Salamat BayaNAI is a project under Batang NutriAsia, a corporate program of NutriAsia for children of its employees.

Giving thanks to all the frontliners as we go through this challenging times is an inspiring initiative to keep the flame of hope and strength goes on. A big thank to NutriAsia’s own frontliners who have remained dedicated in keeping shelves stocked with Filipinos’ favorite and trusted food products. In recognition of this, children of NutriAsia employees are honoring and further protecting them through their Salamat BayaNAI program.

Children write messages of encouragement to NutriAsia’s own frontliners.

Launched by Batang NutriAsia, an in-house summer program for children of NutriAsia employees, the Salamat BayaNAI program saw 3,800 face shields assembled and donated to NutriAsia merchandisers and employees for their protection. Despite the risks, these merchandisers served as the company’s front line in ensuring supermarkets and grocery stores remain stocked with NutriAsia products throughout the community quarantine, while employees from departments such as Human Resources, Total Quality Management, R&D, and Supply Chain also continued to report to work on site, making sure that all operations remained consistent throughout the situation.

Face shields were chosen for both their practicality and the protection they impart against COVID-19 and other diseases.

The program also aims to give these employees emotional support, as the Batang NutriAsia kids added heartwarming handwritten thank-you notes to the frontliners.

“We want these frontliners to know that their work is appreciated, and their bravery is not forgotten,” said Sabine Flaminiano, Salamat BayaNAI project lead and a Batang NutriAsia graduate in her own right.

“Seeing the reactions of the store merchandisers and employees as they received our care packages was memorable—as their hard work and sacrifice are valued and recognized, this had brought big smiles and a boost to their morale.”

The MERIT of Batang NutriAsia

Through the Salamat BayaNAI program, NutriAsia children were able to send 3,800 face shields and thank you notes to NutriAsia employees and merchandisers.

Batang NutriAsia is a corporate program for children of NutriAsia employees who want to know more about their parents’ work. The Salamat BayaNAI program is a culmination of Batang NutriAsia’s MERIT (Malasakit, Excellence, Respect, Ingenuity with Integrity, and Teamwork) pillars, especially Malasakit as it raised awareness of the need to care for others.

NutriAsia Human Resources Group Head Jun Corpus shares that through Batang NutriAsia, they are able to teach children universally critical work and life values to help build a generation of values-led, principled Filipinos set for a brighter future.

By starting and executing initiatives, programs, and projects that involve the family members of NutriAsia employees, the values of the company are further strengthened across the entire family, proving they are truly foundational, action-oriented, can drive results, and ideal in any situation.

Founded in 1991, NutriAsia Group is a powerhouse of beloved, timeless, and iconic Filipino food brands that include Datu Puti, Silver Swan, Mang Tomas, UFC, Papa Catsup, Jufran; UFC Cooking Sauces and Meal Mixes; Golden Fiesta Cooking Oil; and Locally Blended Juice Drink and Merci Buco Coco water.

In line with its efforts to keep families safe and connected at home during the enhanced community quarantine, leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT Inc. today announced the extension of its free Speedboost for PLDT Home Fibr customers and free NDD calls for all postpaid subscribers until May 31, 2020.

Moreover, this extension of free Speedboost and free NDD calls covers not only Fibr customers in the highly affected areas of Luzon but has also been expanded to benefit Fibr customers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The free Speedboost provides Fibr customers a minimum speed of 25 Mbps, which is beneficial for homes that have multiple Internet users and thus require high bandwidth to simultaneously access different web and streaming sites.

The free NDD calls enables families to use their landlines to call relatives and friends in different parts of the country.

“We are one with every Filipino family as we strive to rise above these trying times. As we face the uncertainties of the global health crisis, we are keeping our commitment to provide the strongest connections and reliable digital solutions that our customers need to work, study, and take care of their loved ones at home,” said Al Panlilio, PLDT Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

Free Access to Content

PLDT Home Wifi and PLDT Home Volume-based plan subscribers will also continue to have FREE access to verified government and news websites such as the Department of Health (DOH), National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), News 5, Philippine Star Global, Business World, CNN Philippines, ABS-CBN News, and GMA News Online.

iFlixVIP access for subscribers of PLDT Home Fibr Plan 1899 and up has also been extended until May 31, 2020. This will allow families to enjoy thousands of TV shows, movies, and everything on iflix for their bonding activities while staying at home.

Financial Support through Installment Payment Program

PLDT Home has also stepped up its efforts to help ease the financial burden of many families by implementing its extension payment program and suspending account disconnections during the enhanced community quarantine period. PLDT Home postpaid customers will automatically be enrolled to a 6-month installment payment scheme for all their bill balances as of April 30, 2020. This will allow them to conveniently settle their bills for six (6) months from May to October 2020.

Starting May 1, PLDT Home subscribers will receive an updated statement of account which will reflect the installment amount and the monthly service due for the corresponding billing month. PLDT Home subscribers can also enjoy 20% or up to Php100 cashback if they settle their March to May bills in full and on time using the PayMaya app.

To conveniently track their bills and payments, PLDT Home subscribers can check their accounts through the MyPLDT-Smart App.

