16 School Teams Train, Pitch S&T Projects for Innovation Contest imake.wemake

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino communities may soon find answers to pressing issues in education, traffic, waste management, disaster preparedness and others as 16 senior high school teams made it to the second round of the 2nd imake.wemake, an S&T innovation competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) in partnership with Acer Philippines.

“It will be a battle among school teams but the real winners here are Filipinos who will benefit from their inventions,” DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo said.

Biyo and Acer Philippines General Manager Manuel Wong graced the project pitching and closing ceremony of the five-day event held on September 3-7, 2018 at the Microtel UP Technohub in Quezon City which featured promising student inventions like low-cost GPS tracking for wildlife conservation, online waste management integration, and anti-overloading device among others.

“Our young inventors proved that they understand the needs of the people and know how they can address such. We’re more than happy to provide them venue for their technical skills and creativity in imake.wemake,” Biyo added.

The panel of judges, composed of UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute professors Dr. Nestor Tiglao and Engr. Percival Magpantay, Ateneo de Manila University professor Engr. Carlos Matti Oppus, and Acer Philippines Business Development Manager Alexis de Guzman, selected the finalists from 65 proposals submitted. The judges based their decisions on project viability and potential to address important societal and community issues.

The 16 competing school teams are Centro Escolar University-Manila, College of St. John – Roxas, De La Salle University Integrated School – Laguna, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Grace Christian College, Masbate National Comprehensive High School, New Era University, Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus, Philippine Science High School – CAR Campus, Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus, Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus, Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus, Rizal National Science High School, Santa Rosa Science and Technology High School, Taguig Science High School, and Technological University of the Philippines Cubao Campus.

A total of 48 students and 16 teachers attended the free training organized by the DOST-SEI and facilitated by experts from ThinkLab Philippines and Acer Taiwan’s Kevin Chuang. Participants experienced hands-on training on Arduino digital and analog system and Acer Cloudprofessor, the innovative platform that will power all imake.wemake projects. Each team also received free Acer Cloudprofessor kit, sensor expansion pack, and toolbox.

The teams are given three months to build and test their projects. They will convene again in December for the Final Presentation and Awarding Ceremony where top three teams will win P50,000 cash prize and the Youth Innovation Prize each.

Power Restored in 7 Provinces

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Latest reports from the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) led by the Department of Energy indicated that power has been restored in seven provinces hit by Typhoon Ompong. These are Pangasinan, Batanes, Batangas, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, and Zambales.

After visiting Cagayan on Sunday (16 September), DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed Undersecretaries Felix William B. Fuentebella, Alexander S. Lopez and National Electrification Administration(NEA) Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong to attend the Cabinet Briefing for President Rodrigo R. Duterte in Benguet and conduct ground operations and inspections. They were tasked to fully mobilize and monitor the required personnel for the energy family’s response and restoration activities.

Based on the 9:00AM report of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER):

For the power generation sector, the National Power Corporation (NPC) – Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) reported normal operations as of 4:00AM today in the diesel power plant (DPP) areas of Batanes, (Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang) Isabela and Aurora (Maconacon, Casuguran). Meanwhile, DPPs in Calayan, Minabel & Balatubat, Kabugao, and Palanan are still being assessed.

NPC’s dam status report indicates that water-spilling operations were still on-going at the San Roque Dam, with the end of spilling operations forecasted to take place by Wednesday (19 September) evening.

On the other hand, NPC’s Ambuklao-Binga Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (FFWS) Dam Office has turned over the responsibility of its Spillway Gate Operations to SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAPB) since Ompong already left the Philippine Area of Responsibility; the accumulated 24-hour rainfall measured is less than 50millimeters; and the inflow at the Ambuklao Reservoir is less than 500 centimeters.

For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that as of 6:00AM, there is a total of 14 de-energized transmission lines in regions I, II, III, IV-A, VII, and CAR

NGCP also reported that transmission lines in Cagayan and Benguet are partially restored. There are currently on-going restoration activities in Apayao, while transmission facilities in other affected provinces have been normalized.

