Get a Grip on Your Phone with PopSockets

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The hit mobile phone grip is now available in the Philippines.


The PopSockets Story

In 2010, Philosophy professor David Barnett had a problem: when getting his groove on listening to music on his phone, his earphones got tangled. In a moment of genius, he glued a button to the back of his phone to keep the cord neatly wrapped – this was the moment when the seed for PopSockets was planted. Fast forward to today, that simple button had expanded into a simple device that really did work great as a cord wrap, but also as a handy phone grip and a phone stand too.


So What’s A PopSockets Grip?

It’s that simple thing you never knew you needed but now can’t live without. PopSockets Grip offers a secure grip for texting or snapping that perfect selfie, and propping your phone up for catching the latest video. Double PopSockets Grips are great for competitive mobile gamers who want a solid grip on the base of their phone to put their twin thumbs into action. They are also a great tool to store untangled earphones by simply winding them over the knobs. With the PopSockets Mount, you can hang your phone just about anywhere. Your PopSockets Grip slides easily into the Mount for hands free function while driving, video chatting and more.

It may have started out of David’s garage but PopSockets soon became a commercial success. It is a huge hit with many fans including celebrities such as Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Fifth Harmony, Serena Williams, Gigi Hadid, Jared Leto and Michael Phelps. The company has sold over 35 million PopSockets Grips and Mounts in 2017 and is on track to double that number to 70 million this year, including its expansion into the Philippine market.


PopSockets are phone grips and stands that are collapsible, customizable, and re-positionable. PopSockets have over 100 designs priced at PHP 499 for the original designs, PHP 749 for the licensed designs (such as Harry Potter and Marvel) and the designs that are made of premium materials such as leather, metal and wood.

PopSockets Grips have over 100 various original designs priced at P499. It is also available in designs made with premium materials such as Vegan Leather, Metal and Real Wood for P749. Licensed designs from well-known franchises such as Harry Potter and Marvel, which will be available in the next coming months, are also priced at P749. PopSockets also offers combo pack comprised of 1 black PopSockets Grip and 1 mount for only P749. You can also purchase PopSockets Mounts on its own for P499.
PopSockets is now available at leading local retail stores Urbanize, Elecom, Bratpack and, Rustan’s Department Stores. For more information about PopSockets, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PopSockets.PH

EURO-II Option Enhances Competition Among Oil Players

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Department of Energy Secretary Afonso Cusi again clarified that the Department’s directive for oil companies to provide Euro-II compliant diesel fuel - is meant to provide a cheaper diesel alternative, particularly for those operating older vehicles in the public transport sector.

“The DOE is actively finding ways to help control inflation. Bringing in Euro-II compliant diesel fuel gives our countrymen an additional option. Euro-II diesel matches diesel engines without the catalytic converter. These are usually the 2015, 2014 and earlier models of vehicles,” Sec. Cusi said.

In particular, the Energy Chief said those owning older vehicle models from 2015 below, particularly in the transport sector, would benefit from additional savings that the Euro-II diesel fuel would provide.

“With rising prices, each centavo of savings counts,” Sec. Cusi noted.

To ensure proper implementation of the Energy Secretary’s directive, the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) required all oil companies to submit their respective implementation programs by the 24th of August 2018.

In their respective implementation plans, the oil companies are expected to indicate the participating retail outlets, the date of intended implementation and other related information for the provision of an additional diesel fuel alternative.

Likewise, the DOE assured consumers that it would continue the stringent monitoring of the quality of fuels being sold in the country.

"We empower our consumers when we give them the ability to choose. We are enhancing the competition among the suppliers. This is what the Euro-II diesel option is all about,” Sec. Cusi said.

Shopper's Guide To Buy Gifts For Dog Lovers

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Are you looking for gifts for a dog lover? If you know someone who is a true dog lover, then you must be aware how much fond of their dog they must be, right? How about making them feel special by gifting them something unique? Today, you get ample of options in dog gifts, both readily available in the market and on the Internet. Don’t worry, we will guide you with the best gift ideas for dog lovers.

