The Gonzaga Sisters sing the praises of water for health and beauty

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A lot of money is spent on cosmetics, facelifts and other so-called beauty solutions to achieve young skin and a smooth, glowing complexion. The same goes for fitness products, supplements, gym fees and equipment to possess a fit, healthy and ageless body.

But did you know that the simple, often costless solution to all those must-haves is just right under our noses? The answer is water.

If your skin is dry, dull and prone to getting wrinkles, maybe you’re just not drinking enough water. Besides changing weather conditions and environmental irritants, not drinking enough water can give you a dry complexion.

As we grow older, the skin slows its production of the substances that keep our faces hydrated. Hydration becomes more and more important to keep skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Hydrated skin does look more plump, healthy and youthful looking. And here’s the thing. Hydration also keeps skin from being oily. Did you know that dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate for the lack of inner moisture?

When it comes to health and fitness, water is the perfect solution as well. Water maintains our digestive, heart and lung functions, helps lubricate our joints, protects our tissues, regulates our body temperature and so much more.

Contrary to common impressions, drinking more water will reduce bloat and flush out toxins, minimizing the harmful results of salty foods and snacks.

Some studies say water also helps with weight loss. Drinking a glass of water before a meal can help decrease appetite, help with portion control, aid in food digestion and boost metabolism. If water is consumed instead of high-calorie drinks, it reduces calorie intake as well.

So how much water should you drink? Experts say eight glasses or two liters per day. But water requirements may differ based on age, environment and activity levels. The more active you are, the more water you should drink.

The Gonzaga Sisters, Toni and Alex, are certified water buffs, the reason why they were selected by Nature’s Spring Water to be their official icons. Alex takes two liters of water per day while Toni is meticulous about the water she drinks, making sure it’s always bottled water she’s taking “because it’s safe, it’s sealed and you can trust it”.

“I didn’t believe in hydration before, but now I do. I know how water flushes out all the toxins in your body that you get from whatever you eat or drink. I always feel good after drinking water. And I also drink water to lose weight. It helps me to stay regular and I noticed that my “puson” (belly) is trimmer when I take water instead of juices and sugary drinks,” says Alex.

“When you drink water, you’re moisturizing your body and your inner beauty. Your cells are given more life, and this helps you glow. When you’re clean from within, you glow,” adds Toni.




The dynamic sisters continue to make waves in whatever passion they pursue, their respective YouTube vlogs, among others, where they have millions of subscribers. Visit www.naturespring.com.ph for more hydration tips and subscribe to Nature's Spring newsletter to get 10% off on your first purchase.

Easy ways to take care of your body

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

We all have bodies and so, we must do all that we can to better take care of them. After all, we only have one, so do not mess it up. If you want to live for longer and live a happy and healthy life, you must pay attention to your body and treat it with love, affection, and care. So, if you are reading this article, then congratulations, you are one step closer to learning how to best take care of your body. 

Take care of your mind 

Our mind and bodies are inseparable and connected—you cannot have one without the other. So, if you want to best take care of your body, you must also take care of your mind. How does one take care of their mind? Well, this refers to actions taken to secure and maintain your mental health. There are many ways in which you can take care of your mental health, some of which are listed below: 

Spend some quality time with friends and family: social isolation can spark and negatively affect your mental health. So, it is best to try and avoid spending too much time alone. Humans are social creatures after all and so, it is important that we build and maintain relationships with others in order to keep us happy and healthy. So, if you notice feelings of depression or loneliness, reach out to somebody you trust, and speak and connect with them. Make sure you spend some time socializing and spending time with others.

Declutter your mind: having too much on your mind and many issues to worry about will undoubtedly have negative impacts on your mental health; as will living in an untidy, messy, and overcrowded space. If this applies to you then you should take the necessary actions to declutter the space you live in, in order to declutter your mind. One way in which you can do this is by investing in a company such as Storage Area, who can provide a place for all the possessions and belongings that you do not have space for. 

