Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events: press

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The Jets Live in Manila: 30th Anniversary Greatest Hits Tour

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This November, 80’s pop sensation, The Jets, is coming over to the Philippines for a two-night performance as part of their part of The Jets Live! 30th Anniversary Greatest Hits Tour.

Meet the musical Wolfgramm family from Minneapolis, Minnesota – Moana, Haini, Leroy, Rudy, Eddie, Natalia and Donnie on November 6, Friday, 7PM at the newly renovated The Kia Theatre, and on November 8, Sunday, 7PM at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino.

Originally, from the island of Tonga in the South Pacific, The Jets have made their way around the world with three world tours, and all the way to the top of US Billboard Charts, claiming eight (8) top ten hits that include Philippine #hugotfavorites “You Got It All,” “Make It Real,” the upbeat “Crush On You,” and their 1989 Grammy-nominated song for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group, “Rocket 2 U.”

This is The Jets’ third time in the Philippines, after many years since their last show more than twenty years ago.

“We’re very excited,” says Moana, on their invitational video out now on RandomMinds Production Facebook Page.

They close the video like an ace performer, with a sampling of their signature harmony, singing “Give us one more chance to make it real,” in a cappella.

Tickets to The Jets Live! 30th Anniversary Greatest Hits Tour are now available at all SM Tickets and Ticketnet outlets.

Say I Do to Bridestory

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A Southeast Asian company is taking the wedding industry by storm. Using technology to their advantage, Bridestory connects wedding professionals to couples across the globe in the most convenient way possible. It is the leading wedding marketplace in the region.

“Wedding vendors are very good at what they do, however, not all of them can market their brands in an appropriate way, which is an important factor for success. Bridestory is here to solve that problem,” said Kevin Mintaraga, Chief Executive Officer of Bridestory.

The platform works both as an inspiration site and a directory of wedding professionals. Through Bridestory, couples can get inspirations from a catalogue of works accomplished by professionals. Bridestory also enables wedding professionals to expand their reach by providing an avenue for couples around the world to contact them easily.

After launching in January 2014, Bridestory has garnered the trust of couples and vendors in its home country, Indonesia, as well as from neighbours such as Singapore and Australia.

Over 15,000 vendors from 39 countries, including 12,000 hailing from the Southeast Asian region, are doing business with the help of Bridestory. Vendors are categorized based on their expertise, be it dress and attire or photography, among others.

Bridestory already has 200 local vendors shortly after launching their Philippine website (www.bridestory.com.ph) last August.

Acer and WD Bring BYOC to WD’s My Cloud NAS Series

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Acer, the world’s fourth largest personal computer company and a private cloud solution provider, and WD, a world leader in storage solutions, today announced that WD’s My Cloud NAS is now part of Acer’s BYOC™ (Build Your Own Cloud) ecosystem. Available immediately, Acer BYOC™ users can seamlessly access files on their My Cloud NAS from their PC or mobile device anywhere – using Acer’s abFiles app.

"We are excited to welcome WD to the BYOC ecosystem," said Maverick Shih, President, BYOC Business Group, Acer. "The availability of abFiles for the My Cloud platform allows our joint customers to enjoy seamless file management across their personal devices, with all of their files always at their fingertips, regardless of whether the file is on their PC or their NAS drive.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with Acer to the benefit of our mutual customers,” said Sven Rathjen, VP and GM of Network Content Solutions for WD. “Now our customers can find abFiles on the My Cloud app center to download for free, and incorporate their My Cloud into Acer’s BYOC ecosystem.”

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WD, a Western Digital company, today introduced the My Book Pro storage device, providing professionals and enthusiasts who must efficiently manage large amounts of digital content with up to 435 MB/s transfer rates on WD’s fastest external storage solution yet.

With capacity options including 6 TB, 8 TB, 10 TB and 12 TB[1], the power of two 7200 RPM WD drives with Intel’s Thunderbolt™ 2 technology and a hot-swappable hardware RAID controller, the My Book Pro device enables creative professionals and enthusiasts alike to focus on what they love doing by significantly cutting the time to transfer large videos, photos and audio files.