NGCP is continuing its aerial and ground patrols to inspect and assess the full impact of Ompong on its operations and facilities.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) initially estimates the cost of damage on electric cooperatives (ECs) alone to be at Ph111, 085,986.00.

Eight ECs covering seven provinces have been fully restored, while 14 ECs remain up for restoration.

The regions being served by the following electric cooperatives are affected:

1.             ECs with ongoing restoration:

•     Region I (3 ECs) – INEC (Ilocos Norte), ISECO (Ilocos Sur), LUELCO (La Union with 4.2% restored)

•     Region II (5 ECs) – CAGELCO I and II (Cagayan), ISELCO I (parts of Isabela with 33.3% restored),
ISELCO II (parts of Isabela), NUVELCO (Nueva Viscaya with 14.3% restored)

•     CAR (5 ECs) – BENECO (Benguet), MOPRECO (Mountain Province), ABRECO (Abra), KAELCO
(Kalinga-Apayao), IFELCO (Ifugao)

•     Region III (1 EC) – AURELCO (Aurora with 88.9% restored)

2.             ECs fully restored:

•    Region I (1 EC) – PANELCO I and III (Pangasinan)

•     Region II (2 ECs) – BATANELCO (Batanes), QUIRELCO (Quirino)

•     Region III (2 ECs) – NEECO II-AREA I (Nueva Ecija), ZAMECO I (Zambales)

•     Region IV-A (2 ECs) – FLECO (Laguna), BATELEC II (Batangas)

In the areas served by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), all circuit outages are completely restored.

MERALCO reported that there are still 15,000 to 20,000 customers or 0.23% to 0.30% of its total customers undergoing for restoration which are mostly on service drop or household levels within the franchise area.
 

In the oil industry, monitoring activities of oil companies indicate that as of 12:00PM yesterday (16 September), there is sufficient supply of petroleum products, with stocks ranging from 2 to 15 days, depending on the area.

The DOE reiterates the implementation of a price freeze in Cagayan, Abra, Benguet, Isabela and Mayoyao, Ifugao after said provinces have been put under a State of Calamity. The price freeze covers household LPG and kerosene products, which will be enforced for 15 days upon said announcement.

The DOE continues to assure the public that it remains committed in the monitoring and immediate restoration of power and energy facilities in areas hit by Typhoon Ompong.

A Response to Grab's Statement That the Government is to Blame for the TNVS Supply Crisis

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It has come to the attention of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that GRAB has been sending its members/drivers an e-mail essentially blaming the government for what they call a “supply crisis.”

GRAB claims that the crisis stemmed from the “masterlist” of vehicles allowed to service passengers and the “supply cap” of 65,000. According to GRAB, out of this number, only 35,000 are on the road on a daily basis due to coding, part-time drivers, and other reasons. Further, GRAB is telling its members that the LTFRB has not acted on its proposal to increase the supply cap.

DOTr-LTFRB takes this opportunity to respond to the following issues raised in the email so that all stakeholders may be enlightened and be guided accordingly:

1. The so-called “Masterlist” was determined in consultation with the accredited TNCs at the time namely Grab, Uber and U-Hop, to which Grab conceded. The Masterlist  included Transportation Network Company (TNC) accredited TNVS that have been operating without valid franchises or Provisional Authority (PA), otherwise described are COLORUM vehicles. 

In order not to disrupt service, COLORUM TNVs were allowed to continue to get bookings in the meantime and accept passengers through the Grab system, their inclusion in the Masterlist gives them ‘temporary legitimacy,’ while they are given time to apply for a franchise. With the current number of TNCs servicing the TNVS already operating, among them Hype, Owto, GoLag and Epickmeup, service will not be adversely affected. More, two new TNCs – Hirna and Micab - are servicing the taxi service while several other TNCs whose applications are pending consideration.