Below are a few options to gift the dog lover. Let’s have a look!

Dog Pajamas

Breaking all the odds of traditional dog lover gifts, you can gift them with cute dog pajamas. Yes, you read it! You get a massive collection in dog pajamas these days online, all you need is to know is the right age of the dogs. Whether it is big or small dog pajamas, you can get all on the Internet. Imagine, how cute the dogs will look wearing them.


Dog Leashes

One useful gift, right? Gone are the days when only a plain colored leash was available for the dogs. Now, you can get dog leashes in stunning colors and designs. You can either gift a set of a few different colored leashes or gift only a single leash. The choice is yours!

Dog Treats

Food is what makes our dogs lively, right? What better than gifting a pack of dog treat? Not just the gift is used for the owner, but also make their dog happy. From Earth animal no-hide treat to all natural dog treats, you get everything online.

Dog Beds

Nothing better than a comforting bed, right? Well, the same goes for the dogs. They love to sleep in their sweet corner. Why not gift them a dog bed? This gift will add to their corner and will provide them with a sound and safe sleep.

Dog Toys

Another great idea for gifting the dog the lover is to gift toys for their dogs. Playful yet useful, isn’t it? Dogs love to play, whether it a squishy fun silicon toy or a simple soft tennis ball, your dog will enjoy the gift to the fullest. This gift will help the dog stay fit and healthy.

Dog Packs

Dog packs, sounds fascinating, right? Customize the pack and include all the dog essentials, toys, clothes, leashes, and other dog accessories. Make it a big pack and gift them. Simple wow! This is one of the best options if you are on a good budget and looking for something grand.

Dog Jewelry

Yes! You can get a wide array of options in dog lover jewelry. Gifting your friend with dog-shaped jewelry will surely bring a smile on their face. It’s unique and impressive, isn’t it?

So, what are you waiting for? Choose the best option and make purchases. You can easily buy all of these options at Koa’s House. They offer a lot of options in dogs and cats accessories. Visit their website to know more details. Choose wisely!

Fortinet Signs Cyber Threat Information Sharing Agreement with IBM

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Proactive Threat Sharing Collaboration toProvide Enhanced Protection for Customers

Fortinet, a global leader in broad, automated, and integrated cybersecurity solutions, today announced that Fortinet and IBM Security will collaborate through the bi-directional sharing of cyber threat information.

• The goal of the agreement is to proactively combat cyber threats and threats to privacy globally through the sharing of contextual threat information generated by the Fortinet FortiGuard Labs threat research team and IBM Security’s X-Force research team.

• IBM Security and Fortinet will directly collaborate through bi-directional sharing of threat intelligence using secure channels. Joint threat information sharing will deliver deep security research expertise and global threat intelligence for increased protection for the customers of each company.

• IBM Security and Fortinet global threat research teams monitor and analyze security threats from a variety of sources, providing valuable and near real-time threat intelligence. By integrating the threat intelligence feeds from each company, customers will now benefit from more thorough data being available.

Ongoing Cooperation Between Fortinet and IBM

While the agreement formalizes the cooperation between Fortinet and IBM Security in regards to threat information sharing, both organizations have already been working together in regards to comprehensive security protections.

IBM Security has been a Fortinet Fabric-Ready partner since 2017. Fortinet’s open approach extends the broad visibility, integrated threat prevention, and automated response of itsSecurity Fabric architecture through well-defined APIs to IBM for unified security management and security incident response.

In addition, Fortinet earlier this year announced collaboration with IBM on its IBM X-Force Threat Management Services. Working with IBM Security on X-Force Threat Management Services enables both organizations to further provide mutual customers with threat insight, attack detection and prevention, and an integrated defense-in-depth strategy designed to seamlessly span across an organization’s entire attack surface. 

