TechTalks.ph Partners with US-based Tech Accelerator Techstars for Geeks on a Beach

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TechTalks.ph is partnering with the iconic US-based tech accelerator Techstars, renowned for mentoring hundreds of successful startups or innovation-driven enterprises based on apps or software, for the Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech and startup event in Panglao, Bohol this August 2016.

“We will be partnering with the world’s largest startup organization in keeping with our tradition of bringing in key players in the global stage to a highly valuable yet fun-filled tech conference,” said Tech​Talks.ph founder Tina Amper.

Techstars co-founder and managing partner David Brown and Techstar’s Startup Weekend co-founder Marc Nager will be speaking in the fourth edition of GOAB.

The event is organized by TechTalks.ph and co-organized by the new Department of Information and Communications Technology (formerly the DOST-ICTO) and co-presented by the PLDT SME Nation, ​PLDT Innolab, Ideaspace, and SmartDevNet.

"The partnership with Techstars is a significant milestone in TechTalks.ph’s objective of ​helping ​build the Philippine startup ecosystem," Amper said. She said this will expose the local audience to world-class expertise in startups, investments, and entrepreneurial community building.

Techstars is a great addition to the list of investors and partners that are supporting and have supported GOAB in the past including 500Startups, Monk's Hill Ventures, Greylock Ventures, Plug and Play Tech Center, Ideaspace.ph, Kickstart.ph, MaGIC Malaysia, etc.

​Techstars was founded by big names in the startup world David Cohen, Brad Feld, David Brown, and Jared Polis, Techstars holds 13-week programs for startups in Boulder, New York City, Boston, Seattle, San Antonio, Austin, Chicago and London.

As of mid-2015, Techstars has accepted 526 companies into its program with mentors that include Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley, Tumblr CEO David Karp, HubSpot co-founder and CTO Dharmesh Shah, and Fred Wilson of Union Square Ventures.

“In its fourth year, GOAB will continue to provide learning experiences and business opportunities for both big and small tech ventures. Our partnership with Techstars is a continuation of our local community’s conversation with the global startup arena that we’ve begun 3 years ago,” ​added David Overton, CEO of Sym.ph and Chief Geek of GOAB.​ ​He​ said this will help GOAB, which debuted in world famous Boracay Island in 2013, in bringing positive results for participants as in startups getting funding, corporations finding tech talents, investors finding co-investors, or techies learning new skills in business or tech.

“GOAB is an event that always strives to provide measurable results in business matching, mentoring, funding, and acceleration of startups by the community for the community. Having Techstars at GOAB will be a big boost to the local startup ecosystem,” said Amper.

Techstars will also be holding its internal Techstars Asia-Pacific (APAC) Summit 3 days before GOAB at the same venue in Bohol. This private event will be attended by over 100 startup community leaders and organizers from all over the region.

A senior government and private industry workshop with Techstars is also in the works for the purpose of sharing the best practices of other countries in developing their own startup ecosystems. Techstars has helped the government of Malaysia, among other countries, in crafting its own startup development plan.

“Techstars is close to our hearts. Techstars is the owner of Startup Weekend, and as such, we in TechTalks.ph worked with them since 2012 when we hosted our first Startup Weekend in Cebu. TechTalks.ph and its volunteers ​have ​organized over 18 Startup Weekends in the Philippines,” said Amper.

TechTalks.ph is working with the Science and Technology Advisory Council of Silicon Valley (STAC-SV) to secure local support for the Techstars APAC summit.

Organized by TechTalks.ph and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, GOAB will be held on August 25-26 at the Bellevue Hotel in Panglao, Bohol. Silver Sponsors are Zalora, Mynimo, Teradoor, and PouchNation while Bronze Sponsors are A Space, Yoyo Holdings, Payoneer, Eurekloud, USAID-STRIDE, US Embassy, Launchgarage, and StarTechUp Inc. GOAB organizational partners are Philippines Software Industry Association, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines., UP CebuInit.org, CedFIT.org, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines, Developers Connect, STAC Silicon Valley and GoNegosyo. Media partners are Auza.Net, Tech in Asia, Geeks in Cambodia, Hubnob.tv, InnoPub Media, Mytechisland.com, Zerothreetwo.com, Jumpstart Magazine, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, Asian Journal Publications, Balikbayan Magazine, Innovation is Everywhere, e27, Newsdesk Asia, and Wazzup Pilipinas​.

