Aboitiz group moves to help stimulate economic activity

The Aboitiz group has vowed to sustain the economic “lifeline” extended to customers and partners in its eco-system even if the government started easing lockdown protocols in Metro Manila and other key regions this month.

This is to ensure the unimpeded delivery of goods and services and mitigate the impact of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic by helping stimulate economic activity in the country.

“The government’s directive to gradually lift the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon in light of the nation’s continuing battle against COVID-19 has allowed several essential businesses to return to operations one step at a time,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz group president and chief executive officer in a statement on Wednesday.

Aboitiz Power Corp., which operates several power gene­ration and distribution facilities nationwide, said its sites would remain operational.

“Delivering adequate and reliable power supply is our way of spreading positive energy in these challenging times,” said Emmanuel Rubio, AboitizPower president and CEO.

Customers of distribution units Visayan Electric, Davao Light and Cotabato Light are given easy access to their monthly electricity billing, payment and other information via the MobileAP mobile app.

Installment payment arrangements are given to Visayan Electric’s customers, in line with the May 22 Energy Regulatory Commission advisory.

Banking arm Union Bank of the Philippines has extended loan payment deadlines—including credit card, housing and automobile loans. The waiver of online InstaPay transfer fees via the UnionBank Online app was also extended up to June 15. Through its financial technology arm UBX, UnionBank offers loans to small busine­sses coping with the impact of ECQ-related measures.

During the early part of the ECQ, UnionBank announced an upgrade of its existing online app to enable users to directly transfer funds nationwide to remittance centers, such as Cebuana Lhuiller, LBC, Pera, HUB and Palawan Express. This feature continues to be useful for clients who need to transfer funds in areas under modified ECQ or general community quarantine.

“This was a project we were talking about even before the lockdown. We were able to do it in just three weeks. This shows how the agile way of working has really taken root,” said Edwin Bautista, UnionBank president and CEO.

The bank has also continued to deploy its 5G-enabled mobile banking kiosk “Bank on Wheels” to various parts of Metro Manila.

UnionBank also continues to support key industries like petroleum, food manufacturing, food packaging, food retail/ wholesale, logistics, brokerage, transport, health care and health-related firms to ensure that the country’s supply chain is not disrup­ted. Subsidiary CitySavings has extended 30-day grace period for loans falling due within the ECQ and modified ECQ periods in compliance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Pilmico Foods Corp., the food business unit of the Aboitiz Group, is addressing the demand for food products in select areas in Metro Manila through its homegrown retail, wholesale and solutions brand “The Good Meat.” Pilmico started delivering pork and eggs under this brand within Metro Manila.

“Our company remains committed to helping sustain the food value chain by consistently being present and delivering raw materials needed to continue food production,” Pilmico CEO Tristan Aboitiz said.

Pilmico has also ensured unhampered production in its farms as well as in its flour and feeds facilities to contribute to food sustainability in the country.