Avoid or at least reduce your consumption of alcohol and drugs. 

Get professional help if you need it—do not be afraid, there are people out there who can help you. 

Eat a healthy diet 

You will certainly have had this recited to you multiple times, but it still important to highlight and mention the importance of a healthy diet. If you want to truly take care of your body, you must make sure that the food that you are putting inside of it is nutritious and good for you. So, where you can, try to avoid eating unhealthy, non-nutritious junk food, and instead, opt for food items and beverages that will aid your body in its development and that will enable it to function at is peak. It is important to note that you do not have to eat a fully clean diet. While this is ideal, it may not be realistic for everyone. So, as a start, make a few simple healthy changes in your diet. 

Learn to Cook like Cibo’s Margarita Fores and Other Famous Chefs at La Germania’s Masterclass Series

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

There’s nothing like ordering takeout from your favorite restaurants and enjoying these meals from the comfort and safety of your home! But what if you could cook them yourself, and skip the hefty delivery fees and long waiting time?

To help you elevate your culinary skills and recreate dishes from your favorite restaurants, La Germania is hosting the Cooking with La Germania: Masterclass Series, a five-part installment of virtual cooking classes in partnership with your favorite chefs and celebrities.

During these online lessons, expert instructors will be present to guide you through the step-by-step process of how to cook their signature dishes from your favorite restaurants. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the chefs, who will be ready to assist you throughout the cooking process.

Among the stellar lineup is award-winning restaurateur and founder of Cibo, Margarita Forés. If you’re a fan of Cibo’s signature pasta, Penne al Telefono, you’re in luck! Chef Margarita will be sharing the recipe behind this beloved classic, and demonstrating the procedure behind it.

Can’t get enough of Italian food? Chef Lau of Chef Laudico Guevarra’s and OK Cafe will also be demonstrating how you can whip up a delicious and filling meal of Italian Style Meatballs for your next family gathering.

Joining them is Chef Lee Jose, who is the Executive Chef of none other than Yabu and Ippudo from the Standard Hospitality Group. Chef Lee will be teaching his special recipe for Okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese savory pancake, so you can bring a taste of Japan to your homes.

Taking fried chicken to the next level is Chef Kalel Chan, who will demonstrate how to make your own Chicken Namban. Chef Kalel is the Corporate Chef of the Raintree Group, which manages restaurants like Chelsea Kitchen.

Finally, celebrity mom Saab Magalona-Bacarro and her husband Jim Bacarro will tackle how to prepare Steak and Mashed Potatoes, which is the perfect recipe for your next date night.

 Join these famous foodies and learn how to wow your family, friends or significant other during your next get together! Classes are limited to 10-12 participants per class to ensure that each attendee receives the appropriate amount of guidance, except for Saab’s class which is open to the public! Aside from Saab, there is also a joining fee of Php 500 to take part in this exclusive masterclass. Interested participants may view more details and sign up through La Germania’s Facebook page.

 While it’s important to know how to cook delectable dishes, it’s equally important to use good quality kitchen equipment like La Germania. Built according to the highest European standards in terms of construction and design, La Germania appliances allow you to prepare restaurant-worthy dishes in an efficient and easy way. With guaranteed durability and superior quality, they’re a good investment for you to channel your inner chef, and unleash your kitchen genius.

La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. For more information on La Germania and its products, you may follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen and appliance brand.

