Fortinet Introduces New Network Access Control Solution for IoT Security

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FortiNAC Provides Visibility and Control of IoT Devices and Automated Response to Threats, Controls Access at Scale in Multi-Vendor Environments

“Digital transformation brings a proliferation of unsecure IoT devices accessing the network, and with it, the increased risk of a security breach. FortiNAC allows organizations to identify every single device on the network and enables segmentation, giving each device access only to approved items. This functionality is delivered all within a solution that works with multi-vendor environments and an unlimited number of devices. FortiNAC stengthens the Fortinet Security Fabric for IoT deployments, delivering broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions across the entire attack surface.

In the world of IoT, FortiNAC answers the question ‘what’s on your network’ and then enables you to protect it.” - John Maddison, SVP of products and solutions at Fortinet

News Summary
Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, today announcedFortiNAC, a new network access control product line that delivers network segmentation and automated responses for IoT security.

• The massive rise of unsecure, headless IoT devices, including industrial and medical IoT, requires new tools for securing networks.
• Fortinet’s new FortiNAC product line delivers network access control to secure IoT environments and provides enhanced visibility, control and automated response capabilities.
• FortiNAC provides detailed profiling of each device on the network and enables granular network segmentation and automated responses for changes in device status or behavior. This ensures each device only has access to approved items on the network.

Unsecure IoT Devices are Leaving Organizations Vulnerable

The use of IoT devices is growing at a tremendous rate as organizations embrace digital transformation to enable better operational efficiency. According to Gartner, “Internet of Things endpoints will grow at a 32% CAGR from 2016 through 2021, reaching an installed base of 25.1 billion units.”¹ The sheer volume of devices—including IoT, corporate, and BYOD—seeking wired and wireless network access are exponentially enlarging the attack surface and raising internal provisioning, management and compliance costs. The responsibility of connecting and securing access has shifted from a network-led issue to a security-led issue and poses a challenge for organizations: security managers need to secure every single device every single time, while cybercriminals only need one open port, one compromised or unknown device or one uncontained threat to circumvent all of the effort going into securing the network.

FortiNAC Secures Networks Accessed by Unsecure Devices

Fortinet’s new network access controller, FortiNAC, diminishes the security risks associated with unsecured devices accessing the network by giving organizations total visibility of endpoints, users, trusted and untrusted devices and applications. Once visibility has been achieved, FortiNAC establishes dynamic controls that ensure that all devices, whether wired or wirelessly connected, are authenticated or authorized, and are subject to a context-driven policy that defines who, what, when and where connectivity is permitted. This ensures that only the appropriate people and devices can connect to and access appropriate applications, infrastructure and assets. Additionally, FortiNAC can enforce company policies on device patching and firmware version. FortiNAC also contains powerful network orchestration capabilities for delivering automated responses to identified threats and can perform threat containment in seconds, where a manual process could take days or weeks.

Networks are in constant flux, with new devices connecting and disconnecting; controlling the network by controlling access to any device seeking access is a key part for ensuring the integrity of a network. Such an approach—where no unknown devices ever gain access to the corporate infrastructure, permitted devices are automatically segmented based on policies and roles and connected devices that begin to violate profiles are immediately quarantined from the network—becomes the foundation for a comprehensive security posture. Furthermore, the FortiNAC network access control solution is cost-effective and highly scalable, extending visibility and protection to an unlimited number of devices and eliminating the need for deployment at every location of a multi-site installation.

NAC and IoT Security Solutions Bolster the Fortinet Security Fabric

With today’s news, Fortinet strengthens its Security Fabric by extending its ability to engage network devices beyond theFabric-Ready Partner Program to a wider multi-vendor environment, including third-party firewalls, switches, wireless access points and endpoints. FortiNAC is also integrated with the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall, FortiSwitch,FortiWLC Wireless Controllers, FortiSIEM and FortiAP to minimize the risk and impact of cyber threats and providebroader visibility and security for complex networks.

