During the onset of the ongoing pandemic in 2020, businesses struggled to stay afloat due to lockdowns and social distancing measures being implemented. Shopee, the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, responded accordingly by helping MSMEs shift online easily and seamlessly. And with vaccination programs ongoing, Shopee continues to aid economic recovery by mounting community initiatives focused on increasing vaccination education and uptake to fight against  COVID-19. These programs include Shopee’s Vaccination Center Support drive, Shopee #FullyVaxxed Package, and the Department of Health’s (DOH) Resbakuna campaign.

With fewer cases during the first half of 2021, the country saw great potential for a rebound as there were fewer restrictions allowing mobility and economic activity. Because of this, the Philippines continues to push for the health and safety of its community through its vaccination efforts, with more than 51 million doses administered. When the health of the population improves due to the vaccine, it serves as an avenue for educational achievement, growth in work opportunities, improved social functions, and a better chance of economic recovery.

In partnership with different brands and organizations, Shopee launched vaccine-centric initiatives to support the country’s journey towards a healthier and safer Philippines.

Resbakuna Vaccine Education

During the first quarter of 2021, many Filipinos were resistant to the vaccine due to three key reasons: concerns about potential side effects, uncertainty about efficacy, and skepticism. In partnership with DOH, Shopee educated the community about COVID-19 vaccines through a dedicated in-app microsite and social media initiatives. Through Shopee Live, DOH representatives Dr. Dominic “Meng” Maddumba and Beverly C. Ho, MD, MPH, Director IV, at the DOH Health Promotion Bureau, raised vaccine awareness to combat vaccine hesitancy and also discussed the facts about the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. Shopee recorded almost a total of 50,000 unique views for both live stream sessions.

Vaccination Center Support

Shopee partnered with local government units of Makati and Taguig to provide Filipinos with a more comfortable vaccination experience. Residents and frontliners from both cities received food and health kits from partner brands. These included snacks from Del Monte, Perfetti Van Melle, Dutchmill Soy, Monde Nissin, and Rebisco; bottled water from Hope in a Bottle; and health kits from Mighty Clean, Colgate, and Cosmetique Asia; and units of Symphony Air Coolers. With the positive reception of the public for the first two initiatives, Shopee aims to roll out the same project in Quezon City later this year with a total of 4,500 potential beneficiaries for all three cities.  

#FullyVaxxed Package

From July to September 2021, the Shopee #FullyVaxxed Package offered fully vaccinated Filipinos a special bundle they can use for personal needs and encourage others to complete both doses. With more than 15,000 sign-ups, users enjoyed free shipping, discount vouchers from Shopee, and discount vouchers from various brands such as Manuka Health, Photobook, Bo’s Coffee, KonsultaMD, Uni-Care, The Smile Bar, Converse, Planet Sports, Globe, and Marketplace sellers such as Bella’s Online Store, ED.Kids, Flagship Store, and more.

“Shopee is committed to helping the nation’s efforts towards positive economic recovery as much as we can so that everyone can benefit from a safer and healthier society. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all our partners who have lent their support in many ways. Together our efforts can make a bigger impact,” according to Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines.

Do not forget to download and install the Shopee app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert “Bob” Reyes is a technologist, an ICT Consultant and Tech Speaker, a certified Google IT Support Specialist, and an Open Source advocate representing the global non-profit Mozilla (makers of Firefox) in the Philippines. Bob is a Technology Columnist for the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and an aviation subject matter expert contributor for Spot.PH.

Follow The Filipino Tech Explainer on Facebook and X/Twitter.

If you liked my articles or any of the contents or if The Filipino Tech Explainer has helped you in any way, you can buy me a coffee and share your thoughts. Help me continue producing awesome articles by supporting my website. Maraming salamat po! Thank you very much!

What’s your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0

Leave a Reply