ABOUT LA GERMANIA

Italian-heritage brand La Germania has been the preferred kitchen companion of Filipino homemakers for 53 years and counting. Its wide array of ovens, cooktops, and stoves is made of high-grade materials and designed to stand the test of time and extensive use. La Germania’s current line of products continues to serve the cooking needs and lifestyle of this generation and the next. To know more about La Germania and its products, visit www.lagermaniaph.com. The trusted kitchen partner of Filipinos also has its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Enjoy 50% off on 7-Eleven’s signature food products and on over 250 items this #711Day

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Celebrate 7-Eleven’s birthday sale with big discounts from July 7 to July 11

It hasn’t been an easy year for most of us, and so 7-Eleven is inviting all to celebrate every win, big and small, through #711Day, its annual birthday treat for customers! From July 7 to 11, 7-Eleven is slashing 50% off from the original price on over 250 of its signature food items, snacks, liquor, and groceries while other non-food items will also be at 50% off for one-day only on Sunday, July 11. Whether it’s your favorite snack, drink, or health and beauty must-have, expect to score a great deal on this week-long discount dash!

The convenience store giant is also offering a one-day only 50% off special for Crunch Time Carrier (buy 1, take 1 via Foodpanda), 7-Fresh Budget Siopao (from ₱32 to ₱16), and Big Bite Hotdogs (from Php ₱30 to ₱15), on July 11. Customers who will visit 7-Eleven stores during the week-long celebration can also enjoy the new flavors mushroom sisig and tuna pimiento from its Fresh Siopao menu and grab a P10 discount on all one-piece Crunch Time Chicken orders.

Just in time for the festivities, 7-Eleven is also launching their new coffee brand, City Cafe. Customers hankering for a caffeine fix can enjoy even bigger discount at 56% off on all small coffee cups and get it for only Php 11 from July 9 to 11.

7-Eleven’s implemented safety protocols will still be in place during the course of the week! Face masks and shields will be required for entry to stores, and there will be alcohol, sanitizers, and social distancing markers at each location. Contactless payments like the CLiQQ app or GCash are also highly encouraged.

With 7-Eleven’s pursuit of providing affordable and accessible goodies to all Filipinos, it’s no surprise then that they’ll also be celebrating a major milestone: Its 3000th store nationwide at Meycauayan, Bulacan!

Don’t miss out on 7-Eleven’s week-long celebration! Visit https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/whatsnew/7-eleven-day-2021/ for a list of the complete sale items available from July 7 to 11.

It hasn’t been an easy year for most of us, and so 7-Eleven is inviting all to celebrate every win, big and small, through #711Day, its annual birthday treat for customers with over 250 items at 50% off from July 7 to 11.

7-Eleven signature treats like Crunch Time Carrier is BUY ONE, TAKE ONE while Big Bite Hotdog and 7-Fresh Budget Siopao are at 50% off on July 11 only. Other crowd favorites Slurpee, Gulp, and Fundae are available at half the cost on July 7, 8, and 9 respectively. You can also grab a P10 discount on all one-piece Crunch Time Chicken orders during that week-long celebration.

From July 7 to 11, 7-Eleven is slashing 50% off from the original price on over 250 of its signature food items, snacks, liquor, and groceries while other non-food items will also be at 50% off for one-day only on Sunday, July 11.

Bea Alonzo and the Utang na Loob Culture in the Philippines

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

People bashing Bea Alonzo for transferring to another network shows how terrible the "utang na loob" culture/mindset here in the Philippines. Please, your disappointment wont pay her bills. STFU!

If you’re bitter when an artist transfers networks, you’re part of the problem why the PH entertainment industry doesn’t prosper that much in the global scene. If you support all Filipino talents regardless of networks, we’d be powerful. Crab mentality is a disease.

Hindi ba dapat sa network nagagalit kasi sila naman nagsula ng exclusive contracts eh. HAHAHA tapos naggayahan na to the point na nagka network war na. Kung freedom din naman pala bat di nalang ilaban na no to exclusives? Correct me po if I am wrong.

Mas malala pag nagtransfer from kabilang network todo bash pero pag papunta sa gusto nila ay super welcome.

And while Bea was on ABS-CBN, si Bea lang na nakinabang? Nagkapera rin ang ABS-CBN dahil sa kanya! Such a toxic Filipino culture!

