Inspired by the Filipino bayanihan spirit, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. spearheaded a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative called “BAYADnihan, Tulong-tulong para sa Bayan”, to benefit hundreds of vulnerable individuals and families who continue to experience hardships amid on-going quarantine restrictions in this time of COVID-19.
With the said initiative, the simple act of settling bills was turned into an opportunity to help Filipinos in need as a portion of customer payments made at any Bayad Center branch or using the mobile app from March 1 to April 30, 2020 were donated to its CSR partner, One Meralco Foundation. Bayad Center employees also pledged a part of their salaries to further the cause.
Having raised the funds for the donation drive, Bayad Center and One Meralco Foundation coordinated with Cordillera farmers, whose livelihoods were also burdened by the pandemic, to buy their produce and include them in the care packages for distribution. Local government units were also contacted to assist in identifying barangays that need assistance.
To date, the “BAYADnihan, Tulong-tulong para sa Bayan” initiative has reached out to various communities in Quezon City, Manila, Marikina, Pasig, as well as the provinces of Bulacan and Batangas, distributing care packages including vegetables sourced from Cordillera farmers and other essential goods.
According to Bayad Center CEO and President Lawrence Ferrer, “Together with our stakeholders, we will carry on with our efforts to reach out to as many communities as we can. We thank our customers and all our partners, whose concerted efforts show us that in the face of threats and challenges spurred by the COVID-19 crisis, the bayanihan spirit of Filipinos will shine through.”
As the biggest and most trusted multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines, Bayad Center remains committed to servicing the Filipino paying public, and making payments convenient and accessible, especially during this time of crisis.
