Iloilo LGU, Smart, InnoPub Unveil Interactive Tourism Markers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Going digital to boost provincial tourism

The government of Iloilo, in partnership with Smart Communications and InnoPub Media, has presented the interactive tourism markers that will be installed at town halls and selected tourist destinations all over the province.

These markers are equipped with quick response (QR) codes and near field communication (NFC) chips. When scanned through a mobile app, the QR and NFC devices will activate a browser window that will provide detailed information about the site on the user’s smartphone.

“These QR codes can help maximize tourist visits in the areas where these are deployed. We thank the Iloilo Provinicial Tourism Office, our LGU tourism partners, Smart and InnoPub for this initiative,” said Department of Tourism–Western Visayas’ Rene Cortum during the launch.

“By making information on travel and culture accessible to more people—that is, through their phones—the digital tourism program can help further enhance tourism here,” said Smart Public Affairs Visayas-Mindanao head Maria Jane Paredes.

Through the markers, tourists can discover information on Iloilo’s LGUs, such as local history and best destinations in the area. For instance, travelers to Carles may learn more about Islas de Gigantes, with its aquamarine waters, lush greens and stretches of white sand. Students and design enthusiasts, for their part, may read about the Rendicion de Tetuan or the 1859 Spanish victory over Moroccan forces, which is depicted in bas relief at the San Joaquin Church, among other cultural and historical trivia.

QR and NFC readers are either pre-installed on most smartphones or available as free apps. This makes it easier for most mobile users to access information through the interactive tourism markers, according to InnoPub cofounder Max Limpag.

The markers are part of the Iloilo Digital Tourism Program, which was unveiled during the 117th Semana sang Iloilo earlier this year. The program includes the Iloilo Guide app, a mobile guide that features information useful to visitors and students, such as historical background, local folklore and other interesting cultural trivia. It also lists things to do and places to see.

The Iloilo Guide app, as well as the other digital tourism guides developed by InnoPub and Smart, may be downloaded for free on both Android and iOS devices.

In partnership with government units, the digital tourism program of Smart and InnoPub is a nationwide initiative that harnesses technology to deliver tourism, cultural and historical information to mobile users.

The program was launched in 2012 and has since been implemented in Antique, Baguio City, Cebu, Davao and Metro Manila, among other areas.

Tigbauan officials receive the municipality’s tourism QR code from representatives of the Iloilo tourism office, Smart and InnoPub. Nineteen other LGUs received their own tourism QR codes, including Miagao, Oton, Leon, Leganes, Badiangan, Cabatuan, Passi City, Dingle, Carles, Concepcion, San Joaquin, Alimodian, Ajuy, Igbaras, Janiuay, Banate, Santa Barbara, Guimbal and Tubungan.

NECM Should Go Beyond Energy Conservation, Let There be Light for All – Cusi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ENERGY FOR ALL: DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi reminds members of the energy family that a mindset of energy conservation should be complemented by a strong recognition that power should be made available not only to some, but to all Filipinos.  

The Energy Chief led the opening of the National Energy Consciousness Month 2018 and 46th anniversary of the Department held this morning (3 December) at the DOE Multi-Purpose Building.

TAGUIG CITY – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today led the opening of National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) 2018 and the DOE’s 46th anniversary at the agency’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City.

In his opening address, Sec. Cusi underscored the necessity of adopting a two-pronged approach of energy conservation and total electrification not only in celebration of NECM, but also as the overarching principle in realizing the country’s energy agenda.

“Energy remains to be a cornerstone of Philippine economic development. It is also very important in our daily lives. Thus, it is crucial that energy services are delivered to each and every Filipino,” he stressed.

The Energy Chief added, “We continue to strongly espouse the judicious use of energy for those of us who already have access to power. However, we should not forget that progress should be inclusive – let no one be left in darkness, most especially those at the margins of society. Let there be light for all.”

The theme for NECM 2018 is "Fostering Innovation, Resiliency and Sustainability". This is in line with the DOE’s goal to attain energy security, sustainability and self-sufficiency at the earliest.

Among the strides made by the Department in this regard include the enactment of an Energy Resiliency Policy, the implementation of Renewable Portfolio Standards, the establishment of a Green Energy Option Program, the streamlining of executive processes, as well as measures that promote competition and promote a level-playing field for all industry stakeholders.

Moreover, the DOE is urgently pushing for the total electrification of unserved and underserved areas and the exploration and development of the country’s indigenous energy resources.

The DOE has previously called on the National Electrification Administration to undertake all necessary measures towards the electrification of said areas, which include ensuring the complete submission of the Master Plans of electric cooperatives (ECs); fast tracking the implementation of the Total Electrification Program by directing ECs to energize all households within the entirety of their respective franchise areas without exemption; directing ECs to evaluate the feasibility of hybridization as a means to lower electricity prices and ensure uninterrupted power supply; and studying other methods of extending financial assistance to ECs.

On the other hand, the DOE has recently launched the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program for petroleum on 22 November to reignite petroleum exploration and development activities in the country.

“I call on all the members of the energy family to heed the challenge of broadening our perspectives. We do not stop at knowing that we have the energy ability. We need to make sure that others have it as well,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

Proclamation No. 1427 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 11 December 2007 provides for the celebration of NECM to coincide with the DOE’s anniversary.

Gary V Reaches Out to Share Love to his Kababayans in Albay

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano visited his hometown in Camalig, Albay last November 29 to give back to his kababayans through a series of medical, dental, optical missions, and wheelchair distribution. The said program was made possible through the partnership between CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, and Shining Light Foundation, Inc.

Valenciano went up close and personal to the beneficiaries by visiting them as they had their doctor’s check-ups. He also led the distribution of school supplies to the students of Camalig North Central School.

“It has always been my heart’s desire to meet with beneficiaries face-to-face. It fuels me to continue in entertaining and blessing people,” Valenciano shared.

After the students watched an episode of CBN Asia’s children’s animated series, Superbook, Valenciano treated the residents of Camalig in a mini concert. He did not only entertain the audience but also encouraged them by sharing his personal battle against sickness.

Valenciano, who has been a partner of Operation Blessing for over 20 years expressed how grateful he is for the opportunity he had been given to bless others. “This is the perfect organization to be a part of. When you talk about Operation Blessing, you are talking about an organization that would not be around for that long if they are not doing things the right way,” he added. He shared how amazed he is to see a network of doctors and volunteers coming together to have a huge impact in a community.

For Valenciano, giving back to his hometown is his way of serving God. “I do not really need to do this, but I’m driven to do it. If I can go out of my way to go to far-off places, to speak, touch, and reach out to people, then I would gladly do it,” he said.