“The My Book Pro device has been designed from the ground up for the creative professional workflow. We’ve been able to take the newest, highest capacity 6 TB 7200 RPM drives on the market and marry them with leading technologies to deliver a product you can leverage from the moment you connect it.” said Sven Rathjen, vice president of marketing for WD’s Content Solutions business. “It really is designed to perform under the most demanding environments.”

Designed for professional content creators who need performance and capacity, My Book Pro storage combines the power of dual 20 Gb/s Thunderbolt 2 ports, USB 3.0 compatibility, the peace-of-mind of hardware RAID and the speed of two 7200 RPM WD drives to accelerate creative workflows. With the convenience of two front-access USB ports and the ability to daisy chain up to six Thunderbolt devices, users are able to charge and sync smartphones, tablets or cameras while simultaneously connecting 4K monitors or additional storage devices.

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GMA Eleksyon 2016 is on Viber. Viber, the leading messaging app in the country, signs up as a partner of GMA 7’s extensive election coverage of GMA Eleksyon 2016 news as the national elections unfold, serving as its mobile-friendly communications portal.

Partners recently gathered at GMA Network in Kamuning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon and COMELEC Chairman Atty. Andres D. Bautista were both present, as well as a number of partner organization representatives.

Joining forces with GMA Network for Eleksyon 2016 are partners from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC); PLDT-Smart Communications; Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI); Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ); Inquirer.net; Catholic Media Network (CMN); Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV); and National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL).

Completing the Eleksyon 2016 partners are University of the Philippines (UP); Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP); Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU); De La Salle University (DLSU); University of Santo Tomas (UST); AMA Education System; Waze; Viber; Youth Vote Philippines; Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP); Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI); and the Philippine Bar Association (PBA).

With the said partnership, Eleksyon 2016 seeks to deliver a more efficient, in-depth, and credible coverage of the upcoming presidential elections—no less than what the public deserves. To keep up to date about the latest news on Eleksyon 2016, follow the GMA News team as they share their stories on the GMA News Public Chat at viber.com/gmanews.

Wilder Wildlife on Animal Planet

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See wildlife like never before in these exciting new series from Animal Planet!

Penguins on a Plane: Great Animal Moves

Every day, thousands of different animals are being moved around the globe on our roads, ferries, and planes. But flying a flock of Gentoo penguins all the way from New Zealand to Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre requires a high-tech, custom-built transport crate costing £40,000. With refrigeration, air filtering and even seatbelts, the ‘penguin hotel’ must keep the birds in peak physical condition during their 12,500 mile journey.

Watch Penguins On A Plane: Great Animal Moves. The show premiered last October 26 and will air Mondays at 9pm. Follow the expert handlers entrusted with transporting some of the world’s most precious and challenging cargo safely to their destinations.

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With an increased number of travelers expected in the coming days due to the yearly observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has activated Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2015 to ensure the safety and reliability of various modes of transport.

The Oplan anticipates peak period to run from October 30 (Friday) until November 2 (Monday). The DOTC has mandated all its attached agencies to implement 24/7 operations of their action centers in order to attend to passenger concerns. Additional security personnel and K9 units will be deployed at bus terminals, airports, and ports. First aid and help desks will also be put up, as well as charging stations and additional seats.

Inspections of Bus Terminals, Random Testing of Drivers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue special permits for buses in order to meet the expected boost in passenger demand. Along with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), it has begun conducting inspections at transport terminals to ensure all operating public utility buses (PUBs) meet roadworthiness requirements. At the same time, random drug and alcohol testing will be done to ensure that drivers are not under the influence while conveying passengers from one point to another.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) reminds expressway operators to strictly implement traffic rules and regulations, especially the speed limit, in order to avoid any untoward incidents. Toll operators will deploy roving teams for fast response to any needs of motorists.

TLC Festival Comes to the Philippines!

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 21, as TLC – Asia Pacific’s leading travel and lifestyle channel – brings its TLC Festival to the Philippines for the first time! From 11:00 a.m., grab your picnic mats and head on down to Bonifacio High Street, for an enjoyable day out with family and friends. There’s lots of fun to be had, with appearances and activities led by TLC’s slate of personalities.