2. The number coding scheme, which reduced the number of available cars on the roads of Metro Manila, did not come from LTFRB. In fact, it is the position of the agency that all public transport be exempt from the number coding scheme in order to be able to offer the riding public more public transport options and thus discourage the use of private vehicles.

3. Grab seems to confuse drivers with TNVS in determining supply. LTFRB issues franchises or Provisional Authority (PA) to TNVS for them to legally get bookings and accept passengers. Hence, if a TNVS with a PA or franchise cannot run because it does not have driver, it can find a replacement driver. 

4. Currently, LTFRB is accepting applications for TNVS franchises, even outside the Masterlist, contrary to the statement of Grab that TNVS allowed to apply for a franchise are limited to the Masterlist. In fact, LTFRB has just completed the online registration of 10,000 new cars in addition to the Masterlist, with plans to open registration for TNVS applicants for those slots in the masterlist which have become inactive.

We note Grab sharing its position on these issues in public notwithstanding the frequent, open and cordial dialogue with TNCs, including Grab. It makes us wonder however why Grab puts LTFRB on the spot, so to speak and in an uncomfortable position. As DOTr and LTFRB seek ways to expedite to complete the target of 65,000 TNVS with the required franchises, it is to Grab’s best interest to engage its own constituency and help clarify the issues.

Bayanihan Key to Effective Disaster Response in Typhoon Ompong Hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A day after typhoon Ompong made a landfall in the province of Cagayan, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reported to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that the restoration and rehabilitation efforts of the DOTr in all affected airports, seaports and terminals are now underway.

 

During the Presidential Briefing held at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol today, 16 September 2018, Secretary Tugade estimates around PhP35 to 40 Million worth of damages incurred in infrastructure alone, primarily in Tuguegarao Airport.

 

Immediately after Ompong’s landfall, the Transportation Chief inspected Tuguegarao Airport, and found out that the baggage carousel area and other offices of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) were badly damaged. Meanwhile, the runway, ramp and other navigational equipment are all functional. Secretary Tugade said it will take until Tuesday for the Baggage X-ray scanner to be repaired or replaced.

 

While rehabilitation works are ongoing, Secretary Tugade requested from the public their patience and understanding. 

“Manu-mano po muna tayo sa pag inspeksyon ng mga bagahe kasi X-ray scanner ang nasira. Importante po iyan para sa security ng mga sasakay na pasahero pero gagawan po natin iyan ng paraan”, said Secretary Tugade.

 

The Transportation Chief likewise noted that there is a proposal to utilize Lal-lo and Cauayan Airport in case repairs at the Tuguegarao Airport will take longer than expected, with Point to Point buses to address inconvenience.

 

Meanwhile, reports coming in from Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) confirm that all seaports in the Northern Luzon area such as Curimao, Aparri, Batanes, Salomage and Sual among others reported no damage and are now operational.

 

Land transportation also immediately resumed leaving all bus terminals with a few to none stranded passengers.

 

Importance of Bayanihan and Pre-emptive Information

Amid adversity brought by Ompong, Secretary Tugade highlighted the importance of teamwork or “Bayanihan”. 

Tugade was tasked by President Duterte to oversee the planning, preparation and rehabilitation in Cagayan, the Secretary’s hometown.

 

It can be recalled that Secretary Tugade, along with DOLE Secretary Slvestre Bello III and Presidential Legal Adviser Francis Tolentino, prompted a regional command conference to adequately prepare the local government with the impending disaster.

 

“Mr. President, the decision to send us here is a very wise decision. Malaki po ang impact nito sa morale ng local government at ng mga tao kasi alam nilang nandito ang national government, naniniwala at sumusunod ang mga tao. Kahit nandiyan ang banta ng bagyo, laban lang kasi andito tayo”, Sec. Tugade said.

The DOTr Chief visited various evacuation centers in Cagayan where he was reunited with a relative from Claveria town. Though he empathizes with the plight of those who have to leave their homes, the secretary said it is the only way to value life and avoid casualties in times of disaster.

