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Thursday, July 17, 2025

Alerto: Your Digital Lifeline in the Face of Disaster


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In a nation constantly bracing for nature's fury, a new digital sentinel has emerged: Alerto. More than just an app, Alerto is a crucial bridge connecting citizens directly to their local authorities, delivering real-time, life-saving information when every second counts. Imagine the earth trembling, the waters rising, or the ominous rumble of a volcano – in these terrifying moments, Alerto cuts through the chaos, empowering you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones.


The Genesis of Safety: What is Alerto?

Alerto, developed through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is a mobile application designed to provide timely and accurate emergency and disaster-related updates. Its core mission is to enable local government units (LGUs) to disseminate critical information directly to their constituents, ensuring that warnings, advisories, and response efforts are communicated swiftly and efficiently. This initiative is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience through technological innovation.


A Digital Shield: How Alerto Works

At its heart, Alerto functions as a direct communication channel. City officials, armed with crucial information about an impending or ongoing disaster, can push alerts directly to the app. These aren't just generic warnings; they can be localized, providing specific instructions relevant to your area. As seen in the promotional material, notifications like a "Volcano Alert" appear prominently, signaling immediate danger and the need for action.


Key features include:


Real-time Notifications: Get instant alerts on typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other emergencies.


Localized Information: Receive advisories tailored to your specific location, ensuring relevance and accuracy.


Evacuation Plans and Routes: Access vital information on designated evacuation centers and safe routes.


Emergency Contacts: Quickly find numbers for emergency services and local authorities.


Updates on Relief Operations: Stay informed about aid distribution and recovery efforts.


Beyond the Screen: Why Alerto Matters 

The Philippines, situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and within the typhoon belt, is highly susceptible to natural disasters. From devastating typhoons to volcanic eruptions and frequent earthquakes, the need for effective disaster communication is paramount. Traditional communication channels can be slow or easily disrupted during emergencies. Alerto addresses this critical gap by providing a reliable, direct, and immediate means of communication.


The app's emphasis on real-time updates from city officials is crucial. This ensures that the information you receive is authoritative, accurate, and actionable, preventing the spread of misinformation that often plagues disaster scenarios. It empowers citizens to make informed decisions, whether it's preparing for an approaching storm, evacuating to a safer location, or understanding post-disaster recovery efforts.


Joining the Ranks: Getting Alerto

The image clearly shows the accessibility of the Alerto app. You can download it directly from major app stores:


Download on the App Store for iOS devices * Get it on Google Play for Android devices

Furthermore, the presence of a QR code for their Facebook page highlights another vital aspect of their communication strategy. Social media serves as an additional platform for broader dissemination of information, community engagement, and a space where citizens can seek clarification and share their experiences, fostering a sense of collective resilience.


The Future of Safety

Alerto represents a significant leap forward in disaster preparedness for the Philippines. By leveraging modern technology to enhance communication between government and citizens, it transforms what was once a passive waiting game into an active, informed response. In the face of uncertainty, Alerto provides a beacon of information, a digital lifeline that truly makes a difference.

As natural calamities become more unpredictable, tools like Alerto are not just convenient; they are essential for survival and recovery. Download Alerto today, and become an active participant in your community's safety net. Your preparedness, coupled with real-time updates, can turn potential tragedy into a story of resilience.

The Grandest Opening of Innovative, Culinary, and Tourism Excellence is Finally Here at Iloilo City!


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Iloilo City, Philippines - A wonderful combination of innovative sustainability, culinary goodness, and wonderful sights is here at the heart of the Philippines--Iloilo City. Worldbex Services International is proud to be back with three of its premier events happening at the same time at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON). The Philippine Building and Construction Expo Iloilo (PHILBEX), MAFBEX ILOILO, and the Travel and Leisure Expo (TLEX) are up to make your heart beat in Iloilo!

Starting today until Sunday, July 20, experience the full potential of Iloilo and see what’s in store for the Western Visayas region with our world-class premier events. The Iloilo Trio events offer some unique ways of showcasing the region’s finest industries:

PHILBEX Iloilo 2025 goes “beyond sustainnovation” by showcasing Iloilo’s building and construction industry. You can see innovations in sustainability from the different exhibitors, architects, and interior designers that are local to the region, bringing inspiration to visitors anddreamers alike. Businesses can also choose to network with other businesses and make long-lasting connections and deals. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the event highlights, such as the World of Interior Design, World of Architecture, PHILBEX Lab, and Projeto: Ideas and Design Competition Iloilo Edition.

