Grab Philippines reaffirms its commitment to supporting Filipinos amidst tighter lockdowns

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As key parts of the Philippines enter stricter community quarantine, Grab Philippines continues to support Filipinos on safety and hygiene, everyday value and convenience, and growth

Following the government’s implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region from August 6-20, 2021, Grab Philippines is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Filipinos on three (3) key areas: 1) Ensuring that its suite of everyday services ranging from mobility, deliveries, and cashless payment solutions continue to operate smoothly and reliably to support the needs of consumers, 2) Platform safety and hygiene, and 3) Helping local businesses and partners grow amidst the lockdown.

“We believe that by supporting our consumers, partners, and our broader communities, and doing right by them, we are able to help our kababayans better cope with the challenges that come with another lockdown, support our country’s socio-economic recovery, and create a lasting impact in the lives of many Filipinos who rely on our platform to improve their quality of life,” said Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

Ensuring that its suite of everyday services ranging from mobility, deliveries, and cashless payment solutions continue to operate smoothly and reliably to support the needs of consumers

Mobility: GrabCar services will continue to provide safe and convenient transport solutions 24/7 to support those who need to commute and perform essential activities. To highlight its commitment to safety, GrabCar Bayanihan - a dedicated fleet composed of vaccinated driver-partners and priced 15% lower than regular GrabCar rides, will continue to provide mobility solutions going to and from vaccination sites to support the ongoing vaccination efforts against COVID-19.

Deliveries: With dine-in options suspended across restaurants and food establishments in Metro Manila, GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress will continue to operate throughout the ECQ, and support consumers with access to their everyday essentials such as food, groceries, and medicine, while creating livelihood opportunities for local businesses and delivery-partners.

Cashless Payments: To help minimize the risk of transmitting the virus through physical cash exchanges, GrabPay has made significant strides in helping Filipinos better adapt to cashless payments, while helping them make the most out of their money. Apart from using GrabPay to pay for Grab services, consumers can also now use GrabPay as a payment method for various online and offline merchants. In addition, consumers also earn GrabRewards Points whenever they use GrabPay. They can then use these GrabRewards Points to also pay for their purchases or redeem perks offered in the GrabRewards catalogue.


Reinforcing our commitment to platform safety and hygiene

GrabProtect: With many Filipinos wary of the COVID-19 Delta variant, Grab Philippines continues to implement GrabProtect - a robust suite of tools, policies, and procedures aimed to ensure utmost safety and hygiene standards across the Grab platform - helping minimize the risk of contracting the Delta variant on Grab’s mobility and delivery services. As part of GrabProtect, contactless deliveries will continue to be implemented across GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress.

Vaccination: Through our Vacc to Normal Campaign, Grab Philippines is continuously encouraging its driver- and delivery-partners to get inoculated at the soonest possible time so that they can confidently go out to earn a living and continuously provide for their families.

Zero-tolerance on Fraud: Grab Philippines encourages Filipinos to use Grab responsibly to ensure the safety and security of the platform, and stakeholders who rely on it for essential services and economic empowerment.

Addressing Consumer No-Show (Hoax orders): Grab Philippines immediately conducts an investigation for reported incidents, and will block the mobile phone IMEI of the fraudulent account to avoid similar incidents from happening in the future. Grab Philippines continues to implement its reimbursement policy on consumer no-shows, whereby delivery-partners who have fallen prey to any fraudulent activities on the platform are reimbursed within 24-hours upon receipt of claims.

Safeguarding from Phishing Attacks: As fraudsters are known to constantly evolve and find new ways to target users, Grab Philippines urges everyone to remain vigilant and to never disclose their personal information, login details, bank details, and SMS OTP with anyone else. Should anyone receive any suspected phishing email or messages, do not click on any links in the email or message, download or open any of its attachments, or reply to the email or message. Instead, download the email or screenshot the message, and email it to phishing@grab.com for investigation.