Fans of the bubbly Janet Hsieh will be able to meet the Taiwanese beauty at the festival. Janet, who is the host of TLC’s Fun Taiwan franchise, tied the knot recently. Follow her wedding journey on three episodes of Fun Taiwan All-Stars: Wedding Special, which captures some of the magical moments of her big day – in Antarctica, no less! Premieres every Tuesday at 10:00 p.m on TLC, beginning November 24.

Catch the affable Tom and Henry Herbert from TLC’s The Fabulous Baker Brothers, in their stage segment – you might pick up a few tips from these two blokes! Episodes of The Fabulous Baker Brothers encore daily at 6:00 p.m. from November 16-20 on TLC.

Erwan Heussaff is the latest face on TLC. The restauranteur and popular food blogger has amassed a legion of fans, who will undoubtedly be thrilled to meet him in the flesh and watch him demonstrate some easy-to-do recipes. As TLC Southeast Asia’s brand ambassador, Erwan is featured in a series of four vignettes called Food Fix with Erwan Heussaff. The vignettes show Erwan whipping up some of his delicious yet guilt-free dishes such as ‘Crab Fat Pasta with Scallops, Peas and Spaghetti’ and ‘Thai Style Marinated Lollipop Chicken with Peanut Sambal Sauce’.

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Noong Biyernes, Oktubre 23, lumabas ang message na ito sa social media site na Twitter:

‏@LTFRB_Chairman- Breaking News: LTFRB denies U-HOP's application as Transportation Network Company (TNC).

Kakabit ng tweet ang dokumentong nakikita dito.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto, naglabas naman ng clarification o paglilinaw si Atty. Ariel Inton, LTFRB Board Member at isa sa pumirma sa naturang memorandum. Narito ang pahayag ni Atty. Inton:

STATEMENT FROM ATTY. ARIEL INTON BOARD MEMBER, LTFRB

"I dont know of any decision denyhng uhops application to be accredted as tnc. What the board en banc did was to write a memo to sec abaya saying that under the existing dept order and memo circular uhop cannot qualify asa tnc. And there is a need to come out w a new denomination as a shuttle app base transpo service. A memo to the dotc sec is not a board decisiön. hence there is no decision yet on uhop aplcation"

Experts Share Key Trends In PH Real Estate

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The rise of millennial travelers, Filipinos’ increasing spending power, and aggressive expansion of commercial property developers in cities outside Metro Manila—these are just some of the key trends discussed during the Asia Pacific Real Estate Investment Summit Thursday. Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph) managing director Jacqueline van den Ende moderated the discussion on these key trends.

Retail

According to Lourdes Alano, vice-president for leasing at Robinsons Land Corp., key trends in retail include expansion outside Metro Manila due to rising land values within the capital, the rise of community malls, expansion of convenience store chains driven in part by the 24-hour BPO economy, and the increasing competition due to new retail channels such as podium retail-space in mixed-used condo developments and online channels.

Hospitality

Al Legaspi, chief operating officer of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, said that the 10 million foreign visitors target is a bit of a stretch, given that the country has so far only managed to attract half of that number. However, despite this domestic and foreign tourism is growing. Cebu, for example, experiences plenty of demand in hotel rooms, according to Legapsi, where occupancy rates in Ayala’s hotels in the city reaching 80 percent.

DOE Welcomes Zenaida Monsada As Its First Woman Secretary

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The Department of Energy welcomes its first woman Secretary as President Benigno S. Aquino III sworn in the newly appointed Zenaida Y. Monsada on 23 October 2015 at Malacanan Palace.

Prior to her appointment, Secretary Monsada served as the DOE’s Officer-in-Charge (OIC) since July 2015 and is tasked to make key decisions and set priorities as well as execute operational management of the Department. Alongside the OIC task, she was also the Undersecretary for four frontline Bureaus of the DOE, namely: the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, Energy Resources Development Bureau, Oil Industry Management Bureau, and the Renewable Energy Management Bureau.

