Globe Seafarer SIM.

Globe Telecom gives Filipino seamen a new option for a product they can use to ensure good communication with their families back home with the launching of the “Globe Seafarer SIM.

This product makes constant communication in the Philippines possible because it will work anywhere in the world and even while a ship is sailing on the high seas. . It can be used on most networks using a global interconnection with over 650 GSM networks worldwide. Shown in photo during the launch of the partnership in South Hampton, United Kingdom are (from left) Globe Telecom Head of International Business Group Rizza Maniego-Eala and iVitta CEO Simon Black.

Globe also claims that this exclusive SIM for seafarers offers the most affordable call and text rates. Their low call and text rates is made possible because of their partnership with iVitta Mobile, a UK-based telco solutions provider.

One Globe Seafarer SIM gives the seamen two (2) numbers:

·         one is an international mobile number: the number they will use to get in touch to their families in the Philippines and

·         the second is a local Globe mobile number: the number that those in the PH will use to call them wherever they are.  

Call and Text Rates

From outside PH: USD0.20 per minute for calls
                              USD0.10 per message

When in the PH: Php6.50 per minute for callsFor more information, please contact:
Globe Telecom, Inc.
Tel. No. (02) 730-2627
Email address: gtcorpcomm[at]globetel[dot]com[dot]ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/globeph
Twitter: @talk2GLOBE

SMART Link:for Pinoy Seamen

Smart Telecom takes maritime satellite communication to a new level by being the first to introduce, Smart Link, a product that makes it possible for Filipino seamen to send text messages and call their loved ones in the Philippines even while they are onboard.

Before, seamen would have to endure long periods of no communication with their families while their ships are sailing the high seas due to poor or lack of signal. This is not the case anymore as Smart Telecom takes maritime satellite communication to a new level by being the first to introduce, Smart Link, a product that makes it possible for Filipino seamen to send text messages and call their loved ones in the Philippines even while they are onboard.

Smart is proud to be the first and only wireless services provider in the Philippines to offer this unique service to the Filipino seafarers who comprised majority of seafarers worldwide.

Seafarers can use their ordinary cell phones to get in touch as if they are still on land. Their rates are very affordable because one can call for as low as P15 per minute. The P15/min call-home rate only applies when calling to the Philippines.

There are times when the SMART Link Satellite Phone automatically picks up and connects to any of the signals available in the location. To be sure one is using their desired satellite signal,  lock-in to the channel number of your choice before making a call. SMART Link calls are charged based on the satellite signal that the SMART Link satellite phone is using to connect.

To enjoy Smart Link, just use SMART Link SIM cards made for FR190G satellite phone terminals (installed on board the ship and can be shared by multiple users) or an R190 mobile satellite phone (ideal for personal use). SMART Link SIM Cards can also be used to call from anywhere in the world through SMART Link NetFone, the internet to phone (VOIP) calling service for SMART Link subscribers.

And because SMART Link is prepaid, one can easily manage their spending. It even allows one to reload even in the middle of the ocean. SMART Link prepaid cards are available in affordable denominations.

Smart Link, with its current shared satellite terminals on-board vessels, currently serves seafarers sailing the seas of Asia-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa plus some parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. With the launch of Smart Link GSM service, Smart will be able to provide communication to the entire maritime force around the globe.

Benefits of Smart Link

Wider Coverage

·         SMART Link now covers Indian Ocean, the whole of Asia, Middle East, Africa and parts of Russia and Australia.

Affordability

·         Call the Philippines for as low as P15 per minute

·         Call frequently called countries for as low as $0.40 per minute

·         Choose from affordable prepaid card denominations

·         Get a SMART Link FR 190G satellite phone kit for only P14,990

Reliability

·         Bring along and use whenever, wherever within the coverage area

·         Easy to use

·         With 24/7 Customer Assistance Hotline (call *888 FREE, using SMART Link)

 

For inquiries or product and service information, emailsmartlink@smart.com.ph  or visit www.smart.com.ph/smartlink

Surprise Your Loved Ones in the Philippines with Shakeys Pizza

Are you a Filipino that is working overseas and is currently missing your family or friends back home? Thinking of a special way to make them feel your affection but are bounded by the distance that separates you from them? Here’s a suggestion- how about sending them a pizza?

Yes, sending this yummy treat is now possible even if you are miles apart through the online delivery facility of Shakey’s Pizza. Pinoys abroad can order pizza and have it delivered to any part of the Philippines in three easy steps:

1.    Order. Choose food from their menu list.

2.    Enter information. Provide accurate details both for the sender and the recipient.

3.    Enter payment info. Payment will be sent via a valid credit card.

A minimum purchase of Php500 is required. The delivery service is from 11am to 8pm (based on Philippine local time).