GOAB is currently offering 15% discount on its tickets and 40% discount for group of 5 of more. Startups are also encouraged to apply to the 2nd GOAB International Startup Pitching Competition for opportunity to be matched with mentors and investors.

For more information, to sponsor or purchase tickets, visit, www.GeeksOnABeach.com; or contact Hello@GeeksOnABeach.com. Facebook: Geeks On A Beach and Twitter @GeeksOnABeach.

Cusi: Resolve Electrification Issues

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“We have to work together to make household electrification happen in Mindanao,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi urged officials of the National Electrification Administration and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) in a meeting on Monday, 18 July 2016.

Cusi asked both agencies to “go down to the cooperatives” to resolve the issues raised by electric cooperatives namely PHILRECA, QUEZELCO and AMRECO, among others.

Among the issues raised by the electric cooperatives were ensuring the right of way for electric projects, tax reforms, non-privatization of Agus and Pulangui complexes in Mindanao, the interconnection of SPUG areas to the main grid and the putting up of a one-stop shop and fast lane for the processing of permits and licenses for energy projects.

In photo with Cusi are DOE spokespersons Pete Ilagan (second from left) and DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella. Joining them are officials of the abovementioned electric cooperatives who sought the dialogue.

NEC Philippines Celebrates 20 Years of Success and Innovation

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NEC Philippines today announced its 20th anniversary milestone since its establishment in 1996. Over the past two decades, NEC Philippines has built a strong reputation in the industry and achieved steady growth by providing its technologies, solutions, services and expertise to the public and private sectors.

To kick off the celebration, an event themed “NECPH@20: Providing Breakthrough Technologies for a Breakout Economy” was held at the Makati Diamond Residences, 2F Legazpi Ballroom, Makati City, on 20 July 2016.

The conference was opened by distinguished speakers, including His Excellency Mr. Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Tetsuro Akagi, Chief Executive Officer of NEC Asia Pacific and Senior Vice President of NEC Corporation, and Mr. Jubert Alberto, Head of Operations, IDC Philippines.

The technology-empowered exhibition showcased how NEC is creating new value for society with solutions covering a wide spectrum of industries, demonstrating NEC’s commitment to orchestrate a brighter world through technology that improves the safety, security, equality and efficiency of society. Highlights include NEC’s world No. 1* facial and fingerprint recognition technologies, as well as its transportation, unified communication, healthcare, and broadcast solutions.

“NEC Philippines has come a long way since 1996. The success of the company cannot be achieved without our valued customers and business partners. We will continue to deliver innovative technologies that will benefit businesses, communities and society to allow people to live more abundant lives. We look forward to another 20 years of achievement,” said Agnes A. Gervacio, President, NEC Philippines.

At the event, participants learned about NEC’s thought leadership in topics such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), safer cities and social infrastructure solutions and innovative offerings in enterprise solutions.

GoSURF50 Changes PH Index as 2nd Most Affordable Mobile Data Service in Asia Pacific

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The top selling mobile data promo of Globe Prepaid, GoSURF50 was upgraded with 1GB of mobile data allocation to further support customers’ digital lifestyle. In terms of mobile data pricing, GoSURF50 is now the 2nd most competitive offer across the Asia Pacific region at only P48.82 per GB in comparison to top prepaid telco offerings in the region including Brunei, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

The promo offered at retail price of only P50, valid for 3 days, also includes unlimited texts to all networks as well as free access to Facebook. GoSURF50’s 1 GB of data gives customers 700 MB for surfing while the remaining 300 MB allocation allows access to the customer’s app of choice such as Snapchat, Viber, Spotify Basic, YouTube + Daily Motion, Clash Royale, or Clash of Clans.

With 700 MB of data, one can enjoy streaming YouTube videos for 200 minutes; 600 posts and 880 likes on Facebook; 200 posts on Twitter; 100 Instagram uploads; and about 500 push emails.