Leveraging its superapp strategy and platform to help local businesses and partners grow amidst the lockdowns:

Social Sellers: Grab Philippines - through its Madiskarteng Boss Club program, will continue to support social sellers on the platform by providing them much-needed visibility through its first-ever #AngatSaMBC Live Selling Event on the Grab Philippines Facebook Page this August 8, 12-1 PM. The live selling event will feature four (4) social sellers and their essential goods. Grab Philippines will also feature these sellers and their products in the MBC Essentials catalogue located in the Grab app.

Merchant Partners: Grab Philippines will also offer 15% off on GrabCar 2-Seater rides to Merchant-Partners in Metro Manila from August 6-20, 2021. This mobility initiative aims to support the staff of its merchant-partners and help them safely go to and from their workplaces and perform essential economic activities, and cushion the adverse effects of the lockdown in their respective businesses.
Drivers and Delivery Partners: Grab Philippines will continue to support its driver- and delivery partners throughout- and even beyond, the ECQ. Grab driver- and delivery-partners will also be able to take advantage of the range of initiatives and programs from Grab Philippines to help address their everyday needs and support their long-term growth despite the ECQ.

5 Most Romantic Places to Visit in the Philip

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In the Philippines, there is no shortage of romantic destinations. Lovers and honeymooners can find almost anything they're looking for in a romantic getaway. Surrounded by nearly 7000 islands, a honeymoon in the Philippines is the ideal dreamy start to your married life. The Philippines is an archipelago in the eastern region of Asia, surrounded by turquoise waters and uninterrupted surroundings. This picture-perfect Southeast Asian destination is a blessing for all the lovely couples planning a special secluded romantic retreat.

German citizens can currently enter the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa. And, the Philippine government has announced that the new Philippines visa requirements for German citizens will be issued soon. Germans will be required then to apply for an eTA to the Philippines before departure.

Palawan

Palawan Island, popularly known as the "Last Frontier," is a sugar-coated delight hidden in the mountains. Palawan's islands and islets have incredibly gorgeous beaches, turquoise oceans, and an astonishing underwater environment. This is regarded as the paradise in the Philippines for couples who love island life. El Nido, situated on the northern tip of Palawan, is an excellent location for viewing lagoons and coral reefs. You and your beloved can rent a kayak to explore the magnificent lagoons or go snorkeling and scuba diving to see an ethereal coral reef garden. Coron, a short ferry ride from El Nido, is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, especially if you're a couple who prefers adventure over luxury. You can swim in clear blue waters, snorkel down to shipwrecks, or simply relax on the bow of the boat while your captain prepares a seafood lunch for you and your partner. Due to the many beautiful places to visit in Palawan, it has been named the best island in the world several times by international magazines.

Boracay Islands

Boracay, one of the best islands in the world, is a popular honeymoon destination due to its crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, sparkling sunlight, and romantic setting. The Philippine Sea surrounds it to the east, South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The island's main attraction is the 4-kilometer White Beach, which has dazzling white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters and is where you can see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. If you and your darling are feeling daring, you can participate in some of Boracay's challenging and enjoyable activities like scuba diving, cliff diving, and kiteboarding. Boracay is also one of the ideal places in the Philippines to propose, whether on the beach, on a sunset yacht cruise, or a helicopter ride around the island. Luxury resorts such as Shangri-la Boracay and Discovery Shores are among popular wedding reception locations.

Vigan

Vigan is defined by its heritage houses, cobblestone streets, kalesa, historical attractions, and delectable cuisine. Nothing beats the romantic scent of nostalgia of the city. As one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns globally, Vigan has a distinct charm that would appeal to anyone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is widely regarded as Asia's most beautiful colonial city. In fact, you won't find much of its classic architecture and cobblestone streets anywhere else in the Philippines. Take your time strolling the cobblestone streets, or spend some time window shopping at the many antique stores along Calle Crisologo. Your partner will undoubtedly love Vigan, as it is one of the best romantic getaway destinations in the Philippines.

