GQWest Implements Resource Conservation Measures

Wazzup Pilipinas!

GQWest Inc the country's premiere water franchising company has taken another step towards greening its operations by installing resource conservation methods in its Superstore.

As part of its Green Mindset Program the company installed solar panels and a system of underground and overhead cisterns to reduce its resource consumption. The company's Superstore located in Lincoln street Quezon City is its industrial grade water station that caters to its institutional clients like SM malls and Globe Telecom.

The solar panels installed will allow the company to reduce its electrical consumption. At the same time, the cisterns installed will store rainwater and help reduce water consumption and eliminate wastage. The company expects to benefit from these twin measures as it seeks to pair environmental sustainability and greater operational efficiency.

Since it began operations, the company has been committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its Green Mindset Program. Apart from its latest initiatives the company has also been a longtime supporter of environmental NGO's like Haribon having regularly participated with the group's tree planting program.

Register and Vote for Sangguniang Kabataan

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Inspired by the popular movie franchise Superman, Akbayan Youth trooped to Comelec national headquarters today to mark the ‘return’ of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and call for the active participation of young people for the upcoming local youth council elections in October 2016.

“A better, bolder and stronger SK awaits young people”, said Von Yacob, Akbayan Youth spokesperson for SK affairs. “We are excited to participate in the SK elections because after several postponements and an enacted SK reform law, it is finally here”, he added.

The SK Reform Law was signed by then President Aquino last year, championed by Akbayan Partylist in the House of Representatives and Senator Bam Aquino in the Senate.

The reformed youth institution is historical, being the first enabling law against political dynasties. Among the reforms are the expansion of the age-range from 15-30 years old and the creation of local youth development councils.

Akbayan Youth is positive that the SK will impact youth development to the community level. Yacob urged young people to participate in the budgeting process in forwarding their agenda. The Local Government Code allots 10% of barangay funds to youth development programs and projects.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the registration for the barangay and SK elections from July 15 to 30 of this year. The youth group, on the other hand, urged Comelec to conduct massive voters’ registration drive so as not to disenfranchise young people.

“We should get the information out there”, the youth group said in a statement. “15 days of voters’ registration may not be enough if people are not informed”, Yacob argued.

Akbayan Youth also recommended that Comelec partners with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to excuse students when they register to vote during school hours.

Government Partners with Telcos on Creation of Emergency Hotline 911

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Globe Telecom signed an agreement with the government to support the creation of a new nationwide emergency hotline number, which is 911, to replace Patrol 117.

Effectively, the use of 911 will begin August 1, which is also the commencement of the transition period. Globe also agreed to provide technical support during the period.

In addition, Globe also agreed to support a recommendation to be submitted to President Duterte for the issuance of a new Executive Order transferring the authority of the Patrol 117 Commission to a new legal entity to handle the 911 system.

Aside from Globe, other signatories to the agreement are the country’s major telecommunications providers that include the company’s units Bayan Telecommunications and Innove. Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu signed the agreement for Globe.

“As a telecommunications provider, Globe recognizes that communication is critical for an emergency response mechanism to be effective. We are hopeful that the 911 system will be an effective tool in addressing the country’s emergency concerns,:” said Cu.

Signatories on the government side include Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, National Telecommunications Commission Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, among others. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez served as a witness.

Created in 2002, Patrol 117 is the country’s emergency hotline number for incidents like police assistance, fires, medical, calamities, and other emergencies. The system is supervised by the DILG.

Registration for Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan Elections Starts July 15

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"Voter registration is a non-partisan activity. It is a voter-empowerment affair; increasing the size of the electorate; broadening democracy."
Based on Commision on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution no. 10148, the COMELEC will conduct the Barangay Elections on October 31, 2016 pursuant to Republic Act (RA) no. 9340 entitled 'An Act Amending RA no. 9164, Resetting the Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections, and for Other Purposes.'

Because of new SK Reform Law, all individuals ages 18 to 30 years of age will vote at both Barangay and SK elections. The 16-day registration starts on July 15. 2016 and ends on July 31, and can be done at any COMELEC office from 8 am to 5 pm, including Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. This is open to everyone who hasn't been previously registered and those who need to have their status reactivated. Registered voters as of May 9, 2016 NLE shall automatically be included in the list of voters. Previously registered voters do NOT have to register anew; but you might have to REACTIVATE your registration if deactivated.

Four million young voters are likely to register for the SK elections and two million for the barangay polls. Voters must be Filipino citizens, residing for at least six months in the barangay where they intend to vote on election day and not disqualified by law.