Meanwhile sa Kdrama, ang mga actors at actress nila ay nakakalayang nakakagawa ng drama sa kung saan-saang channel then never silang nagrely sa mga loveteam as a result ayon milya milya ang layo ng mga shows at actor at actress nila sa atin.

Regardless of what mentality PH viewers have... parang sa PH lang may issue if an actor accepts projects from different media network, si Kim Seon Ho nga may variety show sa KBS, while Start Up is shown on tVn (1 example of many actors having multiple shows in diff network).

Unbothered nga po yung chairman ng ABS-CBN kasi it's part of the business talaga. Normal lang po sa kanila 'yon kaya di ko po gets bakit ang dami pong kumakahol na mas affected pa. Hihi. 

GMA Network has Bea Alonzo na and other Kapamilya artists. It’s about time to hire BETTER WRITERS!!! Can’t imagine Bea doing a show with ghosts wearing face shield. 

Since GMA has the money to sign John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo in their network, can they hire better writers too ?? it's hard to imagine John Lloyd and Bea, who are one of the top caliber actors of their generation, starring in a poorly written and directed teleserye.

Also, Kapuso artists, medyo manginginig na ko kung ako sa inyo. These artists from the other network are farrrrr better than you. Hahaha. Plus priority sila ngayon, so galingan din naman.

Goodluck sa homegrown artists ng GMA. Mapag-iiwanan na sila. Mas hindi na kikinang.

Puro kase loyal dito sa Pinas loyal sa network at loyal sa pulitika nakakaloka.

Plastic Smart Cities bootcamp Sprints kick off after selecting participating impact enterprises

 

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After undergoing a 60-day challenge to achieve milestones, five enterprises presented their accomplishments, challenges, learnings, and next steps to a selection panel last May 31. Panelists from xchange, Villgro Philippines, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, The Incubation Network, and makesense assessed the entrepreneurs’ progress, learning agility, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to determine which of the entrepreneurs would go through to the Sprints stage of bootcamp.

We are proud to announce that all five enterprises Ato Ani Biopack, AUDEO, Cloop, Nanolabs, and Salin PH will continue on for the next three months until August 2021. Ato Ani Biopack is developing packaging made from agricultural waste to replace single-use plastic packaging. AUDEO is creating a trading ecosystem for sustainable community projects, anchored on an ecobrick that is earth-friendly and budget-friendly. Cloop transforms and upcycles plastic waste into high value home and garden items. Nanolabs is a nanotechnology enterprise that is developing various nanotechnology applications with the use of plastic waste. Salin PH aims to reduce packaging waste by offering accessible and fair-priced refills for everyday products and providing SMEs with an easy to adopt system to transition to sustainable packaging materials. The founders and entrepreneurs that will go through the Sprints stage of bootcamp are Maria Wilvenna Anora of Ato Ani Biopack, Danielle Ralleca and Michael Garcia of AUDEO, Ric Alendayu and Alexis Glenn Espina of Cloop. Ryan Corpuz of Nanolabs, and Krishia Ellis, Donna Formalejo, and JM Dumdum of Salin PH.

According to Danielle Ralleca about the 60 Day Challenge, “Being a part of the xchange bootcamp has been a game changer for us. In the past 60 days we laid out a set plan with them, which has allowed us to rethink our business model and identify key factors we were unable to see before.” And from Ric Alindayu about the Sprints phase “We at Cloop are very honored to be part of the Sprint stage of the bootcamp. It has been a very meaningful 60 days and we can’t wait to achieve more in the next 90 days.”

The Sprints consist of 9 modules on innovation, systems thinking, the entrepreneurial mindset, strategy, marketing and communications, stakeholder management, behavioral change, the circular economy, gender, diversity, and inclusivity, the basics of doing business in the Philippines, finance and accounting, and designing a pilot. In addition to the masterclasses and workshops, each Sprint will have an ecosystem event. The first one was held on 8 June 2021. It was a webinar on An Ecosystem Approach to Solving for Plastic Waste - Perspectives from government, NGO, funding, and corporate sectors. The webinar brought different stakeholders together to start a conversation on what it will take to end plastic pollution. The speakers highlighted the different levers to address the plastic waste problem to spark ideas, questions, and actions around collaborating with other sectors.