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is a tropical paradise in the Visayas Sea, just off the northern tip of Cebu. Something is enticing about a sleepy coastal town with long stretches of white sand beaches. This island makes you feel as if you're in your own little world, in your own little space. Allow this small island to tempt you with its laid-back ambiance, beautiful beaches, and native-style accommodations for an amazing quality time with your loved one. Visit famous locations like Ogtong Cave and the neighboring The Ruins for romantic photoshoots. Get on a scooter and ride around town before heading to Kota Park for a sunset session. If you and your partner enjoy seafood, Bantayan Island is perfect for you as you can indulge in a seafood buffet for as little as P250 per person.

Batanes

You'll fall in love with Batanes as soon as you see its rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and breathtaking cliffs. Batanes, nestled in the northernmost part of the Philippines, is one of the most popular places to visit for the anniversary. The traditional stone houses, vast greenery with an otherworldly view of the sunset and sunrise, a boulder beach, and friendly locals are some of the usual sights on this small island. Unlike other tourist destinations in the Philippines, Batanes is never overcrowded, making it ideal for a romantic getaway. Batanes' unimaginably beautiful features make it the best romantic retreat for couples.

Newly-rehabilitated Butuan Airport in Agusan del Norte

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Improved and modern transportation systems will not only push local and regional economic growth, they will also reap tangible benefits for the Caraga Region and the whole of Mindanao, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade said Thursday, 05 August 2021.

The Transport Chief made the statement as the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) unveiled the newly-rehabilitated Butuan Airport in Agusan del Norte. Development works in the said gateway covers the runway asphalt overlay to provide aircraft with smoother take-offs and landings, and the improvement of the airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB).

“Ito po yung kahalagahan nito, sa pagkakaroon ng mobility and connectivity, umusad at lumago ang ating pamumuhay at hindi lang turismo. Binago ang mga equipment na ito nang ganun, tuluyan at tuluyang magamit ang paliparan na ito maski na ‘ho sunset, iyon po ang isang programa na kung saan isang kadahilanan na nagsasama-sama tayo dito,” he pointed out.

Another vital facility added to the Butuan Airport is the Malasakit Hall, which is part of the airport’s modernization and people-centered service delivery thrust. The Malasakit Hall will serve as a waiting area for airline passengers and features a clinic, a childcare room, a loung for overseas Filipino workers, a prayer room, a washroom, and a concession space for passengers.

Sec. Tugade likewise instructed CAAP to further expand the Malasakit Hall, especially the OFW Lounge and the Clinic in order to accommodate more at any given time.

"Mayroon pa namang lugar sa likod, tiningnan ko iyon kanina baka pwedeng gibain na yung likuran at i-extend pa ng sa ganun mas maluwag at mas malaki yung ating mga pasilidad sa tinatawag natin na Malasakit Hall. Ganun pa man, bagamat may rekomendasyon ng pagbabago bago i-inaugurate, meron na agad rekomendasyon na palakihin. Sana ho ay magawa ito sa lalong madaling panahon," he added.

The airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB) will further be expanded as well so to offer passengers better service and accommodation.

“Kaya sinabi na sana ang PTB ay mapalaki at mapaluwag dahil makakadagdag ito sa kapasidad ng 500 passengers. Starting next month, magsisimula na ang bidding and procurement process then actual construction will start,” the transport chief pointed out.

CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco said the P33.59 million Butuan Airport PTB expansion project is now under procurement and will have October 10, 2021 as its target start date and May 23, 2022, as target end date.

DG Sydiongco added that the agency has also completed the replacement of the airport's Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) - an air navigation aid - last December 2019. The system improves the radio navigation at the airport to aid aircraft in determining their position relative to the Butuan Airport.

Sec. Tugade also inaugurated on the same development projects in the Cantilan Port in Surigao del Sur.

With these transport projects, comfort and convenience to passengers are assured in addition to the region's trade and tourism growth. Small businesses are also expected to flourish as more jobs will be generated with the two upgraded transport infrastructures.