Government Open Data to Improve with Data Sharing Directives

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The free-flow of information within the government is expected to improve with the National Privacy Commission’s (NPC) issuance of its latest memorandum circular (NPC MC 16-02) on Data Sharing Agreements Involving Government Agencies.

This latest issuance from the NPC reinforces its mandate to support the free-flow of information and safeguard the right to privacy of information. Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro said the law was intended to strike a balance between the need for information freedom and data privacy as indispensable components of nation building. “Freedom of information is more than just access requests to government, it is about responsible data sharing. Open data will contribute significantly to improving government services and coming up with new ones, supporting innovation and growth,” Liboro said.

The Freedom of Information (FoI) Executive Order was recently issued by the government, and the privacy commission clarified that the Data Privacy Act (DPA) cannot be used as a shield against FoI. It pointed out that the DPA is for the protection of any personal data that may be contained in government records that is not relevant to the freedom of information request, particularly when it affects private citizens.

The government is considered the largest collector and repository of personal data. E-governance initiatives and innovations in public services allow for citizens to avail of these services online, eliminating the need to queue up or having to fill out paper-based forms with personal data that the government already has.

The Data Sharing Issuance requires that personal information controllers (government agencies) to implement safeguards for data sharing. These safeguards include adhering to data privacy principles, entering into Data Sharing Agreements, reviewing technical security measures when allowing online access, and providing for the return, destruction or disposal of transferred personal data. Violation of directives contained in the issuance may lead to sanctions.

Mustard Seed Holds Business & Tech Blogging Seminar for Bloggers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mustard Seed Systems Corporation recently invited business and technology bloggers to a Business & Tech Blogging Seminar on September 29, 2016 held at the Limbaga 77 Cafe & Restaurant located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

The seminar's guest speaker was Chay Lazaro, Creative Director for Gadgetmatch and a contributor for Rappler. She discussed techniques on blogging and gaining more followers for blogs.

It was a bit off since both online publications or media outfits do not consider themselves as blogs. But what separates  blogs from news, or reviews and features, sites? I believe there is a thin line already on how to make your site, whether it's a blog or anything else, as long as it's online, they would follow the same rules and principles just like any other site.

Since the main owner, Josh Villanueva, of Gadgetmatch also came from Rappler, we would see the reason why their site also gained momentum. I've been seeing Josh even at product launching and events outside the country, and though they reviews some gadgets on loan from the brands, Chay has revealed that they also pay for their own travel fares and some times also buy their own units too to passionately put content on their sites.

They also made extra efforts on their video productions since Gadgetmatch was originally known for their YouTube video channel. This is where Chay's strength comes in as she is the Creative Director of the team handling the "creative" requirements of the site. This includes making their videos memorable by being graphically pleasing and interesting enough.

UP ACES Proudly Presents Blackout 2016: Tidal Revelry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The University of the Philippines Association of Civil Engineering Students (UP ACES) is a non-stock, non-profit, duly recognized organization at the UP College of Engineering.

Established as the premier organization of the UP Institute of Civil Engineering in 1954, UP ACES continuously promotes academic excellence, professional growth and social awareness to its members and the community through its meaningful activities. The organization is one of the top organizations in the UP College of Engineering, producing distinguished alumni and garnering numerous achievements in the University. This October 21, UP ACES proudly presents one of the biggest college parties in the university – BLACKOUT. Now on its 7th year, BLACKOUT 2016 is themed Tidal Revelry and will be held in Le Reve Events Venue.

Mid-semester chill

Happening on a mid-semester, BLACKOUT aims to provide an opportunity for college students to take a well-deserved break from all the hustle and bustle of the university life. BLACKOUT will surely give students from all over the metro a night of unwinding and overloading fun they surely would not want to miss.

High-profile DJs and MC

Prepare yourself for the #Arrgasm-ic beats delivered by the one and only, DJ Arra Pascual.

Known as “Asia’s most dominant female DJ”, DJ Arra Pascual garnered the title by not only showcasing her exceptional talent in the Philippines, but also in other countries in Asia such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and India.

Free-flowing booze and drinking gimmicks

Raves are not complete without free-flowing booze served to the participants. What makes BLACKOUT a must-attend rave party is the free-flowing Bacardi booze everyone’s going to enjoy! BLACKOUT is one of the first college parties in the university to have free-flowing Bacardi. Not just that, BLACKOUT will also feature an Alcohall of Fame, an exciting drinking gimmick where people will drink their way to the Alcohall of Fame, and a Breezer pong game, as well. In this year’s Blackout, Bacardi will show the crowd that #ItsNotAPartyWithoutBacardi.

Benefit party

Nothing feels better than having fun for a cause. BLACKOUT aims to raise funds for a chosen charity and all of the event’s proceeds will go to this institution.

Ensnare your senses. Indulge in tidal revelry. Prepare to be blacked out.

Schedule/Venue

Le Reve Events Venue

 28 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila

October 21, 2016