The scheduled barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections later this year may call for a higher budget, given the need for more poll workers and the implementation of a new law giving higher honoraria for them. The COMELEC has earmarked the cost to around P695 million for printing and delivery of election forms and ballot boxes both elections.

There were clamors to move the SK election by COMELEC Commissioner Andres Bautista himself, but it seems it was not substantial to delay the inevitable.

SK Elections Calendar of Activities:

▪️Voters' Registration - July 15-31, 2016
▪️Filing of Candidacy - October 3-5, 2016
▪️Campaign Period - October 21-29, 2016
▪️SK Elections - October 31, 2016 7AM-3PM

Age bracket for Barangay voters: 18y/o & up
Age bracket for SK Voters: 15-30y/o
Age bracket for SK candidates: 18-24

WSI Is Authorized Distributor of Polycom Products

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The above photo shows WSI President Juan Chua receiving a certificate from Regional Manager Thep Ritrangka of Polycom to formalize its designation as authorized distributor of Polycom products in the Philippines - From L-R, Frederick So, Country Sales Manager of Polycom; Juan Chua, President of WSI, and Thep Ritrangkla, Regional Manager of Polycom.

Polycom is one of the most popular provider of voice/video conferencing solutions, and the day was also focused on the presentation of Polycom's newest solutions including demos on the capability of their video cameras to track currently active voice so it can zero in on the one speaking during a video conference, the 360 degree video coverage capability, and lots more features which were shown by Sales Engineer Kim Malinao using a live collaboration with their counterpart located in India.  The Polycom solutions include RealPresence Debut, Trio 8800, Media Suite and Web Suite. 

The event was hosted by WSI Marketing Manager Jacqueline Sy-Tong, and WSI Procuct Specialist Erashee Ritchie gave an introductory message to officially start the event.

More information will be published as soon as they send us their official press release.

Watch out for our video interviews with the key personalities of this partnership soon at our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

From the interview, we learned that WSI as the longest-running IT distributor in the country, and the fast-paced development in technology specifically in collaboration solutions that can be incorporated in many industries including health and education. However, we are disappointed with our continued dependence on bandwidth for better voice and video conferencing which can only be achieved if we have tolerable connectivity. Here is another shout-out to our telecommunication providers to implement better infrastructures so that all these technologies can be fully utilized.

More photos are available at our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Hospitals Should Admit Emergency-Case Patients or Face Severe Penalties

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Hospitals may face harsher penalties and even revocation of their license to operate if they continue to refuse admission to patients who fail to make advance payments or deposit.

The bill amending Republic Act 8344 or ‘An Act Prohibiting Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases’ was filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Hontiveros, a known health advocate, said that she is ready to go against private hospitals “if lives and rights of patients are at stake”.

Erring hospital administrators may face up to 6 years imprisonment, a fine of 1 million pesos and on repeated violations may cause revocation of the license to operate. On a lighter note, however, Hontiveros shared that her proposed legislation would provide incentives to hospitals that comply, including tax deductions, to encourage the partnership of public and private hospitals to close the healthcare gap.

The newly-elected senator said that the strengthening of the current law against hospital deposits is urgent, citing cases of private and public health facilities refusing to admit patients that have led to miscarriage and death. “We will expand the definition of ‘emergency’ by including women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage and fetal distress”, Hontiveros explained.

“Providing healthcare should not be just a money venture; it should first and foremost be a public service”, Hontiveros said. Hospitals have a social responsibility of contributing to the accessibility and availability of healthcare services in the country, she concluded.

Appstart Academy: Creating Apps and Bridging Gaps

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In our world, there are those who create and design bridges. Structures that are integral in getting others to their destinations. Coming as a mission to help others erase the distance between them and their goals, Technopreneur Ann Jacobe along with her team have built a school from the ground up, a school that will launch students in the ever changing world of App Development- Appstart Academy.

 

An Awesome Headstart

Appstart Academy is built with the concept of progression in mind. With a constantly-evolving program that fits well with the demands of the times. To set things off is a 12-week immersive program that will enable students to launch their own iOS app in the said timeframe. “We believe that the process is as precious as the outcome. You will create as you learn and we are looking forward to that.” says Ann Jacobe. 

Breaking and Reaching

Opening their doors this coming June 20, this is more than just a school, it’s a place where barriers are broken and goals are reached. Where visionaries can finally make their ideas happen, where everything can now be applied to something actual and workable. With a roster of knowledgeable iOS experts and the vast international network, students can launch their dream apps soon. 

