Many Filipinos resort to working abroad to keep up with their families’ needs. Being an OFW puts strain on family relationships, due to prolonged absences and lack of communication.
PLDT Global, in hopes of improving the lives of the OFW community, tied up with its new retail partners—Samsung and SM Global Pinoy, to help Filipinos abroad stay connected to their families back in the Philippines. PLDT Global is relaunching the SMART Pinoy Store, the first ‘all-in-one’ online store that caters to the needs of OFWs.
“The SMART Pinoy Store is the ‘one-stop’ e-commerce site made specifically for OFWs. Through the store’s gift giving and payment options, OFWs can make their presence felt by their families, as if they have never left home,” said PLDT Global President and CEO Alex Caeg.
Through the website, OFWs can make direct payments for different household expenses such as utility bills, tuition fees, and medical services. OFWs can also buy and send gifts straight to the homes of their loved ones. Apart from these, the SMART Pinoy Store provides an easy and convenient way for OFWs to become entrepreneurs by buying and selling goods online.
With this partnership, Samsung will be offering its products, such as appliances and gadgets, at discounted prices, whileSM Global Pinoy will be selling SM gift certificates that can be used to purchase items from all SM retails stores and affiliates. SM Global Pinoy will also be giving away 1,000 SM Global Pinoy Cards to OFW families, which will allow cardholders to access SM Global Pinoy Centers all over the country. Cardholders will also be entitled to discounts in selected establishments in SM malls.
“Through the SMART Pinoy Store, OFWs can send gifts to make their presence felt during special occasions. OFWs can also participate in family decision-making since they can directly make payments for the household. Though Filipinos take the sacrifice of working abroad, they ultimately value their families, which is why we are helping them express their love and concern for families, with just a few clicks,” added Caeg.
The store can be accessed at http://store.smartpinoy.com