 

Secretary Tugade said, “Dapat ho ang evacuations centers natin kumpleto sa mga kagamitan at secured din.”

 

Secretary Tugade added the importance of pre-emptive information which was proven to be very helpful. He believes that if the public will be bombarded with timely information, they can efficiently organize themselves to safety.

 

“Silipin natin iyong anunsyo. How do we communicate? We care for our people and we want to save lives. Iyong compliance and obedience ng civilian population, iba ho. Sana iyong experience na ganyan can be replicated”, Secretary Tugade said.

 

Further, the private sector also extended their help. Local carriers such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines instantaneously offered a missionary flight which will enable rescue and relief operations reach Tuguegarao and other nearby provinces. Bus companies and other organizations offered the use of their vehicles to transport relief goods to affected areas.

Energy Facilities Damage Assessment and Restoration in Full Swing - Cusi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today (16 September) announced that the agency-led Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) is now on full swing to assess the damage incurred and to respond to the energy needs of the areas hit by Typhoon Ompong. 

According to Sec. Cusi, the energy family mobilized its personnel to do a thorough assessment of the power and oil facilities affected by Typhoon Ompong.

Earlier, the DOE chief announced that immediate power restoration efforts are aimed at government institutions, particularly those involved in emergency response such as barangay halls and city centers, hospitals, evacuation centers, and other vital installations in the affected areas.

Based on the 12:00 noon report of the TFER:

On power generation, the National Power Corporation (NPC)-Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) reported that the diesel power plant (DPP) in Sabtang Island in Batanes incurred no damage and was restored at 8:39 a.m. today after line clearing of the Batanes Electric Cooperative (BATANELCO).

NPC-SPUG also reported that there are no operations on the following DPPs due to assessment, clearing and restoration activities: Cagayan and Apayao area (Calayan, Minabel & Balatubat, and Kabugao); Isabela and Aurora area (Palanan, Maconacon, and Casiguran).

NPC’s dam update indicates that water spilling operations were still on-going at the Ambuklao Dam with water level at 751.25 meters above sea level (masl) against normal high water level (NHWL) of 752masl, the Binga Dam with 574.83 masl vs. NHWL of 575masl, the Magat dam with 186.5 masl vs. NHWL of 193masl, the Maris dam with 103.22 masl vs. NHWL of 107.75 masl, and the San Roque dam with 287.15 masl vs. NHWL of 280 masl. Meanwhile, the Angat water reservoir has not opened its spill gates.

NPC makes certain that said discharges will not cause flooding in the flood warning zones, and are being most carefully conducted to maintain normal water levels in the reservoirs. 

For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that it restored 78% of affected transmission lines in Regions I, II and CAR. On-going restoration for the remaining 32% which services Abra, Apayao, Cagayan, Kalinga, Mt. Province, and parts of Isabela.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration reported that as of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, a total of 23 electric cooperatives experienced line trippings and damaged distribution facilities across Luzon.  Initial estimated cost of damage on electric cooperatives alone was at PhP100,600,000.00.

The regions being served by the following electric cooperatives (ECs) are affected: 

*ECs ongoing restoration:

• Region I (5 ECs): INEC (Ilocos Norte), ISECO (Ilocos Sur), LUELCO (parts of La Union), PANELCO I and III (parts of Pangasinan) 

• Region II (7 ECs): BATANELCO (parts of Batanes), CAGELCO I and II (Cagayan), ISELCO I and II (parts of Isabela), NUVELCO (Nueva Vizcaya) and QUIRELCO (Quirino Province)

• CAR (5 ECs): BENECO (Benguet), MOPRECO (Mt. Province), ABRECO (Abra), KAELCO (Kalinga-Apayao) and IFELCO (Ifugao)

*ECs are Restored:

• Region III (4 ECs): AURELCO (Aurora), ZAMECO I (Zambales), NEECO II-Area 1 and 2 (parts of Nueva Ecija) and TARELCO I (Tarlac). 