Supporting Quotes

“If you do not know about a device, there is no way to monitor and protect it. FortiNAC gives us a clear picture of the network and enables us to quickly find assets and shut down individual network ports. Adding this layer of visibility has helped us protect against data loss and ensure HIPAA compliance. I equate FortiNAC to having a lock on the doors and windows of your house. Without it, you are leaving your house wide open. We also no longer have to worry about lateral malware infections as we can just kill the port. Now, only authorized devices can connect to the network, and every port can be located and controlled.”

—Rob Fountaine, manager of information security at Atrius Health

“The network access control (NAC) market is seeing double digit growth in revenue, which is being driven by the need for device visibility in the network and concerns over IoT security. FortiNAC is a great enhancement to the Fortinet Security Fabric because it delivers an effective solution to IoT security risks and provides a compelling combination of multi-vendor support for enhanced detection and enforcement, as well as efficient and effective scalability for cost-effective deployment.”

—Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

Cusi Lauds Pilipinas Shell for Additional PUV Fuel Discount

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Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi’s efforts to work with oil industry players in coming up with measures to help curb inflation are paying off.

Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) may now enjoy an additional discount of 25 centavos (P0.25) per liter of diesel fuel at strategically located Shell retail stations. This development is an outcome of the 20 August meeting called by the Energy Secretary with oil companies to discuss ways to help unburden consumers amidst rising prices.

Said discount extended by Shell is over and above the Php 1 to 2 discount being availed by public utility vehicles under the Memorandum of Understanding of the DOE with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Petron Corporation and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., which was signed on 1 March 2018.

“We thank Pilipinas Shell for continuously supporting our efforts to fight inflation. As commodity prices continue to rise, finding immediate remedial measures to help our consumers is of utmost importance,” Sec. Cusi said.

The additional discount can be availed of in 446 Shell stations in areas with a high PUJ density. These stations are strategically located in Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

Sec. Cusi added that the DOE is hopeful that other oil companies will follow suit. “We will work together to find win-win solutions,” he said.

The DOE continues to assure the public that it will not waver in upholding consumer welfare, as well as in determining equitable solutions to address social challenges.

39th Grader’s Annual Convention: 60 Years of Service to God and Nation: Strengthening the Filipino Youth to Foster Social Transparency Towards Sustainable Development

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Do you feel it? The ber-months greet us hello as the Grader’s Season kicks in!

The Children’s Museum and Library, Inc. Junior Council - National Executive Board proudly presents the 39th Grader’s Annual Convention with the theme, "60 Years of Service to God and Nation: Strengthening the Filipino Youth to Foster Social Transparency towards Sustainable Development."

The CMLI Junior Council – National Executive Board (JC-NEB) 2018 Batch Salinlahi are calling on elementary students from both public and private schools to take part in this five-day convention composed of talks, competitions for excellence and entertainment, workshops, team building activities, and the organization’s trademark commission discussions.

Make your colors shine on September 12 to September 16, 2018 at the Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City.

The event will have a registration fee of P 6500.00 that is inclusive of the souvenir kit and food for the entire convention. Students may view the invitation package at tinyurl.com/GradersCon2018 and pre-register at tinyurl.com/GradersCon2018PreReg

For any inquiries or concerns, please contact Angel Faith L. Lucas, Assistant Secretary (0947-518-6020)or Luis Manuel A. Lim, Councilor (0999-889-4921).You may also contact us through the official email of CMLI: cmlijcneb2018@gmail.com. For more information and updates about the upcoming summit, you may visit CMLI’s Facebook page or follow CMLI’s Twitter account.

Don’t let the hot chocolate turn cold. See you soon, delegates!

Film on Child Punishment Wins Sine Kabataan Award

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A project for a Cinematography class under the Digital Filmmaking program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA) bagged the Special Jury Prize at the Sine Kabataan short film competition.

Director Jocelyn “Len” Frago received the award for her film Koleksyong Pamalo during the 2018 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) Gabi ng Pasasalamat held last August 19 at Whitespace, Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City.

Koleksyong Pamalo tells the story of a boy who collects all the memories of his mother’s different kinds of “pamalo.”

