In This Time of COVID, Your Kapitbahay Pharmacy Is Here to Help

We are, sadly, in the midst of another COVID-19 surge, ostensibly due to the highly contagious Omicron variant entering the country to end 2021. Already, cases have risen from 100–300 daily last December to over 3,000 most days this January.  This dire development has prompted the government to shift Metro Manila and nearby provinces from the more lenient Alert Level 1 back to more stringent Alert Level 3—and, potentially, to the strictest Alert Level 5 if infections continue rising exponentially.

This only means one thing: Our movement will once again be limited, with minors and the unvaccinated now barred from going out unless absolutely necessary and the greater majority encouraged to just stay at home where possible. And if we all want to finally beat COVID, like we seem to be doing just a month ago, it would be best to follow stay-at-home recommendations as much as possible and keep observing safety protocols, like proper wearing of facemask, constant handwashing, avoiding large crowds, and putting off parties and gatherings for another time.

Actually, we ought to be proactive in doing these things even without the government telling us to do so. While we’re at it, we’ll need to do the following to keep ourselves in the pink of health and more than able to fight off any virus:

• Eat the right kind of food for better overall  health 

• Exercise regularly to enhance cardiovascular functions

• Take vitamins and supplements for additional immunity

• Get enough sleep for proper and adequate cell repair

• Consistent self-care, including meditation, skin-care regimens, and taking up a hobby 

• Constant sanitation and washing of hands

These are the things we should all be doing if we want to be a COVID-free country, or at least close to COVID-free so that we can either get back a sense of normalcy or enter a safer new normal. With that being said, rest assured that MyPharma, your kapitbahay pharmacy, is here to help you out in any way possible.

Mainly, trust us at MyPharma to provide the medicines and supplements you need in these uncertain, unsafe times—without you having to go out and potentially exposing yourself to harmful viruses and bacteria and then falling ill thereafter. With MyPharma, all you have to do is go online, find and order what you need, and wait for it to be delivered to your doorstep, whether it is an over-the-counter drug like ibuprofen or ambroxol or supplements such as ascorbic acid and multivitamins. The traditional delivery fee is even waived for purchases Php.1,499.00 and up, with the items delivered in only a few days.

MyPharma also offers pain relief items like efficascent oil, self-care products as well as baby needs ranging from milk formula, to bath soaps, and nasal aspirators. Your kapitbahay pharmacy even has female hygiene products, including feminine wash, body cleansers, and pads. And just like meds and supplements, you can order all these online and they will be delivered to your home.  

These are no doubt difficult times for all of us, with the potential of going from bad to worse if we aren’t careful. But if we stay vigilant and work together as one people, we can fight this surge off and defeat COVID once and for all. It might take a few more months, but best believe that will happen. Trust, too, that MyPharma will be here to help now and always—with or without COVID!

Visit mypharma.ph now for your over-the-countetr, vitamins and supplement needs!

‘Bakuna, Now Na!'

Patient groups call for ‘Bakuna, Now Na’

PAPO kicks off Unity Statement to increase vaccination uptake, decrease hesitancy.

The Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), representing 38 patient groups in the country, launches the “Bakuna, Now Na” campaign in a bid to increase vaccination uptake and decrease hesitancy to help curb the pandemic.  The campaign is also in partnership with the Department of Health and is supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Medical Association.

The Bakuna, Now Na campaign, a piece of information, and education advocacy to increase vaccine acceptance, also kicks off with a Unity Statement with partner groups urging Filipinos to get vaccinated against CoVID-19.  

The patient-led campaign also aims to support efforts towards vaccine equity through various initiatives and collaborations with governments, manufacturers, and the COVAX facility among other platforms. 

“The pandemic has made Filipino patients more vulnerable to sickness and hardships. We urge all Filipinos, including patients and their families, to get vaccinated against CoVID-19 to protect ourselves and others from this potentially life-threatening illness. We also support initiatives to urgently address vaccine inequity and secure vaccine access for Filipinos, including those belonging to priority sectors like patients,” said PAPO President Ma. Fatima Lorenzo. 

“The Bakuna, Now Na is a campaign for Filipino patients and by Filipino patients. We aspire that through this campaign, we would help in informing the patients and the public that vaccines are safe and effective having gone through regulatory approvals and scientific research. We are stronger and healthier together, which is why we are calling on everyone to get vaccinated,” said Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO Treasurer and Campaign Project Lead. 

A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found that only three out of 10 Filipinos are willing to be vaccinated even if they were free and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Efforts are also underway to identify barriers for the non-vaccination of a number of senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, belonging to the A2 and A3 priority sectors. 

