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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Honda Unveils the All-New BR-V, a 7-Seater SUV, at the 6th PIMS

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, unveiled today the All-New BR-V, a 7-seater SUV, at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) held at World Trade Center Manila.

The All-New BR-V, which aptly stands for “Bold Runabout Vehicle”, was conceived from the “Advanced Scene Hunter” grand concept, an idea that underscores confidence and boldness in embarking on new adventures with family and friends, wherever the destination may be. It is achieved through the All-New BR-V’s bold stance, high ground clearance, sleek body, and premium driving feel. Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. developed the All-New BR-V through extensive market research to cater to the Filipino family’s taste for style, practicality, and adventure. The All-New BR-V will come in two variants—the 1.5 S CVT variant and the 1.5 V Navi CVT top variant. 


BOLD STANCE, TOUGH LOOK

The All-New BR-V exudes a remarkable masculine design through a host of exterior garnishes inspired by the “Active-Solid Motion” exterior design concept. The Projector Headlights with LED Guide Type Position Lights and Font Bumper Skid Garnish offered in the top variant accentuate the powerful presence of the front fascia. The wide and striking front grille design effectively expresses the Honda front face identity. The Fog Lights, Roof Rails with Silver Finish, and 16-inch Alloy Wheels standard on both variants further highlight the black-clad, sporty profile of the All-New BR-V. The LED Tail Lamp in C-character also gives the All-New BR-V’s rear a broad appearance that perfectly complements the vehicle’s wide-looking facade.

The All-New BR-V’s 201 mm Ground Clearance gives the driver confidence on any road surface. It measures 4,456 mm long; 1,735 mm wide; and 1,665 mm tall. It also has a wheelbase of 2,662mm. With just the right body size, parking and maneuvering the All-New BR-V is relatively easy. The All-New BR-V ensures every journey is a comfortable and relaxing ride for Filipino families.



A HIGH-QUALITY AND TECHNOLOGY-PACKED INTERIOR

Aside from being bold-looking on the outside, the All-New BR-V is as impressive on the inside, for it embodies the “Premium & Active” interior design concept. High-quality materials punctuated by a stylish instrument panel comprise the All-New BR-V. Moreover, the 1.5 V Navi CVT top variant is equipped with Leather Seats for an upscale riding experience. Both variants have a spacious and comfortable cabin that provides ample knee clearance, head clearance, and leg room. The 3-row Seating Configuration of the All-New BR-V can comfortably accommodate 7 passengers, which is perfect for getaway trips with friends and family. Seats can also be adjusted for various hauling and cargo needs. The 2nd row seats have a 60:40 Split, Recline, Fold, and One Touch Tumble Type function, enabling easy access to the 3rd row which has a 50:50 Split, Recline, Fold, and Tumble Type function.

The All-New BR-V also carries advanced features for occupants’ convenience, like a 7-inch Touch Screen Display Audio and Digital Airconditioning Controls in the 1.5 S CVT variant. The 1.5 V Navi CVT adds a Smart Entry with Push Start System, an Automatic Type Front Airconditioning System, and a 7-inch Touch Screen Display Audio with Built-in Navigation Powered by Garmin. Both variants also have a Rear Airconditioning System with Independent Controls located between the first and second row seats to expand air flow to all areas for maximum comfort of passengers.



POWER AND EFFICIENCY DELIVERED


Under the hood of the All-New BR-V lays a potent 1.5 Liter i-VTEC Engine that gives out 120 Horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 14.8 kg-m of torque at 4,600 rpm. The engine is mated to an Earth Dreams Technology Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), so customers are assured of a smooth, exhilarating, and fuel-efficient drive with the All-New BR-V. Additionally, the top variant has Paddle Shifters to feed a sportier driving feel and performance.



TOP-NOTCH SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

Honda’s commitment to ensure passenger safety is maintained with the All-New BR-V. The vehicle was built with Honda’s proprietary G-force Control (G-CON) Collision Safety Body Engineering that dissipates G-forces of a crash and disperses it away from the vehicle’s occupants on impact. Standard on both variants of the All-New BR-V are Driver and Front Passenger SRS Airbags; Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) that prevents wheel lock during sudden braking; Hill Start Assist (HSA) that averts backward roll when the vehicle moves from a static position on an incline; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) that restricts sideway skidding during cornering; and Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock that activates when the vehicle accelerates. Additionally, since the All-New BR-V was designed for families, it comes with an ISO-FIX Child Seat Anchor to securely latch a child seat. With these top-notch safety features, customers can drive with ease and ride with better peace of mind.