Seeing the difference between two kinds of leaders

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"VP Leni" and "Duterte" are both trending, but... 

One is trending in the Philippines, is given due respect & credit to her position attached to her name & has less but mostly positive tweets

While the other is trending in Politics w/ only his surname & has more negative tweets.

It's a carrot and stick approach to solving vaccine hesitancy. VP Leni's carrot - inducing tricycle drivers to get vaccinated with free gas - easily beats Duterte's stick - threatening to arrest them and forcibly inject them. 

The difference of two leaders. VP Leni implements better ways to encourage more people to get the vaccine. And the other who only knows violence and to threaten. 

The opposite of Duterte's order to arrest people who refuse to be vaccinated at "saksakan ng bakuna sa pwet" is this positive approach of VP Leni. Sana naman alam na ng mga Pilipino kung ano ang tama at mali!

Personally, VP Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's partnership shows what politicians can do if they unite for the people.

I love how VP Leni is using all these trapos as floor mats and stepping on them to actually be able to help people.

TBH, sana i-ditch na 'yung branding na "opposition"—antagonistic at divisive. Mas magandang branding 'yung unity for the people.

Strategies and innovative ideas are different from threat and force, these in facts shows how VP Leni is able to manage critics and the COVID situation.

VP Leni set the bar so high. Definitely going to be so hard for the next VP to surpass what she has done & still doing to help us. Her motivations, ideas are always on point. 

She is the only VP in history who does not believe that she's only a SPARE TIRE. Walk the Talk. LEADER! While the other one is all badmouthing and threatening the people with force. That is the opposite of a leader.

Reminder lang: VP Leni isnt required by the Constitution to do anything except take over the presidency in case of Du30’s death, disability or resignation

So essentially, everything she does outside this function is already above and beyond her mandate.

VP Leni’s strength is not in her words. She is not a weakling just because she doesn’t go low.

Cussing is not strength.

VP Leni’s strength lies in her spine of steel. She stays upright despite everything thrown at her. She consistently sticks to who she is: A LEADER THAT CARES.

People like me want her to run. Hell, I want her to tell us na nga if she’s up for another fight with the monsters so I can fight with her, too. Satru, andami dapat ayusin. Even pera. Hindi naman kase biro ang kalaban. Puro aswang eh.

But it’s her call and we have to respect it.

Para ba siyang si Trese?  Tahimik, monotonous magsalita pero pag lumaban patay ang mga aswang.

Andaming aswang na kakalabanin ng tapat na lider. Anlala ng kasamaang pinalaganap ng kasalukuyang pinuno eh.

Kaway kaway doon sa mga opposition na ayaw kay VP kasi she seems "too nice". Time to let go of your patriarchal views of toughness and primacy on machismo. VP Leni is one tough cookie who has not crumbled despite all the shit thrown at her by this admin and her own "allies".

Your Favorite Superbook SuperGifts are Now Available on Shopee and Lazada!

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SuperNews for all Superbook fans!

Wondering where to get awesome Superbook merch? Your favorite Superbook goodies are now just a few clicks away on SuperGifts PH – the official distributor of Superbook items on Shopee and Lazada.

You can now get your hands on Superbook’s original DVD collection, coloring books, devotionals, bags, hoodies, and novelty items. You can also send them as gifts to your family and friends! Just visit SuperGifts PH on Shopee or Lazada and check out your desired goodies.

According to CBN Asia’s Chief Operating Officer John Valdes Tan, the faith-based organization has made SuperGifts available on the two e-commerce giants as they are now the “go-to” places for online shoppers. Likewise, the platforms open an opportunity for Superbook fans to support the ministry.