Caleb Barlow, vice president threat intelligence, IBM Security

“By entering relationships with trusted partners like Fortinet, IBM is able to construct a clearer picture of the global threat landscape. Today, threat actors are highly skilled, organized, well-resourced and able to operate globally and swiftly. In order to defend effectively, we must operate with that same speed and develop informed, accurate counter-measures. The kind of collective defense we’ve formed with Fortinet helps IBM better protect clients and communities by equipping us with additional intelligence that enables us to respond to emerging threats more quickly, and more completely.” 

Phil Quade, chief information security officer, Fortinet

“Every organization faces evolving cyber threats, an expanding attack surface, and a growing cybersecurity skills shortage. Actionable intelligence with global visibility is important to enable these organizations to move from being reactive to proactive. You cannot protect or take action on what you cannot see, which is why threat information sharing between trusted industry partners is a vital part of helping businesses combat cyber threats globally.”

SBA Loans - What Are Their Functions and Objectives?

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You probably know how difficult to convince your bankers to sanction a business loan for your organization. Meeting the eligibility requirements, these lenders lay down for such funds is only the first step. After this, you have to fill up numbers of applications forms and provide adequate collateral. It is a time-consuming process. However, the government realizes the importance of entrepreneurship for the economies of their country. The establishment you operate in the market not only provides you with a livelihood. It also provides employment to the people you hire. This is the reason why the officials running have come up with small business administration loan schemes.

What is the function of Small Business Administration?

The Small Business Administration is a government agency in America which help entrepreneurs get the funds they need. It conducts its activities through a vast network of prominent financial institutions and private lenders. Its objective is to ensure that these business owners get the loans they require without any hassle. In addition to lending money, the officials of this organization also provide necessary support and education to such proprietors. They leave it up to the lenders to formulate their own eligibility criteria for providing such funds. However, they go to the extent of guaranteeing a small percentage of every loan such lenders give out. This minimizes their overall risk to a certain extent. This ensures the proper growth of various categories of small businesses in the economy.

The entrepreneurial loans which the Small Business Administration provide businessmen generally fall under the three categories:

SBA 7(a) Loans

If you opt to apply for such funds, you can get an up to $ 5.5 million. However, you need to repay this sum and the equivalent interest within a period of 7 years.

CDC/504 loans

You can use this loan to buy land for your business or new machinery to boost production. The amount you get under this scheme depends upon the nature of the asset you want to acquire.

SBA microloans

You have a great idea to fulfill a shortage in the market but no funds to finance your venture. In such a situation such a loan can help you to establish your start-up concern. You can get as much as $ 50,000 for your business. However, you need to repay this sum within a period of 6 years.

SBA loans do not have the same stringent eligibility requirements which banks lay down for sanctioning such funds. However, you need to:

Have a credit score of 620+;

Earn an income of $10,000 over and above annual revenues of your business; and

You should have two years of experience in operating your business unless it is a startup concern 

4 Key benefits of Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

Industry experts say entrepreneurs can enjoy the following four important advantages when opt to apply for SBA loans:

Comparatively low rates of interest

The interest rates banks charge for the loans they provide is an important concern for most entrepreneurs. They need cost-effective funds to operate their businesses. However, bank officials argue that their organizations need to earn adequate profits. This is why they charge a very high price for the funds they lend out to such proprietors. Prominent professionals from reliable organizations like say this is where SBA loans come into the picture. Depending upon the market conditions, the interest rate on SBA 7(a) Loan can be as low as 6.75%. This is an important fact which you cannot afford to ignore at any costs.


Capital availability

Getting bank officials to sanction a loan you need to operate your business can be a daunting task. They are generally reluctant to provide such funds to entrepreneurs especially those with a low credit score. They need to be absolutely sure they can get their money back with interest. This is why they lay down such stringent eligibility requirements. The situation becomes worse when the economy is reeling under a recession. No one has to explain this fact to you. Fortunately, opt to apply for SBA loans can help you out in such circumstances. You can borrow as much as $5.5 million for your business at a nominal rate of interest.


