A guide to kickstarting adult life while in quarantine

We’re quarantined. Now what? 

From shifting to online learning to having graduation ceremonies canceled, the past few months have been difficult, leaving Generation Z uncertain over what’s to come. 

With a pandemic still in our midst, here is a list of things we can do to kickstart our adult lives – and the responsibilities it entails – even during a pandemic. 

Register to vote

On September 1, 2020, the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) reopened its doors to registration across the country, except in areas still under ECQ and MECQ (enhanced community quarantine and modified enhanced community quarantine, respectively). Individuals who are at least 18 years old and those who will turn 18 on or before election day can register. 

Applications still happen on-site at COMELEC offices, so make sure to bring face shields and face masks. Social distancing is also implemented as a safety measure.

While you still have to show up in person, you are encouraged to book an appointment via the COMELEC website beforehand to comply with COVID-19 health protocols. Downloadable forms are available at the COMELEC website to limit human contact. You may opt to download and fill-up their registration form and health declaration form beforehand.

Local COMELEC offices are open for registration from Tuesday to Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm, including holidays. 

Start a savings account

Preparing for financial stability is a must, and in this pandemic, shifting to cashless, digital transactions through online banking is key.

Here are a few tips before opening a bank account:

Figure out why you’re opening an account

Whether it’s to keep an emergency fund or to prevent yourself from overspending, having your own account helps ensure long-term financial security. Knowing the purpose of your bank account will also narrow down your bank options. Consider factors like interest rates, initial deposit rates, maintaining balance rates, branch locations, online services, and transaction limits.

Prepare a starting rate (deposit) to set up an account

Starting rates vary depending on bank and type of starting account. These may range from as low as P100 to as high as P10,000 or even P100,000. (Maximum starting rate/initial deposit as prescribed by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation is 500,000 pesos.)

Check out the requirements for the bank and prepare these beforehand

Visit the bank and approach the account officers to submit what you’ve got. The processing time may vary, but it usually takes an hour at most. Once this is done, you may also ask about online and mobile banking.

While most banks in the Philippines still require physical presence, some banks let you open accounts online. For online registration, Security Bank, Maybank, and Union Bank offer options.

The usual requirements for opening a savings account are:

1. 2 Valid IDs (may be school ID, company ID, UMID, TIN)  
2. Two 1×1 ID pictures. 
3. Proof of Billing, ie Electric bill, Water bill.
4. Tax Identification Number.
5. Initial Deposit (varies depending on the bank)

Register with the Social Security System (SSS)

Employees are entitled to social insurance for long-term welfare and protection. The SSS (Social Security System) is a state-run program that issues monetary compensation for workers throughout the country. The program aims to increase security in case of unemployment, involuntary separation, sickness, maternity leave, retirement, and death. Individuals as young as 15 years old may apply, while services such as cash loans and calamity loans are available upon employment. 

To register, individuals may access the SSS website and fill-up the necessary forms. Individuals will receive an email containing the Application Continue Link, which will generate a unique social security number. Upon completion, individuals will have to print their assigned social security number and visit their nearest SSS branch. They will have to bring 2 valid IDs alongside their printed social security number.  

Registration is available at the SSS website. Simply click the member portal to begin. 

Get a quarantine pass for whenever you go out

Despite a more relaxed General Community Quarantine in Metro Manila, most local governments still require quarantine passes in malls and public spaces. According to the IATF as of August 22, 2020, quarantine passes are granted to individuals aged 21 to 60, while those aged 21 years old and below and 60 years old and above may not go out (barring indispensable cases).

As of posting governments that require quarantine passes include Caloocan, Las Pinas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pateros, Quezon City, and Valenzuela. The local government units of Manila, Makati, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasig, San Juan, and Taguig no longer require quarantine passes. (Editor’s note: It’s best to check with your local government unit to be sure.)

Procedures to acquire a quarantine pass vary depending on the local government unit. For Quezon City, you can draft a letter of request addressed to the city administrator and email it to travelpass@quezoncity.gov.ph. The letter must include your contact number, destination, origin, date of travel, reason of travel, vehicle number, and the name/s of those going out.

The processing time may take 3 days, so it’s best to prepare beforehand. Make sure to also bring at least 2 valid IDs for verification.  

Apply for a tax identification number (TIN)

Every Filipino taxpayer is entitled to a Tax Identification Number (TIN). It is a permanent, unique set of numbers systematically generated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Used to track and process taxpayers’ information, a TIN may suffice as a government-issued ID. 

You may use your TIN as an ID in opening a savings account, registering for a credit card, or applying for loans in the Social Security System. Your TIN is also a pre-employment requirement for newly-hired employees. It’s also important for freelancers.

Since all Filipinos are required by law to pay taxes, it is advisable to know which type of taxpayer you are before applying. Taxpayers can either be classified as Individual Taxpayers – which include mixed-income individuals (self-employed and professionals), employees (also known as purely compensation earners), one-time taxpayers and non-taxpayers (minors, retirees, those classified as unemployed,  OFWs, and other persons under E.O. 98), or Corporate Taxpayers – corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations. 

You can opt for walk-in registration at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (usually done by corporate taxpayers).

To set up your TIN number, you must first know the requirements for the type of taxpayer that you are. You also fill-up your designated BIR Application Form – a document accessible through the BIR website. This document varies on your taxpayer classification. After which, you may submit your requirements through walk-in registration in the BIR office. 

If unemployed, you may apply by submitting your birth certificate, community tax certificate (cedula), and any government-issued ID (usually passport or driver’s license). Two copies of the BIR registration form also need to be submitted in the Bureau of Internal Revenue office. 

Look for a job online

Since everyone is encouraged to stay home, you may feel like there are limited options for work. Luckily, there are platforms that can help you look for a job online.

Here are a few things to consider while job-hunting online:

Research is a must

Make sure you know what you want to get into. Even without a pandemic, applicants are expected to know the basics about the company they’re applying for. Do your homework and find out what the company stands for and what the position you’re vying for requires of you.

Update your resume/CV

Quarantine or not, it is important to invest in your personal branding. Take time to revise your resume, depending on the job/s you are applying for. Make it context-specific, and make sure it includes striking, relevant information about you.

Get used to being interviewed online

As much as possible, speak clearly, invest in good lighting, and try to look into your camera in lieu of eye-to-eye contact, for a more personal touch. The idea here is to be able to connect despite the lack of physical presence. As such, it is helpful to be attentive and engaged throughout interviews.

Familiarize yourself with online etiquette

For the next few months, online communication will be the primary source of correspondence. Whether it be email, phone messaging, or social networks, the manner at which you correspond will reflect a lot about you. While this isn’t a hard and fast rule, avoid using emojis and jargon when you’re in a formal discussion. Avoid typing in all-caps, as it may appear unprofessional to prospective employers.

It might also be helpful to double-check your social media accounts and make sure your profiles reflect how you want to present yourself. Online platforms will be the primary way for employers to get to know you, so be mindful of your content on social media.

Prepare for remote work

Whether it be assigning an individual work space, or dedicating a specific number of hours per day, it may be helpful to condition yourself physically and mentally for working from home. – Rappler.com

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Winona Castelo is a Rappler intern.