According to Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business Issa Cabreira, “With the upgraded GoSURF50, we continue to provide our customers affordable promos that give them the most value for their money. Value added services such as free access to select apps as well as bundling core services such as unlimited SMS also allow us to provide a richer mobile experience.”

Globe Prepaid customers can subscribe to the new GoSURF50 and choose their free content via *143#. To check remaining MBs just send GoSURF STATUS to 8888. Customers will be notified immediately upon consuming 100% of the MB allocation.

To know more about the new GoSURF50 visit glbe.co/B1GGERGoSURF. For Globe Prepaid’s latest offers, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/surf/plan/gosurf50.

Hontiveros Files Six Health Bills in 15 Days

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Barangay health workers with no health insurance? That will soon change.

Keeping true to her campaign promise, Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed six essential bills within her platform of universal healthcare, fifteen days in on her first term.

One of her priority bills is the proposed legislation seeking PhP 6,000.00 as basic wage for barangay health workers or BHWs. Senate Bill No. 214 also seeks to provide training and accreditation to BHWs, currently serving in a volunteer basis.

“Barangay health workers aid the community in primary care like maternal and childcare and health education,” said Hontiveros. “But they are not given enough training and compensation for their service”, she added.

Having gone around the campaign trail, Hontiveros recalled her conversations with BHWs. She cited the case of numerous BHWs not being covered by PhilHealth. Hontiveros also served as PhilHealth director until October last year

“It’s a sad situation when health workers themselves are not insured of their health”, said Hontiveros. “Senate Bill No. 214 seeks to remedy that”, she added. Her bill seeks to provide BHWs with PHilHealth, GSIS and Pag-Ibig benefits.

According to latest data, there are 219,433 active BHWs in the country spread out in 42,000 barangays. The former PhilHealth Director sees the numbers as an opportunity: “The BHWs are or first responders. Imagine if we enhance their skills through more trainings”, she argued. The said bill promises a six-month Community Health Worker Education and Program to produce skilled medical professionals.

Hontiveros seeks counterpart funding from the national government to augment the support to BHWs given by local government units.

In addition to her bill on BHWs, Hontiveros also proposed legislations on the extension of maternity leave, strengthening of the HIV-AIDS law and the anti-hospital deposit law, establishment of the National Health Promotion Institute and providing mandatory PhilHealth coverage for persons with disabilities.

Hackzilla in Manila: Hackathon for Disaster Response Management

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Build the Tech, Stop the Carnage, Save the World!

Freelancer.com kicks off the largest inter-collegiate hackathin for disaster response management dubbed as Hackzilla in Manila.

The first-ever Hackzilla in Manila is Freelancer.com’s inter-collegiate hackathon. Within 36 hours, students will be challenged to build mobile applications, websites, and various other technological solutions that will concentrate on alleviating the harmful impact of natural calamities.

This year’s theme is Preparing the Philippines to effectively respond to natural disasters through the use of technology.

In partnership with the Philippine Disaster Response Foundation (PDRF), The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Project NOAH, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Developers Connect Philippines (DevCon), and the Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE), Freelancer.com’s event Hackzilla in Manila will happen from July 22 to 23, 2016 at the Freelancer.com office, 30th floor, Ecotower, 32nd cor 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

WHAT: HACKZILLA IN MANILA
WHEN: 22 - 23 July 2016
WHERE: Freelancer.com Office
30th floor, Ecotower, 32nd cor 9th Avenue,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Below is the official Press Release:

On June 22, 2016, the whole of Metro Manila joined together in #MMShakeDrill--a massive earthquake drill aimed to prepare citizens for a 7.2-magnitude earthquake caused by the movement of the West Valley Fault.

Organized by the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) together with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA),  the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and various other stakeholders, the metrowide event aims to mitigate the widespread loss of lives and properties.

Such preparation is not unfounded paranoia: more than ever, it is a necessity. With the Philippines having been hailed as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, the country must acknowledge the inevitable onslaught of supertyphoons and earthquakes (much like it had during Typhoons Yolanda and Ondoy) in the years to come. Being caught off-guard without proper disaster response strategies is the worst thing that could happen.