Repayment period and terms

You need to keep in mind a number of factors when you opt to take a loan from a bank. One of the most is the time period within which you have to repay this money. You need to utilize such funds to operate your business carefully. Otherwise, it could put a lot of stress on your organization's finances especially the cash flow position. This is something you do not want to do. However, SBA loans generally come with the longest repayments period and flexible terms. Opting for such funds can ease the pressure on your business finances. In some cases, you can repay the amount you borrow over a period of 25 years.


Down payments

It is not uncommon for your banker to ask you for a down payment or collateral. Only then will give you the money you need for your business. He/she may insist on laying down such a condition after examining your financial profile. He/she may even consider the purpose for which you will be using such money. Financial experts like nationaldebtrelief.com explain that SBA loans have the lowest down payments in the market. In some cases, you just have to pay only 10% of the amount you are asking for. In the case of a microloan, you do not have to pay anything at all.

The above four important advantages should convince you that it is worthwhile to opt for SBA loans. They are one of the most popular entrepreneurial loans in the market today. Opting to borrow such funds can do wonders for your business and the economy as a whole. Moreover, the money comes with a guarantee from the government to secure lenders of the risk they undertake. The officials ruling the country are willing to pay as much as 85% of the amount they lend out in case their borrowers’ default. This provides a win-win situation for everyone.

A Weekend of Thrilling E-Sports Action at Globe Conquerors Manila 2018

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Globe At Home kicks off FREE internet for League of Legends with HomeSurf promos

Thousands of gaming fanatics flocked to the Mall of Asia Arena last August 18-19 for the country's biggest League of Legends event, Globe Conquerors Manila 2018! Presented by Globe and Garena, the major esports tournament saw 8 teams from Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia battle it out to become the best team in Southeast Asia. Gamers were also treated to the new HomeSurf promo of free internet for gaming from Globe At Home!

Electrifying regional playoffs

Thai powerhouse team Ascension Gaming rose to the top with a perfect 6-0 record. Fresh off their win at the Garena Premier League 2018 Spring in March, they gained unbreakable momentum and crushed Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Hunters in the semifinals and fellow Thai team MEGA ESports in the finals. They won the grand prize of $100,000 plus the coveted spot at the League of Legends World Championship in Korea as the Southeast Asian representative.

"All in all, Globe Conquerors Manila 2018 was a major success. There was a great turnout from LoL fans, amazing performances from all of the teams including the celebrities, and a world-class production befitting a world-class game. Pinoy gaming fans can definitely expect a Globe Conquerors Manila 2019," said Jake San Diego, Globe Gaming Director.

Celebs compete for a cause

Fans didn't tune in just for the SEA playoffs, they also cheered for their favorite celebrities as they returned to the Rift for Celebrity Showmatch 3! Team Ruby was comprised of Pinoy crooner Christian Bautista, popular international gaming streamer Cowsep, comedian Empoy Marquez, gaming vlogger Ashley Gosiengfiao, and Fliptop rapper Sinio. On the other end, Team Sapphire consisted of Baste Duterte, teen heartthrob Jack Reid, rapper Shehyee, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, and model/actor Mikael Daez.

What set this year's Celebrity Showmatch apart from previous competitions was that they were playing for a cause, with event organizer Garena joining with the participating celebrity teams in contributing to the environmental group, Hineleban Foundation. Each champion, dragon, and baron take down adds P1,000, P5,000, and P10,000 respectively to the total donation pool. At the end, Team Ruby slayed their way to the top and a whopping P134,000 was raised for Hineleban.

"We are very thankful to Garena for supporting and highlighting our environmental sustainability policy through this exciting match. The generous cash donation will be used in planting 1,340 trees to save the country's primary rainforests in Bukidnon," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Free internet at home for gaming from Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi

Even after this weekend's thrilling Conquerors saga comes to an end, Globe continues to power its customers' gaming experience. With Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi, customers can enjoy FREE INTERNET for gaming apps like League of Legends and Arena of Valor with HomeSurf promos. They can access these games without having to worry about consuming their data allocation. All this for as low as P15!