“I wanted to present what abuse is like at a young age in a darkly comical and colorful manner where you feel sympathetic and warm at the same time,” Frago explained.

Frago said that the innocence of a child plays a big factor in how we view children. The film, which she submitted as a project for her CINEMAT subject under Sir Danton Wieneke, deals with the questions "When does a child stop being a child?" and "When does a mother stop being a mother?"

Lorys Plaza at Ardinian "Jaq" Sanque won Best Short Film for Bato Bato Pik, which is about a young teenage girl faced with an untimely pregnancy. As she and her boyfriend contemplate the consequences and the effects of this problem in their young lives, their conversation suddenly leaves the fate of their unborn child to a game of chance.

Daniel Delgado and Tiara Angelica Nicolas received the Best Director prize for Masaya Ako, which tells the story of a boy who encounters many struggles in life, like bullying, his parent's separation and trouble in school, but he still forces a smile to get by each day.

Enalyn Legaspi's Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali brought home the Audience Choice Award. The short film is about three children who indulge in the nicest toys and tastiest food only to find out that everything turns out differently from what they are seeing.

Runner by Levi Jun Miscala got the #GlobeOfGood award for honoring the youth's representation of current social issues the young Filipino faces day-to-day. In the film, Boy, a fast runner, wants to continue his secondary education by becoming an athlete but his inauspicious boss obstructed his aspiration because he is the best drug runner.

The other Sine Kabataan finalists are Anonymous Student Vlog by Christian Babista, Bahay-bahayan by Brian Spencer Reyes and Isang Tula Para Sa Nawawala by Rod Singh. The short films were featured along with the PPP full-length film entries from August 15 to 21 in cinemas nationwide.

The Sine Kabataan films were judged by award-winning director Mikhail Red, producer Bianca Balbuena-Liew and actress Angeli Bayani.

Launched last year as one of the pet programs of then National Youth Commission Chair Ice Seguerra with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Sine Kabataan aims to provide a youth lens on youth issues that affect the sector.

Fortinet Signs Cyber Threat Information Sharing Agreement with IBM

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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 theFortinet 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.”

Scoot’s Refreshed Suite of Ancillary Products and Services Enhances Low-Cost Offering

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Since Scoot’s merger with Tigerair Singapore a year ago, the low-cost arm of the Singapore Airlines Group has not only expanded rapidly in terms of fleet and network, it has also invested heavily in taking on new digital innovations and developing products that better meet new travel trends, provide better value for its customers, and enhance the overall travel experience.

Scoot Insider – Member Portal

Scoot introduced its first-ever member portal, Scoot Insider, which offers member-only benefits and an improved experience on the FlyScoot website. These include a Welcome discount voucher, faster bookings, member-exclusive and first-dibs on promotions, and more!

Scoot Insiders have the ability to save key and frequently-used details for themselves and their travel companions, and these details will be pre-populated during future bookings, saving time and effort. They can also view upcoming and past trips at a glance, manage existing bookings and store credit card details for faster payments. Scoot Insiders are also subscribed to an exclusive newsletter on the latest happenings at Scoot and upcoming promotions, so they will never miss out on a good deal. For a start, Insiders will receive a 15% off Welcome Voucher upon successful registration, and a 15% off Birthday Voucher every year to celebrate their special day! Insiders with a KrisFlyer (the Singapore Airlines Group’s frequent flyer programme) account can sync both accounts and unlock the benefits of earning and using KrisFlyer miles.

Currently the Scoot Insider portal, which has approximately 230,000 members, is available in Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, India, Malaysia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Taiwan and Japan, and will be launched in Vietnam by the end of August.

Directly Earn and Redeem KrisFlyer Miles with Scoot

KrisFlyer members can now directly earn a mile for every dollar spent on fares and selected add-ons, such as baggage and meals, when booking their Scoot flights on the FlyScoot website. KrisFlyer miles can also be redeemed on Scoot fares, taxes and selected add-ons. Upon login on the FlyScoot website, KrisFlyer profiles will be pre-populated for flight bookings and users can view upcoming and past trips at a glance, manage existing bookings and store credit card details for faster payments. By end 2018, members will have the option to subscribe to the Scoot Insider newsletter for exclusive promotions, deals and news.  