Creating Technologies to Combat Calamities

As a firm believer in the capability of technology to empower Filipino talent and catalyze positive change in communities, the world’s top online freelancing website Freelancer.com has spearheaded an innovative hackathon that will rally college students to pitch their transformative ideas to address societal problems.

With Preparing the Philippines to effectively respond to natural disasters through the use of technology as the theme of the first-ever Hackzilla in Manila, Freelancer.com’s inter-collegiate hackathon, students will be challenged to build mobile applications, websites, and various other technological solutions that will concentrate on alleviating the harmful impact of natural calamities.

In partnership with the Philippine Disaster Response Foundation (PDRF), The Department of Science and Technology’s Project NOAH, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Developers Connect Philippines (DevCon), and the Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE), Freelancer.com’s event Hackzilla in Manila will happen from July 22 to 23, 2016.

To qualify:

1.    Students must be currently enrolled in a CHED-accredited school;

2.    Each group can have a maximum of five (5) members. (Group members do not necessarily have to come from the same school.)

3.    Groups looking to join the competition will have to submit via the Sign Up form at http://www.hackzilla.io/sign-up/ the following details:

○     A brief write up providing the profile of the team members including Github (or similar) references showing capability through past projects;

○     A short 2-minute video, uploaded on YouTube, outlining their hackathon pitch in line with the event theme.  

4.    A maximum of 12 teams will be selected by the organizing committee, consisting of Freelancer.com senior engineers and staff, to compete in the event; 3 alternate teams will also be identified in case some of the selected teams decide to pull out of the event

5.    Deadline for submission of entries will be on July 8, 2016.

6.    Selected and alternate teams will be notified via email on July 15, 2016.

7.    Competing teams should be present on July 22 at the Freelancer.com office, 30th floor, Ecotower, 32nd cor 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The winning team will be announced on July 23, with the finalists’ entries judged by representatives from Freelancer.com and its partner organizations.

To know more, visit: www.hackzilla.io

DOE Statement on Power Situation (Yellow Alert)

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The Department of Energy (DOE) is closely monitoring the power supply situation in Luzon following the Forced Outage of the 122 megawatts (MW) of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation’s (SLTEC) coal-fired power plant and 300 MW-Block B of the Ilijan Natural Gas Power Plant resulting in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Yellow Alert declaration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. of 19 July, 2016.

As of 9:00 a.m. of the said date, the available capacity stood at 9,981 MW, while the demand is projected to reach 9,479 MW.

In response, Manila Electric Corporation (MERALCO) already coordinated with its Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participants to augment the supply. As of 11 a.m., there are about 154 ILP participants that have confirmed their availability equivalent to 315 MW.

The DOE constantly reminds the public to practice energy efficiency and conservation measures.

ASEAN @ 50 - Is Integration Doable?

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Over 150 delegates from various peoples’organizations, social movements, and civil society organizations gathered at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) to kick off the two-day Philippine Peoples’ Summit on ASEAN 2016 to discuss various local, national and regional issues as they relate to ASEAN. 

The summit focused on how the ASEAN has changed in the last 49 years and examined the challenges for a regional economic integration. Is a regional integration doable or is it just a delusion? “Peoples’ engagement with ASEAN has been a long and arduous journey,”said Dr. Ed Tadem, President of the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) and lead convenor of the Philippine Process on ASEAN, citing challenges such as the Mekong region countries being more integrated with China than with the ASEAN region, the social inequalities within and between ASEAN countries, the ASEAN’s failure to issue a joint communique on the South China Sea territorial dispute, and the regional human rights mechanism’s inability to respond to reports of human rights violations. 

Tadem further said that “ASEAN has been a disappointment because the governments have not responded to the demands and proposals from the people. ASEAN has failed in providing for a better life for citizens and member countries. Unrestrained economic growth has only deepened poverty and social inequalities.” 

But if such is the case, is it still worthwhile to pursue engagement with ASEAN or is there an alternative to ASEAN? 

“Integration should be based on solidarity. And by solidarity, it means putting yourself in the position of the other. It should be pro-people and premised on friendship and peaceful co-existence,” said Antonio Tujan, Jr. of IBON International. This has not been the case for ASEAN. 

