise programs such as HIIT can stimulate the metabolism to burn more calories, while tempo-based bodyweight training can help you build muscle, even without heavy weights around.

With so many options available online, we’re almost spoiled for choice. But one important consideration when selecting a program for you is your ​personal fitness goal. Being clear with what you want to achieve is the first step in actualizing results. If mobility is what you want to achieve, maybe Yoga or Animal flow can help. If you want to be building strength and bulking up, find a trainer online that can help you make do with what you have lying around the house. Now is the best time to reflect and figure out what your fitness goal really is.

—

Ryan Fermin is an entrepreneur and startup founder specializing in implementing tech into lifestyle development and sports. If you’re interested in learning more about building a personal or professional fitness program, you can reach him at ryanfermin.villagefitness@gmail.com.

UP study says quarantine extension might ‘flatten the curve’

Last April 7, President Rodrigo R. Duterte accepted the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to extend the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until April 30.

An extension of the ECQ, coinciding with other non-medical interventions, would greatly help flatten the curve of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country, a recent study of the University of the Philippines (UP) COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team reveals. 

According to the study, the number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila could range from 140,000 to 550,000 infected people, with the number of active cases to peak somewhere between end of April to June, before it flattens and wanes in the following months. The estimate, tabulated by a group of mathematicians from different UP campuses, also projected three different scenarios.

To prevent the worst case scenario of active cases totally overwhelming healthcare capacity, the study urges government decision makers to implement appropriate strategies and calibrate short- to long-term interventions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. It also noted that hospital bed capacity and other healthcare metrics can be projected based on the proportion of severe cases (currently pegged at five percent). 

The study noted how simultaneous non-medical interventions — work and school shutdown, requirement of face masks (even homemade masks with filter), washing of hands, and social distancing — can help reduce the spread of the virus thereby giving the Philippine healthcare system some much-needed time to treat infected individuals.

“Community quarantine buys us time to beef up our healthcare system’s capacity, while limiting the reach of the disease. Thus, a modified, location-specific quarantine scenario can be explored in light of public healthcare realities on the ground (e.g. number of ventilators and hospital beds) and possibly different peak periods across local government units (LGUs) throughout the country,” the study recommends.

The study also encouraged each LGU to improve the simulations further by providing essential data like hospital information on the number of people tested, recovered, and other critical facts for modeling. These can be collected daily at the barangay level through online survey forms.

Villar still the wealthiest Filipino with P283B net worth

Manuel B. Villar, Jr. remains the richest Filipino in 2020 based on Forbes Magazine’s latest list of world billionaires. 

The Forbes World’s Billionaires List came out Tuesday night, hailing real estate tycoon and former senator Mr. Villar as the wealthiest in the Philippines with a net worth of$5.6 billion (about P283.11 billion). 

A total of 15 Filipinos made this year’s billionaire list, which Forbes collected using stock prices and exchange rates from March 18. The list is composed of individuals with an estimated net worth of at least $1 billion, and totaled 2,095 billionaires, fewer by 58 persons from in 2019.

Mr. Villar ranked 286th in the global list with his wealth growing about 2% from last year’s $5.5 billion (about P278.06 billion). 

He is the chairman of four listed companies: real estate firm Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc.; mall operator Vistamalls, Inc.; death-care service provider Golden Bria Holdings, Inc.; and home improvement retailer AllHome Corp. 

In the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Mr. Villar has donated disinfecting apparatus, face masks and a daily supply of bottled water to the government for distribution to government hospitals. 

His group of companies also teamed up with a local construction firm in assisting the Department of Public Works and Highways, which is headed by Mr. Villar’s son Mark A. Villlar, in building a health facility in the Philippine International Convention Center for COVID-19 patients.

Following Mr. Villar in Forbes’ list of billionaires is port and gaming magnate Enrique K. Razon, Jr. — second richest in the Philippines and 565th in the global list. He took the place of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. founder John L. Gokongwei, Jr. who died in late 2019.

Mr. Razon recorded a net worth of $3.4 billion (about P171.89 billion) in 2020, down by about 29% from last year’s $4.8 billion (about P242.95 billion).

Mr. Razon is the chairman of listed port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and hotel and gaming operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. He also recently took a stake in Ayala-led water concessionaire Manila Water Co., Inc.

In the fight against COVID-19, Mr. Razon is taking part in a consortium of companies helping communities affected by the Luzon-wide lockdown through a P1.7-billion donation. His infrastructure firm Prime Metro BMD Corp. is also working with the government to transform the Ninoy Aquino Stadium into a COVID-19 facility.

The children of SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) founder Henry Sy, Sr., who died in early 2019, took the next four spots in the country’s wealthiest men: Hans T. Sy and Herbert T. Sy tied at 1,063rd in the global list with net worth of $2 billion each (about P101.23 billion); and Harley T. Sy and Henry T. Sy, Jr. tied at 1,135th with net worths of $1.9 billion each (about P96.17 billion).

Hans’ and Herbert’s net worths this year fell from last year’s $2.4 billion each (about P121.48 billion), while Harley’s and Henry Sr.’s net worths dropped from last year’s $2.2 billion (about P111.35 billion).

