In a heartwarming event that marks the beginning of the festive season, PLDT Global Corporation (PGC), the international arm of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications and digital services provider, PLDT, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), lights up the Christmas spirit with the unveiling of the TINBO Christmas display. This special event took place at the DMW Blas Ople Building, symbolizing a shared commitment to enrich the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

The partnership between PLDT Global and DMW, signed last June 7, 2023, during National Migrant Workers Day, has seen PGC champion the one-stop digital gateway platform TINBO (Tindahan ni Bossing) to bolster the lives of OFWs by providing relevant digital products and services.

TINBO, accessible to Filipinos overseas through www.tinbo.ph, enables seamless transactions like sending load, paying Philippine bills, and purchasing e-gifts like Shopee, Lazada, mWell teleconsult, and Jollibee vouchers, as well as gaming PINs for their families in the Philippines.

Through TINBO, Filipinos overseas can subscribe to a Smart Virtual Number or a SIM-less Philippine mobile number so they can receive one-time PINs (OTPs) to enable transactions on Maya and other digital bank apps or e-wallets in the Philippines. This is a testament to the PLDT Group’s commitment to creating relevant digital solutions that enhance the customer experience globally.

The Christmas display lighting ceremony not only celebrates the season but also highlights the remarkable collective achievements of the PGC and DMW. Through their collaboration, free Wi-Fi has been installed at the Blas Ople Building lobby; upskilling certifications, learning gadgets, and farming grants have also been awarded to reintegrated overseas Filipinos and their families. On top of these, a registration booth has been set up at the DMW office to provide information support to TINBO registrants. PGC will also be supporting DMW’s social media etiquette training for OFWs.

Speaking on the occasion, Albert Villa-Real, PLDT Global Corporation President and CEO and PLDT Enterprise Revenue Group Head, expressed, “This Christmas display is more than just a symbol for this holiday; it’s a beacon of our commitment to OFWs. We strive to make their lives better every day, and this event is our shared vision for that pledge.”

Usec. Bernard P. Olalia, DMW Undersecretary of Licensing and Adjudication Services also shared, “Our collaboration with PLDT Global has brought tangible benefits to our OFWs. This Christmas tree is a symbol of our continued commitment to their welfare and happiness.”

The Christmas display, expected to draw a significant number of OFWs and their families, was graced by prominent officials from DMW and PLDT Global, reflecting the strong partnership between the two organizations.

“With the continued support of the Department of Migrant Workers, PLDT Global has been able to reach more Filipinos and provide them with relevant tools that allow them to be digitally empowered at every phase of their global journey,” added Villa-Real.

Furthermore, Usec. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, DMW Undersecretary for Finance & Internal Affairs said that she hopes the Christmas display will give a renewed sense of hope to Filipinos who visit the DMW office for their overseas employment transactions. Velasco-Allones said, “We hope that this Christmas display will give our countrymen a reason to smile even for just a moment so that they can be reminded that despite the challenges they face, there is always hope for a brighter future for them and their families.”

This Christmas tree lighting ceremony is not just an event but a reminder of the shared responsibility towards the welfare of OFWs. PLDT Global, through TINBO, continues to innovate and provide solutions that uplift and empower Filipinos worldwide.