However, Tujan said there is still value in our engagement with the ASEAN, as this is the proxy organization for Asia, not only in relation to ASEAN affairs but also because of its role in the regional and global arena. 

Although there is a huge imbalance in the space, ASEAN still provides opportunities to people. CSO scan show the way to regional integration, one that starts from below. The ACSC/APF for instance provides a space where people from the region are able to discuss issues, share ande xchange experiences and solutions. 

Representatives from sectors of children, youth, elderly, women and persons with disabilities gave their reactions on what ASEAN integration can do for their sectors. Persons with disabilities said they are not looked at as a relevant sector to the point of being invisible. They see no regional level

solution for their sector. In the case of women, they see alternative regional is one that should ensure women’s enjoyment of their rights and gender equality. 

To further explore local issues in relation to ASEAN, the Summit participants went into breakout sessions to discuss issues on labour and migration, food sovereignty, human rights and repression, trade and foreign policies, peace and security, economic issues and inequality, climate, and gender, inclusivity and intersectionality. 

Recommendations from the different sectors include addressing the cultural, ideological and economic causes of inequality and marginalization. This means clarification and reaffirmation of principles, the exploration of alternatives, establishment of instruments and mechanisms (engagement, transparency and accountability, formal mechanisms and funds), and strengthening of civil society and social movements. 

On July19, the Summit conducted workshops towards a better understanding of what a people-centered ASEAN is all about, as the country prepares for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in 2017, when the Philippines will assume chairship. 

The Philippine Peoples’ Summit on ASEAN is organized by the ASEAN CivilS ociety Conference/ ASEAN Peoples’ Forum 2016 (ACSC/APF2016) Philippine Process, a broad network of civil society organizations, peoples’ organizations and social movements that seeks to analyze ASEAN issues faced by the Philippines and its neighboring countries.

Mario Sismundo Ready for the Biggest Fight of His Life on July 30

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Mario Sismundo, who will fight on July 30 for the World Series of Fighting Global Championship 3: Philippines vs. the World card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, says that he is more than just Manny Pacquiao’s doppelgänger.

Mario, who once doubled for Manny Pacquiao for a TV commercial, and also hails from General Santos City, also has plans of his own to be a world-renowned fighter.

The resemblance is striking, in fact, when he trains at Fitbox Gym in Makati, he is often mistaken as Manny Pacquiao.

Sismundo says, “Sobrang na inspire ako na kamukha ko si Manny Pacquiao kasi yung kamukha ko o kahawig ko ay di ordinaryong tao, kungdi, sikat sa buong mundo dahil sa kanyang galing sa boxing, at isa pa siyang Senador ngayon. Baka sa pagtiyatiyaga at sipag sa mga laban ko, isang araw, masundan ko rin ang yapak ng idolo ko.”

Sismundo continues, “Malaking bagay na nakasali ako sa ganitong kalaking organization, na galing pating Amerika. Tulad sa akin, na galing sa General Santos City na matagal nang naghintay ng pagkakataon makalaban sa malaking audience, malaking bagay po talaga. Matagal ko po itong pinangarap at dinasal.”

This will be Mario Sismundo’s biggest fight in his entire boxing and MMA career, fighting for the first time in a 15,000-seater stadium in Quezon City, alongside fighters from all over the world.

Sismundo says that his family, specially his father, has been supportive of his career all this time.

It is bittersweet though that at the biggest fight of his life, wherein his fight will be the co-main event on July 30, that his father won’t be able to watch it since he passed away just weeks ago.

“Sa pinakamalaking laban ng buhay ko, na matagal niyang hinintay, wala na siya…pero hindi iyon hadlang para ako manghina o mawalan ng gana lumaban, bagkos, lalo ko pang pag-iigihan ang training ko para manalo sa laban na ito, dahil inaalay ko sa kanya ang laban na ito”, Sismundo says.

“At alam ko kahit wala na ang aking ama, manonood siya kahit nasa ibang mundo na siya”, adds Sismundo.

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30, 2016. Tickets start at PHP300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2988982/wsof-global-championship-3philippines-quezon-city-smart-araneta-coliseum. Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III ‘The Thrilla in Manila’.