Seeing the vast number of Filipinos who are hesitant to get vaccinated, PAPO recognizes the necessity to address the people’s concerns through the Bakuna, Now Na advocacy. The campaign will center on frequently asked questions about CoVID-19 vaccines and dispel myths with verified medical facts. The Bakuna, Now Na is an effort to translate complicated medical terms into easy-to-digest content that will help educate the public. 

“The Department of Health is pleased to partner with the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations in our effort to increase vaccine confidence and vaccinate more people as soon as possible. We continue to call on patients and our senior citizens to get themselves vaccinated because vaccines are one of the proven ways by which we could prevent this pandemic. Vaccines along with the wearing of face masks, hand washing, and physical distancing will help us move forward safely from this pandemic. Vaccines are safe and effective kaya Bakuna, Now Na,” said Department of Health – Health Promotions Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho. 

Dr. Nina Gloriani, chairman of the Department of Science and Technology - Vaccine Expert Panel, is also present during the campaign launch as the advocacy will feature verified information coming from the country’s medical and vaccine experts.  

The Bakuna, Now Na campaign is being led by PAPO in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Pharmacists Association and former Health Secretaries Carmencita Reodica, MD, Esperanza Cabral, MD, Manuel Dayrit, MD, and Janette Garin, MD and 50 other organizations and growing.

According to Rey Sarmenta, the former Chairman of HAPLOS, the Hemophilia Foundation, he got vaccinated because he wanted to protect his family, and getting vaccinated is his chance to enjoy his life with his loved ones. 

For Ara Lanorio, President of the Neurofibromatosis Friends Philippines, proper education about vaccines should take priority. She shared her initial concerns about the vaccine and how knowing the facts helped her decide to get vaccinated.

For more information about the campaign or to sign the PAPO Unity Statement, please visit www.papo.ph and PAPO’s FB page. 

5 commuting hacks in the new normal

 

 

 

When commuting, wear your face mask and face shield properly at all times.

With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.

 

If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.

 

Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.

 

Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.

 

Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.

 

Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.

 

Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.

 

Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.

 

For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line .

BDO Foundation reassures commitment to rebuild lives through Peso-for-Peso Donation Drive

Filipinos are known for their natural resilience, manifested in those who, after a cataclysmic event, are able to rise from the debris and ashes of their destroyed lives, at times even with a sense of humor. They are battle-tested for any type of crisis and the fight against COVID-19 is no different. Even if this unprecedented pandemic is still far from over sans the availability of a vaccine, hopes are still high with the presence of means to survive the fight.

Giving its full support

BDO Foundation launched the Peso-for-Peso Donation Drive, a fundraising activity that ran from May until July 16, 2020. Proceeds were used to provide test kits and supplies to COVID-19 testing centers in underserved communities nationwide.

Under the drive, minimum donations of P500 and maximum donations of up to P1 million per donor were matched peso for peso by BDO Foundation. Donations from BDO and non-BDO customers, as well as BDO employees, poured in via the Bank’s e-banking channels—BDO Online and Mobile Banking, as well as through BDO Credit Card, ATMs, and branches.

BDO Foundation funded the donation of close to 10,000 PCR test kits for use of 10 hospitals across the country. These recipient-hospitals agreed to use the test kits for frontliners and people who cannot afford the high costs of testing.

Mario Deriquito, president of BDO Foundation, said the initiative forms part of the Foundation’s advocacy to rebuild lives and provide support to hospitals, especially rural health units all over the Philippines.

The Peso-for-Peso Drive also funded the donation of food packs to 8,000 underprivileged families in Bacoor, Cavite; Santa Rosa, Laguna; San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Caloocan City.

On top of these efforts, the BDO Foundation also supported the Philippine government’s RapidPass and ReliefAgad programs, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the national government.

The Bank, through the Foundation, donated 300 smartphones with prepaid loads and 550 power banks to the Department of Science and Technology in support of the RapidPass System. RapidPass used QR codes, which facilitated the quick passage of the vehicles of over 500,000 authorized frontliners. The smartphones donated by the Foundation served as QR scanners at 180 checkpoints, where there were special lanes for frontliners.

Additionally, BDO Foundation also provided support to facilitate one-time passwords to users of ReliefAgad, a web application that allowed those entitled to a cash aid to register online and to receive their financial assistance safely and swiftly through electronic payment systems or directly from banks.