Going Global

Equipped with competitive learning strategies that match international standards, Appstart Academy guarantees an immersive learning experience that can catapult their students to global status. Appstart Academy is designed to introduce each student to vast and rich fields of opportunities here in the Philippines and beyond. With globally competitive apps under their belts at the end of the program, the possibilities are endless.

Appstart Academy is located at Unit 221 Atrium Bldg, Makati Avenue, Makati Philippines

Interested parties may visit http://www.appstartacademy.io/ or call (02) 828 2298 for inquiries.

Ethiopian Airlines Anticipates its Dreamliner Service with 787 Dream Adventure Treat

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In time for its 70th anniversary globally and first in the Philippines, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and aviation technology leader, is about to welcome its 787 Dreamliner, a new generation Boeing aircraft, to service the Manila – Addis Ababa Route. To celebrate this milestone, Ethiopian Airlines is offering travel deals from Manila to dream destinations in Africa, America and Europe via Ethiopian Airlines 787 Dream Adventure Treat.

For a minimum spend of $787 [US Dollar] for Economy Class and $1787 [US Dollar] for Business Class, passengers from Manila are given roundtrip travel opportunities to over 90 international destinations all over the world including Addis Ababa, Cairo and Capetown in Africa; Paris, Rome, Madrid, London and Frankfurt in Europe; and Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Toronto and Sao Paulo in the Americas.

For flights with long layovers, Ethiopian Airlines provides a free stopover to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, which covers meals and transit visas.

Ethiopian Airlines also provides travel time-out opportunities to passengers who would like to break their journey to explore and stay longer in Addis Ababa for an additional fee. Tour recommendations are generously provided to those interested to explore the country.

Ethiopian Airlines has won various awards for its exceptional international services, playing a significant role in connecting Africa to the rest of the globe. Winning the 2016 and 2013 Skytrax Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa, and the Passenger’s Choice Award for Best Airline, it operates new, ultra-modern, and environment-friendly aircraft and provides exceptional in-flight service for both economy class and “Cloud Nine” (business class) passengers.

For its exclusive 787 Dream Adventure promo, Economy Class flyers get to enjoy a total of 46kg baggage allowance, inclusive of fresh and varied meals of the highest quality, and a complete range of beverages including a choice of excellent red and white wine.

Ethiopian Airlines passengers flying on “Cloud Nine”, its Business Class service, are entitled to 64-66kg baggage allowance, a personal in-flight entertainment system, full-course meals made by proficient and experienced chefs, and a selection of signature drinks that can be enjoyed as aperitif or compliment to their meals.

For flight bookings, please visit www.ethiopianairlines.com or call the Ethiopian Airlines Reservations Office (632)8489878/79, (632)5222095 or (632) 5224869. For more information on destination packages to Ethiopia, please visit https://www.ethiopianholidays.com/

Promo period is from 15 July 2016 to 15 August 2016. Travel period is from 1 August 2016 to 1 August 2017.

Surfing the Menu: Next Generation on TLC

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This July 18, Dan Churchill and Hayden Quinn of Surfing the Menu: Next Generation are taking you to an exciting adventure in Australia with GiGi, their trusty, rusty fifty-year-old VW Bug.

On the journey they learn to sail, four-wheel-drive in the desert, drive cattle on an outback cattle station, share a Tongan feast, snorkel on the Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reefs, catch mud crabs, swim with Manta Rays and prove that they’re possibly the worst, or perhaps the unluckiest fishermen in Australia.

They share experiences with indigenous communities like looking for native bees that nest underground, swim at a secret waterfall, search for bush medicines and bush foods, ride horses, and surf in some remarkable locations.

Along the way, they meet passionate producers of everything from heritage tomatoes, cheeses, beef, goats, mangoes, herbs, exotic mushroom, shrimp, rum, salt and everything in between. Then the boys turn these fresh ingredients into simple, healthy and delightfully delicious recipes that will inspire you.

Join Dan and Hayden as they explore Australia one dish at a time on Surfing the Menu: Next Generation on TLC at 9pm. Channel 62 (Skycable), channel 53 (Destiny Cable), channel 29 (Cignal), channel 26 (Dream Sattelite TV), channel 32 (Sky Direct).

Bill to Exempt Startups From Taxes on First Two Years – Senator Bam Aquino

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Speaking in the Cebu press launch of the upcoming Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech conference, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV announced that he is refiling a bill exempting startups from taxes on their first two years of operation.