“We may be socially distant, but we are united and strongly connected as one nation and community.

PLDT Home will steadfastly work hard to keep families safe and connected as they stay at home,” said Panlilio.

For more information about PLDT Home’s COVID-19 response, please visit http://www.pldthome.com.

It goes without saying that being a mother is no easy feat, especially so amid the ongoing pandemic. There are many strong women - from medical professionals and pharmacists, to policewomen, and government and volunteer workers - who have been called to duty to serve the needs of their countrymen in these trying times.

Honoring their heroic heart for the nation, Lactum 3+ and 6+ releases a Mother’s Day campaign video that pays tribute to mom frontliners as they continue the fight against the health crisis and share their healing care that is felt at home to every Filipino in need.

Directed by filmmaker Pepe Diokno, “Alaga” is a heartwarming video told in a perspective of a child and showcases gratitude to the endless love and selfless sacrifice of moms. The campaign film features footages shot by real moms that take viewers through moments shared with kids with a poignant narration that recognizes how mothers display their touch of alaga even in difficult times.
“When situations are tough and things get scary, we always run to our moms and rely on them to be at their best. That is why this Mother’s Day, we want to say thank you to the mothers who show panalo parenting even in these times as they devote their time and health to help the nation, all while caring for their kids away from home,” said Lea Sarmiento, Senior Product Manager for Lactum.
Among the mom frontliners featured in the video is Kristine Frances Bustamante, a nurse in Camarines Sur who shares how the lockdown has limited her time spent with her kids. She says, “My usual work finishes before lunch time so I can eat together with my kids. But since lockdown, I had to stay in my work area to avoid risk of exposure to my kids. When I get home, no hugs or no kisses for a while.”
Another supermom, Aures Queen Trecho who is a bank teller, shares how she is responding to her duty to serve. “Currently, my daughter is being taken care of by my cousin because I am a single mom. I am aware that during this time of crisis, I still need to work and at the same time, take necessary precautions to not get so I can continue my duties.”

Sarmiento adds, “We recognize the fight that these mom frontliners are bravely going through for their children, their family and the nation. At Lactum 3+6+ and the entire Mead Johnson Philippines family along with our Reckitt Benckiser colleagues around the world, we are fighting alongside them as we continuously provide readily-available access to highest quality hygiene, wellness, and nourishment in cities and provinces so families will be safe and assured in these tough times.”

In support of families affected by the pandemic, a P50 donation will be made for every Lactum 3+ and 6+ purchased online. For the list of online partners, visit Lactum 3+ and 6+ official Facebook page. Watch the touching Mother’s Day video on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LactumPhilippines/videos/265270744855878/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQDstC8BO90). Per DOH-FDA-CFRR Permit No. 0584 s. 2020.

Happy Mother's Day!

This Mother’s Day may feel a little tougher than usual because of the challenging times we live in, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cancelled this year.

NutriAsia, the leading producer and distributor of sauces and condiments in the Philippines — home of well-loved brands Datu Puti, Silver Swan, UFC, Mang Tomas, and Papa, decided to pay tribute to the wonderful moms who have always been there for us through a funny but heartwarming Mother’s Day video of a son asking his mom for some help in cooking.

In the video, a son calls his mom up because he needs her help in cooking some ulam with some limited ingredients. The mom adorably does her best to teach her son even though using new technology can be challenging for her.

Showing that a mother knows exactly what to do with what she has, the mom shows her son that even with simple ingredients like a can of luncheon meat, a couple of carrots, and some potatoes in the fridge he can cook a Masarap at Masayang menudo, especially with the help of a pouch of UFC Ready Recipes Menudo Sauce she left in her son’s apartment.

UFC Ready Recipes Sauces are a range of ready to use cooking sauces, made from ingredients such as real tomatoes, selected spices and meat flavors. UFC Ready Recipe Sauces are convenient and easy to use. It is pre-mixed and pre-seasoned, and all you have to do is to pour the sauce and let it simmer. It’s available in different variants like Afritada, Menudo, Caldereta and Mechado.

At the end, it’s revealed that she raised a great, caring kid who looks out for others, as it turns out that he was cooking some food to give away to our brave frontliners!


The video is definitely inspiring and perfect for Mother’s Day, as it shows us that our moms do know best and we can always turn to her for help whenever we need it—and, of course, that the best children are raised by the best mothers.

You too can show your mom some love on Mother’s Day! Easily make a Masarap at Masayang meal for her at home this Mother’s Day! You may visit https://nutriasia.com/recipe/ for recipe ideas!

A mother’s nurturing love indeed leaves a lasting impact on her children’s lives. From teaching them their first lessons at home, instilling values that help shape their attitude and personality, to providing unending support and encouragement, the heroes of today have learned how to draw their character from the example of their mothers.

This May, Jollibee and creative agency, McCann World Group Philippines, pay tribute to strong and brave mothers as they release a touching Kwentong Jollibee Mother’s Day special that shows how a mother’s earnest parenting can determine how far a child can go in life.

