Ph logistics and eCommerce fertile grounds for funding

The rise of eCommerce and logistics in the Philippines has provided a fertile ground for startup communities to usher in innovations within these sectors. 

The heightened focus of venture capitalists (VCs) and angel investors or funders has fueled a growing interest in recognizing the nurturing of promising products and ventures emerging from logistics and eCommerce.

According to Carlo Chen-Delantar of Pan-Asia VC, a Gobe-Core partner, in the areas of the Business-to-Customer (B2C) market, Filipino startups can develop products that could improve the services offered by logistic companies, riding on to the rapid growth of eCommerce. Despite its potential, only 23 percent of startups are going into the B2C market, Delantar said.

“As our funding landscape matures, we hope to see dramatic improvements in the Pre-Seed to Stage A Startups turnaround times,” said Delantar referring to the growth of startup communities in the Philippines attracting funders.

Delantar who was at the recently held “Geeks on A Beach” held in Panglao Island, Bohol stressed the importance of the Philippines’ startup community to leverage in the booming eCommerce and logistics sector.

He cited that the Philippines has the highest last-mile delivery rates in product deliveries. Notably, promotional campaigns, such as enticing offers for free shipping, have propelled the widespread adoption of eCommerce throughout the country.

Pinoy startups—the new age, a new generation of digital entrepreneurs should take advantage of this development, he reiterated.

During the pandemic over 10,000 micro-small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) transitioned to eCommerce, yet none of them so far became millionaires. Introducing good products to aid the growth of logistics and eCommerce is ripe, he added.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine eCommerce market could hit US$24 billion by 2025. The country is also poised to further eCommerce growth, with a projected annual increase of 15.8 percent in transaction value from 2022-2025.

By 2025, eCommerce transactions are estimated to reach P495.2 billion or US$9.7 billion, a substantial increase from the nearly P270 recorded in 2021.

Based on a report published by Ken Research, the logistics industry contributes 4 to 6 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Because of this, the Philippine logistics market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2 percent from 2022 to 2027, reaching a market size of P1.160 trillion by 2027.

Despite this progress, the sector still faces significant challenges that could impede its continuous growth. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the country must improve its infrastructure and technology adoption, especially in rural areas, to remain competitive in the global market. 

Movie Review | Plane (2023)

Gerard Butler at the center as Capt. Torrance

 The Plane movie synopsis:

In the white-knuckle action movie PLANE, pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island - only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye.

This movie has received a negative impact to one Senator in the Philippines saying that it has gotten the country into a bad light. As one of the southernmost islands of the country has been involved as one of the scenes in the movie. It has been personified like the real situation but the story is really fictional.

To understand better where the good Senator has gotten irate,  to watch it makes it a better ground to make a say.

This is not being a spoiler but the story goes like a pilot's responsibility over a plane and its passengers whenever it goes and not yet on their final destination. However, there are cases of force majeure or acts of god that may happen to an aircraft anywhere in the globe. In this fictional movie, it has arrived to the shores of the southernmost island wherein there are history of atrocities by bandits. True enough, a patriotic individual will react to it because the situation is not like that at all! Yet, going back to the movie, it is a fictional movie. The airline company is not even existing to my knowledge.

Capt. Torrance desperate to communicate

So, what happened? With the natural occurrences, there is emergency situation in a remote island. In times of emergency, everyone will really be so emotional and the only thing in mind will be survival. Survival in an area where many are clueless of... That is a natural inclination. Then, the captain of the aircraft takes responsibility of everybody since they are not yet in their destination. With challenges in communication, GPS and a lot more technical stuff, any signs of help are welcomed - it's just that not all are the good people around.

Challenges of the story

It is also a natural inclination to protect the people (in this case the passengers) to fight back. Hence, there are scenes of gunfire towards the bandits. Yes, no government force were in the scenario, it may be because as the scenario suggests, it is part of a remote island and communication has been disrupted. Hence, the captain is on his own contacting his mother company. Efforts were made and too fictional that rescue were able to arrive from the mother company not even lasting a day... The crisis has not even lasted a night...

Just like any other movies, there is a better situation ahead. The crisis ended with the aircraft escaping from the remote island on the same road it landed but not really an aircraft runway. Yet the aircraft has faced several gunshots too affecting some of its functions and will allow to fly only at lower altitude and hopefully to a better place. It did!