• Earning Miles
  • KrisFlyer members earn one KrisFlyer mile per Singapore dollar spent on fares and selected add-ons on Scoot-only itineraries; or
  • earn up to 25% of actual mileage flown on the Scoot sector when travelling on mixed itineraries (e.g. Scoot-Singapore Airlines/SilkAir interline flights, codeshares, etc.), depending on the ticket fare class.

• Redeeming Miles
  • Members can redeem their KrisFlyer miles on fares, taxes and selected add-ons or mix their miles with cash.

This step forward in Scoot’s partnership with KrisFlyer signifies greater value for existing KrisFlyer members as they now have an additional option to redeem miles, from as low as 1,050 miles. What’s more, KrisFlyer members also get regular access to exclusive Scoot travel deals.

Automated, Faster, More Efficient Check-ins from Singapore

Since the introduction of Automatic Bag Drop (ABD) machines in July 2018, Scoot passengers departing from Singapore Changi Airport now have the option to experience end-to-end self-servicing at the airport for a faster, more streamlined check-in process for their flights. From collection of boarding passes and bag tags, to dropping off their checked luggage, customers can make use of the 24 self-service check-in kiosks (SSKs) and 8 ABD machines located at the Scoot check-in rows at Terminal 2.

More than half of Scoot’s customers now opt to use the SSKs, which allow check-in at their own convenience from 18 hours to 70 minutes before their scheduled flight departure.

Scoot Takes Care of Your e-Visa Needs

An electronic visa (e-visa) application platform has been integrated within the FlyScoot website to dynamically offer within the flight booking process, depending on customers’ nationality and booked destinations, any applicable e-visas and their costs. Customers can then apply for the e-visas on the spot, or any time after they make their booking. This saves travellers the hassle of having to identify whether they require a visa, and provides a streamlined, user-friendly option to conveniently take care of their travel requirements. Powered by online visa provider Oevisa, the service features a simple application form, fast approval typically within one to three business days, easy visa retrieval and dedicated 24-hour support on email, Live Chat, Whatsapp, WeChat, and Facebook Messenger.

Scoot’s e-visa application service has successfully processed almost 20,000 e-visas to date, most of which are for travel to Australia. It currently facilitates applications for e-visas to Australia, India, Malaysia, United States and Vietnam, and more e-visa types such as the Australian e600 Visitor Visa and other destinations will be progressively added. By end-2018, applicants will be able to choose expedited options for faster e-visa processing during their flight booking, and even apply for urgent e-visas during Web Check-in.

Current e-Visas available:

• Australia: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa
• India: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa & e-Medical Visa
• Malaysia: single-entry eVISA
• United States: ESTA
• Vietnam: Tourist eVisa

Scootsurance – Better Protection Tailored to Your Needs

Scoot has partnered AXA Travel Insurance to introduce Scootsurance, its new and comprehensive travel insurance that can be conveniently purchased anytime from the FlyScoot website, whether during or after flight booking. Designed to create better value and meet the needs of customers before, during and after their trip, Scootsurance aims to provide customers with hassle-free travel and peace of mind. Guests are covered via a comprehensive range of benefits – essential protection for trip interruptions and cancellations, travel delays and misconnections, medical arrangements, baggage losses, full terrorism cover, accidental death and permanent disablement, among others – as well as the following new and enhanced benefits:

• Emergency medical repatriation for travel back to one home’s country: On top of being evacuated to the nearest medical facility that can provide the treatment and care needed in the event of a medical emergency, the insured customer will also be transferred back home safely after his condition is stable.
• Hospital visitation benefit: Covers the travel and accommodation costs for a relative to visit and care for the insured customer during hospitalisation.
• Child care benefit: Covers the travel and accommodation costs for an adult to accompany the child(ren) home in the event an insured parent is hospitalised.
• Fast track claims service: Quick and hassle-free experience in the event of a claim, for claims of up to S$500 that fulfil the policy requirements.

