Displaced skilled workers, entrepreneurs get a lifeline

SIF Founder Luigi Nuñez

The debilitating health and economic crisis brought on by the raging COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of Filipinos jobless, as strict quarantine protocols implemented to stem the spread of the virus have forced thousands of companies to either slow down operations or close down for good.

Among those adversely affected by the severe economic downturn are skilled professionals in the services sector as well as entrepreneurs who, fortunately, may find a lifeline in SIF. SIF is reputedly the Philippines’ first services and products aggregator in one app, which was recently opened under The Pivot Project to displaced workers and entrepreneurs who want to transition their business online, and access consumers who already prefer to stay home and use an app to access services such as a haircut or medical consultation.

Under the 2-year-old SIF’s corporate social responsibility project, freelancers, startup founders and service providers can simply download a form to signify their interest to join SIF’s growing roster of service providers. They will be assessed mainly on the quality of the service that they can provide as well as the fit into the SIF platform.

SIF started out strong in grooming services, but has expanded its categories since its founding two years ago to include skills (coaching, consultations) as well as medical and health services, which have become more in demand as Filipinos want to stay at home to protect themselves from COVID-19, at least until a vaccine becomes accessible.

SIF PH is available for download in the App Store and Google Play. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Brands and individual contractors who will get on board until December will not be charged a commission under the partnership with SIF, to help them during these difficult times. They will also have the option to offer their products in certain cities in Metro Manila, or make them available nationwide, especially useful for individual contractors who prefer to work in a specific area.

“The Pivot Project is actually a win-win plan for both SIF and those who wish to modernize the operation of their business with a strong online presence and process. Cloud kitchen operators or those who cook amazing dishes from their homes, barbers, retailers on social channels and even professionals can benefit tremendously,” said SIF founder Luigi Nuñez, who is also known for Beer Below Zero. “In today’s work-from-home model, specialists can still manage to monetize on their extra hours and add income. As for us, we get to offer a wide array of products and services that our users will find convenient.”

The app enables users in other parts of the country to consult or engage the services of professionals such as doctors, teachers, musicians and other consultants with different specializations located elsewhere without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

This will also allow those with extra time on their hands to monetize this time according to the number of hours they wish to work.

“With the pandemic creating so much uncertainty in the lives of millions of individuals, families and enterprises and with experts projecting a major economic recession, we are heeding the call to help each and every Filipino pivot from being an employee to become their own boss, we just don’t want to help them survive, we want to empower them to thrive given the economic landscape that we’ve evolved into,” Nuñez said.