A lucky member of the audience on July 30, 2016 at Smart Araneta Coliseum will win P1,000,000.00. Visitwww.wsofgc.com/raffle for details. Promo period June 16 - July 30, 2016, DTI-NCR PERMIT #6130.

Arroyo Acquittal: Sad Day for Justice

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today expressed her sadness and disappointment with the Supreme Court's decision acquitting former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from a P 366 million plunder case the senator filed in 2011 together with two other co-petitioners.

"It's a sad day for justice," Hontiveros said.

In an 11-4 ruling, the high court voted to acquit Arroyo, thereby freeing her from 4 years of hospital arrest due to the case.

Hontiveros, along with former Brigadier General Danilo Lim and social activist Jimmy Regalario, filed the PCSO plunder cases before the Ombudsman in 2011.


Strong case

“The case we filed is strong. In fact, it was one of the two PCSO plunder cases admitted by the Office of the Ombudsman under Conchita Carpio Morales, and subsequently filed before the Sandiganbayan”, she recalled.


Ombudsman confirmed misuse of funds

Hontiveros said that the Ombudsman confirmed the diversion of funds from PCSO’s operating budget to the confidential or intelligence fund, which can be withdrawn or accessed any time and with few restrictions.

It was reported that the diversion of funds did not meet any legal requirements aside from the approval of the President.

“The Ombudsman also confirmed that the said funds were converted, misused and illegally-transferred the funds for their own use in the guise of fictitious expenditures”, added the Senator.



"Tuloy ang laban"

Hontiveros said that she would confer with her co-petitioners on the best course of action to take to pursue justice and accountability from the corrupt Arroyo government.
“I am shocked with the high court’s ruling”, remarked Hontiveros. “But we will not lose hope”.

“Tuloy ang laban para sa katarungan," Hontiveros concluded. #

DOE: We Will Follow What’s Good for Us

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In the wake of President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncement that the administration will not honor the December 2015 Paris agreement on climate change which the Philippines adopted along with 200 countries, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said today the country will implement an energy policy that meets our specific economic requirements.

"We will chart our own course in so far as energy is concerned to ensure energy supply security considering that developing countries like the Philippines have low carbon emissions. President Duterte is correct in saying that the country is still in the process of industrialization. We must therefore use whatever energy resources are available and affordable for power generation," Cusi said.

"While we signed the Paris agreement last year committing ourselves to limit our carbon emissions, we cannot ignore the fact that our level of economic development at this point does not allow us to rely completely on renewable energy sources or clean energy," Cusi added.

"We need diversified energy sources to support our growing economy. The Department of Energy is formulating a strategic fuel policy mix to propel the country's growing economy," Cusi emphasized.

"We need to build more baseload power plants while also aggressively pushing for clean energy," he added.

“The DOE,” Cusi stressed, "stands firm in promoting energy efficiency and conservation to complement its thrust for clean energy development following the country's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions on climate change mitigation efforts."

Cusi added, “We will continue to adhere to internationally accepted environmental standards in our energy use." The DOE is working with the National Economic Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change Commission to develop a balanced and sustainable energy policy framework.

President Duterte said the Paris agreement on climate change is "blocking the progress of developing countries like the Philippines" and that the industrialized countries are “dictating the destiny” of developing ones by requiring them to cut carbon emissions.

During the election campaign, Duterte said that industrialized nations should help developing ones comply with the Paris agreement by providing financial assistance to cope with climate change.

DICT Should Enable the Sector by Getting Rid of Bureaucratic Red Tape

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DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima’s has called for “good public service” from telco operators in the country. Globe said that it remains committed to its purpose of strengthening the nation through ICT by continuing investments in the sector. “Globe invests millions of dollars annually for network expansion and service improvements,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo. In terms of capital expenditures, the Philippines ranks second to China with almost 30% of telco revenues spent on CAPEX, the second highest in Asia.

“Further, Secretary Salalima’s proposed executive order to help rationalize the permitting process for telco infrastrusture, once in place, would be a respite from the difficulties we encounter in putting up cell sites and right-of-way issues for fiber optic cables,” added Castelo. The reduction of bureaucratic red tape was also presented by the company as a key measure that local government units can implement to help the sector, during the recently concluded Regional Competitiveness Summit, chaired by Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines. It is important for the government to play its role not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of the sector. If put into action, “this bodes well with what the public really wants, a better internet experience,” said Castelo.