• Region IV-A (2 EC): BATELEC II (Batangas) and FLECO (Laguna) 

With existing EC resources such as personnel, available supply and materials, the following timeline is possible specially for INEC and CAGELCO II:

• Government and commercial centers within seven (7) days

• Main line within seven (7) days

• 80% of HH within three (3) weeks

• 100% of HH within one (1) month

• With minimal damage to the EC's distribution system in three-five (3-5) days period everything is restored

Under the areas served by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), all circuit level outages are already restored. 

MERALCO reported that around 15,000 to 20,000 customers or 0.23% to 0.30% of its total customers are already undergoing restoration, mostly on service drop or household levels within the franchise area.

For the downstream oil sector, the DOE- Oil Industry Management Bureau’s states that based on its monitoring of the oil companies, there is sufficient supply of petroleum products, with stocks ranging from 2 to 15 days, depending on the area.

The DOE calls on oil industry dealers in flooded areas, or those who lack supply to report their status to OIMB Director Rino Abad at 09177057754 and OIMB Asst. Dir. Rodela Romero at 09175560750. 

For the implementation of price freeze, Cagayan province has already declared a State of Calamity. The declaration triggered the price freeze on household LPG and kerosene products which will be enforced for 15 days upon said announcement.

The DOE reminds the public to take extra precautionary measures in dealing with electrical appliances and components (wirings, sockets and downed posts, among others) to protect themselves from electrical hazards like electric shock or short circuit.

“The public’s safety and security is our primary concern. Let us all be vigilant and aware of what is happening in our surroundings. Let us all do our part in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe,” Sec. Cusi concluded. 

PH Goes to Fukuoka Asian Film Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines is for the first time represented as a delegation to the Neo Cinemap Fukuoka Asian Film Market 2018 this September in Fukuoka, Japan. Led by the FDCP's Philippine Film Export Services Office (PFESO), the country is taking part in this market hub for professionals in the Asian film industry and projects in development.

The Philippine Film Export Services is hosting a country booth from September 18-19, 2018 at Nishitestsu Inn, Fukuoka featuring FilmPhilippines, the country's Location incentive program to promote the Philippines as a filming destination to foreign production companies and films from the Philippines that are looking for international sales and distribution in Japan and other Asian territories.

Featured Production Companies
Present Filipino production companies in the Market include TBA Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, VYAC Productions, Aim High Productions, and Man Overboard Productions which are showcasing their best films that are ready for distribution in Asian territories such as Birdshot, Bliss, Born Beautiful (in Post-Production), Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, Distance, Dormitoryo, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Heneral Luna, I’m Drunk I Love You, K’Na The Dreamweaver, Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo, Iisa, Gasping for Air, Smaller and Smaller Circles, SundayBeauty Queen, Tandem, Water Lemon, Women of the Weeping River.

"We're so proud that the Philippines is continually exposed to film markets which develops the industry side of our Cinema. These are exciting platforms for our filmmakers and producers to find audiences outside the Philippines and explore partnerships particularly here in Japan. Because of the continuous promotion of Philippine cinema here and the increasing opportunities to screen our films to Japanese audiences, some Filipino films like Die Beautiful, Ma Rosa and Birdshot found screening opportunities in commercial theaters here in Japan last year. Last August, Neo Manila (with ‘Midnight Assassins’ as its Japanese Title) had its Japan theatrical release in selected theaters as well. That’s a great start and we hope that the momentum continues here in Fukuoka," said FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino.

Project Pitching

Also happening is the Neo Cinemap Project Market, a co-production market where Filmmakers can present their ongoing project ideas and plans to meet possible co-producers or supporters for their projects.

Everybody Leaves by Phillis Grande and Alem Ang, and Daku Balay by Ria Limjap are the Filipino projects selected to be featured for pitching this year. A special requirement of this pitching is projects need to have elements of Japan and part of the requirement is shooting their films in the country.

Neo Cinemap Fukuoka Asian Film Market runs alongside the Focus on Asia Fukuoka Asian Film Festival from September 14-19, 2018 where the Philippines is this year's Country of Focus.