For orders to be sent within Metro Manila, food delivery can be expected 30 minutes after placing order. For orders to be sent in the provinces, add one to two hours to the delivery time.

For faster transaction, it is advisable to register at the Shakey’s online delivery site so your details will be saved and you don’t have to input them again the next time you order.

You can also choose to purchase the Pizzanatics Supercard to avail of discounts and other privileges.

OWWA Benefits for Filipino Seamen

Did you know that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have various scholarship programs for aspiring OFWs and Filipinos who already have experience on-board but want to improve their skills? These scholarship programs are offered to let Filipino seamen to enhance and upgrade their skills in order to keep up with the changing global maritime industry. What are these OWWA scholarships, trainings and incentives programs? Read on and find out.

1. Seafarer's Upgrading Program- This offers short-term courses for upgrading the competence of Pinoy seafarers. One may receive an assistance of P1,200 up to P7,500 for training allowance inclusive of meal and transportation allowance just in case the trainees are referred to the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP). Only Filipino seafarere who are active member in OWWA and may subsequently avail right after 3 consecutive membership contributions and if the training will be availed in the prescribed period.

2. Mariners' Dugtong-Aral (MDA) - Qualified graduate of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering may avail of this scholarship grant. This grant offers Php 38,120.00 plus Php 15,000.00 for 3-month stipend that will lead to a seafarer's BS Marin Engineering degree. MDA is offered to those who want to go on-board an ocean vessel as qualified Marine Officers.

3. Incentive Program for Top 200 Maritime Cadets (Cadetship Program)- The top 100 students of BS Marine Transportation and BS Marine Engineering who passed the Maritime School Assessment Program are given Php30,000 each worth of incentive to be used in processing their documentary requirements to be able to board an international vessel.

4. Marine Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP)- This loan program comes in the form of "study now, pay later" that gives potential on-board marine officers and engineers a chance to pursue tertiary education bygiving them an interest-free financial assitance while they study to receive a maritime degree, thus giving them the opportunity to board an international vessel.

For further inquiries, you may contact Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) through the following information:

OWWA MAIN

7th St. Cor. F. B. Harrison

Pasay City, Philippines

(632) 8917601 to 24

24/7 OPERATIONS CENTER 551-6641; 551-1560

TEXT OWWA; (63)917-8986992

FAX (632) 551-6651

E-MAIL owwa_opcenter247@yahoo.com

NBI Clearance Centers in Metro Manila

Filipinos who wish to get their NBi clearance may go to any of the NBI clearance center  in the Metro Manila area.

• NBI Clearance Center - U.N Avenue, Ermita. Manila
• Quezon City Hall- Makatarungan St, Diliman, QC
• Montalban Rizal - Ground Flr., Municipal Hall
• Muntinlupa City - Victory Shopping Center, Alabang
• Mandaluyong City Hall - Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City
• Las Pinas City – Las Pinas City Hall
• Robinson's Place - Basement 1 Ermita, Manila8. Robinson's Otis – Level 2 Guanzon St., Paco, Manila
• Robinson's Galleria - Basement1 Ortigas Ave., QC
• Robinson's Metro East - Level4 Marcos Hi-way, Pasig
• Robinson's Cainta - Level 2 Junction Cainta, Rizal
• Robinson's Novaliches,- Novaliches, QC
• Ever Gotesco Recto - 3"' Flr Cinema 3 Recto Ave., Manila
• Duty Free Fiesta Mall – Ninoy Aquino Ave., Paranaque City

NBI Clearance Centers Outside NCR (District and Regional Offices)

Aside from NBI clearance centers located in Metro Manila, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also established NBI Clearance Outlets outside the National Capital Region (NCR) and regional offices nationwide to accommodate the large volume of NBI clearance applicants. Most of these NBI Offices are open and accepting applicants form 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, while those that are inside the malls, such as in Robinson's malls are accepting applicants from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. All NBI offices are processing clearances every Mondays to Fridays except during holidays.