Among her 13 predecessors, Sec. Monsada is also the first DOE head who rose from the ranks. As part of the DOE, she is a member of various inter-agency/international committees and working groups representing the DOE such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Phil.), Tripartite Council for Biofuels, Technical Committee on Petroleum Products and Additives (Chair), Harmonization of Vehicle Standards and Regulations, and the Partnership for Clean Air/Clean Air Asia Initiative, to name a few.

Sec. Monsada led the creation of the DOE’s national petroleum testing laboratory and the acquisition/operation of the mobile testing facility. She also facilitated the institutionalization of the multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on the downstream oil industry, and was part of the “Benchmarking of Biodiesel Fuel Standardization in East Asia” of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.

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With less than a week into the 2015 Family Enterprise Excellence Conference (FEEC), organizer Premier Family Business Consulting (PFBC) is calling on all interested to book their tickets to the event which will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on October 26.

According to PFBC Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer Neil Montesclaros, it’s all systems go for the 2015 FEEC with all major preparations now ready. They are now just waiting for the remaining unreserved seats to be taken.

Montesclaros encouraged family enterprises, practitioners, and stakeholders to take part in the event and avail of one day of insightful discussions and workshops that help family businesses thrive amidst the changing business landscape.

Now in its third year, the 2015 FEEC will feature international family enterprise expert and consultant Dr. Dennis Jaffe of the US-based Family Firm Institute and prominent inspirational speaker Francis Kong as the main resource persons.

PFBC Founder Jon Ramos said some of the inevitable family business challenges that will be tackled in the 2015 FEEC include the issues of business longevity, succession, the management of family dynamics, and the preservation of family wealth.

AMD Achieves High-End Embedded Performance Leadership with New R-Series Processors

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AMD today announced new AMD Embedded R-Series SOC processors that establish performance leadership across a targeted range of embedded application market requirements for digital signage, retail signage, medical imaging, electronic gaming, media storage and communications and networking. Designed for demanding embedded needs, the processors incorporate the newest AMD 64-bit x86 CPU core (“Excavator”), plus third-generation Graphics Core Next GPU architecture, and state-of-the-art power management for reduced energy consumption. Combined, these AMD innovations and technologies provide industry-leading graphics performance and key embedded features for next-generation designs.

The single-chip system-on-chip (SOC) architecture enables simplified, small form factor board and system designs from AMD customers and a number of third party development platform providers, while providing astounding graphics and multimedia performance, including capability for hardware-accelerated decode of 4K video playback. With a robust suite of peripheral support and interface options, high-end AMD Radeon™ graphics, designed for the industry’s first Heterogeneous Systems Architecture (HSA) 1.0 certification, and support for the latest DDR4 memory, the new AMD R-Series SOC addresses the needs of a wide range of markets and customers.

“AMD continues its push into x86 embedded platforms and that’s paying off with an increasing number of customers and applications,” said Jim McGregor, principal analyst, TIRIAS Research. “There is a need for immersive graphics, high-quality visualization, and parallel computing in an increasing number of embedded applications. Across these fronts, the AMD Embedded R-Series SOC is a very compelling solution.”

“With so much momentum around immersive experiences, especially for visual and parallel computing, the embedded industry needs a high-performance, low-power and efficient architecture with superior graphics and compute capabilities,” said Scott Aylor, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Embedded Solutions. “Our new AMD Embedded R-Series SOC is a strong match for these needs in a variety of industries including digital signage, retail signage, medical imaging, electronic gaming machines, media storage, and communications and networking. The platform offers a strong value proposition for this next generation of high-performance, low-power embedded designs.”

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Western Digital Corporation and SanDisk Corporation today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Western Digital will acquire all of the outstanding shares of SanDisk for a combination of cash and stock. The offer values SanDisk common stock at US$86.50 per share or a total equity value of approximately US$19 billion, using a five-day volume weighted average price ending on October 20, 2015 of US$79.60 per share of Western Digital common stock. If the previously announced investment in Western Digital by Unisplendour Corporation Limited closes prior to this acquisition, Western Digital will pay US$85.10 per share in cash and 0.0176 shares of Western Digital common stock per share of SanDisk common stock; and if the Unisplendour transaction has not closed or has been terminated, US$67.50 in cash and 0.2387 shares of Western Digital common stock per share of SanDisk common stock. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The combination is the next step in the transformation of Western Digital into a storage solutions company with global scale, extensive product and technology assets, and deep expertise in non-volatile memory (NVM). With this transaction, Western Digital will double its addressable market and expand its participation in higher-growth segments. SanDisk brings a 27-year history of innovation and expertise in NVM, systems solutions and manufacturing. The combination also enables Western Digital to vertically integrate into NAND, securing long-term access to solid state technology at lower cost.