Senator Bam Aquino has consistently shown support to startups or innovation-driven enterprises based on apps, saying proper support for the homegrown startup community may yet produce the next Facebook or Twitter.

“The bill encourages the growth of more Filipino startups by giving them enough time to stand on their own. This reaffirms the government’s recognition of the importance of startups and commitment to innovation,” said Senator Bam Aquino.

Filed by Senator Bam Aquino last May 7, 2014 as Senate Bill 2217, the Startup Business Bill which was not made into law in the previous congress will be refiled by the senator after the opening of the 17th Congress later this month.

He will also be giving a keynote speech during the fourth GOAB, a one of a kind conference that combines the latest tech development with a fun environment which will be held in Bellevue Hotel in Panglao, Bohol this August 25-26, 2016.

Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions with WWF and PEF

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The deadline, July 24, 2016, of the Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) is fast approaching.

With the aim to build a better Philippines by searching for innovations in the energy field, specifically Renewable energy, Energy efficiency, Access to energy (off-grid solutions), Energy systems, Energy reduction, and basically anything which has to do with energy, the fellowship encourages everyone to come forth with innovative solutions.

The highlights of ideas and enterprises who applied in the last weeks (Powergrass, BioCoal and Sustainable Alternative Lighting – SALt) are on the crowdicity page: https://impacthubmanila.crowdicity.com

PEF, WWF together with Impact Hub Manila supports the best and most innovative ideas and business enterprises which address the need for sustainable energy solutions through the Impact Hub Fellowship Program. It is an incubation program for startups which focus on renewable energy; energy efficiency, access to energy and off­grid solutions, energy systems plus energy consumption reduction. WWF Philippines President & CEO Joel Palma said, “With our partners, we are excited to search for innovative ideas and enterprises which are aligned with our core values and objectives.” 

The Fellowship program is designed to attract, select and support impact­oriented entrepreneurs and help them realize their innovations for a more sustainable world. “Being topic focused in our delivery of fellowship programsis unique in the incubator / accelerator space and ensures that we are targeting the key pressing,” said Lizan Kuster, co­founder of ImpactHub Manila. Participants are given the chance to winmore than₱​2.5 million worth of fellowship prizes. This includes ₱1.5 million seed funding, skill development trainings, mentorship, access to a stimulating workspace at Impact Hub Manila and valuable networks. “We doubled and tripled the number of fellows we will support for this year from just one startup team the last time which enables us to support more entrepreneurs,” Kuster added. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs or early­stage startups are welcome to apply,though the startup teams applying must be able to register their business in the Philippines and be able to work and live in the Philippines as well. Applications were open from June 16, 2016 until July 24, 2016 on http://www.impacthub.ph/incubation­fellowship­energy­wwf­pef. Impact Hub Manila in collaboration with WWF and PEF conducted idea development workshop on June 22, 2016 and pitching workshop until July 21, 2016. The teams must submit their business plan as an entry for the Fellowship Program. Fifteen startups will be chosen to pitch in front of a panel of judges. The selected six to eight startups will participate in a six­ week business training program, called the Kick Program. Two to three teams will be selected as winning fellows of the program. These fellows will be incubated for six months. At the incubation phase,the Fellows will undergo further training to have their enterprise be ready for investment, and further customer validation of their product or service network.

Iya Villania Continues to Trust Claritin: The Expert Against Allergies

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The Claritin Allergy 101 event re-introduces 7-month pregnant Filipino celebrity Iya Villania, who's soon to be a mother to a baby boy, as brand ambassador. 

An event held on July 13, 2016 at Cafe Naya of The Palace in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, to one again feature the Loratadine antihistamine as RediTabs (10 mg orally disintegrating tablets) which melts in your mouth as soon as you put the tablet in. The event also gave everyonean overview about Allergy, and how Claritin remains to be the number one brand to treat allergies.

We learned that Iya is allergic to cats, specifically to husband Drew Arellano's pet cat, but thanks to Claritin, she can cope with the allergic reaction. I wanted to ask if she finally encouraged her husband to get rid of the cat but I assumed the pet was allowed to stay because Claritin anti-allergy was effective or "expert" enough to do the trick.

Needless to say, Claritin is also safe for pregnant and lactating women. But just to be sure, always consult the experts - your doctors - since we all know that we may have different reactions to certain medicines. Claritin also has a version for kids so no worries just in case the baby inherits the allergy. You'll Claritin's Chewable Tablets. The great taste, convenient packaging and non- drowsy formula allows children to enjoy life without suffering any allergic reaction. They can literally ‪#‎stopandsmelltheflowers‬ without fearing any symptoms to occur.