Inspired by true stories, the special Mother’s Day tribute presents the realities in the lives of front-liners who are helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows the stories of front-liners and volunteers who, even in these trying times, continue to fulfill a higher purpose by carrying out their duties to those they serve. Despite their own circumstances, they set their heart on bringing joy to people, with a love that’s deeply anchored on the nurturing care they received from their moms.

“Our front-liners go out every day, braving different challenges that help flatten the curve and provide aid to those in need. As a brand that is one with the nation in recognizing our front-liners, our Mother’s Day tribute pays homage to their dear mothers — the first person who molded them to be the kind-hearted and noble people they are today, said Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand CMO, JFC Philippines Country Business Group and concurrent PH Marketing Head.

Through the guidance and example that mothers have set, many COVID-19 front-liners are able to fulfill their duties not only in their respective families, but also in the communities they lend a hand to. The material brings to light a powerful truth about how a mother’s love can enkindle a hero out in all of us.

Watch the special Mother’s Day tribute on Jollibee’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, and on Jollibee Studios’ YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/jollibeedigital1.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) are currently producing much-needed face shields using URC’s available resources.

The Gokongwei-owned food firm has temporarily repurposed some parts of its production line to manufacture 100,000 reusable face shields vital to frontline health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. According to GBF Director Grace Colet, these will go to some of the hospitals that have been at the forefront of the country’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

GBF is targeting over 25 beneficiaries including: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Rizal Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, The Medical City and Chinese General Hospital.

“We (GBF) were experiencing problems securing our personal protective equipment (PPE) orders from suppliers,” related Colet “Sometimes they’ll back out a day or two even after placing the order. And prices were increasing. It was a struggle to secure the very valuable PPE that we needed for donation to our health workers.”

Colet related, “Being an engineer, David Lim of URC got inspired to study the design and make it more efficient in terms of using available resources. We consulted doctors and specialists from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to ensure we are providing appropriate PPEs.”

URC senior vice-president for quality engineering, sustainability and technical services David Lim created the face shields, taking into consideration the urgency for these protective gears. “Some face shields are generally disposable. That’s why they had to make a lot. Our team decided to come up with a face shield design that can both be easily manufactured and is reusable,” he said.

For Dr. Maria Julieta Germar from PGH’s obstetrics and gynecology department, disinfecting URC’s face shield is easy because it doesn’t have foams. “The distance from the mask makes it easy for us to use goggles, loop and N95 masks underneath it. It is also not prone to fogging which is important when we do our surgeries,” she added.

According to Dr. Germar, the face shields are used by their medical personnel but later on, they intend to provide to patients who may need additional protection. URC’s face shields are made from just three basic materials, making mass production easier: a polypropylene (PP) strip that is 14mm thick and about a meter long; an 8-by-13-inch PET sheet; and some staples.

The company buys the PET sheets and staples, but it produces the PP strips in its facility in Calamba, Laguna. With minimal materials needed, URC is able to produce 3,500 face shields a day at two of its production facilities in Laguna. To date, it has delivered 40,000 to various hospitals and will complete deliveries by May.

According to Lim, the demand for the face shields is continuously growing. “This COVID fight is a battle for everyone. It is an honor for URC to be able to contribute and collaborate with GBF and hospitals, with safety, quality and sustainability in mind. That is the URC way.”

The Gokongwei Group’s URC is one of the largest food and beverage manufacturing companies in the country, producing Filipino favorites like C2, Great Taste and Jack ‘n Jill snacks. Also from the same parent company is GBF, a foundation dedicated to contributing to the country’s progress by helping educate its workforce in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

For frontliners with their own vehicles, SEAOIL has announced that a P5.00 gasoline and P3.00 diesel discount in selected stations across the country has been made available. These frontliners include medical professionals and technicians, hospital and clinic staff, uniformed personnel of the AFP, PNP and Coast Guards, and LGU officials, health workers, and quarantine enforcers.

Selected stations now continue to stay open where possible, allowing customers to still get their fuel and lube requirements without hassle. Service crew are equipped with proper safety gear, hygiene kits and protocols to ensure their health and safety while on duty.

To avail of the discount or fuel assistance, the driver of the vehicle must present an ID that verifies their profession. Vehicles that are properly marked such as ambulances, military and police vehicles used for COVID mobilization efforts also qualify even with the absence of a frontliner.

“SEAOIL is committed to helping our frontliners #ConquerCOVID19. We have utilized our resources to help our employees and the community. Keeping our stations open where possible, is one way to ensure our frontliners get to where they are needed,” said Glenn Yu, CEO. He added that SEAOIL is actively working with partners to extend their free and discounted fuel supply where it is most needed.

To further help, SEAOIL is also providing free fuel assistance to partner hospitals nationwide, logistics groups including GrabBayanihan, and Ube Express, the free shuttle service of Kaya Natin, among others.

SEAOIL, the leading independent fuel company in the country, is one with the nation in combating the COVID-19 virus to minimize its impact on people’s lives. The company has allocated P10 million in free fuel and discounts to support the frontliners from hospitals, LGUs and transport groups.

For those who may require fuel assistance or would like to contribute to these efforts, you may send your contact details to cares@seaoil.com.ph.