MAFBEX Iloilo 2025 is the next big culinary stop for food lovers to experience the culinary flavors of Iloilo City. Visitors will have a taste of the unique dishes and food products straight from the freshest waters and land of Iloilo. There are many activities and competitions in MAFBEX Iloilo that will introduce you to the food and beverage industry of Iloilo, such as the Fruits and Vegetable Carving Competition, Table Setup with Centerpiece Contest, MAFBEX Iloilo Flair Cup, Cake Decorating Competition, and the Iloilo Coffee Fest.

And lastly, TLEX Iloilo 2025 will highlight the best of Iloilo’s tourism and hospitality industry. Visitors will be able to explore the best travel agencies, hotels and resorts from across the region to avail of their exclusive deals and packages for your future travel destinations!

The Iloilo Trio Events held its Opening Ceremony on July 17 at the ICON - Iloilo Convention Center. Key people from Iloilo and VIPs attended the ceremony and witnessed how WSI makes every opening ceremony a show to remember. The Founding Chairman of WSI, Mr. Joseph L. Ang, delivered his opening remarks and extended his gratitude to the people of Iloilo for their hospitality. Guest speakers for this year’s opening ceremony include Hon. Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Lovelove” Baronda, Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque, and Hon. Congresswoman Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda. The ceremony also had keynote speakers such as Hon. Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, and Hon. Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor, Sr.

Set your sights on Western Visayas and get ready to fly to Iloilo City, as we present to you the Iloilo Trio Events, WSI’s premier events happening in one place! Come to the ICON - Iloilo Convention Center starting today until July 20, 2025! You may register for free at https://register.worldbexevents.com/ and follow our Facebook page, Worldbex Events, for more details about our events.

The Iloilo Trio Events are organized by Worldbex Services International. For inquiries and concerns, you may reach them at (02)8656-96-39, or email inquire@worldbexevents.com for more info.

Planetary Pulse: Southeast Asian Journalists to Converge in Malaysia for Groundbreaking Climate and Health Reporting Workshop


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This coming September, in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, a powerful wave of purpose-driven storytelling is set to rise. The Capacity Development and Training Workshop Series for Media Professionals: Intergovernmental Processes and Planetary Health will bring together some of the most passionate and promising journalists from across South and Southeast Asia for two days of transformative learning, collaboration, and empowerment.


Organized by the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, the Global Climate and Health Alliance, Health Care Without Harm – Southeast Asia, and Monash University Malaysia, the workshop aims to equip media professionals with the tools, insights, and cross-disciplinary knowledge needed to report more effectively on the critical intersection between intergovernmental policy processes and planetary health.


A Rare Opportunity to Bridge Journalism and Global Policy

As the world teeters on the edge of climate catastrophe and health crises grow more frequent and complex, this workshop could not come at a more critical time. Media professionals are being called upon not just to inform—but to inspire action, foster understanding, and translate complexity into clarity.


Over the course of September 3 and 4, selected participants will engage in:

Interactive Sessions with leading experts on planetary health and climate negotiations

A high-impact simulation exercise that mirrors real-world reporting challenges on global policy

Networking opportunities with fellow journalists, environmental scientists, and decision-makers across the ASEAN region


The aim: to build journalistic capacity that can make sense of complex intergovernmental discussions, uncover the human stories behind them, and report with depth, accuracy, and ethical clarity.


Beyond the Workshop: Building a Community of Change-Makers

But this isn’t just about skill-building—it’s about movement-building. Participants will join a Community of Practice that continues long after the workshop ends. Through this network, they will:

Share stories, resources, and lessons learned

Collaborate on cross-border reporting initiatives

Support each other in tackling the challenges of covering climate and health


With the rise of misinformation, political greenwashing, and science skepticism, truthful, informed journalism is more important than ever. This workshop positions journalists as key players in the planetary health movement—amplifying voices from the most climate-vulnerable regions of the world.


Who Can Join?

The workshop is open to journalists from South and Southeast Asia, with special priority given to those from the ten ASEAN Member States. Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest in health or environmental reporting.


Those selected will receive full financial support, including:

Roundtrip airfare

Accommodation for September 2–4

Meals throughout the program


The Stakes Are High—And So Is the Potential for Impact

Planetary health is no longer just a niche topic for scientists and policymakers—it’s a survival issue that touches every family, every community, and every future. This upcoming workshop will empower journalists not just to report the crisis, but to catalyze change through the power of the written word and digital storytelling.


As the world watches, the storytellers of Southeast Asia will gather—not just to learn, but to lead.


For updates and insights from the frontline of sustainability, health, and climate justice, follow Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, as he champions journalism with purpose.

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