Guadalupe the Musical Opens on September 28

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A ghostly apparition… a skeptical bishop… a brutal overlord… a dying man brought back from the brink of death. The amazing story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of the Philippines and the Americas, has been immortalized in an all-new musical premiering at 8:00 pm on September 28, 2018 at the Meralco Theater. The show runs until October 14, Fridays through Sundays at 8:00 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinées at 3:00 pm.

Directed by Baby Barredo and produced by Julie Borromeo, theater legends both, the highly anticipated GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL is based on the mysterious, world-changing events that occurred in 1531 in New Spain, or present-day Mexico. The all-original English-language musical, which was created by award-winning artists Joel Trinidad (book and lyrics) and Ejay Yatco (music), is a sweeping theatrical epic that uses history as a backdrop for a uniquely inspiring tale that will appeal to theater-lovers everywhere—regardless of their religious beliefs. Joining the creative team are the aforementioned Julie Borromeo and Rose Borromeo (choreography) Mio Infante (scenic design), John Batalla (lights), Rards Corpus of Soundcheck (sound design), and Celia Diaz-Laurel (costumes), all top professionals of their respective fields.

The World Premiere of GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL is sponsored by the Friends of Punlaan. In his triumphant return to the stage, Victor “Cocoy” Laurel plays the central role of Juan Diego, the humble Aztec mat-weaver who claims to see an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sharing the stage with Mr. Laurel are theater stalwarts Lorenz Martinez, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Onyl Torres, and Miguel Vasquez, with Noel Rayos, Kyla Rivera, and the aforementioned Joel Trinidad covering various major roles. Joining them all are talented up-and-comers Arman Ferrer, Chaye Mogg, and Kuya Manzano; all part of a cast of more than thirty actors, singers, and dancers.

You may call 5771046 or 09175378313 to buy your tickets now. Tickets also available at TicketWorld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

The Best Accounting Software in 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whether you are a flautist or a freelancer, a green grocer or graphic designer, if you have a business that needs accounting software to remain on top of the market, the old system of putting everything in the drawer and panicking when time for tax returns come is not the best. But this does not mean you have to invest so much money or learn something that is fully complicated. The right software is very easy to use and enables you to know the way you are doing and the customer that owes you money.

Pronto

Pronto bears the design of helping you lower costs, simplify tasks, and increase your productivity. From an engine constructed around business reporting and financials, this product can fit in different industries. Each solution of pronto provides advanced functionality in the industry so that you do not outgrow when the business grows. With this scalable, modular product, you have and an end-to-end integration that will suit all the needs of your business. While on-site implementations for this package are many, there are technological improvements that are providing hosted services and cloud services for this product. This option gives you added scalability, access, and flexibility.

Wave

A free accounting suite that gives receipt scanning, accounting, and invoicing abilities, wave is perfect for a business with less than ten employees. It is also good for freelancers, entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and consultants. This application is easy to operate and set up because of its simple dashboard that has all the things you need for processes of financial management.

This platform makes work simple when you want to do accounting and invoicing, eliminating hassles of monitoring expenses, tax and employee management, and handling payments. With this application, it is possible to send and generate estimates, professional looking receipts and invoices on the spot. The good thing is that this package is free but vendors provide payment plans for payroll and card processing services in different countries.

Zoho

Zoho is a smart solution with the design of managing small businesses finances and cash flows. It is very easy to use, helping its users to make great business decisions. Being part and parcel of Zoho, this product will not just provide excellent support but also hassle-free accounting, security, and uptime. It has the ability to send professional invoices to customers and accept payments over the internet. In case you want to exploit features of Zoho, you can sign up for the free trial version for this app.

This software is not just powerful; it is handy, giving you absolute control to financial management. It has a lot of features like the Profit and Loss, balance sheets creation, and cash flow statements. It has a pleasant dashboard that is pleasant to the eyes and has the ability to display graphs and financial overviews. Apart from this, the solution has the ability to stream other functions of the office. You can purchase this package in various pricing plans per month. However, if you want to start by learning, you can register for the free trial version. 

