U.S. trade mission highlights innovative technologies for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development in PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Next generation advanced emergency response provider NGA 911 LLC among companies offering cutting edge solutions


The U.S, Department of Commerce, working through the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, recently sent a Trade Mission here to highlight and introduce innovative products, services, and next-generation solutions for sustainable smart cities and economic and urban development in the country.

NGA 911 LLC, the mother company of NGA 911 Philippines that has already begun to revolutionize the public safety capabilities of key LGUs in the Philippines with next generation advanced, cutting-edge emergency response technology, is one of the 12 U.S. companies in the trade mission.

NGA 911 LLC, the mother company of NGA 911 Philippines/NGCS – the provider of next generation advanced emergency response in the country -- is in town for a trade mission tasked to introduce innovative products, services and solutions that will contribute to economic growth and sustainable urban development in the Philippines.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and facilitated by the U.S. Embassy, the Mission aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between mission delegates and local stakeholders.

Twelve companies offering advanced cutting-edge U.S. solutions for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development met with government representatives to present and discuss innovative infrastructure technologies for local industrial, business and lifestyle applications.

The businesses include graph-based AI technologies, progressive and comprehensive rail industry solutions, cyber security services, energy services, automotive and manufacturing industries with advanced AI solutions, privacy preserving data-sharing, advanced engineering, construction and project management solutions, mobile app data management and privacy behaviors, and next generation, advanced emergency response.

The trade mission is a follow-up to the highly successful Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on behalf of President Joe Biden last March and will explore local governance practices and urban development strategies in the two countries. It made two stops in the Philippines, one in Manila and the other in Clark City.

NGA 911 LLC, which came into the country in 2018 to explore the introduction of cutting edge public safety solutions that is the standard in the US and Europe, already has its NGA 911 technology in place in next-generation advanced command centers put up in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan and Cagayan de Oro City.

Other LGUs like Cebu City and others in key cities are following soon, as more LGUs heed the mandate of the Executive Order 56 to institutionalize 911 as the nationwide emergency hotline and create a unified national emergency system using next generation, advanced technology.

Dokyumentado filmfest gets personal with student docus on childhood memories

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Student filmmakers focus on childhood experiences, both good and bad, in Set B of the documentaries lined up for Dokyumentado, the inaugural documentary film festival of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, which runs from November 23 to December 7 in FDCP cinematheques nationwide.

FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes stressed the importance of documentary filmmaking “most especially at a time of information overload and alternative truths. The Film Development Council of the Philippines emphasizes the significance of this genre especially among the young in order to bring about a generation rich with thought, courage and dedication to the value of truth.”

In “Ate Si Bunso,” filmmaker Raphaela “Rapha” Dominguez sums up the daily life, struggles, and joys of her family as they raise Andre, her eldest brother who has autism. As the younger sister, Rapha recounts her thoughts, feelings, and musings about her brother and the relationship she has with him now that she ultimately comes to terms with the reality that she will be his guardian for life.

Produced as her undergraduate thesis at De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila in 2019, Rapha’s major student project received the Outstanding Thesis Award during her recognition rites. Rapha, who now works at a public relations and public affairs firm, realized the true impact of her and her family’s story.

On the other hand, Mapúan filmmaker Angelica Llanera tells the story of her family's experience in raising his brother who has Down Syndrome and how she took the role of being an older sister despite being the youngest in “Ate Bunso.” It won Best Documentary and Best Work on/by/for Children at the 35th Gawad Alternatibo Film Festival and was nominated for Best Short Film at the 47th Gawad Urian.

In “Nanay Tatay” directed by Antonio Agregado and produced by Angel Sampaga, four young adults probe into the absence of their parents while growing up. Old photos and video clips reveal how their parents’ absence in different aspects of their lives affected their upbringing, and how they processed different life experiences.

Meanwhile, in an abandoned house, three young people try to reminisce about their childhood lives and the community they were once part of in “Remnants of The Lost Childhood” directed by Belle Samson and produced by Yuan Amandy. As they continue telling their stories, remnants of tragedy and trauma from their past will be revealed.

“Nanay Tatay” was awarded Special Jury Mention while “Remnants of the Lost Childhood” bagged the Special Jury Prize and Best Cinematography award in two different editions of the TAM DokyuFest, the student documentary festival of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Department of Communication.

Last but not the least, a young girl reclaims her life after a year of rehabilitation, only to confront her past abusers in “Mariposa” directed by Melanie Faye and produced by Alecx Literal and Zairah Jimenez of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. “Mariposa” won Best Screenplay at the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival last and was a short film finalist of the recent Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Dokyumentado’s “Set B: Childhood Memories” will be shown in FDCP Cinematheque Centres on November 24, 1 p.m., and Nov. 27, 4:45 p.m. (plus talkback session with the filmmakers), Manila; Nov. 27 and December 4, 12:30 p.m., Negros; Nov. 29, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Iloilo; Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m., Nabunturan; and Dec. 3 and 5, 3 p.m., Davao.

Apart from screening in FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide, Dokyumentado will also stream a curated lineup of documentaries at JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel.

For more information and updates on Dokyumentado, follow the FDCP on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

How does this Local Food Business Combine Great Taste with a Greater Cause in Every Franchise Opportunity?

 

As the holidays approach, it’s a time for celebrating with loved ones, sharing meals, and reflecting on the joys of giving. In the spirit of Christmas, Mr. Sigs, a beloved food business in the local scene, known for its delicious chicken and sisig branded as "The Tastiest Liempo Sisig in Town"—is extending the season’s goodwill in a unique way. For every franchise that opens, Mr. Sigs pledges to donate a portion of the franchise fees to a charity of the franchisee's choice, spreading holiday cheer beyond December.

Being Part of Something More Than Business and Great Taste

Fueled by a deep passion for Filipino food, Mr. Sigs has become a well-loved brand in CALABARZON and NCR. Known for prioritizing quality, they craft every dish on their menu with carefully chosen ingredients and recipes that have been perfected over time. Their liempo sisig has emerged as a customer favorite, with its rich flavors and ideal balance of spices, served alongside tender rotisserie chicken that embodies both flavor and quality.

Beyond great food, Mr. Sigs has incorporated a meaningful mission into its operations: giving back to the community. “We believe a successful business should also be a purposeful one,” shares Mark Denzel Delgado, Co-owner of Mr. Sigs.

By combining a passion for flavor with a heart for charity, Mr. Sigs inspires franchisees to do more than just serve meals—they’re helping to bring a sense of connection and community support to every area they reach, carrying the spirit of giving far beyond the plate.

Making a Difference, One Franchise at a Time

The charitable aspect of Mr. Sigs’ franchise model doesn’t just benefit the franchisees; it also fosters a strong bond between the brand and the communities where they operate. Each new franchise launch becomes an opportunity to support local organizations, schools, food banks, shelters, and more. This approach resonates with customers, who feel proud to support a brand that aligns with their values.

Join the Mr. Sigs Family

Mr. Sigs is now offering franchise opportunities, welcoming driven entrepreneurs to bring "The Tastiest Liempo Sisig in Town" to new communities while making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just beginning your entrepreneurial journey, becoming part of the Mr. Sigs family means serving not only great food but also contributing to a greater cause.

About Mr. Sigs

a brand that serves Filipino favorites like lechon sisig, liempo, lechon, and manok. We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to join our growing family and become a part of a brand that is passionate about delivering exceptional flavors, unbeatable quality, and a food experience that keeps customers coming back for more.