AVAILABILITY AND COLORS

The All-New BR-V is a feature-packed 7-seater SUV that Filipino families will be delighted to drive on any kind of adventure. HCPI is now accepting reservations for the All-New BR-V. Deliveries will start in December 2016. Customers can also choose among a variety of colors:


White Orchid Pearl (1.5 V Navi only)
Premium Amber Metallic (1.5 V Navi only)
Modern Steel Metallic
Lunar Silver Metallic
Crystal Black Pearl
Taffeta White (1.5 S only)


The All-New BR-V will be on display from September 14 to 18, 2016 at the World Trade Center Manila. For more information, visit HCPI’s website, www.hondaphil.com.

Honda Officially Launches the Honda Booth at the 6th PIMS


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines officially launched the Honda booth at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Honda with the theme “Joyful Future Journeys” launched exciting display vehicles from technical brand showcase of the McLaren-Honda MP4-30 F1 Racing Machine, new Limited Edition of City 1.5 E CVT, to the newest addition in its vehicle line-up, the Honda’s 7-seater SUV, the All-New BR-V. It embodies an Active-Solid Motion exterior design concept that exudes tough and premium look. The All-New BR-V is equipped with a potent 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that provides a comfortable drive with remarkable fuel efficiency, driving performance, handling and quietness. It also has a spacious interior, high ground clearance, advanced technology, and top-notch safety engineering. This new model is available in 2 variants: the 1.5 S CVT and the 1.5 V Navi CVT.

Aside from these vehicles which have been launched in the market, Honda showcases the new look of the sub-compact SUV, the New HR-V MUGEN Prototype. The Prototype now comes with a New MUGEN Front Grille, New 17-inch Alloy Wheels, New MUGEN Side Stripe Sticker, and a Modified Tailgate Spoiler, while retaining the current HR-V MUGEN’s Front Under Spoiler, Side Under Spoiler, Rear Under Spoiler, and MUGEN Emblem. All new features provide a sportier outlook which will make HR-V much appreciated by its customers. The All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Concept with Front, Rear, and Side Under spoilers, 17” Modulo Alloy Wheels, Exhaust Pipe Finisher, Side Step Garnish, and Sport Pedals that embodies a much sportier look of the Civic. Definitely a future that is exciting and pleasant because of Honda’s products and innovations that were built from the brand’s dream.

At the Foyer display area, Honda is showcasing the All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Sport in Rallye Red that highlights the Civic Timeline from the 1st model of the Civic that was manufactured in the Philippines at the same time, the evolution of the design and engine technology from VTEC, i-VTEC, to VTEC TURBO with the Earth Dream Technology.

Experience the Future of Lexus at Full Throttle at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show


Wazzup Pilipinas!

This September 14 to 18, Lexus joins the 6th Philippine International Motor Show in full force with its evocative vehicle line-up, once again, delivering a promise of luxury and sophistication to the public in this motor show organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

Lexus stays firm in bringing nothing short of visual expressiveness and dynamic character with its 360-square meter Lexus booth. The booth will be featuring its powerful and diverse array of SUVs, sedans, and coupes namely the RX 350 F-Sport, NX 200t F-Sport, LX 570, ES 350, GS F, and the RC F. Aside from these models, Lexus will also be giving a glimpse of the newest addition to its family: the flagship LC 500.

In the sixth installment of the Philippine International Motor Show, Lexus will be showcasing its all-new LC500, which will be the highlight of the booth. Inspired by the highly-acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC500’s styling, performance, and craftsmanship position the vehicle as Lexus’ flagship coupe.

