YugaTech’s Most-Read Stories in 2020

It’s finally 2021, and pretty sure everyone is looking forward to a better new year. We can expect more news, especially on the tech side, but before that happens, let’s take a look back at our most-read stories in 2020.

Author’s note: The list consists of stories published on YugaTech in 2020. The list is arranged by pageviews, from highest to lowest.

1) DOLE releases list of approved for PHP 5K financial aid

1M+ Pageviews. Topping the list is not even a “tech” news, but falls under our editorial category of Public Service Announcement. When the lockdown started, the team decided to use YugaTech’s reach to help disseminate information that would greatly help them during these trying times. DOLE’s list of approved applications under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) is just one of them.

The CAMP provides financial cash assistance of PHP 5,000USD 85INR 7,223EUR 81CNY 621 for affected workers who do not receive or with reduced regular wage due to the implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements; and workers whose employment is temporarily suspended due to the suspension of operations of the employer’s business establishment. Government workers are excluded from this program.

2) How to get PHP 1,000USD 17INR 1,445EUR 16CNY 124 donation from Maine Mendoza via GCash

630K+ Pageviews. Maine Mendoza made headlines in 2020 when she announced that she is launching her DoNation Drive to help Filipinos during the pandemic. The drive will provide PHP 1,000USD 17INR 1,445EUR 16CNY 124 per household for food groceries and other essentials, which will be sent via GCash.

The story also showed how e-wallets and other digital banking platforms can be used in providing financial assistance to those in need during a crisis.

3) SAP beneficiaries may register their SAC form online until June 16

420K+ Pageviews. The DSWD’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) was a big topic in 2020 as it aims to provide PHP 5,000USD 85INR 7,223EUR 81CNY 621 to PHP 8,000USD 136INR 11,557EUR 130CNY 993 worth of financial assistance to families belonging to vulnerable sectors affected by the enhanced community quarantine. Beneficiaries need to physically fill out a Social Amelioration Card, but to make things faster and safer, the government agency launched a website for online registration.

4) How to get your PHP 5,000USD 85INR 7,223EUR 81CNY 621 salary subsidy from DOLE

240K+ Pageviews. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also provided financial assistance to employees under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP). It aims to provide PHP 5,000USD 85INR 7,223EUR 81CNY 621 to affected workers in private companies that have adopted Flexible Work Arrangement (FWAs) or temporary closure due to the coronavirus.

5) DSWD releases initial list of drivers eligible to receive the financial aid under SAP

150K+ Pageviews. PUV drivers are also greatly affected by the pandemic. Due to the imposed enhanced community quarantine, Public Utility Vehicle drivers are unable to operate, which affected their livelihood. The DSWD also provided assistance via SAP and on April 7, 2020, released the initial list of drivers eligible for the financial aid.

6) 10 Most Popular Online Games in the Philippines

120K+ Pageviews. Gaming has always been a popular form of entertainment. We’re not surprised that gaming guides such as this one get a lot of traction as more people tend to stay indoors and play games to destress.

7) How to apply for the SSS Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program

110K+ Pageviews. In April 2020, The Social Security System (SSS) recently launched the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program to provide a wage subsidy of between PHP 5,000USD 85INR 7,223EUR 81CNY 621 to PHP 8,000USD 136INR 11,557EUR 130CNY 993 per month per eligible employee of affected small businesses. We created this guide to help inform affected employees that they can avail of the assistance from the state-run, social insurance program

8) DOLE issues FAQs on PHP 5K financial aid

110K+ Pageviews. A lot of people were interested in the DOLE’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) and was bombarded with plenty of questions when it comes to the application process. To address that need, the DOLE has released an FAQ to make it easier to understand.

9) DOLE-NCR launches website for CAMP Granted Establishments

105K+ Pageviews. Given that DOLE received tons of applications for CAMP, a lot of people were also inquiring if their applications were approved. DOLE-NCR launched a website containing a searchable list of granted establishments in the region.

10) Smartphones Price List 2020 Philippines

105K+ Pageviews. The pandemic has also affected how people look at mobile devices like smartphones. They’re no longer just tools for communication and entertainment, but also for online education. To help people look for the right smartphone, we created a price list that we regularly update whenever a new device launches in the country.

11) List of PLDT & Globe Home Prepaid WiFi Promos

105K+ Pageviews. In addition to smartphones, people need a good internet connection. However, for some who don’t have access to a fiber connection, going prepaid is the next best thing. The next problem is to find out which promo to choose, so we published this guide to help them decide.

12) DOLE Advisory on Financial Assistance due to COVID-19

100K Pageviews. As much as possible, we want to provide users with all the information so they can successfully apply to DOLE’s CAMP, so we also covered advisories to keep them updated.

13) Primetime Streaming: TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) vs. 24 Oras (GMA 7)

100K Pageviews. ABS-CBN has made significant strides in the digital space in 2020, launching their programs in online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. One of the ways to gauge this is to compare its performance with its rival network, GMA, so we compared the streaming numbers of TV Patrol and 24 Oras during the former’s first week of online broadcasts.

14) realme 5i launched in the Philippines, priced

95K Pageviews. realme greeted 2020 with a bang with the launch of the realme 5i. a mid-range smartphone with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a Snapdragon 665AIE chipset, quad rear cameras, a 5,000mAh battery, and a sub-PHP 7K price tag. It’s the only smartphone that entered this list, and, according to realme, is one of their top-selling smartphones for 2020.

15) Grab introduces GrabMart, an on-demand grocery delivery service

90K Pageviews. In March 2020, we wrote about the launch of GrabMart in the Philippines. It was a timely launch as the country was in the first month of quarantine and are opting for delivery services instead of going out to purchase goods. ‘Pabili’ services also took-off during this period.

And that sums up fifteen of our most-read stories for 2020. Although the pandemic has ruined a lot of things for most people, we can still say that 2020 is one for the books, and we can only hope for a better 2021.