Their two other siblings also made the list: Teresita T. Sy-Coson ranked eighth in the local list and 1,196th in the global list with a net worth of $1.8 billion (about P91.11 billion), and Elizabeth T. Sy ranked 12th in the local list and 1,335th in the global list with a net worth of $1.6 billion (about P80.98 billion).

Teresita’s wealth declined from last year’s $2.2 billion (about P111.35 billion), while Elizabeth’s wealth decreased from last year’s $1.9 billion (about P96.17 billion).

In helping in the ongoing health crisis, the Sy family, through the SM Group, has earmarked more than P170 million to buy personal protective equipment, test kits and ventilators to be given to hospitals. 

Other Filipino billionaires that made the list include Alliance Global Group, Inc. Chairman Andrew L. Tan (tied with Hans and Herbert at 1,063rd), with a net worth of $1.9 billion (about P96.17 billion). His wealth this year is lower from last year’s $2.7 billion (about P136.66 billion).

Alphaland Corp. Chairman Roberto V. Ongpin also made the list — ninth locally and 1,267th globally. His net worth stood at $1.7 billion (about P86.05 billion), higher from last year’s $1.1 billion (about P55.68 billion).

LT Group, Inc. and PAL Holdings, Inc. Chairman Lucio C. Tan, whose businesses expand across banking, tobacco, spirits, property and airlines, was the 10th richest man in the country and 1,267th in the world. His net worth dropped to $1.7 billion (about P86.05 billion) from last year’s $4.4 billion (about P222.71 billion).

Mr. Tan is tied with Jollibee Foods Corp. founder Tony Tan Caktiong and his family, whose net worth of $1.7 billion (about P86.05 billion) this year fell from last year’s $3.9 billion (about P197.4 billion).

Completing the list from ranks 13th to 15th are San Miguel Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang; Prudential Guarantee & Assurance Chairman Robert G. Coyiuto, Jr.; and San Miguel Chairman Eduardo M. Cojuangco, Jr.

Mr. Ang’s and Mr. Coyiuto’s net worths were at $1.4 billion each (about P70.86 billion). This is lower for Mr. Ang whose wealth in 2019 stood at $2.9 billion (about P146.78 billion). Mr. Coyiuto’s net worth was flat. 

Mr. Cojuangco recorded a net worth of $1 billion (about P50.61 billion), down from last year’s $1.4 billion (about P70.86 billion).  

Forbes noted 51% of the billionaires in this year’s billionaire list are “poorer” from a year ago, which it attributed to the collapse of global equities and business declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consolidated net worth of the billionaires in the list stood at $8 trillion (about P404.92 trillion), lower by $700 billion year on year. 

Topping the global list are Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ($113 billion from last year’s $131 billion) and Microsoft founder Bill Gates ($98 billion from last year’s $96.5 billion).

SEC warns investors of more shady schemes during crisis

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warned the public anew of more groups peddling fraudulent investments.

In a statement on Wednesday, SEC noted five groups, namely: Cryptec, CryptoPeso, V2R Trades, Lao Razon Trading and/or Lao Razon Marketing and Sakto Online Advertising, for operating without licenses.

These added to the list of groups it earlier flagged for trying to lure the public into unauthorized investment activities since the coronavirus outbreak started last month.

The offshore cryptocurrency broker Cryptec, operated by Point Place, Ltd. in the Commonwealth of Dominica, offers trading accounts with 50-150% trading bonus for those opening with an investment ranging $250 to more than $500,000.

CryptoPeso, meanwhile, seeks investment via mobile token wallet and payment application. Its latest program CryptoPeso (PHPc) Staking program requires an investment of at least P2,000 from members, plus a P500 activation fee.

The group is run by Blockxperts, Inc. of Larrimar Espiritu Tia, who also serves as chief innovative officer of Indigen, the corporation that introduces the Unilevel Marketing Program in the CyptoPeso application.  

Another group, V2R Trades, operates online offering compensation packages worth P5,700 to P285,000 and promises a 33% monthly return. SEC said an investor may receive P50 to P5,000 daily rewards, 10% referral rewards, as well as 7% to 10% match rewards.

Dumaguete-based Lao Razon Trading and/or Lao Razon Marketing also operates a similar scheme, the corporate regulator noted. The group promises a 30-500% compounding income within a one- to six-month period for an initial investment of P500 to P5 million.

Further, Sakto Online Advertising, founded by a certain Rosulo Vigilia Cabusora, Jr. in Santiago City, Isabela, sells packages of “Sakto Amazing Detergent Powder” worth P198 to P13,986 and resell them or simply recruit members to make profits. 

“Those who act as salesmen, brokers, dealers or agents of fraudulent investment schemes may be held criminally liable and penalized with a maximum fine of P5 million or imprisonment of 21 years or both under the Securities Regulation Code,” the statement read.

SEC reminded the provision in the recently passed Republic Act No. 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which penalizes those participating in cyber incidents that make use or take advantage of the current crisis to prey on the public through scams, phishing, fraudulent emails, or other similar acts with two-month imprisonment or a maximum fine of P1 million or both. — Adam J. Ang

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