So there, it's not the whole of the movie but it was a great emergency scenario of pilots going towards pacific islands wherein weather conditions are challenging, geographical locations are not much known, etc... etc... However, this movie has also shed a good light of the Sulu Archipelago (part of the Philippines) that there is really a lot of potential tourism activity. It has shown white sand beaches!!! In fact, that's a fact! Many of those beaches are not much visited because of the bad imagery put in the islands even not from the movie. The scenario in the islands now is better compare to decades ago. Tourism activities will really be enjoyed and it is much safe now. During the production of this movie, it has even made an economic activity to the people. Who knows, more activities will be done to make the area known and be more progressive! Well, for me, that's the beauty of making a place a movie plot. It will open to more opportunities. There may be ironies shown in the movie, but it surely will create opportunities. I just hope that the Senator will see that angle of the movie as a former movie actor himself.

For me, as a nurse, living in Mindanao, the Plane movie is not putting the country in a bad light. It is creating a story of an emergency situation involving pilots and staff. Such scenes are not simple and very challenging knowing that passengers also have different background and personalities. The captain has enacted his role to fulfill. The movie has shown the biases of many people because of misinformation. A lot of angles that I have seen in the movie, perhaps an eye opener.

That's just my movie review and yours may be different. Every opinion is appreciated just be constructive. Thank you!

Thanks for dropping by my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Photo credits from the official website of the Plane.

Digital Lifestyle | mWell: The First Fully Integrated Health App in the Philippines!

Pasig, Philippines, 21st groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app at the forefront of innovation anchored on good health and well-being.

In an event dubbed as PH1 hosted by no less than beauty queen, TV personality and youth advocate Catriona Gray, mWell celebrated the many firsts in a little over a year of its pilot launch and announced other pioneering efforts that help redefine not only telemedicine but the entire healthcare landscape.

PH1 witnessed the full display of mWell app features that showcase its holistic approach to telemedicine—from doctor consultation, e-pharmacy, emergency services and home care—                     to fitness and nutrition programs. Beyond patient care, it has also designed a cutting edge Electronic Medical Records and clinic management system for partner-doctors.

MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan says, “Metro Pacific Group’s

mWell is the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app which brings together experts in technology, medicine, wellness, and healthcare in one sustainable living ecosystem. This high-performing platform gives access to quality healthcare and   empowers our countrymen to be in control of their health as they rebuild their lives coming out of the pandemic. We shall continue to set the standards in digital healthcare as we build a healthier nation and be recognized as the flag carrier for innovative digital healthcare in the Philippines.”

mWell’s many firsts include:

· First health app available globally to migrant workers/OFWs

· First to offer the most affordable telemedicine with free accident insurance package via the Healthsavers Plan

· First to launch the biggest nationwide digital medical mission with hundreds of volunteer doctors simultaneously providing free consultation all over the country through the National mWellness Day

· First to offer a wellness score developed by data scientists--the mWellness Score which measures physical activity, steps, and sleep

· First to provide a cutting-edge, full suite clinic management system designed by doctors for doctors—mWellMD

· First to provide a portable mobile digital clinic to remote communities in the country—mWell OnTheGo

“We are celebrating so many firsts through sheer dedication, passion and purpose. We were able to come up with these firsts in terms of product features, innovations not only for patients but also for doctors.  We believe that uplifting the lives of Filipinos is a prerequisite to national progress. That’s why mWell helps uplift lives by providing access to better health, which after all is a basic right. It is both a digital health service and an advocacy because at the heart of mWell firsts is our mission to bring healthcare closer to more Filipinos as we make health and wellness available and accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” says MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

The culture of innovation continues for mWell—not just as a super app but as a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem that truly responds to the needs of Filipinos. Another first to be launched soon is the mWell Wellness Wearable. This is designed to democratize and empower more Filipinos by making wellness wearables more affordable especially in regional areas. Using the mWell Wellness Wearable, anyone can easily and more accurately track steps, physical activity, and sleep time through the mWellness Score on their watch.  Soon they can even monitor temperature, oxygen level, heart rate and other vital signs that will make teleconsultation easier on the app. Another telemedicine innovation in the pipeline is the mWell kiosk to be used by local government units for their medical missions.

mWell is supported by top names in technology, wellness and healthcare including Microsoft,

Highly Succeed, Telus, Maya, Bayad, Aktivo, Active8me, Smart, PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, PLDT SME, PLDT Global, PSG Global Solutions, The Solution, Department of Migrant Workers

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Metro Pacific Health, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Gabay Guro, Gabay Kalusugan, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, PCCSC, MedExpress, Healthlink, Lifeline 16-911, PhilCare and Generali. 

