AgotoZ Technology expands to PH through PLDT Global Enterprise

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

AgotoZ Technology has partnered with PLDT Global Enterprise, the international business arm of PLDT Enterprise, to provide its network solutions to Chinese enterprises expanding in the Philippines.

AgotoZ Technology is one of the leading ICT solutions providers in China that delivers wide-ranging network access services for businesses across different industries.

PLDT Global Enterprise Asia Pacific Regional Head Jeff Mendoza said that the partnership allows AgotoZ Technology to leverage on PLDT’s ubiquitous international and domestic network facilities and ePLDT’s globally certified Data Centers. PLDT enables Agotoz’s cloud, cybersecurity and ICT service offerings to meet the technical requirements of their discerning customers.

“We are privileged to support the mandate of global technology companies like AgotoZ to expand into strong emerging markets like the Philippines and other global territories where we have established our points of presence. PLDT Global Enterprise equips our partners to swiftly adapt to the growing demand for reliable network resources while adhering to stringent standards of operational uptime,” Mendoza highlighted.

Through PLDT’s VITRO Data Center, the partnership provides AgotoZ Technology with services for local peering access, local and international internet access, and submarine sea cables.

Likewise, PLDT Global Enterprise is supporting AgotoZ Technology’s recently activated point of presence (PoP) with its slew of technological solutions such as its Philippines Internet Exchange (PHIX) facility, iGate which guarantees bandwidth for businesses, and International Private Leased Circuits (IPLC) for a seamless and point-to-point connectivity solution for enterprises.

Meanwhile, PLDT FVP & Enterprise Revenue Group Head Mitch Locsin expressed gratitude for the continuous confidence and trust of companies in PLDT Global Enterprise’s capability in supporting endeavors that offer enhanced connectivity beyond borders.

“We are thrilled to work with AgotoZ Technology in servicing their business partners in the Philippines. The ‘why’ behind our partnership matches up to the core of PLDT Enterprise, which is to leave a lasting positive impact on every single business in the Philippines—be foreign or local. We are looking forward to a successful venture with AgotoZ,” Locsin said.

“We believe that PLDT Global Enterprise is the right partner when it comes to top-notch communications infrastructure that can help us reach our clients in the Philippines. With PLDT Global Enterprise’s assistance, we are able to unlock new business opportunities as we reach and bring our services closer to our clients,” said Yu Xiaoxun, the CEO of Agotoz Technology.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com

Off the hook: a son from Romblon catches different ‘kind’ of fish from the waters of Odiongan

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Hopes are high for a son from Romblon who has already started working at the sea. But little did he know that he would be able to catch a different ‘kind’ of fish from the waters of Odiongan. After sailing in a rough sea, he is now ready to navigate towards his dream.

The family of Melvin Victoriano from Brgy. Pat-o, Odiongan, Romblon became a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2010. His father Marlon is a farmer and earns Php 2,000.00 every month while his mother Dina works as a full-time household helper and a part-time vendor with a Php 8,400.00 income. However, their combined income is not enough to support their three children who are all in school, especially Melvin’s sister Nadine who is now in college.

The children of Dina and Marlon perform very well at school, except Melvin. His grades were not that high as compared to Nadine. Later on, Dina found out that Melvin joins his friends at night to catch fish. This resulted to lack of sleep time thus he cannot focus on studying his lessons. “Sumasama sya sa mga barkada nanghuhuli sila ng isda sa gabi. Kaya siguro inaantok at tinatamad na pumasok sa paaralan”.


Catching ‘other’ fish in the sea

Melvin takes home Php 300.00 to Php 500.00 every night of fishing. Sometimes, he also receives fish in return for his services as a fishing crew. Until in 2016, he decided to stop attending school and work as a full-time fisherman. “Pinipilit ko pumasok pero ayaw talaga. Tinatamad na daw. Kahit pilitin ko, ayaw naman pumasok sa school”, said Dina. When the Pantawid staff learned about his decision, he was informed that instead of dropping out he can enroll in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program. “Pina-enroll ko si Melvin sa ALS noon pero hindi pa nakapagtapos ng ALS, balik nanaman sa trabaho. Kumikita na kasi sya ng pera kaya nawili na kasi nabibili nya mga gusto nya”, said Dina. According to the Pantawid staff, Melvin also claimed that his sister Nadine can perform better in school so it will be best if their income will just fully support her studies.