The 6th PIMS will be held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City from September 14-18, 2016 (Wednesday – Sunday). For more information about Lexus and its participation in the 6th Philippine International Motor Show, visit www.lexus.com.ph

*Write-ups per model displayed at the Lexus booth may be found below

RX 350 F-Sport
The RX provides driving comfort in a sporty package. Powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 350 delivers an unforgettable driving experience and blazes new tails with its confidence-inspiring exterior. The new RX series proves that elegance can have an edge, and that daring can be refined.

NX 200t F-Sport
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can strike the right balance between both your urban and sporty lifestyle, the NX is the vehicle for you. The NX’s edgy exterior paired with its turbo-charged engine ensures that every drive you make is a real adventure. The NX is a strikingly-designed SUV wrapped up in a sports-tuned package.

LX 570
The LX is the pinnacle of on-road and off-road luxury. An impressive, full-size luxury SUV with a deluxe interior and seating for eight, the LX is built for both urban comfort and off-road ruggedness. It delivers driving performance with an outstanding V8 power and confidence-inspiring 4WD. Moreover, it possesses an advanced suspension system, giving the LX excellent ride quality in various conditions, allowing you to conquer any summit with confidence.

ES 350
The ES is a sedan that gracefully balances a memorable design with world-class luxury. As luxurious as it is carefully thought through, the striking ES is the culmination of many years of design refinement, providing a refined experience of comfort with its spacious cabin, smooth and responsive drive, and state-of-the-art safety features.


RC F
With flowing lines and a low, wide stance, the RC F possesses an alluring personality that’s as exceptional as it is luxurious. Delivering invigoration for all the senses, its 471-horsepower V8 engine emits a throaty, specially-tuned engine sound as it scream towards its impressive 5,600-rpm redline. The RC F ignites an aggressive sports performance built for the race tracks.

GS F
The GS F is the most powerful sedan Lexus has ever offered, wielding unprecedented levels of exhilaration and striking sophistication throughout. With immense power, a race-steady cockpit, and signature elements, including flared and vented fenders, unrelenting Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers, and stacked quad-tip-exhaust outlets, the GS F is the expression of F performance.

Concept Car: LC 500h
Inspired by the highly-acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC represents a shift in Lexus’ engineering processes and design ideologies, and signals the dawn of a new era for the Lexus brand. The LC was first revealed at the 2016 North America International Auto Show in Detroit and received unanimous praise for its outstanding visual appeal. Its styling, performance, and craftsmanship are what position the vehicle as Lexus’ flagship coupe.


This daring luxury coupe with a low, purposeful stance will magnetize you with its meticulously-crafted exterior and interior. Made with a variety of materials that enhance structural rigidity— including high-strength steel, lightweight carbon fiber and aluminium— the LC500h embraces the art of performance with Lexus’ next generation hybrid powertrain, the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, providing enhanced driving pleasure, more performance, and greater efficiency.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Is Online Shopping Really the Better Way to Shop?


Wazzup Philipinas! 

You’re all dressed and ready to head to the mall for your sports shoes shopping. Along comes your best buddy who tells you that you could get the same pair of shoes online at a cheaper price, plus free delivery to your home! Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? What do you do then? Do you still head to the mall or do you get online and search for your favourite pair of shoes? If you have experienced this dilemma before, then the following arguments are undeniably titillating.

The question that keeps popping up in recent years is whether or not online shopping is the better way to shop as compared to the conventional way of shopping – heading to the retail outlets. Online versus offline, which is better? Before we start a fist fight between two parties, here are some reasons why offline and online shopping work well respectively.



OFFLINE / CONVENTIONAL SHOPPING

The traditional way to shop

As human beings caught in a routine, we have the tendency to gravitate towards the familiar – that which we are used to. Moving out of our comfort zone is too much hard work. Hence, the conventional way of heading to the mall or popping by our favourite outlet is what we would do when buying products and getting services.

Seeing is believing

Nothing can replace the experience of seeing, touching and feeling the product you are about to purchase. When the product you are surveying is physically in front of your eyes, you become the quality control agent, dispensing your wise judgement on whether or not the product is worth the money. This works especially well with clothing, premium jewellery, food and possibly large appliances.

Overall shopping experience

The thrill of going to the shopping mall or simply leaving the house to window shop is something we all have felt since we were kids. Hearing and seeing the intriguing sights and sounds of the shopping mall keeps our minds alert and curious. Especially during the festive seasons, this excitement is amplified thanks to colourful decorations and catchy festive music.

