Guidelines on reopening of entertainment and leisure venues

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DTI issues guidelines on reopening of entertainment and leisure venues: Cinemas re-open at 50% capacity as NCR shifts to Alert Level 2

Metro Manila eases into Alert Level 2 allowing maximum 50% indoor venue capacity for entertainment and recreational establishments which started last November 5 up to November 21, 2021, backed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued minimum public health standards and protocols.

With the goal of gradually restarting the country’s economy while managing the potential risk of exposure, spread, and transmission of COVID-19, DTI released a memorandum circular on sector-specific guidelines in reopening movie theaters, cinemas, non-contact sports venues, and amusement parks last October 27, 2021.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), and other stakeholders provided inputs  on the drafting of the issuance in line with the  health standards and protocols under the pilot implementation of alert levels system COVID-19 response of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

Working towards the day of reopening of cinemas, DTI clarified requirements and guidelines in operating theaters. Limited indoor cinemas opened last November 10, 2021 with strict implementation of the following health protocols, as indicated in “Annex A” of the said reference:

 

●      Only COVID-19 vaccinated individuals are to be allowed in an enclosed cinema, provided that they do not have any symptoms and presentation of vaccination cards is required

●      Physical distancing at all times, from ticket queuing to entrance and entry points, and maintaining one seat apart from all directions of cinema seating

●      Ensure proper ventilation and air filtration system, and disinfection of venue should be done every after film

●      Availability of hand hygiene and sanitation facilities

●      Designation of entry and exit points, directive signages for moviegoers, and utilization of spaces to avoid crowding by having breaks in between screening times

●      Face shields are required upon entry but may be taken off only during the screening proper

●      Face masks should be worn at all times, unless for a quick quench of thirst - eating is prohibited

●       Consideration of a pre-show announcement as reminder for health protocols and guidelines

 

Minimum IATF and DOH mandated health protocols should still be followed— temperature check upon entry, contact tracing, and disinfection and physical distancing for all entering individuals. Different government agencies, consisting of the DTI, DOLE, DOH, and the Local Government Unit’s (LGU) Health Offices, are working hand-in-hand in continuing compliance monitoring and may conduct inspections.

Cinema capacity and allowable patrons vary for each alert level. DTI stated in the memorandum that on-site capacity will follow the latest guidelines set by the national government, with the addition of other prohibitions that may be imposed by the governing LGU. Below are the differences of each in accordance to the IATF-MEID guidelines:

 

●      Alert Level 5 - Cinemas are not allowed

●      Alert Level 4 - Cinemas are not allowed

●      Alert Level 3 - Maximum of 30% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only

●      Alert Level 2 - Maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated

●      Alert Level 1 - 100% on all establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity

 

For guidelines on the alert level system for COVID-19 response in pilot areas, refer to the IATF mandate uploaded here.

DTI opens their lines for any public concern and feedback regarding these guidelines through DTI Consumer Care Hotline 1-384. To read the complete memorandum, a copy is available through DTI’s website.

 

Call of Support for Local Films

FDCP emphasizes the value of reopening cinemas to the recovery of the local film industry. FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño expressed her excitement for the development, “We’ve been waiting for cinemas to be reopened for months, and now that it’s here, we wish for a safe and worthwhile experience for our viewers.”

Diño appeals for audiences to prioritize Filipino films upon the cinemas’ return. “We see this as a chance for our local filmmakers, productions, artists, crew, and each one involved in creating films to get back on their feet,” she added.

FDCP’s Nood Tayo ng Sine campaign, which was released last year, aims to put together an online community to keep the support for cinema alive and to bring back the audience to the cinemas safely.

For the list of available cinema screenings, you may check this post from Nood Tayo ng Sine’s Facebook. To get updates on the latest from the local film industry, and more exciting things to look forward to, visit their website, and their social media pages Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Philippine Post Office unveiled commemorative stamps for world renowned Filipino Living Legends

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The Philippine Post Office commemorates the 254th Anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Postal Service, this Saturday, November 13 with the launching of “Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos” (Series 1) stamps as a tribute to the indomitable Filipino spirit.

This issuance is the first of the three categories with multiple series, namely, Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos Series; Living Legends: Outstanding Filipinos Series and Never Forgotten Series.

Adapting to the changing times, the Philippine Postal Office is now reviving the interest, innovating its Postage Stamps to celebrate, inspire and capture the spirit and excellence of Filipinos across every field of endeavors.

Presenting “Salamat, Pagpupugay sa mga Alamat!” (A tribute to Filipino Legends)! This is the Post Office’s modest way of giving recognition and honor to world-renowned Filipino talents, such as: Singer Ms. Lea Salonga, bowling legend Paeng Nepomuceno, designer and entrepreneurJosie Natori, NBA star Jordan Clarkson, innovator and entrepreneur Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, chess grandmaster Eugene Torre, furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, billiard great Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Pinoy icon Jollibee.


Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said that the Post Office takes pride in recognizing these great individuals, through stamps, fueling the Filipino passion for excellence anywhere in the world.