Response through partnership

Isolate, test and trace comprise the backbone of an effective COVID-19 response, according to the World Health Organization. Many countries who have successfully contained the spread of the virus implemented such protocol. Now, the Philippines is no longer too far behind with the pilot implementation of Project ARK’s pooled RT-PCR testing in two key cities in the country, namely, Makati and Cebu.

Pooled testing combines swab samples from individuals and examines them together using a single reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kit. Pools of five, 10, or 20 persons are tested depending on the prevalence of COVID-19 in an area. Considered a game-changer in the fight to contain the coronavirus, the method is seen to boost testing capacity, expedite tests and significantly reduce the cost of RT-PCR kits. Based on extensive research conducted by the Philippine Society of Pathologists, pooled testing is very effective.

BDO Foundation is funding the pilot implementation, covering the costs of automated extractor machines for each city, training of health workers on proper swabbing, PCR test kits, and other peripherals.

Apart from Go Negosyo, who spearheads Project ARK, BDO Foundation is in collaboration with the local governments of Makati and Cebu, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, who will be its partner-testing center for the pilot implementation in Makati, and the University of Cebu Medical Center and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for the pilot implementation in Cebu.

Pilot implementation of RT-PCR pooled testing in Makati covered 6,000 individuals, mostly market vendors, and public utility drivers. In Cebu, pilot implementation will cover 4,000 individuals, also market vendors, and public utility drivers.

A worthy cause

BDO Unibank president and CEO Nestor V. Tan, who also sits as a trustee of BDO Foundation, said the support for the pooled testing project comes with the belief that it will address the key areas of cost, accessibility, and timeliness. The implementation of the project is seen to not only benefit Cebu and Makati but will hopefully impact the whole country as well.

“We always believed that the fight against COVID is not the public sector’s alone or the private sector’s. It is a joint initiative by all of us working in the same direction. We are a big supporter of Go Negosyo’s Project ARK because clearly it is not about the trade-off between life and livelihood but it’s trying to address both because one cannot exist without the other,” he said.

Distance Learning, Are we ready?

Experts and education officials say that learning must not stop and must only evolve. 

Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning

Some schools have already started classes while some will be starting in October following the government’s recent announcement. No matter when classes will start, there is no denying that being cast into these uncertain times because of COVID-19 has caused an undue amount of pressure on the parents who now need to act as surrogate teachers, and caused stress for the students who cannot see or study with their classmates. Adding to that is the concern of how effective they will be as co-educators at home, playing a more active role in their children’s education. 

Am I ready? Are my kids ready? I really don't know but I must admit with my current health conditions I'm really scared since I've been seeing my friends' social media posts that they are having a hard time. But there's nothing we can do, we need to start accepting that this is the new normal. 

TANG recognizes these struggles, that's why they recently launched Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning in partnership with Edukasyon.ph. With the help of Edukasyon.ph, the largest online platform empowering Filipino youth from education to career, the live session of Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning was held to equip moms with actionable insights and tips on distance learning with the help of homeschooling and industry experts.

Good thing that I attended TANG's live stream with homeschool advocates Tina Rodriguez and Mikaela Martinez, and guest speaker Ian Sta. Maria to see how you can make distance learning effective and refreshing for your kids. 

Here are my essential takeaways: 

1. Set up a designated study area

Students have their own desks in school, and in recreating a similar setup, they should also have their own study area at home. Space should be conducive to learning-- well-lit and ventilated, clean and organized. If possible, school supplies should be within reach. Try setting them up in organizing shelves, drawers, or bins labeled accordingly. 

2. Set and follow a schedule complete with break times

Students are accustomed to a schedule when it comes to attending classes. Setting up a schedule even when studying at home helps condition their mind and body to the task ahead. This also helps develop discipline by sticking to a schedule and finishing work within a given period.

3. Make time for physical activities

Physical exercise is important since it helps keep children healthy and primed for learning. Just like in school, incorporate this in your child’s schedule and try to diversify the activities-- it can be in the form of dance, sports, or just pure exercise. 

4. Get creative

The distance learning setup is a great time to explore more extracurricular activities since there is no limit as opposed to a regular school setup. This is where moms can get creative in introducing different activities to their kids. To start on their creative journey, it is best to have art supplies nearby such as crayons, colored pens, and paper. It’s a refreshing activity that stimulates the imagination of kids. There’s no right or wrong so just let them explore and have fun!

5. Prepare fun merienda breaks

Break time is every student’s favorite subject. It’s an important part of the day because it allows kids to recharge. The key is to give them their favorite snacks and pair it with a glass of TANG! TANG is made up of 100% Vitamin C and real fruit which is perfect for a quick refreshing break. To make it more exciting, moms can spruce the merienda menu with special treats when kids do well in their classes and mix it with healthy food like fruits. Add in a game or two to double up the fun!