The proposed combination creates significant value for both SanDisk and Western Digital shareholders. Western Digital brings a successful track record of M&A with a number of acquisitions over the last several years helping to fuel innovation, create value and strongly position the company to capture higher-growth opportunities. In addition, Western Digital's operational excellence, coupled with the recently announced decision by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) allowing Western Digital to integrate substantial portions of its WD and HGST businesses, is expected to generate additional cost synergies.

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We hear, but do we actually listen?

For its 3rd production in this year’s season line-up, The Artist Playground proudly presents “AUDIRE” starring veteran stage actress Angelina Kanapi under the direction of Jeffrey Camañag.

AUDIRE (Audire /aʊˈdiːre/: a Latin word which means 'listen carefully') is a one woman act based on sound exploration where sound is used as the kernel that creates the performance experience.

AUDIRE is an experimental performance that showcases the process of artistic creations, inventions and discoveries. A process wherein the images of the sounds of the surroundings interact with the images of the artist’s inner sounds and thoughts that produce series of mental, emotional and physical images used to build a blueprint that breathes life to movements, situations, events and characters. It is basically an improvisation.

The actor’s life experiences and memories serve as the source of images that interacts with the sound to create vivid experiences that the actor shares with the audience. It is like a concert but instead of sharing images through music and lyrics, the actor gives you scenes, moments, happenings and even monologues depending on what the sound inspires the actor to share.

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The Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) and the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) efforts to erase the infrastructure backlog at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have started to pay off, as the country’s premiere gateway is no longer listed among the world’s worst airports, according to online travel site Guide to Sleeping in Airports (www.sleepinginairports.net).

“While we are pleased to hear that international travelers no longer rate NAIA among the world’s worst, there is obviously still a lot for us to do. Having fully opened Terminal 3 and substantially refurbishing Terminal 1 after decades of neglect, our next focus is decongesting the runway,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

Erasing NAIA’s Infrastructure Backlog

It took around 2 years from 2011 to 2013 to unravel the legal complications which prevented Terminal 3 from fully operating, but its resolution paved the way for the transfer of 3.5 million annual passengers from the run-down, overcapacity Terminal 1 to the more modern Terminal 3 building in 2014.

With Terminal 1 restored to its design capacity of 4.5 million yearly passengers, major rehabilitation was undertaken beginning in 2014, most notably through structural retrofitting which ensured the continued safety and integrity of the facility, and the improvement of the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems.

Architectural works were also performed, considerably reimaging the airport with a sleeker look and better services. The improvements include:

DOE and Philippine Companies Win ASEAN Energy Awards

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Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson was awarded in the recently held ASEAN Energy Awards 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for her valuable contributions in forwarding energy cooperation as Senior Official on Energy (SOE) leader of the Philippines.

Usec. Ayson was awarded a trophy for Excellence in Energy Management along with eight other ASEAN leaders from different countries during the Awards Night last October 7 as part of the Joint Gala Dinner of the 33rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2015.

The ASEAN Energy Awards, which started in 2000, is Southeast Asia’s prestigious annual awards program that recognizes outstanding work for excellence, creativity, practicality and dedication to a cause in the field of energy.

Usec. Ayson has been with the DOE since 1979 and has served in various capacities until she was appointed as Undersecretary in 2008. She has handled the DOE’s programs on energy efficiency and conservation, alternative fuels, energy research testing and laboratory, information technology management, as well as administration, legal and finance, including the supervision of the DOE Field Offices. She also served as Chairperson of the Policy Advisory Board of the Philippine Efficient Lighting Market Transformation Project and the Project Director of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP). Currently, she handles the Energy Policy and Planning Bureau and the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System.