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi is available at Globe Stores, 7 Eleven, Ministop, and Abenson stores for only P1,999. Enjoy internet access at home that's 2x faster, has 2x wider coverage and 2x stronger signal vs. MyFi.

This promo is also available for Homesurf15, Homesurf349, and HomeSurf599. For more information, visitbroadband.globe.com.ph/prepaid-wifi.

Stay updated on the latest gaming promos by following Globe on Facebook andTwitter.

Enjoy Every Moment of Life Without Losing Your True Self

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Life is short, time is fast. No replay. No rewind. – Unknown

Might be you have planned your retirement at the age of forty or somewhere near around that but we’re asking just a simple question from you if you are so sure about your age of forty then why you have bought an accidental life insurance? You might have planned a long list of adventures which you will enjoy after achieving that milestone but during the whole of this process, you have forgotten to feel the happiness of each moment.

Everyone says live each day of your life as it’s the last. But no one is going to share with you how? But don’t worry here we are going to share it.

To enjoy each and every moment of your life you must try to understand that happiness is not something that comes from the outside world, it is something which emerges from your soul, from your inner side. So the very first step is to feel the happiness in the inner world of yours. To feel the inner happiness, you must have to reconnect with yourself and for this, you must spare some time for you in the entire day which is known as the ‘me time’. You may spend this time in a garden, a short walk, on the roof of your house or somewhere else. Now the very first question that must be ignited in your mind is, what to do during this ‘me time’? We are going to share with you a number of things that you will find out that you should spare the entire day for yourself.




Some of the activities you must do in your me time are:

1.Meditate even just for the five minutes only but you must calm down your mind and thoughts at least once a day. If you do not know how to meditate then just close your eyes and have some deep breaths. Try to control your mind to get distracted and control your thoughts.

2.See good in everything happened with you. Have a feeling of the blessing even for the little things in your life. Feel blessed for having some great friends, having a child, the recent success, for your health and many other tiny things happening to you.

3.Write something positive each day even it is of 40-50 words. You may write down a small moment of your day like exchanging a smile with your co-worker, for being greeted by an unknown person or something like this. It will make you feel very content. Try to write down this right before your bed and see the magic of this with a peaceful sleep.

4.Forgive everyone at the end of the day. One of the greatest author Norman Vincent Peale wrote in his bestselling book The power of positive thinking pray for the best even for the persons who have not treated you well during the day or in your life. Carrying hatred for anyone is going to harm you itself.

5. The author of another bestselling book Who will cry when you die, Robin Sharma wrote: every day be nice to a stranger. This stranger may be the liftman of your apartment/ office, the watchman or your co-passenger. You cannot imagine, the inner happiness you will get by treating the strangers in this way. You can make their day and yours also.

These are some of the small moments which gives you inner happiness and will help you to enjoy every moment of your life without losing your true self. Preserve your identity during this entire journey and always carry a meek smile on your face because these little moments are not little at all. The more you will start enjoying these small moments, the more inner happiness will start to follow your soul, the happy soul!



Author Bio

Phrona Brown is the author of this article, and she is quite experienced in writing different categories like social media, Health, Lifestyle platforms for marketing or startup. She guide about promoting your business on social platforms. For more details please visit worldtopthing.com

MARINA Boosts Social Media Efforts, Capacitates Social Media Officers

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The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) boosts its social media efforts to generate public awareness on the agency’s programs for the development and promotion of the Philippine maritime industry.

“The role of social media is critical and vital to the MARINA’s mission to provide leadership in transforming the Philippines into a major maritime nation. I express my full support to the strategic communications campaign of MARINA. Through efficient dissemination of information, we will be able to build confidence and trust among our stakeholders,” Marina Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

The MARINA targets to integrate its public assistance services online by capacitating several staff with the necessary skills in handling social media pages. Hence, the staff, noted as social media representatives, underwent a workshop on August 16-17, 2018 in Manila.