Interaction with other people

Sitting at home in your jammies is all good when you’re an introvert. But what if you’re a socialite who loves meeting people and making new friends? Conventional shopping can be such a therapy as you get to interact with people everywhere. Bring your friends along to share in your shopping experience!



ONLINE SHOPPING


Change is the key to progress

Moving into a world where everything is put online for easy access, the right thing to do would be to subscribe to online shopping. A progression from yesterday to tomorrow is how online shopping has benefited society at large. Look at it this way; we’ve already started performing many other transactions online such as online banking, online billing, online booking and even online food delivery. So why not online shopping?

Convenience

Simple convenience has become the push factor for most people to try online shopping. Firstly, you can find almost everything online. From food to toys to electrical appliances and furniture. In some countries, you can even buy cars online. Secondly, you can literally shop from anywhere (granted there is internet access). Shop from the office, from home or when you’re on holiday. You also have a wider range of products to choose from as compared to conventional shopping. Make purchases from half way around the world by accessing the online stores. To avoid the confusion of searching through the many websites, iPrice has consolidated a wide variety items provided by hundreds of e-tailers across Southeast Asia, where one can search, compare prices and save with great deals all on one site.

Fast

Of course it isn’t as fast as conventional shopping, but delivery times these days have been reduced to a minimum. Shopping online means waiting a day or two for deliveries within the country, while deliveries from overseas are cut to about a week in waiting period. Imagine buying products from overseas at discounted prices, delivered to your home in such little time. How amazing is that?

Competition benefits consumers

Don’t we love low prices and great discounts on all our purchases? With retailers going online, competition between online stores becomes fierce. Consequently, the consumer has the ultimate benefits. Online retailers compete for attention and get it by reducing the prices on their merchandise or giving the customers amazing perks such as Buy 1, Free 1 privileges. That’s not even the amazing part. The best aspect to online shopping is the ability to have your options laid out. You have the chance to compare stores, compare prices and compare products from all over the globe. Using price comparison websites such as iprice, gives you a look into other retailers’ prices and product features. Price comparison is particularly useful for electronics such as smartphones and tablets.

Coupons help you save money!

Who would have thought that saving money while shopping online is so easy? Online coupons are awesome! Coupons give you the flexibility to shop without worry about cost. Some examples of coupons you can take advantage of are:

· 20% off products with every new sign up
· Buy 1, free 1 within the period of a month
· Refer a friend and get 50% off next purchase

With irresistible offers like this, you can save loads just by a few clicks of a button. How cool is that?

Maximum privacy

In this day and age, we can find almost anything on the internet. It is no surprise then that most of us would be hesitant to use online shopping services. Most of us are comfortable doing online banking thanks to security systems in place. The same goes for online retailers. Security is top priority as customers’ personal details and privacy are valued. On the topic of privacy, online shopping creates a safe zone for you to shop for products that you may not want others to know about. Think about it, shopping for underwear and intimate pleasure products would be a whole lot better now that no one knows you’re purchasing them. No more prying eyes judging your purchasing decisions.

Transporting products is a breeze


Buying products the conventional way creates the problem of having too much to carry around. You can’t fully enjoy your shopping experience when you have to carry your larger products around or push them in a trolley. With online shopping, you get your purchases (no matter the size) delivered to the address of your choice.


Conclusion

So, is online shopping really better than conventional shopping? The answer is not in black and white. We would say it depends on personal preference and the type of products you are shopping for. The best option would be to combine conventional shopping and online shopping for a holistic shopping experience. Coming back to the scenario of buying sports shoes, if you are already in the mall, you can try on the perfect fit, take note of size, come home and shop online for that pair at a cheaper price. All in all, we have to be wise in our purchasing methods to save money, time and effort.



Contributed by Joel Vijay

A content writer with a flare for the dramatic and a hint of narcissism, Joel takes pride in everyday situations to make the most of life’s experiences. A passion for movies and creative arts along with a desire to change the world is what drives Joel to write. A hero in his own world, Joel aims to see the positive side of life by embracing life’s challenges one step at a time.