He added, “the stamps that the Post Office unveiled today, is also a celebration of the 75 years of the first stamp of the Republic of the Philippines. In 1946, as we rebuilt the nation, from that year onwards, we saw the birth of talented Filipinos who have made a mark in different fields of endeavor.


He said, “The Post Office delivers not only mails and parcels, this time shall be the bearer of good news, hope and inspiration to millions of our countrymen- to stand tall and proud, showing the world what we Filipinos are capable of”.


In addition, the Post Office launched new generation of Philippine Postcards to capture the interest of people young and old alike to enjoy the product, creating more fun and excitement in keeping in touch with our love ones.


In 1767, the first post office was established in the City of Manila under a new postal district of Spain. Inaugurated in 1931, the Manila Central Post Office was considered the grandest building and the most prominent landmark and tourist attraction. It was destroyed during World War II in 1945, but was rebuilt in 1946.


Today, under the direct supervision of the Office of the President, the principal postal hub of today's Philippine Postal Corporation, the Manila Central Post Office Building has maintained its majestic look, aimed at improving the efficiency and delivery of mails, parcels and money order remittances.


The “Stamps Collectors” Community also dedicated this month of November as National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM). In 1994, then President Fidel V. Ramos, a stamp collector himself, issued Proclamation No. 494, which declared the month of November as National Stamp Collecting Month.


Stamps are available at the Manila Central Post Office. For inquiries, call (02)8527-0108 or (02)8527-0132.

Wilcon Depot’s unbreakable commitment to providing comfort, safety to Filipino homes

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As industries came to a halt due to the abrupt shift to the new normal, companies strived to look for ways to advance their business operations to stay buoyant and resilient amid these extraordinary times.

With reduced mobility and limited face-to-face transactions, organizations like Wilcon Depot Inc. had to redefine their business to discover how they could better serve Filipinos and effectively outmaneuver the challenges presented by the global health crisis.

“We have seen how the pandemic has changed people’s behaviors from the way they work, study, socialize, and even how they shop,” said Wilcon Depot Inc. CEO and President Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

The new normal catalyzed unique situations to the company, putting them to the test whether to be swept away by difficulties or innovate and look for ways to pivot amid these present conditions.

“Even as Wilcon faces disruption and changes in the business, we continue to focus on our unbreakable commitment to fulfill our mission of serving and providing the Filipino with access to quality home improvement and building needs,” said Belo-Cincochan.

Leveraging the power of technology, Wilcon had embraced digital innovation, offering innovative services to deliver the needs of their customers who hope to refurbish their homes and provide comfort to their families

Wilcon enabled their customers to purchase home and building needs through their new and improved e-commerce site and their Wilcon Flagship Store on LazMall. Likewise, they facilitated a Wilcon Virtual Tour service, where customers can explore its available products while in the comfort of their homes.

“Despite the unfavorable situation, we are relentless in thinking of ways and strategies as we continue to serve, bringing forth the introduction of our various shopping services. We endeavored to offer safe and convenient shopping avenues to our valued customers as we want them to feel comfortable yet protected while shopping,” the Wilcon head shared.

Wilcon has recognized the significance of keeping their business running smoothly to efficiently support Filipinos who endeavored to build secure and sturdy homes where they could be comfortable despite the current situation.

With the help of the right partner who shares the same vision of empowering customers’ lives amid the crisis we are facing today, Wilcon successfully beat the challenges of the pandemic while staying true to its commitment to provide for the needs of its stakeholders.

PLDT Enterprise has been a reliable partner for Wilcon, which provided fast and reliable connectivity to power their online transactions, ensuring Wilcon’s vision fulfillment by facilitating their needs cost-effectively.

“It is an honor for PLDT Group to be the trusted partner of businesses as they navigate the uncertainties of the new normal. With the continued confidence of our partners, trusting us as their service provider in laying the foundation to a resilient business, we are more dedicated to supporting them in their initiative to improve the lives of Filipinos,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise and International Business Groups.

PLDT Enterprise’s Unbreakable Commitment campaign highlights its collaboration with different brands and organizations in the country to exhibit how fostering partnerships has helped companies thrive despite today’s circumstances—and in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos.

The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering the endeavors of organizations through technology.

The country’s largest fully integrated telecommunications provider has been a driving force to companies such as Wilcon Depot Inc. as it adopts technologies to survive the new digital world.

“We need a partner who will help us grow and ease the business processes and operations during these trying times. And we are grateful to PLDT for being that partner that we can rely on to support and assist us in navigating our digital transformation journey,” said the Wilcon president.

For the home and construction supplies retailer, the goal is to focus on their commitment to fulfill the mission of serving and providing Filipinos with access to quality home improvement and building needs.

Together with PLDT Enterprise, Wilcon Depot Inc. will continue to explore possibilities to thrive in the digital space to efficiently deliver products and services that will secure and comfort Filipino homes amid these trying times


Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/qY_tk_yw1GA

To learn more, visit pldtenterprise.com