Fishackathon 2016 Manila: Leveraging Technology to Save and Protect Fisheries and Marine Resources

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over 10 percent of the world’s population depends on fisheries and agriculture for their livelihood and for many people, fish is a major source of protein in their diet. Yet, these vital resources are continuously threatened by overfishing, illegal fishing, climate change, water pollution, and other dangers to marine life.

This situation prompted the US government to come out with Fishackathon in 2014 to tap the expertise of tech-savvy individuals through a two-day coding marathon aimed at developing apps that could benefit sustainable fisheries and the communities that they support.

From just a handful of US cities during its first year, Fishackathon 2016 has expanded to 42 cities in six continents which included Manila given that the issue is very relevant to an island nation like the Philippines.

“The fish that the people rely on for food, the coastal areas which are so vulnerable to typhoons and water surges, eco-tourism, climate change, effects of pollution to coral reefs -- these are extremely important to the Philippines and that’s why we want to use your talent to help address these concerns. We know firsthand the efficiency and innovation that the tech sector can bring to the table in approaching one of the world’s biggest problems,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg told the participants during his opening remarks at Fishackathon Manila hosted by Globe Telecom over the weekend.

On the other hand, Glenn Estrella, Globe Vice President for Digital Ventures rallied everyone to make a difference both for the Philippines and the world even as he noted that Globe strongly supports the use of technology in saving and preserving the environment.

ONE: Kingdom of Champions Complete With 9 Bouts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), is set to electrify the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on 27 May with an electrifying fight card for ONE: KINGDOM OF CHAMPIONS. This historic event is the first live ONE Championship event in Bangkok and features hometown hero, ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, in the card’s headlining bout against undefeated Japanese fighter Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito.

Tickets for ONE: KINGDOM OF CHAMPIONS are available at https://www.thaiticketmajor.com/.

ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is a three-time Lumpinee stadium Muay Thai world champion and is also undefeated as a professional mixed martial artist. He is known as a technical fighter with quick hands and lightning feet. Dejdamrong employs some of the most unique and creative striking combinations in MMA, and is a martial artist with over 25 years of competitive experience. He will defend his title against Japanese fighter Yoshitaka Naito in the headlining bout of ONE: KINGDOM OF CHAMPIONS.

Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Chiba, Japan, is an unbeaten mixed martial artist with a perfect 10-0 record. He has four wins by submission and one knockout under his belt. The 32-year-old, who made a name for himself at Japan’s world-famous Korakuen Hall competing as the Shooto flyweight champion, will be fighting outside of his native Japan for the first time, and it will be in a contest for the ONE Strawweight World Championship against Thai titlist Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.

Marat “Cobra” Gafurov of Russia is undefeated at 13 wins and no losses and is the former M-1 featherweight champion. In his first four bouts with ONE Championship, he defeated the top ranked fighters in his weight-class with relative ease. Out of his 13 victories, 9 have come by submission, proving that Gafurov is an absolute force to be reckoned with on the ground. He is the reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion and will defend his belt against Kazunori Yokota.

Contractualization and Casualization: Understanding the Real Issues

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now this will be an interesting event to attend, as it tackles about the very controversial issue of contractualization - something all presidential candidates are promising to end when they get elected. It's happening today, May 4, 2016 at St. Luke's Auditorium at Bonifacio Global City.

Is ending contractualization possible when most companies, especially the huge ones, have been doing it for years. It defnitely saves them a lot because they do not need to offer extra benefits and privileges and it will be easier for them to replace or renew their manpower, as per the need, on a regular basis. However, the labor force gets very little assurance of their job as they could never predict how long they would have a source of income. Workers do not get that enough motivation to plan their future as it will be very unpredictable.

Below is their official announcement of the event:

"During the last presidential debate in Pangasinan seen on nationwide TV, there were very strong statements of denunciations and calling for the abrogation of DO 18-A, as well as promises of ending the practice of contractualization by presidential candidates once they are elected. 

The labor front is now rejoicing as practically all presidential aspirants swear that they shall end the practice of CONTRACTUALIZATION soon as they take their seat as president. But can it really be done? Are you aware that all companies operating in our country, one way or the other, employ contractual employees? or find value in OUTSOURCING? 

Ironically, the next president of the Philippines swear to high heaven that he/she will stop this practice? 

Listen toTHE EIGHT (8) INEVITABLE REASONS WHY LEGITIMATE JOB CONTRACTING CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT BE STOPPED!!!