Meet the Leaders Newly Recognized as UNAWA Co-Founders

 

UNAWA's newly recognized co-founders: Atty. Gino Jacinto, Vher Agbay, and Sally Dimalanta, united in driving digital innovation.

 

Meet UNAWA’s newly recognized co-founders, Atty. Gino Jacinto, Vher Agbay, and Sally Dimalanta, driving innovation in legal compliance and tech solutions.

November 12, 2024 – Makati, Philippines – UNAWA, a pioneering legal and digital compliance technology leader, is proud to formally recognize the foundational contributions of three key leaders, now co-founders. Chief Operations Officer Atty. Gino Jacinto, Chief Technology Officer Vernier "Vher" Agbay, and HR Director Melissa "Sally" Dimalanta have been instrumental to UNAWA's growth since its inception, each driving innovation, developing compliance solutions, and fostering a collaborative company culture.

In sharing her appreciation, founder and CEO Atty. Regina Jacinto-Barrientos remarked, "A new era of growth and innovation lies ahead of us. I am honored to lead UNAWA alongside our new co-founders — Gino, Vher, and Sally. Their expertise and dedication have already begun to accelerate our progress."

The co-founders bring extensive expertise to UNAWA:

Atty. Gino Jacinto, a veteran of legal compliance, champions accessible legal solutions. "Legal processes should serve people, not slow them down," he noted, underscoring his vision behind tools like SignSecure and UCheck.

Vher Agbay, a seasoned software developer, emphasizes robust, accessible technology. "Technology must be accessible," he stated, as he leads development for web and mobile platforms.

Sally Dimalanta, an HR expert, fosters a collaborative, innovative workplace. "Our team is our biggest asset," she emphasized, driving UNAWA's people-focused growth.

Making his debut as a newly recognized co-founder of UNAWA, Atty. Gino Jacinto spoke at ELEVATE: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with Tech-Driven Solutions on Monday, November 11, 2024. This key session at the Rotary Club in Makati City marked Day 1 of Philippine Startup Week 2024. Startup Village presented the event through collaboration with co-organizers and community partners, including the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), UNAWA, and the Rotary Club of Makati.

“ELEVATE: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with Tech-Driven Solutions” on Day 1 of Philippine Startup Week 2024 (November 11, 2024, Rotary Club of Makati)

Atty. Jacinto emphasized UNAWA's dedication to digital innovation in legal compliance. The event gave young entrepreneurs actionable insights to drive business success, underscoring Philippine Startup Week's role as the country's leading startup growth and networking platform.

About UNAWA Inc

UNAWA is a pioneering legal tech company that was established in 2019. It empowers every Filipino business, big or small, to conquer the digital world with user-friendly legal tech tools. UNAWA makes advanced solutions accessible and affordable to build a thriving digital Philippines. UNAWA integrates the latest technology with decades of legal expertise from its founding partner, PJS Law.

A Walking Guide to Cebu: Exploring the Queen City of the South

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Step into the heart of Philippine history as you explore Cebu, Asia's cradle of Christianity and the country's oldest metropolis. This walking tour through the Queen City of the South unveils centuries of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and fascinating stories that have shaped this vibrant urban center.

The Historical Core

Your journey begins at the iconic Magellan's Cross on P. Burgos Street, a symbol that marks the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines. Planted in 1521, this historic cross stands protected within an octagonal pavilion, preserving its significance through the centuries. The intricate ceiling murals above tell the story of Cebu's early Christian history.

Just a short walk away stands the magnificent Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to one of the Philippines' most revered religious artifacts. The basilica, built in 1565, houses the statue of the Child Jesus that survived a historical fire, making it not just a architectural marvel but a testament to faith and resilience.

Cultural Landmarks

As you continue your walk, the Rajah Humabon Monument offers a powerful reminder of Cebu's pre-colonial heritage. Standing proudly in Plaza Hamabar, this recently restored monument honors the chieftain who played a pivotal role in the island's early history and its transition into the Spanish era.

The journey through time continues at the Colon Obelisk, marking what was once the pulsing heart of Cebu's commerce and culture. This granite monument, erected in 1916, stands as a sentinel to the street's rich history, inviting visitors to imagine the bygone era of wooden houses and theaters that once lined this historic thoroughfare.

Architectural Treasures

No walking tour of Cebu would be complete without visiting its preserved ancestral houses. The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House stands as a remarkable example of colonial-era architecture, maintaining 90% of its original structure after more than three centuries. The secret to its longevity? Traditional building techniques, including the use of egg whites as a binding agent.

The Heritage of Cebu Monument on Sikatuna Street serves as a stunning 40-foot tableau that captures the city's most significant historical moments. Created by sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, this impressive work combines concrete, brass, bronze, and steel to tell Cebu's story through art.

Grand Finale

Conclude your walk at the Casa Gorordo Museum, an 1850s mansion that offers an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of Cebu's affluent families during the Spanish colonial period. The museum's well-preserved interiors, period furnishings, and artifacts provide a fitting end to your historical journey.

Practical Tips:

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water

Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat

Carry a camera to document your journey

Allow 3-4 hours to fully appreciate each stop

Consider hiring a local guide for deeper historical insights

This walking tour offers more than just exercise – it's a journey through time, allowing you to experience firsthand the rich tapestry of Cebu's heritage. Each step reveals another layer of the city's fascinating story, from its pre-colonial roots through its evolution into a modern urban center that still proudly preserves its historical soul.

DepEd monitors school and digital infrastructure gaps in Leyte

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Education Secretary Sonny Angara, along with the agency’s Executive and Management Committee Members, monitored schools in Leyte to check the implementation of digitalization programs and assess gaps in school building facilities.

As part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to address challenges from the ground, Secretary Angara convened with the teachers at Leyte National High School in Tacloban City. The said school is considered the biggest secondary school in Eastern Visayas and catering to 8,954 learners as of date.

DepEd likewise visited St. Francis Elementary School, which was gravely affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The said school is currently experiencing gaps in school facilities and classrooms as they are currently housing 547 learners in Temporary Learning Spaces.

In coordination with the Provincial Government of Leyte under the leadership of Gov Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla, the officials tracked the implementation of the digitalization program of the Leyte Provincial Government in Cogon Elementary School.

Sec. Angara capped off the Leyte school visit to Alang-alang National High School to witness the Khan Academy demonstration as part of the agency’s project for the upcoming Programme for International Student Assessment.

Moreover, the Department also observed the first and only education hub for the Alternative Learning System in the Girls' Education Center in Palo, Leyte.

The initiative is part of the “Better Life for Out-of-School Girls to Fight Poverty and Injustice in the Philippines” project by DepEd, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

The Education Chief and the rest of the ExeCom members will then convene with the Regional Directors to discuss various DepEd programs on Tuesday in Tacloban City.