Distance learning is a unique experience for each and every mom and child pairing. There will be struggles to get the groove, but the fun lies in how it is a more personalized and engaging experience. TANG, in partnership with Edukasyon.ph, is here to keep moms company on their distance learning journey. 

For moms who missed out on the live session of Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning, you can still check it out here: https://bit.ly/3gupPU9. 

And for more tips and insights to make distance learning more fun and exciting with TANG, visit facebook.com/TangPhilippines/.

Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning

International Artists Band Together for Covid-19 Relief Drive

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill and had a sudden and substantial impact on the arts and culture sectors. 

With exhibitions and galleries still under severe restrictions, artists are among those who were heavily burdened by the circumstances brought about by COVID-19. Responding to their call for help, ArtisteSpace, Inc., together with Arth Art International in India, launches Art CARES to raise funds and support the artists’ communities.

A collaboration of artists from India, Malaysia, Philippines, and the United States, Art CARES gallery provides a platform for emerging and distinguished artists to showcase their art pieces online. While they continue to inspire and shed hope through art, these artists also hope to sustain their livelihood and provide help to those who are most vulnerable.

The funds raised through Art CARES will not only provide support to the artists but also benefit Ekta Charitable Trust in India and two (2) selected non-profit organizations in the Philippines -- LINK Center for the Deaf and ASPROFIL Philippines -- to help fund the medical supplies and protective equipment for frontline health workers, and relief for families in need.

Running until September 30, 2020 , this charitable exhibition features select paintings and works of distinguished artists such as Philipp Badon, Loriel “Yel Cast” Castillo, Joe Datuin, Fil Delacruz, Juno Galang, Raul Isidro, Badz Magsumbol, Nemi Miranda, Al Perez, August Santiago, Bing Siochi, Bing Famoso Tac-an, and Boysie Villavicencio.

Some of the participating artists’ groups include Art Lovers, Arte Bauan, Bastedor Art Project, Bikol Expression, Earth Art, Esprekik, Grupo Kwadro, Grupo Sining Angono, Grupong Batangueno, Quezon Artists Guild, Philippine Botanical Art Society (PhilBAS), Philippine Fauna Art Society (PhilFAS), Singdeo Art Group, Society of Philippine Sculptors, The Filipino Institute for the Advancement of Arts and Culture, Inc. (FilArts), UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Association, YelCast Visual Poetry; International Creative Art Centre, and Nav Siddhartha Art Group in India.

To complement the exhibit, ArtisteSpace and Arth Art are also hosting the Art CARES weekly webinar series dubbed International Artists’ Cultural Arts Exchange. every Tuesday, 12:30 pm, via Zoom Video Communications.

Besides the charitable exhibition, Art CARES also creates an opportunity for everyone to contribute and be part of the efforts in fighting the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by accepting donations through its digital payment partners, Ticket2Me and GCASH.

Art CARES is created in partnership with Global Artists’ Creative Collaboration for Empowerment, USA, and KL City Art Gallery in Malaysia. The gallery can be viewed online at www.artcaresph.com and www.arthart.in.

PhilCare CQ Study: Filipinos reinforced faith, most concerned with loved ones' health

The coronavirus has affected everyone and this has caused severe pain to all. Our current situation, which naturally brings a sense of grief, has actually made us Filipinos more spiritual and engaged in fewer vices while on quarantine according to the results of a recent study done nationwide by Philcare, one of the country’s leading HMO providers.

PhilCare panelists: Mr. Jaeger L. Tanco, PhilCare President and CEO; Mr. Raymong Tiangco,  PhilCare VP for Sales and Marketing; Dr. Ultra Tan, PhilCare Associate Medical Director; Roxanne Agustin, Host , and Dr. Fernando Paragas, Lead Researcher PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index

Philcare is very keen on doing a lot of research and data gathering and the goal is to know the mindset and sentiments of the Filipinos. Philcare facilitated the recent survey to determine the Filipinos level of knowledge about Covid-19 pandemic, level of comfort over Community Quarantine (CQ) activities, causes of worry during the CQ, prevention practices, and information sources regarding Covid-19, level of health and wellness during CQ.

The outcome is revealing and inspiring and provided valuable data that should help private sectors, government, as well as individuals to transition to the "new normal".

Researchers of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index saw this silver lining amid the restrictions of movements imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the disease.