Castelo also said that Globe will continue to roll out new network capacities using the spectrum assets it gained as a result of the joint buyout of SMC's telco assets. Reacting to the recent statement of the PCCI, Castelo clarified that the company is not hindering the PCC from doing its job. “We are not in any way blocking the PCC from performing its mandate. In fact, we repeatedly invited the PCC to exercise its plenary powers under Section 12 of the Competition Act to investigate the conduct and behavior of the companies on this transaction for possible violations of the Act. Globe has consistently relayed to the PCC its willingness to submit to this investigation, and Globe is confident that all its actions pertaining to this transaction are all legal and above-board as certified by its legal counsels,” he said.

All parties should abide by the provision of Memorandum Circular 16-002 and this includes the PCC who is expected to uphold its own rules and the Philippine Competition Act. "Globe followed to the letter the rules of the PCC, and the same should be appreciated by the PCC,“ Castelo added.

NEC Announces New AI Technology Brand, “NEC the WISE”

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NEC Corporation announced that it will be branding its lineup of artificial intelligence (hereinafter, “AI”) technologies as “NEC the WISE”(*) and globally launching this new brand and its mark as part of NEC’s efforts to contribute to the realization of a safe, secure, efficient, and equal society in which people work together with AI to enhance technological advancements.

In recent years, AI technologies have experienced tremendous breakthroughs amidst the explosive growth of data volume resulting from the increased sophistication of analysis engines (i.e., software) and the improved processing capabilities of computers. These technologies are currently attracting attention for their usefulness in complementing human abilities, solving societal issues, and creating a more convenient society.

“We have named our lineup of cutting-edge AI technologies ‘NEC the WISE’ to reflect NEC’s strong desire to facilitate cooperation between people and AI as we continue to leverage our advanced wisdom to solve the increasingly complex and sophisticated problems confronting society,” says Katsumi Emura, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). “To accelerate the development and use of state-of-the-art AI technologies supporting advanced fields such as IoT, Big Data, and Security, which are at the core of NEC’s Solutions for Society, NEC will be focusing its efforts on providing innovative solutions that contribute to not only the resolution of societal problems but also the transformation and growth of enterprises.”

NEC has promoted the development of AI-related technology for nearly half a century in the domains of visualization, analysis, and control and guidance. As a result of these efforts, many of NEC’s AI technologies, including speech recognition, image and video recognition, language and semantic understanding, machine learning, prediction and detection, and optimal planning and control, are either unprecedented or ranked No. 1 in the world. (**)

NEC’s lineup of cutting-edge AI technologies

NEC’s AI technologies are already being utilized for a variety of solutions, including an immigration control system equipped with facial recognition technology boasting the world’s highest degree of accuracy(**), a failure sign monitoring system for large-scale plants that can be used to discover imperceptible changes and recognize them as a sign of failure, and a retail ordering system based on highly accurate demand forecasting that uses machine learning technology. These solutions can be applied to the creation of safe and secure environments in the realm of Public Safety, the monitoring of large-scale social infrastructure, and enterprises looking to enhance their marketing abilities and operational efficiency.

“Going forward, AI will make it possible to provide people with suggestions for problems without a clear single answer, such as management decisions and the development of new products. NEC is therefore committed to offering advanced solutions that will help people make decisions from a broader point of view. We will also be proactively leveraging open innovation and utilizing a wide array of AI technologies to maximize the value we provide to our customers,” says Katsumi Emura.

Optimization of intellectual and creative activities through collaboration between people and AI

Note:

(*) NEC the WISE is a portfolio of AI technologies developed by NEC for enriching human intellect and creativity. This portfolio represents our strong determination to harness the wisdom of humans and AI working together to resolve the increasingly complex and intertwined issues society is facing today.

The NEC the WISE mark is a simple, opaque triangular pyramid with a cube in the center. The keen edges and futuristic shape of the pyramid represent our intention to hone our technologies to precision and use them as a cornerstone of future innovations. The cube is the core of wisdom collected as AI technologies.