QuickBooks

This is among the most populous accounting software. It has the ability to track vendors and customers and has the ability to manage all processes of banking automatically. It also has many organizational features that are crucial for managing accounting info like contact data, payable bills, common accounting tasks, and overdue items. This solution makes payments easier with the Pay Now link that you can connect to vendors and customers bank accounts and credit cards.

This package has the ability to come up with reports on the business’s losses and profits, with several clicks from the user, allowing him to stay on top of the game at all times. There is a competent panel that provides all time support while putting into use high standards of security to help protect your info. There are updates for free and are easy to download. To make this product great, the vendor has come up with features like automated reporting and smart searching filters.

This application comes in various pricing models. A freelancer version charges close to five dollars per month. There is a business plan, an essential plan, and a plus plan, each one costing an affordable amount per month. 

Conclusion

There is various accounting software in the market that will give your business the desired accounting solutions. Your business operations will become easy and stealth because these packages will automate everything you need. If you desire to stay on top of the business, then you have to invest in one of the above packages.



Author Bio: Ariana Smith is a digital marketing analyst, SEO consultant and enthusiastic internet marketing blogger. She is the founder of Search Engine Magazine

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/bookkeeping-accounting-taxes-615384/

Tugade Directs DOTr Offices, Attached Agencies to Efficiently Monitor, Respond to Typhoon-Hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As Typhoon Ompong swept through Northern Luzon, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade directed all DOTr sectoral offices and attached agencies to exert their best efforts to mitigate risks and respond to areas and people affected by Typhoon Ompong by maintaining an efficient line of communication, coordination, and upholding the spirit of “bayanihan.”

 

Secretary Arthur Tugade has continuously assured the public that the DOTr and its attached agencies are properly coordinated and ready to offer its services, saying the DOTr is at everyone’s disposal.

In a meeting with both national and local government agencies in Tuguegarao, the transportation chief stressed the vital role of communications in times of disasters. 

“Kung may pre-emptive evacuation, dapat may pre-emptive information din. In that way, the public will know what is happening around them in real time. We need not only inform the public— we need to over-inform them through all platforms of media. Ito ang patakaran ko sa DOTr,” Sec. Tugade said.

Upon Secretary Tugade’s instructions, all communications platforms of the DOTr, as well as those of its attached agencies, were fully-utilized to share real-time and relevant information on the affected areas of the typhoon, such as trip advisories and condition of various transportation hubs.

Before the typhoon made landfall in Cagayan this morning, Secretary Tugade visited several evacuation centers in the area and met with local officials to ensure that disaster preparedness and response measures are in place.

 

Passenger and cargo vessel trips were cancelled in various ports of the country due to rough seas and heavy winds. Passengers affected by trip cancellations were properly accommodated.

 

In Negros Oriental and Siquijor, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) served hot Lomi and gave away hygiene kits, while those stuck in Dumaguete City were offered with free film showing and hot meals.

 

Employees from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 4-B personally distributed pansit and other cooked meals to stranded motorists.

 

Meanwhile, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport set up medical assistance stations at Terminals 1 and 2 to assist passengers with immediate medical needs in anticipation of diverted flights and stranded passengers.

 

Among all inspected facilities, the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Tuguegarao Airport was the worst-hit and extensively damaged by the typhoon. Secretary Tugade and other DOTr officials personally checked the safety of the airport personnel, as well as the state of the airport’s facilities.

Meanwhile, roof gutters, windows and glass doors of the LTFRB Region 2 office located at the Carig Regional Center in Tuguegarao were also damaged.

According to Sec. Tugade, one of DOTr’s priorities is to ensure that the resumption of normal operations in facilities affected by Ompong will be done as quick as possible.