During the event, they had a guest doctor who gave us an overview about allergies and its different kinds. She also answered inquiries from the attendees, and my question about tests or procedures we could take if we want want to know in advance what are we allergic to. 

Heighten your Swiss Chocolate Experience with Toblerone Fruit and Nut

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Toblerone has a new way to excite Filipino Chocolate Lovers. For a limited time, Toblerone Fruit and Nut will be available in the Philippines. Now, Manila foodies will have the chance to taste this international sensation!

Made with premium chocolate packed in a unique shape reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, Toblerone Fruit and Nut heightens your dessert and snacking experience with its crunchy almonds and juicy California raisins. The sweetness of the raisins and the texture of the almonds highlight the creamy and silky 100% Swiss-made chocolate. It is definitely an exquisite taste to savor.

Elevate your Swiss chocolate experience with #TobleroneFruitandNut and feel the whirl of different flavors in one triangular goodness!

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. and WWF Promote Environment and Health Solutions

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Climate change and human health are closely interlinked.

A study from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows how climate change can spread vector-borne diseases like malaria. Climate change causes 6% of global malaria cases and many communities in Asia and Africa will suffer from new disease outbreaks. In the Philippines, flooding caused by excessive rainfall and typhoons have spurred rising incidences of dengue and leptospirosis.

Since 2012, leading environmental solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) and top Filipino pharmaceutical company Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab) through the company’s SEED (Sowing to Empower, Educate and Develop) CSR initiative, have been instilling climate change and health solutions through a revitalized education program headed by WWF’s Environmental Education (EE) unit. The program has taught over 6400 students, engaged 1405 parents, trained 32 teachers and covered 10 schools.

Kalakasan, Kalikasan is a multiyear EE program that establishes the link between climate change and wellness, highlighting simple ways for Filipinos to protect their health while minimizing their ecological impacts.

“Many diseases stem from changing weather patterns,” explains WWF EE Unit Head Ruel Bate. “Strong rains can turn ditches into stagnant pools, which can be prime breeding spots for mosquitoes that carry viruses like dengue. Identifying practical solutions to these problems – like clearing areas in our homes which can become breeding grounds for insects or ridding our homes of anything which can gather standing water – are effective climate adaptation measures. Our aim is simple – to promote better health through a healthy environment.” 

Ramco Systems Enters Philippines

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Triggered by the success seen with the winning of 5 new clients in the last few quarters, Ramco Systems, a leading enterprise software provider on Cloud, Mobile and Tablets, has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Philippines under the name Ramco System Inc.

As the second largest populated nation in ASEAN, Philippines has been witnessing the fastest economic growth among the ASEAN countries. To better address the market opportunity arising in Philippines, Ramco Systems has set up an office, its fourth in the region and 21st, globally. Ramco’s new office will employ local innovators, at a time when the Philippines IT sector moves beyond business process outsourcing – a pillar of economic growth in recent years – to include implementation of cloud-based technology to transform local enterprises in the area of ERP, HR, Payroll, Aviation and Logistics.

Commenting on the expansion, P R Venketrama Raja, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Ramco Systems, said, “A buoyant economy and drive to embrace disruptive technologies is driving enterprises in Philippines to invest in latest technologies. We are opening an office in Manila to enable local enterprises to leapfrog to cloud technology and derive significant business benefits. Given the excellent technical manpower in Philippines – it will also serve as a base for addressing our clients in the ASEAN region. With focus on innovation and cloud, we look forward to becoming the region’s most favored cloud enterprise software provider.”

With Singapore as the regional headquarters, and offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong, Ramco Systems in ASEAN has seen a steady growth for all three product offerings – ERP, HCM and Aviation MRO. For the year ended March 31, 2016, Asia Pacific (including ANZ) contributed 29% to the overall revenue. The company recently set up an ‘Innovation Lab’ in Singapore funded by the Singapore Government with anchor partner Air France Industries & KLM Engineering (AFIKLM). While Innovative offerings get tested in Singapore, Ramco in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) has transformed itself into an R&D and support hub for HR & Global Payroll requirements.

In the photo" L-R:  P.R. Venketrama Raja, Founder, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Ramco Systems, Subbaraman Ramaswamy, Asia Business Head, Ramco Systems and Raman Aiyar, Head-ERP at Ramco Systems