“It is now easier for Superbook fans to avail of merchandise and support the ministry. We are also excited to announce that we are producing exclusive Superbook merchandise that will only be available on the SuperGifts PH online store,” Tan said.

So whether you want to grow in faith, send encouraging gifts to your loved ones, or share God’s love to Filipino children by supporting Superbook, SuperGifts PH is your one-stop shop!



Visit SuperGifts PH on Shopee and Lazada and add your favorite Superbook items to your cart. For more information, contact (02) 8663-4700 or 0998-555-3577.

Inauguration of the upgraded Kalibo International Airport

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While comfort, improved mobility, and connectivity are expected as results of various development projects in Aklan, more employment and tourism opportunities will likewise flourish to boost economic activities in the province, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade said during the formal inauguration of the upgraded Kalibo International Airport (KIA) today, 04 June 2021.

Taking cue from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s marching order to make the lives of Filipinos comfortable and convenient, Sec. Tugade took the order to heart and went on to deliver the promises made since taking office in 2016.

“Una, malakas ang loob ko na tapusin itong airport na ‘to. Pangalawa, kasama ko ‘yung buong Aviation sector, at kasama ang CAAP, kami po ay naniniwala na malaki ang maitutulong nng proyektong ito, hindi lang sa larangan ng turismo, kundi sa paglago ng ekonomiya dito sa lugar ng Kalibo, Aklan,” Tugade stressed during the inauguration of the newly-improved and renovated gateway.

Tugade said that at least 280 workers were employed during the renovation of the Kalibo International Airport, adding that it will further trigger more employment opportunities as the improved airport becomes operational.

“In other words, this airport will serve as a trigger for employment not only at a time when construction was being done and being made, but also at a time when construction will be completed because it will become an employment generator,” Sec. Tugade pointed out.

Tugade also explained that the improved Kalibo International Airport will promote tourism as it will not only serve local tourists but will also welcome international visitors.

“Ang isang karagdagan dito ay ang turismo. Mapapalaganap at mapapalago ang turismo. Pero hindi lang po 'yan sa kapaligiran ng Aklan, hindi lang ‘ho papuntang Boracay, o sa ibang lugar sa ka-Bisayaan. Ito ‘ho ay magiging international gateway ‘pagkat ang airport na ito ay of international standard,” Sec. Tugade said.

Completed on 15 September 2020 amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the airport’s expanded 2,633.40 square-meter International Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) can now accommodate 406 passengers from its previous 344 passenger volume. Prior to the upgrade, the airport grounds covered only 1,584 square meters.

With the airport terminal’s expansion, queuing passengers are provided with a 126-square meter covered section outside the International PTB for weather protection. Ample space for the operation of Customs, Immigration, and Pre-Screening personnel, has been provided to eliminate long passenger queues.

Airline check-in counters have also been extended to 468-square meters from the previous 216-square meters. Similarly, the passenger pre-departure waiting area now covers 608.40-square meters with the 284.40-square meters added space.

Also repaired during the airport’s renovation phase was the over 4,000 square meters of dilapidated pavement, removing unexpected hazards to parking aircraft.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Captain Jim Sydiongco added that the airport's improvements and renovations also resolved issues such as extreme congestion, dilapidation, and lack of efficient facilities.

“Realizing that a long-term solution is needed to develop this aged structure, CAAP, with the staunch direction of DOTr, launched the project to rehabilitate KIA’s grandeur as a premier airport. Overall repair and restoration of KIA have improved and restored KIA’s look and facilities as a whole,” DG Sydiongco said.

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores and Kalibo Mayor Emerson Lachica thanked Sec. Tugade for his strong resolve in upgrading and renovating the airport, which they said were not done by previous administrations.

“The development of the Kalibo International Airport started in earnest. What you see now is the manifestation of the commitment of Secretary Tugade and the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to really put Kalibo on the map of the country, as the prime gateway for Boracay and the tourism industry of Aklan,” Gov. Miraflores said.