Since they only fish at night, Melvin also took a daytime part-time job in a Koprahan [coconut plantation], where, once in a while he earns Php 1,000.00 every harvest. When it is coconut off-season, he will then work as a rice field laborer where he gets Php 300.00 in a day of work.“Huminto po ako sa pag-aaral kasi gusto ko po tulungan ang mga magulang ko. Saka nakakabili na po kasi ako ng mga gusto ko, kaya hindi na rin po ako nag-aral. Si Ate nalang po”, shared Melvin when asked about his decision of not finishing his ALS program.

In 2019, the Pantawid Pamilya staff, with the help of partners, has provided several interventions to Melvin and his family. Together with Ms. Agnes Catipay from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Odiongan and Civil Society Organization partner iHelp, his family was visited in their house and have received counseling to reiterate the importance of education. The Pantawid Pamilya staff also worked closely with the ALS Coordinator to ensure that Melvin would regain his interest in attending school.

 

Navigating towards his dream

The same year in 2019, after the interventions were received, Melvin decided to go back to school. He admitted that aside from his willingness to continuously learn in school, he also thought of losing the conditional cash grants from the program as it will result in compromising the subsidy that helps his family.

To ensure that continuous guidance will be provided to Melvin, the ALS Coordinator regularly monitors him. He was even being visited every week to ensure that he understands his lessons and complies with his school requirements. “Sabi ko nga po, huwag lang palang mahihiyang humingi ng tulong kung kailangan”, said Dina, acknowledging the efforts and assistance of the people who have helped make Melvin realize the importance of finishing his education.

Melvin is now in Grade 11. Once he graduates in Senior High, he plans to take a technical course from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and pursue his interest in repairing electrical wirings. Melvin may have once lost his interest in school but along his journey, he was also able to catch another ‘kind of fish’ and that is his appreciation of the value of being in school. Realizing how important education is, perhaps, his biggest catch of all time. According to Melvin, education will serve as his boat in navigating the sea towards his dreams.

FDCP to Hold 5th International Film Industry Conference Online on Philippine Film Industry Month

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As September closes in, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) elevates its annual Film Industry Conference to International Film Industry Conference (IFIC) Online from September 16 to 19, with a month-long celebration and events lined up for the first celebration of Philippine Film Industry Month.

The 5th edition of the IFIC will continue to provide comprehensive knowledge to young filmmakers and enthusiasts as they bring together local and international experts in the industry as speakers and panelists in the series of public sessions and masterclasses.

The IFIC shifted online last year and had over 2,000 attendees throughout the event. This year, there will be free public sessions and masterclasses open to the public, both local and international.

“The success of last year’s Film Industry Conference indicates that even amidst the pandemic and the shift to online platforms, the passion to learn more about the different aspects of cinema is still present. Through its 5th edition, the International Film Industry Conference Online, we want to support aspiring and budding filmmakers from the Philippines and the rest of the world by providing lessons that would help them grow and develop in their filmmaking journey,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

Launched in 2017, IFIC creates a platform for aspiring Filipino filmmakers and film enthusiasts to further explore opportunities, challenges, and the new norms in the film industry during the global pandemic.

The IFIC will run in September, the declared Philippine Film Industry Month by President Rodrigo Duterte in Proclamation No. 1085, Series of 2021, alongside the other FDCP-organized programs, projects, and activities for the annual celebration.

For more upcoming information and updates on IFIC, follow the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IFICPHofficial/.

 

Film Development Council of the Philippines

Media Relations Unit

ADDRESS 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000

PHONE +63 2 82569958 loc. 100

E-MAIL mediadesk@fdcp.ph

WEB https://www.fdcp.ph/