TLC's Christian Yang and Ian Wright Comes to Manila


Wazzup Pilipinas!

TLC travels around Hong Kong this September to uncover the very best of a particular type of food – from star eats to street eats and style eats. A Taste of Hong Kong is about local chef and foodie extraordinaire Christian Yang who loves everything about his city, especially its one-of-a-kind food culture. Christian invites professional globetrotter Ian Wright to Hong Kong to lend a helping hand. As Ian has seen (and eaten) practically anything and everything across Asia and the world, his expert palette is just what Christian needs to narrow down his search.

Manila will be jumping in to join the fun as show hosts Christian and Ian is set to visit the Philippines for a meet-and-greet with the press and fans this September! The event is set to bring to life the sights, smells, and culinary flavors of their adventures. A Taste of Hong Kong is set to air on September 22 on TLC.

Profiles of the show hosts are found below:


Christian Yang

A true advocate of Hong Kong culture, Chef Christian Yang uses his culinary expertise in European culinary techniques to convey the iconic flavours of Hong Kong to the world's foodie population.

Christian has trained in many Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe before settling back in Hong Kong. He hosted the highly rated “Food and Culture” 味之天下 by RTHK alongside his mentor Martin Yan (Yan Can Cook).

Christian continues to host NOW TV’s critically acclaimed food programs “Chef Corner” 煮角and "Junior Chef Corner" 小煮角 and travels to Europe to teach chefs about Chinese Cuisine and Culture.


Ian Wright

Englishman Ian Wright, the most travelled man on the planet, has been the face of travel TV for two decades. He is best known for hosting GLOBE TREKKER and INVITE MR WRIGHT.

Before presenting GLOBE TREKKER, Ian spent three months in Guyana with Operation Raleigh, a Prince's Trust initiative, traveling in a self-made bamboo raft down uncharted rivers.

He spent three months in Egypt, seven months traveling around India and Nepal, and six months traveling around Europe including Poland and Romania.

An accomplished artist and theater performer, Ian has had an exhibition of his paintings at Chats Palace. He also devises plays in schools, runs drama and art workshops at the Children's House in Islington on the weekends and works with children with behavioural difficulties in special schools. After leaving art school, his 'odd jobs' included working as a cycle courier and making and selling crafts, jewellery and homemade jams at Spitafields Market in East London. He currently lives near here with his wife and family. To relax, Ian enjoys playing football, eating out, and going for walks in the English countryside.

Advisory: Cancellation of International Coastal Cleanup


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Please be advised that the celebration of the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) scheduled on Saturday (17 Sept 2016) is cancelled as decided by the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) and ICC-Philippines as the co-coordinators of the ICC in the country.

All activities, preparations and plans this year for the ICC are cancelled as well. The cancellation is in light of the President's proclamation of a state of national emergency and government intelligence reports as to the existence of threats of further acts of violence.

Another nationwide campaign to clean up the coastal areas will be conducted when the security condition in the country stabilizes according to PCGA and ICC-Phils.

Please help disseminate the advisory to inform the participants around the country about the cancellation.

Below are the copies of the Memo (DENR) and Advisory (PCGA) regarding the cancellation of ICC.

AXN’S Terrorism Thriller Quantico Opens New Chapter in the Life of Agent Alex Parrish


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Brace yourselves for a more thrilling and exciting new season as Quantico returns on September 26 on AXN.

In the first season, Special Agent Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) finds herself the subject of an FBI manhunt after being targeted as the prime suspect in the biggest terrorist attack on New York City since 9/11. Despite all clues pointing to her and the odds against her, she clears her name and saves millions of lives.

With colleagues Shelby Wyatt (Johanna Braddy), twins Nimah and Raina Amin (Yasmine Al Masri), Simon Asher (Tate Ellington), Caleb Haas (Graham Rogers), Natalie Vasquez (Anabelle Acosta), and Ryan Booth (Jake McLaughlin) finally on her side, Alex discovers that the mastermind behind it all is one of her mentors at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico.

The world of secrets and spies continues in Season 2, where Alex embarks on a new mission as a CIA agent after a one-year training at The Farm, the CIA’s covert training facility.