“One may think at this moment is hard to achieve, but this significant project is one of the trademark services of the Duterte administration,” Mayor Lachica, for his part, said.

PLDT Enterprise powers hotline and connectivity of Bamban, Tarlac

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Being the southernmost town in the province of Tarlac, the municipality of Bamban has long yearned for a solid internet backbone that will connect the mountainous region and bridge the digital divide among its citizens and constituents.

In his ninth and final term as the highest-ranking official in the municipality, Mayor Jose Antonio T. Feliciano shares that Bamban's dream of becoming a connected and digitally transformed town has finally come true—thanks to its newest partnership with PLDT Enterprise.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank PLDT for enabling our dream which has long been forgotten. It's my last term, my ninth year, and ngayon lang po natupad ang pangarap namin," Mayor Feliciano says.

As part of its ongoing efforts to equip local government units (LGU) with digital services especially during the global health crisis, PLDT Enterprise strengthens Bamban's communications and connectivity infrastructure that will allow the municipality to further improve its public services and governance.

Prior to the partnership, the LGU had to contend with stand-alone setups, with its different departments using various ISP providers without the help of an IT Department to manage and troubleshoot problems. As a result, inter-departmental communications and connectivity became difficult and unreliable, and LGU constituents had trouble accessing government offices and services.

"Before PLDT Enterprise and Smart, marami po kaming mga service provider pero hindi po ganun katatag ang binibigay na services. Now that we have changed the norm, that we have to digitize, I opted to have the framework and the backbone to be established in Bamban," Feliciano explains.

Today, PLDT Enterprise’s iGate Premium, SIP Trunks, and Cabling services are being installed to replace the old copper lines throughout the whole LGU communications network. And with a new IP PBX for voice communications, internal and external calls will be clearer and much easier. In addition, with PLDT Enterprise’s #myNumber service, a single public hotline number is expected to be announced soon to bring the LGU closer to the community. It can accept calls from both landline and cellular units without incurring additional costs for both the LGU and its constituents.

"With the fast and reliable services of PLDT and Smart, we could dream of things which are unprecedented. For example, with the dedicated phone number services could be given to our people 24/7. We would like to reach out all the individuals who would be needing our help and it will be very simple and easy for us to reach our countrymen," Feliciano adds.

PLDT’s fiber optic connection centralizes voice and data network through PLDT SIP Trunks and iGate Premium. The single hotline number assigned to Bamban, on the other hand, will benefit those in need of financial help or emergency assistance—even making reporting COVID-19 related cases much easier.

"With the health crisis we continue to face today, the role of the government becomes all the more significant for the citizens. And we're thankful for the trust given to us by the Municipality of Bamban, Tarlac mainly to serve their constituents better through a reliable internet connection and a centralized hotline number," says Vic Tria, PLDT FVP & Enterprise Revenue Group Head.

"Citizens who need financial help, emergency assistance, or those with health-related reports or inquiries can easily get in touch now with the municipality. These services are invaluable to the citizens right now. We are really thankful for the trust given to us by the Municipality of Bamban, Tarlac. We assure you of our unbreakable commitment to support your advocacies in order to be of service to your constituents," Tria adds.

With iGate Premium, Bamban’s network will have a dedicated high-speed internet connection that provides a high availability bandwidth to support their mission critical applications particularly in this time of the pandemic. It also enables them to properly manage and distribute their connection evenly per department to support their business needs, and leveraging the flexibility of an IP-based telephone system allows them to expand and use only what they need at a low cost.

Mayor Feliciano notes that with PLDT's digital backbone is in place, the municipality will be able to reach and help citizens especially those in the far flung areas of Tarlac. "We won't be stopping here. With the digital backbone here in the municipality, with the help of PLDT, we will be bringing the technology right to the doorsteps of my countrymen. We're glad that PLDT and Smart are always at our back." Feliciano concludes.

For more information on PLDT Enterprise, visit pldtenterprise.com.