In the said workshop, the participants were oriented on proper information dissemination and social media management. Aside from contributing to social media posts, they were also taught how to answer queries received via the MARINA’s official Facebook page.

Hence, through the said capacity-building activity, the dissemination and exchange of information between the MARINA and the public are expected to be faster, more convenient, and more efficient.

Recently, the MARINA has started strengthening its information dissemination to connect and cater to maritime stakeholders through its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

As part of its online campaign, the agency now regularly releases news, photo, and video updates documenting the projects and programs of MARINA regional offices and central office services, specifically on issues concerning maritime safety and security, shipping and ports industry, welfare of seafarers, maritime tourism, and good governance, among others.

Republic Cement Advocates for Stronger Women

 

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Leading construction solutions company Republic Cement not only innovates for stronger building structures but also advocates for stronger women

In a bid to give back and contribute to the society, leading construction-solutions company Republic Cement Services, Inc., spearheads a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events under their flagship theme: “Lusog Tibay”.This is part of their dedication to strengthen their partner communities toward building a stronger Republic.

For their latest initiative, Republic Cement Services, Inc.partnered with their ready-mix contractor Dee Concrete Inc. / Premier Ready-Mix, Inc. for the Lusog Tibay Women’s Health Day. The program focused on reproductive health for the women of Pinagbuhatan Pasig, the hometown of Dee Concrete.

“More than being a company that helps build strong and reliable structures, we want to build the nation one community at a time. We can start by empowering our citizens, especially the women that takes care of their families,” shared Nabil Francis, President of Republic Cement Services, Inc.

Held last August 2, 2018 at the Multi-purpose hall and livelihood center of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in Pasig, the program that ran from 7am to 4pm helped about 250 women beneficiaries from the low to middle-income bracket. Pinagbuhatan is the oldest and biggest barangay in Pasig. It has a population of over 170,000 and 55% of which are women.

Republic Cement Services, Inc.opted to raise awareness on crucial issues that affect the country. For instance, Cervical and Breast Cancers are some of the top killers in the Philippines while HIVis also fast-growing.TheDepartment of Health recently reported11,103 new cases of HIV in a span of one year, increasing the numbers to 19.85% from 2016 to 2017. In addition to these health challenges, Family Planning is another problem that the company deemed important to be addressed.

“During the event, we have found out that Cervical Cancer is really not well known in PH. One of our beneficiaries, an 18-year old mother of a 6-month old infant is not familiar with pap smear so she grabbed the opportunity to be screened for free. We are very glad to be of service,” said Ms. Elizabeth Dee, Vice President for Sales of Dee Concrete Inc. / Premier Ready-Mix, Inc.

Ms. Dee, officially opened the event through an inspiring message dedicated to all participants, “Kung semento ang nagpapatibay ng tahanan, ang pamilya ang nagpapatibay ng komunidad,” (If cement strengthens a home, a family is what strengthens a community.) she stressed.

Implementing partners of this CSR event are France-Philippines United Action (FPUA), the Foundation of the CCI France-Philippines; and Friendlycare Foundation.

FPUA was created by the CCI France-Philippines and the French Embassy in the Philippines in 2013 after typhoon Yolanda. Since then, FPUA help companies in developing impactful and sustainable CSR projects in the Philippines. Republic Cement and FPUA have been working together since the creation of the Foundation.

Friendlycare Foundation on the other hand, has been deliveringaffordable health services especially reproductive health focused on Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition and Family Planningsince 1999.

The CSR health mission was likewisesupported by Barangay Captain, MaricarAsilo-Vivero and previous mayor of Pasig Mrs. Maribel A. Eusebio.

Lectures on Family Planning, Cervical Cancer, HIV/STI were given by Friendlycare doctors. Philhealth member benefits were likewisediscussed during the event. Simultaneously, OB/GYN and family planning consultations and pap smear screening were offered.Pap smear is the most common procedure to screen cervical cancer.

