Navigating the Storm: Lessons in Financial Resilience from the Pandemic

When Covid-19 hit the country about four years, a lot of people were greatly affected not only physically and mentally, but also financially. It had made such a huge impact on people’s lives that everyone had kept hoping and praying it would all be over soon. It took about two years before things started to slowly normalize, and soon people were trying to find their own ways to recover.

In those hard times during the pandemic, my family had to adapt to a new setup in our household. Rather than live in fear and panic, we tried to be as calm as possible but at the same time, vigilant. We would go out only when necessary like doing the groceries or gassing up our car. But other than that, I was glad that other things remained as usual. I’m a stay at home mom and my husband is the sole breadwinner for our family of four. Thankfully, my husband’s company was not that much affected by the lockdowns as they still had regular work and my husband would often work online when they were not required to report onsite. Nonetheless, we made sure that we had sufficient funds for our daily needs, or for running errands or in case of emergencies. We also set aside money for our children’s schooling, especially since their school offered online or distant learning at that time. We had to be prudent with spending since a lot of establishments were closing down and people would find themselves jobless for the time being. We also had to take care of our health and made sure we had resources in case we got sick. Thankfully, my husband’s company had that covered via their HMO or group medical insurance.

As everything started going back to normal, we still remained cautious and continued to live just within our means since we know that life can be quite unpredictable. Financial planning was very important. We were constantly managing our weekly and monthly expenses. Safe to say, our efforts had really helped us get through the pandemic period. We even taught our eldest daughter how to be responsible on her finances especially as she is now on her last year of college and will be having her immersion in a few months.

A lifelong lesson I also learned from my late father, which I passed it on to my children, was to keep their savings for the rainy days. It is important that they only spend their savings for emergencies. Life has a lot of twists and turns and we will never know what lies ahead so it is best to be always prepared.

A Friendly Reminder

Image: ctto

I am already done with my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and waiting for my 2nd dose next week. However, I am not yet vaccinated with FLU shot but hope to get it soon.

But let us be reminded that we should still practice social distancing, wear facemask and do handwashing even though we are already fully vaccinated. It does not guarantee that we don't get sick at all. After receiving my first shot, I stayed home most of the time. I don't go out because I am also protecting my family at home, especially my kids who are not yet vaccinated.

My eldest child, who just turned 18, have recently registered and is scheduled to have her 1st vaccination. I hope and pray that she will be fine with not much side effects. My youngest child is still 11 years old and not yet given a go signal by the DOH to be vaccinated so I am planning to have her receive a Flu vaccine soon.

Reminder also to all of us who already got vaccinated to not be so judgmental of others who did not yet get their jab. Some of them might not have a schedule yet (took me 3 months to be texted), or some of them might be experiencing undisclosed health problems and others just wanted to be mentally and psychologically ready. We can offer our help or knowledge about vaccine but not to the point of being too judgmental and very harsh towards them. Don't be so feeling high and mighty after you receive your jab. Comparing vaccines won't help either. As if we have a choice which vaccine to get. So, be kind, be understanding and just extend your helping hand in any way you can 🤝💓

500 PGH Frontliners for COVID-19 Given Essential Aid, Connectivity by Globe and the Ayala Group of Companies

Globe shows appreciation for healthcare workers who remain at the forefront of the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through additional cash, connectivity, and in-kind donations to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). 

PGH was appointed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an exclusive COVID-19 hospital and remains the largest referral hospital in the country. Since the global health crisis broke out in 2020, Globe has donated P22 million to PGH to equip frontliners with much-needed essentials such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle COVID-19 patients. 

As a part of the continued support to PGH, the #BrigadangAyala initiative led by Globe celebrates the frontliners in three Metro Manila designated COVID-19 hospitals, including the National Children’s Hospital and Tondo Medical Center. With this, the company provided 50 MyFi devices to medical frontliners who are staying in PGH dorms or have living arrangements away from their families to lessen risks of exposure.

“We truly appreciate this support for our frontliners who continue to make sacrifices for the benefit of our kababayans. Though the hospital is equipped with WiFi, providing connectivity directly to the frontliners will allow them to stay connected even when off duty,” said Dr. Telesforo Gana, Jr., President, PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.

Generika Drugstore, an AC Health company and the pioneer in retail generic medicines in the Philippines, provided 500 immunity booster packages of Actimed Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Actimed Paracetamol and Actimed throat lozenges for PGH frontliners.

"We at Generika recognize and appreciate the valiant efforts of our frontliners in their continuous service at the forefront of our battle against this pandemic. As we find ways to continue to provide Filipinos access to quality affordable medicines in these challenging times, we are honored to be part of this effort to provide them added care and protection," said Atty. Yet Abarca, President and CEO, Generika Drugstore. 

In addition, Globe’s parent firm Ayala Corporation, through Ayala Foundation, is donating P500,000 to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc., while the telco pursues fundraising efforts through Globe Rewards and GCash. Globe has also given an entertainment package consisting of three smart TVs and Home Prepaid WiFi to the hospital’s Cancer Pediatric wards. 

“As the country gradually adapts to the changing landscape of our day-to-day reality, we need to show our frontliners that their service is valued. Through connectivity support, we hope to extend to them our gratitude for the work that they do,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

#BrigadangAyala is yet another manifestation of the strong partnership of PGH and Globe through the years, starting with the rehabilitation of the hospital's Hematology-Oncology clinic back in 2016.

Globe further ramped up its fundraising activities after a fire hit sections of PGH last May 15 that displaced disadvantaged patients.

Globe customers may easily help by donating their Rewards points through the Globe Rewards app. Each Reward point is equivalent to P1. Download the Globe Rewards app and click on the Let’s Help PGH banner. Select the corresponding denomination then press REDEEM NOW. A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

Customers may also help via GCash’s Pay Bills option. Just tap Others and select #FightCOVID19.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs. To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.