NBI Clearance Centers Outside NCR

Marilao Municipal Hall - Beside PNP Station Marilao, Bulacan

Lipa City Hall- Lipa City, Batangas

Rodriguez Municipal Hall- Rodriguez, Rizal

Calamba Municipal Hall- Calamba, Laguna

Robinson’s Tarlac- Hacienda Luisita

Robinson’s Dasmarinas- Dasmarinas, Cavite

Robinson’s Imus- Imus, Cavite

Robinson’s Sta. Rosa- Sta. Rosa, Laguna

CyberGate- Cebu City

Tuburan Satellite Office- Tuburan, Cebu

Tagbilaran Bohol- Tagbilaran, Bohol

Bien Unido- Bohol

NBI Regional and District Offices

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

Baguio City

REGION I 

Ilocos Regional Office- San Fernando, La Union

Dagupan District Office- Dagupan City

Laoag District Office - Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Vigan District Office- Vigan, Ilocos Sur

REGION II

Cagayan Valley Regional Office- Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Bayombong District Office- Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Isabela District Office - Ilagan, Isabela

Region III

Central Luzon Regional Office- San Fernando, Pampanga

Bulacan District Office- Malolos City, Bulacan

Cabanatuan District Office- Cabanatuan City, N Ecija

Olongapo District Office- Olongapo City, Zambales

Tarlac District Office- Tarlac City, Tarlac

Region IV-A

CaLaBaRZon- Batangas City, Batangas

Cavite District Office - Tagaytay City, Cavite

Lucena District Office- Lucena District Office

Laguna District Office- Sta Rosa, Laguna

Region IV-B

MiMaRoPa- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro

Puerto Princesa District Office- Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Region V

Bicol Regional Office- Naga City, Camarines Sur

Legaspi District Office- Legaspi City, Albay

Region VI

Western Visayas Regional Office- Iloilo City, Iloilo

Bacolod District Office- Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Region VII

Central Visayas Regional Office- Cebu City, Cebu

Dumaguete District Office- Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Region VIII

Eastern Visayas Regional Office- Tacloban City, Leyte

Samar District Office- Catbalogan City, Samar

Region IX

Western Mindanao Regional Office- Zamboanga City

Dipolog District Office- Dipolog City

Pagadian District Office- Pagadian City

Region X

Northeastern Mindanao- Cagayan de Oro City

Iligan District Office- Iligan City

Region XI

Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office- Davao City

Tagum District Office- Tagum City

Region XII

Central Mindanao Regional Office- Koronadal City

Region XIII

CARAGA- Butuan City

Region XIV

ARMM- Cotabato City

SSS Salary Loan for OFWs

OFW members of SSS may avail of short-term member loans from the Social Security System of the Philippines, such as the salary loan.

What is a salary loan?

It is a privilege granted by SSS to covered employees (local employees and OFWs) to meet the member's short-term credit needs.

Who may qualify for a salary loan?

1. All currently employed (local employee or OFW), currently contributing self-employed or voluntary member.

One-month salary loan. For one-month loan, the member-borrower must have 36 posted monthly contributions, six (6) of which should be within the last twelve (12) months prior to the month of filing of application.

Two-months salary loan. For two-months loan, the member-borrower must have 72 posted monthly contributions, six (6) of which should be within the last twelve (12) months prior to the month of filing of application.

2. The member-borrower whose employer must be updated in the payment of contributions.

3. The member-borrower must be under sixty five (65) years of age at the time of application.

4. The member-borrower has not been granted final benefit (total permanent disability, retirement and death).

5. The member-borrower has not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS.

How much is the loanable amount?

A one-month salary loan is equivalent to the average of the member-borrower's latest posted 12 Monthly Salary Credits (MSCs), or amount applied for, whichever is lower.

A two-month salary loan is equivalent to twice the average of the member-borrower's latest posted 12 Monthly Salary Credits (MSCs), rounded to the next higher monthly salary credit, or amount applied for, whichever is lower.The net amount of the loan shall be the difference between the approved loan amount and all outstanding balance of short-term member loans.

How long will it take the member to pay back the loan?

The one-month or two-month salary loan shall be payable in 24 monthly installment to start on the 2nd month following the date of the loan, which is due on or before the payment deadline for loans per Circular No. 2011-003.

How much is the interest charged on a salary loan?

The loan shall be charged an interest rate of 10% per annum, based on diminishing principal balance, and shall be amortized over a period of 24 months. If the loan is not fully paid at the end of the term, interest of 10% shall continue to be charged on the outstanding principal balance until fully paid.

Any excess in the amortization payment shall be applied to the outstanding principal balance.

In case a loan is not paid, how much is the delinquency interest?

Loan amortization not remitted on due date shall bear a penalty of 1% per month until fully paid.

Is there a service fee?

Yes. A service fee of 1% of the loan amount shall be charged and deducted from the proceeds of the loan.

Directory of SSS Representative Offices Abroad

Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs may go to an SSS Office located abroad if they want to avail SSS services and programs. SSS Offices are usually located in the Philippine embassies or Philippine Consulates General.