Some attendees also won Republic Cement items on various games in the fun and informative program.

On Questions Concerning the Recovery and Clearing Operations of Disabled Xiamen Aircraft

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DOTr PRESS STATEMENT

21 August 2018

Recovering a disabled aircraft is far different from towing a bus or a car. There are technical protocols (ICAO standards) and intervening factors that all international airports observe in recovering a disabled aircraft.

In the case of the recent Xiamen incident, please note that in addition to its size and weight, there were also four (4) tons of unused fuel at the wings that are highly combustible, necessitating extra care to avoid fire or explosion. Apart from passengers, we also think about the safety of the rescuers. 

One false move, the plane might explode.

All procedures as written in our airport emergency plan on aircraft recovery were followed. Unfortunately, the aircraft straddled on very muddy terrain. Adding to the struggle is the uncooperative weather condition—strong winds, and heavy rains.

We had to bring in a high capacity telescopic crane(500t)-rented.

 

As to passengers, please note that airlines are the ones that control and manage the services they render to their passengers. 

The CAB and the MIAA have consistently reminded the airlines to observe the Air Passengers Bill of Rights, which the present administration, CAB/MIAA/CAAP, have improved and refined in the early days of their assumption to office.

All flight cancellations and delays announced by the airlines were echoed by the DOTr, MIAA, CAB, and CAAP in all available communications platforms. MIAA GM Ed Monreal, CAAP DG Jim Sydiongco, and CAB Officials made it a point to call for a presscon atleast six (6) times to explain to the media and the public what the scenario was, and to provide updates on the aircraft recovery and clearing operations.

Habang ang ilan, abala sa pagpuna, kami, abala sa pagta-trabaho.

 

MOVING FORWARD...

As DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said earlier, the Xiamen incident is an eye opener—a reminder for us to revisit the Air Passengers Bill of Rights (APBR), review the intervention protocols between the airlines and the airport authorities, recast our equipment inventory, enhance the training modules we do at the airport in cases of emergencies.

This is likewise a sign that we are correct in  aggressively pushing for the implementation of the DOTr aviation roadmap, which can be summarized into the following:

1. Improve the facilities and structures of existing gateways, such as in NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4;

2. Construct/establish other primary gateways (e.g. Bulacan and Sangley), which is now being prioritized;

3. Develop/improve/construct various regional/provincial airports (e.g. have all commercial airports night-rated, new airports have been given a facelift such as Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Tuguegarao, San Vicente, etc.; construction of new airports such as in Panglao and Bicol are ongoing, while construction of Bukidnon Airport shall start before the end of this year); and,

4. Establish air traffic control and management systems (We have already completed the CNS/ATM facility, which added 10 more air traffic radars from the existing 3 radars we had when we assumed office)

Again, we, at the DOTr regrets, and are saddened that the incident involving Xiamen Air happened. 

The men and women of MIAA and CAAP labored hard, in “bayanihan”, to solve the problem the best they can.

Also, contrary to intrigues some people are sowing, Secretary Tugade was on top of the situation, giving instructions and initiating coordination with all concerned agencies, and monitoring updates on the incident as early as 1:00AM of August 17. 

Ang pagkakaiba lang ni Sec. Tugade sa iba, hindi sya mahilig magpakuha sa camera habang nagta-trabaho sa mga ganitong uri ng sitwasyon.

The airlines were there in unison. Others offered to help, but, unfortunately, others opted to curse, accuse and malign.

Understandably, this incident has inspired several groups and personalities to give their two cents on the current situation of the NAIA. We appreciate the suggestions and ideas, even criticisms, as they were all being offered in light of a mutual desire to improve the state of air transport in the country.

However, in the meantime, we appeal to the public, and our fellow public servants in government, as well as those from the media and private sector, to work hand in hand with us in resolving this issue. Allow us to work first so that we can address the problem entirely. Accusing, sowing intrigues and maligning our offices and officials will not help at this time.

Thank you.