The orientation of the mark expresses our goal of bringing stability to societies and creating a brighter world for everyone by harmonizing people, society and AI.

(**)

http://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/biometrics/technologies/nist_proven_accuracy.html

Online Car Classified Carmudi Opens 2016-2017 Scholarship Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Online Car Classified Carmudi formally announced its third scholarship program that aims to help third and fourth year undergraduate students who are academically outstanding but economically challenged.

The Scholarship Program is a bi-annual search that provides scholarship grants for deserving students in the country. It is open to all incoming senior college students of the participating universities and colleges. Carmudi PH holds this program as one of their many ways to uphold the company’s continuing concern for the socio-economic development of the country.

The scholarship program targets students from the fields of Economics, Business, Marketing, Communications, Media, IT, Engineering, and other relevant majors in the university. A financial aid worth of P30,000.00 per semester will be given to the grant sole recipient.

At present, Carmudi Philippines has already granted 2 scholarship program from University of the Philippines Visayas and Ilocus Sur Polytechnic University. Aljohn T. Torreta who is a son of a fisherman and a vendor was the first scholarship grantee who recently graduated as a Summa Cum Laude, while Kristine Ian De Guzman—a single mother—was chosen as the second scholarship recipient for her academic excellence.

With the Philippine automotive industry growing at breakneck speed, Carmudi Philippines supports the Filipino consumer by empowering them with widest choices, best prices and authoritative reviews, all at their fingertips. The company serves as the guaranteed safest marketplace for car selling and buying.

To know more about the scholarship program, visit www.carmudi.com.ph or go directly to www.carmudi.com.ph/scholarship

#DenimCitizens Fashion Show at SM Megamall

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The SM Youth |SM Men  #DenimCitizens fashion show has a series of leg out  across the country. The second leg out of #DenimCitizens held last July 10 at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Fans and fashion enthusiasts witnessed a one of a kind fashion show and able to meet and greet all the SM Youth ambassadors. They present a receipt/purchase one item of either top or bottom denims from SM Men or SM Youth Departments from SM Store.

Denim is emerging as hottest trend.  It is comfortable, fits incredibly well and perfectly made. A fashion and lifestyle label for all the young Filipino that’s what SM Youth and its ambassadors represents.

The SM Youth Ambassadors is led by LA Aguinaldo, Tommy Esguerra, Janna Tee, Richard Juan, and their newest additional members who also winners of SM Go-see Season 1- Kyle Perry and Kaila Estrada. They embodied what the brand stands for.

LA Aguinaldo is a supermodel not only the Philippines but he’s also popular in Asia because he was awarded as Asia Star Model 2015 together with other models in Asia. LA is the latest cover photo of Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines)

Tommy Esguerra did some TV commercial and becomes more popular of being an ex-housemate in the reality show, Pinoy Big Brother 737 Edition last year.  Tagged as ‘Pretty Boy ng Las Piñas’, Tommy did several appearances in ABS-CBN shows and paired to his real-life girlfriend, Miho Nishida who won as the grand winner of the said reality show.

Richan Juan who is also an ex-PBB housemates. Aside from his ‘Chinito’ image, Richard graduated Cum Laude in UP.

Janna Tee, a stunner.  Her modeling career started when she was a college student from Ateneo.

Carlo Atendido is also a DJ and considered life of the party.

Kyle Perry and Kaila Estrada join the group when they both won in SM GO-see Season 1. Kaila is the daughter of Celebrities, John Estrada and Janice de Belen.

Check out the nice outfits of the models, they’re all stylish and trendy. Everyone can get enough as the models walked in the runway.

More photos can be found at the Wazzup Pilipinas official Facebook page

Full schedule is as follows:

July 8 CEBU: SM Seaside City 4PM
July 10 MANILA: SM Mega Fashion Hall 4PM
July 15 DAVAO: SM Lanang Premier 6PM
July 23 MANILA: The Block SM City North EDSA 4PM

For more information, follow:

Twitter & Instagram: @SM_Men and @SM_Youth

Facebook: facebook.com/SMyouthlifestyle

Contributed by Rizza Garingo