Faced with a greater challenge, Alex tries to adjust herself to a new chapter in her life as she is surrounded by new characters to deal with – cunning thief Harry Doyle (Russell Tovey), ambitious Harvard lawyer Dayana Mampasi (Pearl Thusi), daring photojournalist León Velez (Aarón Diaz), and mysterious CIA officer Owen Hall (Blair Underwood).

This time, Alex is not on the run, but in the middle of a deadly conspiracy that not only threatens the lives of her countrymen but also others around the globe. With the lies and deception all around her, she is determined to finding the truth even if it keeps her guessing until the end.

Quantico Season 2 premieres within 12 Hours of the U.S. telecast on September 26, every Monday at 9:45 pm First & Exclusive on AXN

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, GSat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49.

Davao City Collaborate with Telco to Address Peace and Order Concerns


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom and the Davao City government are collaborating to help improve the peace and order situation in the city by putting in a place a hotline, 0917-Duterte (0917-3883783), to receive calls and texts relating to security concerns in the city.

Specifically, 0917-Duterte will serve as a special and dedicated mobile number for calls and texts from Davaoenos who will report possible leads to catch the perpetrators of the recent bombing incident in Davao.

“With the hotline number, Globe is able to help public officials and residents of Davao City in strengthening peace and order in the city by putting in place an easy to remember and accessible number where they can report leads and information that can help catch perpetrators of the recent bombing incident,” Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said, adding that regular call and text charges will be applied.

For her part, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said: “We would like to thank Globe for enabling this special mobile number to give Davaoenos access to a dedicated hotline that will definitely help solve the recent bombing incident that took place in the city. The hotline will definitely pave the way for a more concerted and collaborative effort from the people of Davao City to combat acts of senseless terrorism.”

More Surprising Twists and Turns in New Season of How To Get Away With Murder


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The new season of How to Get Away With Murder brings more absorbing twists and surprising turns in the lives of brilliant criminal defense lawyer Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) and her Middleton law student interns starting September 23 on Sony Channel.

Previously, Annalise, student interns Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch), Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King), Laurel Castillo (Karla Souza), Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), and Asher Millstone (Matt McGorry), and associates Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil) and Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber) get involve in two murder investigations.

While winning high profile cases at all costs, Annalise finds the means with the unwilling help of her students to circumvent the truth to her advantage to protect themselves from the clutches of the criminal justice system. But this compromises the values and convictions her students hold dear.

Season 3 weaves a new web of secrets and lies as the series moves forward and delves deeper into each and every character’s personal relationships – Michaela’s adopted family, the true identity of Laurel’s dad, a conflict between Connor and his boyfriend Oliver, Asher and Michaela’s romance, Annalise’s new lover, and many more.

DICT Appoints New Officials


Wazzup Pilipinas!

New DICT Officials have been appointed into Office during an Oath-Taking Ceremony which was held at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Building on September 13, 2016.

Atty. Jorge V. Sarmiento was sworn in as Undersecretary for Management and Operations; Ret. Gen. Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. was appointed as Undersecretary for Special Concerns; Engr. Denis F. Villorente was appointed as Undersecretary for Developmental and Innovations, and Atty. John Henry D. Naga was appointed as Assistant Secretary.

Functions of the Undersecretaries

According to a Memorandum from the Secretary, each Undersecretary position is designated to manage specific areas within the DICT:

Undersecretary for Management and Operations is tasked with managing the internal processes of the Department, which includes financial, administrative, and legal management, as well as Procurement. The position also provides assistance to the Secretary in supervising the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Undersecretary for Special Concerns is charged with the formulation of policies, planning, and programming of Cybersecurity and Emergency Communications, and the implementation of strategic programs and projects, and regional operations. The position also holds a supervisory role of the Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center (CICC), the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and the COMELEC Advisory Council (CAC), as well as overseeing duties regarding the participation of the DICT in the activities of the NDRRMC.

Undersecretary for Developmental and Innovations is in charge with the formulation of policies, planning, and programming for ICT development which includes Human Capital Development Programs and Research and Development. The position is also tasked with the conceptual and technical development and support of strategic programs and projects of the DICT that covers connectivity, e-Government, e-Society, and e-Innovation. The Undersecretary for Developmental and Innovations is also designated to oversee the participation of the DICT in the activities of the NEDA ICC Board. 