The study, which aimed to determine the state of Filipinos’ wellness while in community quarantine, revealed that of its 800 respondents, eight out of ten (76.7%) said they prayed at least more frequently than they did before the community quarantines. 

Trailing behind were other practices like watching TV, spending time online, learning new things, and doing hobbies; while others said they often engaged in physical and mental exercises.

Meanwhile, six out of ten respondents (60.9%) said they much more rarely drank beer, wine, or liquor products compared to before; while half (50.4%) said they much more rarely smoked. 

The survey was first administered via phone calls to 400 randomly-selected respondents from May 11-14 -- the final stretch of the extended enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and several other areas. Another 400 were interviewed from May 16-20 -- the first days of the modified enhanced community quarantine in the metro and other areas.

“The community quarantines and the pandemic as a whole have altered the way we live, which shocked many Filipinos. This survey provided us the opportunity to take a deeper dive into their sentiments and behaviors when it comes to health and wellness,” said lead researcher Dr. Fernando Paragas of the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman. 

“The ongoing pandemic naturally makes everyone feel helpless. What’s good about the findings is that we saw how Filipinos turned to spirituality -- which is a positive coping mechanism -- in order to deal with the anxiety. It is interesting that vices only played a minor role in helping Filipinos through the ordeal of quarantine,” said PhilCare Associate Medical Director Dr. Ultra Tan.

While many Filipinos have expressed becoming more prayerful, many have also indicated their fears of returning to work with the ongoing pandemic. Six of ten respondents (60.1%) particularly said they were not comfortable about going back to their offices, similar to the study’s preliminary results.

Nearly all respondents, nonetheless, are most concerned with the health of their loved ones (95.9%), a possible “second wave” of COVID-19 (94.1%), and contracting the disease itself (93.6%).

“We believe that the findings of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index serve an eye-opener to employers and policymakers on how responsive they should be towards their respective stakeholders given that our way of life has dramatically changed. With these learnings, we hope to work together with various sectors in order for us to continue living healthy even amid the pandemic,” said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

“The survey’s results just affirm our belief that we need to be responsive to the needs of the times, from the products and services were to being in step with our customers’ sentiments, both online and offline,” stressed PhilCare Vice President for Sales and Marketing Raymund Tiangco.

PhilCare launched its’ Wellness From Home workout videos as the lockdown across Luzon began last March. The videos, uploaded on PhilCare’s Facebook page, featured exercises taught by fitness experts to help followers achieve optimal wellness despite being unable to go out to exercise. To date, the videos have reached 500,000 people, of which 350,000 have viewed them.

In addition, PhilCare offers its DigiConsult service, a timely response to the study’s findings wherein members need not leave their homes to be able to consult a doctor on the phone anytime. They just have to use their HeyPhil app, which can be downloaded on Google Play and the App Store. The health maintenance organization (HMO) is also working to have the service available to non-members the soonest.

Prior to the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index, the HMO commissioned studies measuring the overall state of being happy, healthy, and successful among Filipinos in 2014 and again in 2019.

Lido Cocina Tsina salutes COVID-19 front liners by giving back

Lido Cocina Tsina, a family Chinese restaurant chain, shows support to the heroes in the front lines who help fight the spread of COVID-19 by distributing food packs while the enhanced community quarantine is in effect.  

Dr. Fabella Hospital

Lido team members or Lido family as they call it, prepared and packed healthy and delicious meals and distributed within selected communities in Metro Manila. 

"As frontliners ourselves, we feel for those who take part in their commitment to serve our countrymen. This is the least we can do to help our healthcare workers, police and military officers, and government workers to show appreciation to what they are doing," says Lido's owner, Ms. Annie Wong.

Taytay and Metro Doctors

For the past two weeks, the Lido family tirelessly reached out to personally thank our front liners in different hospitals. Health workers at Holy Infant Jesus, Philippine Children's Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, De Los Santos Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and Pasay General Hospital were among the recipients. The team also did not forget hundreds of personnel from the police and military forces that secure the borders.

There were also countless heartbreaking encounters with homeless fellows who are most in need of assistance from the government. They were also among the priorities of Lido during the distribution of food packs. Families from Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Brgy. Vasra, Brgy. Mariana and Brgy. Project 6 are among the beneficiaries during the first two weeks of distribution.

To date, the Lido team continuously extends its hands and finds better ways to send help to the front liners and the general public. Some Lido stores remain open to cater to take-out and deliveries. 

To support the enforcement of social distancing and community quarantine, orders may be placed via www.lidodelivery.com, 8888-5436, Grab Food, Food Panda and Lalafood.