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.

ABOUT mWell
mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare. As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

SAGIP for the Filipinos!!!

SAGIP Partylist

It is already the election season in the Philippines. One of the things that Filipinos vote for is a partylist that will represent a sector in the society. If you haven't yet think of which party to vote, perhaps you can consider SAGIP Partylist.

SAGIP or Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty Partylist is seeking for re-election in the House of Representatives in the Philippines. It is among the pro-poor parties in the Philippine Congress and they have been serving the Filipinos for almost a decade already. Sagip is "to rescue" in Filipino. The focus of the group is actually really to help or rescue those who are in need.

First Nominee, Cong. Caroline L. Tanchay

The party's first nominee is Cong. Caroline L. Tanchay who happens to be not coming from a family of politicians but a family of willing to help the society. SAGIP has helped in the education and health sector wherein they linked up with government agencies and concerned parties to make quality education and universal health care system accessible to the marginalized youth and women. Aside from that, they are working on the implementation of social development programs in its adopted communities with the help of its partner people's organizations.

True to their tagline: helping the lost, the last and the least; SAGIP Partylist always gives its best! There are a number of programs and projects that the party has initiated and implemented. One of the many, they have given medical assistance; they have assisted in giving TUPAD Emergency Employment; they have bridged for a number of Tech-Voc scholars; they have donated books to some schools and public libraries; they have helped capacitate communities to start a livelihood program, and many more.

If given another chance, the party wants to be felt more in many regions by putting up satellite offices where they can be easily reached. Aside from that, the party is in good hands with a pastor who can guide the group, together with a community of pastors, may blessings pour with them. Also, a medical doctor volunteers to help in the health related activities of the party.

There's really a lot of partylist that is on the list and only ONE will be chosen by each voter. Consider SAGIP Partylist and they will cater many those in need! Don't forget number 61!

Digital Lifestyle | Off-Grid Network Tech in Pilot Stage by Globe and Huawei

This is a very exciting development for me, yes, bringing the technology off-grid!!! As the Philippines really is an archipelago, there are a lot of places that are considered as Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). With Globe's partnership with Huawei Technologies, the off-grid network tech will created better connectivity with the rest of the communities in the country. Not only that the technology will be at GIDA but also to disaster-prone areas. That's really exciting!!! Plus, the technology used in here is a green technology.

To read the complete story, here it is:

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 #MWC22: Globe pilots off-grid network tech in remote, disaster-prone PH areas

Globe, in partnership with Huawei Technologies (HT), is piloting two off-grid green network technologies to bring connectivity to far-flung areas in the Philippines, its sustainability chief announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. The MWC is the world’s most influential event for the connectivity industry.

Aligned with the global consensus and mission to achieve Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius, Globe was invited to speak at the MWC Barcelona this year to talk about its efforts to halve its emissions by 2030, as well as achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050, anchored on the goal to create a low-carbon optical network.

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP Group Corporate Communications, made the announcement during her talk on “Building a Green, Low-Carbon Network” at the Global Digital Power forum, one of the main events at the MWC 2022.

“Today in the mobile world there is a different conversation and it's about power. As mobile operators, how we influence the power sector has become an important component of our business.   At this point, all of us that practice sustainability and care for our planet will have to count the kilowatts, not just the megabytes,” said Crisanto in her presentation.

In her talk, Crisanto shared Globe’s best practices on carbon reduction strategies.  She also highlighted the business value brought by digital and intelligent green technologies.

Globe is piloting a solar solution for rural areas with limited or no access to digital technology. This system is able to use six solar panels as power source and non-line-of-sight wireless backhaul technology via cellular relay to reach challenging terrains such as mountains and valleys.

“For off-grid communities, we need to serve them and connect them as well. So we are piloting off grid solutions using only solar energy,” Crisanto said.

Second is a hybrid power solution which includes solar panels to reduce carbon emissions from diesel fuel consumption and is targeted for deployment in off-grid sites and disaster-prone areas. This intelligent alternative solution provides reliable power supply using solar power as an initial source before shifting to diesel fuel.