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The rise of millennial travelers, Filipinos’ increasing spending power, and aggressive expansion of commercial property developers in cities outside Metro Manila -- these are just some of the key trends that will discussed during the upcoming 4th Asia Pacific Real Estate Investment Summit (APREIS), to be held at Solaire Resort & Casino on October 22.

Moderating the discussion on these emerging trends on Philippine real estate is Jacqueline van den Ende, managing director of global property website Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph).

The discussion’s panelists include key people from different sector of the real estate industry. They include Al Legaspi, chief operating officer of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, who will share insights on the opportunities and challenges facing the country’s hospitality sector; Henry Co of First Philippine Industrial Park who will discuss industrial real estate; Lars Wittig of Regus Philippines and Michael McCullough KMC MAG Group, who will both tackle office real estate; Joseph Ramil Lombos, chief financial officer of DMCI Homes, to discuss the residential sector; and Lourdes Alano of Robinsons Land and Shaun Kwan of Trakomatic, to share their insights on the key trends in retail.

Among the burning issues to be tackled on during the discussion is how the Philippines can compete with established its Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of attracting foreign visitors, how the country can sustain buoyant consumption to maintain retail boom, and the opportunities for investors in the office sector.

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The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) welcomes the passage of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) through Republic Act No. 106871 which was signed on October 15 by President Benigno S. Aquino III. The Commission hails it as a Landmark Social Legislation of the Administration benefiting Filipino youth.

Designed to unify all modalities of publicly-funded Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs)—Scholarships, Grants-in-Aid and Student Loans—for Tertiary Education, the UniFAST rationalizes the allocation, utilization and client-targeting of government resources and improves access to quality higher and technical education for those who need it. It shall also serve as the ultimate national human resource development mechanism and strategy that will direct beneficiaries to priority courses needed for economic growth and development. Further, it insulates any StuFAPs modality from political labeling or partisan affiliation.

The idea of a harmonized financial assistance program emerged more than five years ago as a proposal of the NEDA-Social Development Committee, but the real work took place in 2013 after a comprehensive study was conducted by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies. CHED’s current Higher Education Reform Agenda, which deemed UniFAST a priority strategy for access, gave the necessary impetus. The Commission provided continuous technical assistance to both the Lower and Upper Houses of Congress in the formulation and eventual enactment of the Law.

The UniFAST will be governed by a Board composed of the heads of CHED, DOST and TESDA as co-chairs, with the head of DepEd and representatives from DOLE, NEDA and NYC as members. The Board, with the support of a technical secretariat, will ensure program sustainability and safeguard student welfare. It will see to it that standard-setting, client- targeting, fund allocation and prioritization are based on supply/demand situations, prices and inflationary factors, the government human resources development plan and current trends in internationally-shared human resources.

Issued this 21st day of October 2015 at the Higher Education Center Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

(signed)
Patricia B. Licuanan, Ph.D.
Chairperson

DOE Seeks Cooperation Regarding Row Issues

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The Department of Energy (DOE), as part of its mandate to ensure sufficiency and reliability of the nationwide electric power supply, is enjoining all stakeholders to render support and assistance in safeguarding power facilities from any obstructions that would affect the continuous supply of electricity to all households and establishments.

“We appeal particularly to the local government units and land owners to cooperate with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Concessionaire of the national transmission lines, in resolving the transmission issues on right of way and easements,” DOE OIC-Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.

The NGCP reported that landowners in various areas refused to allow their crew members to enter their premises to clear fallen trees and vegetation that pose a threat to the safe and reliable operation of the power lines. NGCP also reported their difficulty in seeking permission to cut trees under transmission lines that eventually cause trippings of lines.

The recent occurrence is a sustained tripping of the Agus 2-Kibawe Line 1 which is caused by a fallen tree cutting the NGCP line conductors. This, as NGCP reported, may result to the isolation of the Agus Units 1 and 2 that are connected to the affected lines.

“To prevent unwarranted power supply disruptions and avoid power-related incidents to occur, Distribution Utilities and NGCP should be given right to access or traverse designated area of the real property to ensure that potential hazards are proactively managed before they encroached on the power lines,” OIC-Sec. Monsada emphasized.