by PLDT Media Services | Jun 20, 2011
Hong Kong, 20th May 2011 -- Filipinos in Hong Kong have been benefitting from an innovative payments gateway for Philippine products and services that has been set up by PLDT Global Corporation (PGC), a wholly-owned affiliate of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.
Through the Smart Pinoy Store, Filipinos can buy or pay for healthcare plans, school tuition fees, insurance premiums, health check-ups and medical procedures through a prepaid system. The Store also allows Filipinos to remit money and pay utility bills.
PLDT Global launched the Smart Pinoy Store in November last year as part of an effort to broaden the portfolio of products and services that it offers to overseas Filipino communities.
“For PLDT, this initiative creates new revenue streams. For Filipinos overseas, the Smart Pinoy Store offers them more ways of helping their families and participating in the lives of their loved ones back home,” said PLDT Global Head Alejandro O. Caeg.
“Aside from the basic necessities, they can also make investments and fund small businesses on installment basis that’s easy on the pocket,” he added.
Caeg explained that this is not just a matter of convenience. Many Filipinos working overseas, especially the women, are concerned whether the funds they remit to their families are properly used.
“The Smart Pinoy Store gives them peace of mind by enabling them to directly pay for products and services – like education and medical expenses – that are essential for their families,” Caeg said.
Recently, PLDT Global Corporation, in partnership with PhilCare, now offers affordable healthcare maintenance programs. Global Filipinos can purchase the Yhes Card, an annual Physical Examination package, and WeCare Card used for health consultation needs which can be used in PhilCare’s accredited hospitals.
With the success of the Smart Pinoy Store and the Smart Pinoy service since its launching in HK, PLDT Global is set to offer and expand this service to Filipinos in Guam soon. In partnership with Docomo Pacific, PLDT Global is setting up a Smart Pinoy Service in that island.