Scootsurance is also distinguished by exclusive benefits for Scoot customers, such as inflight personal accident protection of up to S$25,000 while on Scoot flights, and reimbursement of a booking even if it was paid for with KrisFlyer miles, in the event that passengers are unable to travel.

Currently only available for guests purchasing their Scoot flights with Singapore as their first point of departure, Scootsurance will be made available progressively for departures from other countries and is targeted to complete by the first half of 2019.

Flexiroam – Seamless Inflight to Ground Connectivity

From enjoying inflight connectivity onboard selected Scoot flights, guests can now travel seamlessly across the Scoot network and stay connected without the hassle of switching out their SIM card. Guests with flight bookings made through the FlyScoot website or the Scoot mobile app can obtain a complimentary Flexiroam X Microchip[1] with 1GB of data that can be used in 64 Scoot destinations[2]. Attaching the microchip on top of the existing SIM card allows customers to switch between their existing network and Flexiroam’s and top up as needed to enjoy data in Flexiroam’s over 100 destinations. By end-2018, existing Flexiroam users will also be able to exchange Flexiroam X data for inflight Wi-Fi data sessions on selected Scoot flights operated on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, allowing them greater ease when transitioning from air to ground.

IPC Announces New Service to Boost Phl Health Sector

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Local cloud services pioneer IPC now offers Health Cloud, a new service aimed at helping the healthcare industry improve patient care and manage treatment.

Health Cloud is an app that’s designed to improve patient relationships by streamlining the health care workflow and providing customized care plans. This way, medical professionals can perform their functions smoothly as well as carry out utmost efficient care to each patient. It offers a plethora of functions that both medical professionals and patients can use to access health care data, ranging from the patient’s profile to the health care timeline and caregiver network. It also has a two-way messaging function that makes communication between users easier, on any channel and any device.

Health Cloud combines data from multiple sources ─ electronic medical records, medical devices, even wearables ─ into a single dashboard, thereby keeping all information about the patient in one place. This gives health workers a holistic view of the patient’s medical state and enhances their collaboration with other care providers. Consequently, it’s a technology that encourages intelligent care collaboration with features that help provide smarter care decisions, allow medical professionals to work together to extend faster service and provide early intervention.

“With Health Cloud, we are putting the patient first. By offering a tool that provides everything care providers need for the management and treatment of patients, they get to skip time-consuming processes and just focus on providing the necessary care the patient needs,” said Niño Valmonte, IPC Director for Marketing and Digital Innovation.

The app hosts services that turn data into actionable insights and help drive better outcomes for both healthcare providers and patients. It keeps data secure in the cloud through Shield, a tool that easily encrypts and proactively protects data against suspicious use. Every user of the Health Cloud app benefits from this by undergoing two-factor authentication and complying to rigorous log-in policies. The amount of information offered by the app to each user depends on the level of access granted by the app’s administrator, in order to keep sensitive information safe and secure.

Care providers who will benefit from the Health Cloud include caregivers, nurses, pharmacists, and doctors who are involved in the care and treatment of patients in hospitals, clinics, and other wellness centers. At the same time, it is a tool that centralizes stored information, making data accessible to the different branches or divisions of health institutions that avail the app, as appropriate.

With this app, both health professionals and patients are given a broad view of the individual care journey  from initial consultation to treatment, wellness and beyond.

Health Cloud was developed by Salesforce, one of the world’s top customer relationship management platforms. As its Gold Cloud Alliance partner, IPC is authorized to resell Salesforce products, as well as train and support Philippine-based clients on their usage 24/7.

To know more about the different services of IPC, visit http://ipc.ph/en/

DOE to Launch New Petroleum Contracting Program

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MEETING WITH TOTAL: The DOE Delegation meets with officials from oil firm TOTAL to provide technical updates on SC56 and promote the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program.

