Making laptops affordable for Filipino families

• Posted by admin on July 1st, 2008 filed in OFW Asia

DUBAI — Against the backdrop of skyrocketing prices and the need for a technology that enables overseas Filipinos to be in touch with their families living miles away, a laptop-for-every-family programme is now being offered to overseas Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates. Launched at the Trade Centre in Dubai recently, the programme is initiated by Intel Technology Philippines, Inc. in partnership with Neo Manufacturing and Services Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and STI Colleges and Education Centres in the Philippines.Dubbed ‘PC Padala’ (Sending Computers), the programme is making Intel-based laptop PCs more affordable and easily accessible to overseas Filipinos in UAE and their families in Manila.Butch Jaurigue, Business Development Director of Intel Philippines, said the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) only need to go to any of the BPI Remittance tie-ups all over the UAE to choose and order the Neo laptop model they need.“Once they have ordered, they make the payment right there at the partner outlets, and the laptop will be delivered at once to their homes in the Philippines without any hassle of packing, worrying and free of the risk of paying for excess luggage when they go back home for vacation,” he added.A total of 17 partner outlets and BPI Remittance tie-ups are in UAE. They are the Ahalia Exchange Bureau, Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Al Ghurair Exchange, Al Mazrouei Exchange Est., Al Rostamani Int’l Exchange, Economic Exchange Center, Emirate India Int’l Exchange, Habib Exchange, Harib Sultan Exchange, Lari Exchange, Sajwani Exchange, Wallstreet Exchange Ctr., UAE Exchange Ctr., Al Falah Exchange Company, Leelah Megh Exchange and Orient Exchange.Through Intel’s partnership with STI College, one of the computer institutes in the Philippines, recipients of the programme will be entitled to free computer lessons through which they can learn how to use basic computer processing applications and become familiarised with the use of Internet and e-mail, which can keep them in touch with their loved ones working abroad.Jaurigue stresses that through this initiative, Intel gives the overseas Filipino community in UAE the ability to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits technology can offer to them nowadays.

He added that laptops purchased under this programme will be delivered to beneficiary families in the Philippines from Neo’s local office free of charge, providing buyers much convenience and ensuring that the laptops reach the families in the best condition. Neo also provides after-sales support through its branches nationwide.

source: Khaleej Time Online