BRUNEI

Embassy of the Phil. Simpang 336 Diplomatic Enclave Kampung Kianggeh Jalan Kebangsaan

Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara,

Brunei Darussalam 00673

Telefax No. (673) 222-1173

E-mail: cabungcagmm@sss.gov.ph

Contact person: Mary Jessielyn M. Cabungcag

HONG KONG

Philippine Consulate General 14th Floor United Center Building, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, H.K. SAR

Tel. Nos. (852) 2143-6394; 2823-8552; 2823-8569; 2377-9556

E-mail: bob_roldan@yahoo.com

Contact person: Roberto V. Roldan

ITALY

Milan, Italy

Philippine Consulate General, Via Stromboli #1 20144, Milan, Italy

Telefax No. (3902) 4351-1953

E-mail: philsss_milanoitalia@live.com.ph

Contact person: Wilma M. Ortiz/Lester Paul S. Mata

ROME, ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Viale delle Medaglie D'Oro 112-114 00136 Rome, Italy

Tel. No. (3906) 3972-1505

E-mail: cruzadaja@sss.gov.ph

Contact Person: Jonnah A. Cruzada

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA (KSA)

Al-Khobar, KSA

Al-Ajaji Bank, 1st St. Corner King Abdullah,

Al-Shamalia District, Al-khobar 31952, KSA

Tel. Nos. (9663) 898-6500 / 897-7265; Mobile No. (966) 531242183; 

Fax No. (9663) 864-5033

E-mail: sss.alkhobar@gmail.com

Contact person: Mark Roue N. Oliva

Jeddah, KSA

Philippine Consulate General P.O. Box 4794, Jeddah 21412, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel. Nos. (9662) 669-6303; 667-0925; Fax No. (9662) 669-6797;

E-mail: ying_mil@yahoo.com

Contact person: John L. Sibbaluca

Riyadh, KSA

Embassy of the Philippines, Site D4, Collector Road C, Diplomatic Quarters, Riyadh 11693, KSA

Tel. Nos.  (9661) 482-3615; 488-0835; 482-0507

Telefax Nos. (9661) 488-3945;291-6010

E-mail : sss_riyadh@digi.net.sa / sss_riyadh@yahoo.com

Contact person: Juan D. Eribal/Jeremy M. Redulla

KUWAIT

Philippine Overseas Labor Ofc, Villa 152 Blk 6,

Nouman Bin Basher St. cor Damascus Rd. Faiha, Kuwait

Tel. No. (965) 225-25082 local 32

E-mail: eribaljun@yahoo.com

Contact person: Juan D. Eribal, Jr.  

MALAYSIA

No. 1 Jalan Changkat Kia Peng 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel. No. (601)787-01944 (mobile)

E-mail: sss_in_malaysia@yahoo.com / tankzone66@gmail.com

Contact person: Ranulfo B. Tanquezon 

UNITED KINGDOM

Embassy of the Philippines, NO. 11 Suffolk Street, London, SW1Y 4HG, United Kingdom

Tel. Nos. (44208) 432-9864 / (44207) 451-1830; Telefax No (44207) 930-4091

Contact person: Thelma V. Venturaza

QATAR

Philippine Overseas Labor Office Al Abraj Street,

Fariq Bin Omran P.O. Box 24900, Doha, Qatar

P.O. Box 24900, Doha, Qatar

Tel. No. (974) 661-43076

Telefax No. (974) 487-8599

E-mail: sssdohaqatar129@gmail.com

Contact Person: Michael D. Ingal

SINGAPORE

Embassy of the Philippines, 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395

Telefax No. (65) 6732-1858; (65) 623-55604

E-mail: marinmc@sss.gov.ph; sssatsingapore@yahoo.com

Contact person: Marites C. Marin

TAIWAN

MECO Labor Office, 10th Floor, No. 309 Songjiang Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 10483, Taiwan

Tel. No. (8862) 2507-9187; (886) 926-382563 (mobile)

Fax No. (8862)2507-9181

E-mail: leslie_ssstaipei@yahoo.com

Contact person: Ms. Leslie P. De Leon

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

Dubai, UAE

Philippine Overseas Labor Office

35 Beirut Street Extension 2, Al Qusais 3, Dubai, UAE

Tel. No. (+971-562123426

E-mail: cabagnotle@sss.gov.ph

Contact person: Lydia E. Cabagnot

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Embassy of the Philippines, Villa No. 8 Sector 94, Zone 2 Al Bateen Abu Dhabi UAE

E-mail: nesh_20006@yahoo.com

Contact Person: Danilo Q. Calape/Ruel A. Velasco