MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are now in the country for the Christmas season can visit the newly opened Global Pinoy Center and avail themselves of SM’s Global Pinoy (GPC) card to enjoy rewards, discounts and freebies from SM Supermalls and other partner establishments. The GPC card grants access to the Global Pinoy Center lounge and to several fun events and informative seminars held by SM Cares.
The first Global Pinoy Center was recently launched in the Mall of Asia and subsequently Global Pinoy Centers have been activated in malls which have the most number of OFW shoppers. These are the SM malls in Bacoor, Fairview, Marilao, Clark and Cebu.
To qualify for membership, OFWs who have an active contract abroad or even former OFWs should fill out the Global Pinoy membership application form and submit it with any valid ID, (for Global Pinoys) or any ID and proof of remittance (for beneficiaries) at any Global Pinoy Center.
After getting his SM Global Pinoy Membership, a Global Pinoy member can use the computers at the GPC lounge and get valuable information such as investment opportunities. The center also accommodates several terminals with direct access to government employment agencies like POEA, OWWA and DOLE, making it easier for OFWs to finish their paperwork and to get important materials from the International Electrotechnical Commission. Also, since the center is situated inside the mall, it permits applicants to procure necessary information without difficulty. The member’s family can pick up remittances directly from their loved one, even on weekends and holidays, creating instant hassle-free transactions. The GPC is a contact point for present and former OFWs, balikbayans, and their relatives. At the GPC, families of OFWs can talk to their family members overseas using email, chat and videoconferencing for free.
Each member is given a Global Pinoy card which entitles him and his family P80,000 worth of discounts in education, health services, hotels, restaurants and various shops. For example, a member may avail himself of 20 percent off on tuition fees for his family in Asia Pacific College or 15 percent off in National University. Seen in photo are Secretary Marianito Roque, DOLE, Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings Inc., Annie Garcia, president of SM Supermalls and Glenn Ang, SCMC VP for Operations.