Duty Free rewards program seeks to attract more manning agencies

Duty Free rewards program seeks to attract more manning agencies
Joyce Ann L. Rocamora July 1, 2019 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073702

MANILA -- The Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) targets to double its accredited manning agencies to attract more seafarers, with its rewards program in all participating Duty Free outlets and stores nationwide by 2020.

To date, seafarers from 20 DFPC-accredited manning agencies enjoy perks and exclusive discounts through the Seafarer Shopping Privilege Program.

"Our target in terms of accreditation, as much as possible, is to double it," Malu Malabuyo, head of the DFPC Marketing Department, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on the sidelines of the "Home is Where the Anchor Drops" workshop for Filipino seafarers on Sunday when asked of targets by end of 2019.

"According to our 2018 data, the contribution of overseas Filipino workers to our total pax is 34 percent, that's including Filipino seafarers. This is why we are really working aggressively in partnering with more manning agencies," she added.

Dozens of participants, mostly families of Filipino seafarers, attended the DFPC-organized event in celebration of the recent International Seafarer's Day at the Fiestamall in Parañaque City.

According to DFPC Chief Operating Officer Vicente Pelagio Angala, the event is Duty Free's way of recognizing the growing support of Filipino seafarers to the state-run corporation.

"We will always value the contribution of Filipino seafarers to our country, especially to Duty Free Philippines where OFWs remain as our top market," he said.

Aside from discount perks, Malabuyo said Filipino seafarers are also covered in the DFPC's livelihood program or the Kabuhayan Shopping Privilege (KSP), tied up with the store's livelihood products.

Through the KSP, OFWs who have gone back abroad can avail of duty and tax-exempt purchase in the amount of USD2,000, exclusively for livelihood equipment, within 15 calendar days from the date of arrival. (PNA)