Benilde Films Compete in Viddsee Online Tilt

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Three capstone projects from the Digital Filmmaking program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts have been officially selected as finalists to the second Viddsee Juree Philippines. This is part of the Singapore-based online video platform's initiative to celebrate and support filmmakers and film communities in Asia.

The Lessons of the Night ("Ang Mga Turo ng Gabi") by Christian Rae Villanueva, As Time Flows By ("Sa Pag-agos ng Panahon") by Annika Yañez, and Stand Up ("Tayo") by Ron Dulatre and Elaiza Rivera, were chosen from more than a hundred short fiction, documentary and animated films submitted to the competition.

The Lessons of the Night focuses on Juanita (Sheenly Vee Gener), a teacher battling depression, who teams up with her delinquent student (Dylan Ray Talon) to retrieve her baby. The film earlier bagged Best Editing and Best Performance at Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival and was officially selected to the Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle, the inaugural Oriental Mindoro International Film Festival and Kaohsiung Film Festival in Taiwan this year. 

Meanwhile, As Time Flows By tells the story of Trish (Chase Salazar), a lesbian who is having a hard time coming to terms with her traditional Filipino father (Francis Mata). It previously won Best Feature, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Actor and Best Soundtrack at the 15th De La Salle University Indie Un-Film Festival.

In Stand Up, Reg (Karl Medina), a socially awkward comedian gets help from Alyssa (Veronica Reyes), his "special friend." However, when he is supposed to give the performance of his life, Alyssa suddenly disappears.

"We're glad and overwhelmed that our film was selected for the competition," Rivera, who was part of group behind the 2016 Sinenanay Film Festival award-winning film "Uyayi," said.

She and Dulatre teamed up with her "Uyayi" groupmate Joice Bay to work on their thesis.

"We're happy that we can show our film to the world and we wanted it to compete immediately to see what our film could do outside of Benilde," Dulatre shared.

His other comedy short film Family Drama ("Pamilyang Drama") recently competed at Sinepiyu, an annual intercollegiate digital film competition.

"It's my first time to know about this online video platform that caters to a larger audience. I'm happy Viddsee exists," said director/writer Yañez, who partnered with cinematographer/editor Janna Lejano for her "very personal" capstone project.

"The ultimate reason why we submitted to Viddsee is because of the sweet production grant," Yañez revealed. "Right now, it's our only chance to bring to life another short film. It would be a dream to create and share another short story," she added.

The Gold and Silver winners will get film production grants worth 160,000 and 80,000 pesos, respectively, plus audio equipment provided by RØDE Microphones.

The Gold winner will also be offered a five-day Global Film & TV Program course in Los Angeles sponsored by the Motion Picture Association.

Similarly, Villanueva was also motivated to join because of the prizes. "They will give a production grant for the winners, and as a young filmmaker, it’s everything for us because it's hard to find funding for a short film," he added.

Villanueva also wanted to share his film to a wider audience "because all films are meant to be seen. It has been a year since our pre-production stage. So, I want to give it to the world now."

The other finalists are Ah by AJ Virtuz, Divine XY by Ruel Lozendo, Ginhawa by Christian Lat, Igme and Gani by Ma. Jhayle Ann Marie Meer, In the Name of the Father by Patrick Rodil, Susing by Bea Felix and You are the Star to My Night by Brian Spencer Reyes.

All ten finalists, which generally deal with love, relationships, morality and sexuality, will receive a 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps subscription worth US$560 each.

The top two entries will be decided by a panel of judges made up of award-winning Filipino actress Cherie Gil, acclaimed Malaysian filmmaker and writer Amir Muhammad and Tribeca Film Festival shorts programmer Ben Thompson.

Finalists and out-of-competition films can also vie for the Audience Choice Award, which will be based on the most number of ‘likes’ it receives on Viddsee.com. The winning director for this award will take home an Apple TV.

Viddsee will hold a three-day program, featuring talks and public screenings, at the DLS-CSB SDA Cinema from September 27 to 29. Winners will be announced during the awarding ceremony scheduled on September 29 at the Cinematheque Centre Manila.