(L-R)  DOE-Energy Cooperation and Coordination Division Chief Lilian C. Fernandez; Total Philippines Gen. Manager Mark Been, DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau OIC-Dir. Melita V.  Obillo; Total E&P Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. VP for Exploration and Production Anne-Sophie Vervial; DOE-ASec. Caron Aicitel E. Lascano; Total E&P Australia, PNG and Philippines VP Marc Geniteau; DOE Dir. Cesar Dela Fuente; Rick Luis, DOE-Petroleum Resource Development Division (PRDD); TOTAL E&P Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Area Manager, Exploration AOC North Daniel Larranaga;  Mr. Demujin Antiporda (PRDD), Mr. Gilbert Calangi (PRDD); and TOTAL S.A. Petroleum Architect Rune Teigland

The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to launch the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) towards the beginning of November, as part of its efforts to aggressively pursue initiatives that will ensure the provision of affordable, reliable, modern, and sustainable energy and meet the growing energy demand of the country. 

“For an energy-secure future, the DOE is committed to pursue energy independence and sustainability through effective and reasonable development of all indigenous energy resources in the Philippines,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Sec. Cusi added that the increase in global exploration and development activities is a measure to cushion the transport and power sectors against the volatility of world market oil prices.

The PCECP is a new and transparent petroleum service contract awarding mechanism that allows the government to develop and utilize indigenous petroleum resources under a service contract with qualified local and international exploration companies. Under the PCECP, awarding of service contracts are conducted either through the competitive selection process or via nomination. The PCECP local road shows are scheduled to be held in Palawan on 20 September, Davao on 27 September and Zamboanga in October 2018.

Compared to its predecessor, the Philippine Energy Contracting Round, the PCECP would allow prospective contractors to nominate areas other than the 14 pre-determined areas (PDAs). The PDAs include one area in the Cagayan Basin, three in Eastern Palawan, three in Sulu, two in Agusan-Davao, one in Cotabato, and four in Western Luzon.

Interested parties must comply with the legal, financial and technical requirements, which include the proposed work program and economic development of the contract area. All accepted applications shall be evaluated by the DOE Centralized Review and Evaluation Committee based on the criteria, pursuant to Department Circular No. DC2017-12-0017.

To promote the PCECP, the DOE successfully kicked off an international road show on 31 August in Singapore, which coincided with the Asia-Pacific Scout Check Meeting and the South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Conference (SEAPEX). The DOE Delegation, led by Assistant Secretary Caron Aicitel E. Lascano, held one-on-one meetings with 18 petroleum exploration companies.

According to ASec. Lascano, there is considerably good investor interest in the Philippines as indicated by the meeting turnout and the expression of interest from the companies to nominate their prospective areas of interest.

The Delegation was also given the opportunity to present an overview of the PCECP during the SEAPEX Conference which was attended by major oil and gas professionals and investors operating in the region.

There are currently 22 active petroleum service contracts in the Philippines. Some of the DOE’s operator-partners include Shell Philippines Exploration, Total E&P, PNOC-EC, Nido Petroleum, Philodrill, PXP Energy and Galoc Production Company.

The Philippines is also home to the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, the largest and most successful natural gas industrial project in the country’s history.

OTHER PHOTOS:

PCECP OVERVIEW: DOE ASec. Caron Aicitel E. Lascano presents the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program during the South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society Conference held at the Orchard Hotel in Singapore on 31 August 2018.

COURTESY VISIT: The DOE Delegation calls on officials of the Embassy of the Philippines in the Republic of Singapore.

(L-R) Mr. J. Anthony A. Reyes, First Secretary and Consul, Philippine Embassy in Singapore; DOE Director Cesar G. dela Fuente; Ms. Cynthia B. Ricafort, Commercial Counsellor, Philippine Trade & Investment Center, Singapore; DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau OIC-Director Melita V. Obillo; Honorable Joseph Del Mar Yap, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore; DOE ASec. Caron Aicitel E. Lascano; DOE-Energy Cooperation and Coordination Division Chief Lilian C. Fernandez; Mr. Demujin Antiporda, DOE-Petroleum Resource Development Division (PRDD), Mr. Gilbert Calangi, DOE-PRDD and; Mr. Rick Luis (DOE-PRDD)