Following the draft IRR of Republic Act 10844, the Department of Information and Communications Technology had an Oath-Taking Ceremony for the Newly-Appointed DICT Officials. This is in line with the Department’s mandate of providing ICT solutions in key development areas that will aid the country’s nation-building initiatives. 

Appointment letters were received perfectly in time with the conducting of the visioning exercises of the department. This activity was done in the efforts of determining the direction and aspirations to be pursued by the whole organization and on how it will fulfill its mandate to the Filipino nation.

The following officers are to be sworn into their respective positions:

1. ATTY. JORGE V. SARMIENTO – Undersecretary for Management and Operations
He served as Deputy Commissioner of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC). During his stint at the NTC, he initiated structural regulatory reforms in the telecommunications, broadcasts, and TV industries like updating of the NTC Rules of Practice and Procedure together with stakeholders, among others. A graduate of Political Science at the University of the Philippines, and Bachelor of Laws at the UP College of Law, He is also a former Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, Assistant Secretary for Postal Services Office, and Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), with the rank of UnderSecretary.



2. GEN. ELISEO M. RIO, JR. (RET.) – Undersecretary for Special Concerns

He’s had significant experience in the military, where he held various positions over a span of 30 years, where he was promoted to Brigadier General and was appointed as Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Communication, Electronics and Information Systems Service from July 1999 to March 2000; and as Deputy Chief of Staff over the span of 2000.After retiring as Brigadier General, he was appointed as Commissioner of the National Telecommunication Commission which he held from February 2001 to October 2002. Following this, he was also Chairman of the Board of NextMobile (formerly Nextel, Philippines) from February 2006 to January 2007.



3. ENGR. DENIS F. VILLORENTE – Undersecretary for Developmental and Innovations

Our next official is the former Deputy Executive Director for e-Government of the Information and Communications Technology Office. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Engineering, earning his MS and BS Electrical Engineering degrees in 2001 and 1989 respectively. He conceptualized and started the Integrated Government Philippines (iGov) Project, and established the Philippine Open Internet Exchange (PHOpenIX)


4. ATTY. JOHN HENRY D. NAGA – Assistant Secretary

He has substantive experience in the legal profession that involve cases in telecommunications and broadcast media. He has in-depth knowledge in Legal, Government and Corporate Contracts, and has hands-on experience in Corporate Legal Management and Labor Relations Cases. He pioneered the conversion of all GMA TV Stations from analog TV to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast. He graduated Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with Professional Certificate in Management in the University of Asia and the Pacific, and graduated Bachelor of Laws in San Beda Collage, where he received an Academic Honor Award.


Hand-picked by the Secretary 

The newly-appointed officials were chosen by DICT Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima, with each having significant experience in different areas in government service.

Undersecretary Sarmiento expressed his gratitude during the Oath-Taking Ceremony, and asked for the assistance of every DICT employee to make the Department one of the best Departments in the bureaucracy,

"Napakalaki ng ating katungkulan or responsibilidad na inatas sa ating lahat... The Department, especially the Secretary and senior officials will only be successful or effective kung magtulungan po tayo. Our battle cry is that of unity, discipline, and teamwork."

Undersecretary Rio expressed the same sentiment by declaring that the newly-appointed Senior Officials will do their best effort in their new positions, and that they will need the help of the DICT Staff,

"Lahat ng aming kakayaning gawin ay gagawin natin para sa 'ting mahal na DICT. Newlyappointed official - kami yun. Kayo [DICT staff] ay matagal na rito, kaya sa inyo kami kukuha ng lakas at mga impormasyon para mapaunlad natin itong DICT."

Undersecretary Villorente stated that the new Senior Officials is a very experienced group, each with more than a decade of experience in government and public service.

"We hope and expect that everyone will align their efforts. We are here to serve and to provide good service at tulungan po natin ang ating butihing Secretary."

Secretary Salalima closed the Oath-Taking Ceremony by expressing that the new Department is one that is for the people, and of the people, whether in private or and in government; with the new Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretary, the DICT will do its best to better serve the Filipino, as mandated by the Law.
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