“For disaster response, we need to harness solar before the gensets run on diesel fuel or even batteries,” said Crisanto, noting how carbon emissions rise during typhoons and other natural disasters when commercial power becomes unavailable for prolonged periods of time.

To further manage Globe’s climate impact, HT has introduced green technologies that can be implemented to help transform Globe’s cell sites, hubs, corporate offices, and data centers into low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission facilities.

The green technologies the company has integrated include fully modular designs for on-demand deployment and flexible expansion, intelligent power supply incorporating lithium-ion battery, digital components, real-time status visualization, and efficient systems maintenance.

Globe has also partnered with key industry experts to guide and support its Climate Action strategy. The company has started its decarbonization journey by shifting its high-energy utilization facilities to renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) bundled with Verified Emission Reduction (VER) certificates. Since 2014, it has also deployed fuel cell systems, direct current and DC-Hybrid generators, lithium-Ion batteries, and free cooling systems in its network.  

The Global Digital Power Forum at the MWC Barcelona was organized by Huawei Digital Power in collaboration with the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and Union Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF).

Globe is the first and only publicly-listed company in the Philippines committed to setting science-based targets aligned with the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global warming below catastrophic levels and achieve Net Zero GHG emissions.

It also joined Race to Zero, a UN-backed global campaign to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero-carbon world by 2050.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development, and UN SDG No. 13, which seeks urgent action against climate change and its impacts. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph. 

Digital Lifestyle | National mWELLness Day: A Virtual Medical Mission

There are still a lot of uncertainties going out from our own homes, especially that there are variants of concern of covid that we are currently experiencing, going to the clinics for consultation makes the people hesitant. Good thing that mWELL is now available to cater medical consultations with the use of a mobile application. Great to know that mWELL will have NATIONAL MWELLNESS DAY by the end of the month!

Here's a story about the National mWELLness Day:

mWell, PH’s First Fully-Integrated Health & Wellness App Rolls Out the first Nationwide Virtual Medical Mission

Makati, Philippines, August 6, 2021 - Better healthcare access for Filipinos becomes a reality as mWell, the country’s first fully integrated health & wellness mobile app by Metro Pacific Health Tech, makes history with the first and largest nationwide virtual medical mission in the Philippines - the National mWellness Day.

This two-day virtual event, an unprecedented first in the telehealth and healthcare industry, will be held on August 28-29, 2021. During the National mWellness Day, mWell app users anywhere in the country can avail of free online teleconsultations from a roster of specialized doctors including dermatologists, gastroenterologists, doctors of internal medicine, gynecologists, pediatrics, and psychiatrists, among others.

Doctor consultations are free of charge and booking fees are waived! mWell gives Filipinos a gift of wellness especially in this period of heightened restrictions, enabling users from all over the country to get much needed access to health professionals from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Aside from all-day video consultations with doctors, users can access fitness and nutrition program, wellness, and parenting solutions from pregnancy to family health management. The mWell app’s online health shop includes over three thousand health and wellness products SKU’s ranging from food, baby products, to skin and body care.

mWell is a high-performance mobile app backed by a powerhouse of top names in the healthcare, wellness and tech industries. CareSpan's Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools and data for mWell doctors and patients. LotusFlare’s multi-awarded cloud-native, IT digital enablement platform ensures a seamless, end-to-end customer experience. Ping An's healthcare technologies enables mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments. TELUS, world-leading communications technology company and Canada’s leader in digital health technology. Philcare, a pioneer in the HMO industry and leader in digital service. Keralty, offering integrated, high quality and cost-effective medical care, and Paymaya for secure, hassle-free payment transactions, to name a few.

mWell is calling all doctors nationwide to be part of the country’s first ever nationwide medical mission. By donating a few hours of their time on August 28-29, they can set up their virtual clinic on the mWell app and reach Filipinos who need them the most in these trying times. To be a volunteer doctor of the National mWellness Day, you may register through https://www.mwell.com.ph/partner-doctors

To be a part of mWell’s National mWellness Day, download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com.ph. 

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This is another bayanihan of Filipinos from the healthcare sector to help Filipinos maintain a better health, amidst the challenges. Hopefully, you guys can also download the application and have yourself checked virtually by our friendly doctors. See you on the National mWELLness Day!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Event | ABB Philippines' First Digital Summit to Address Infra Challenges

The First ABB Philippines Digital Summit is still ongoing from July 26-29, 2021. It is a great avenue to know about latest technologies that can be applied for an eco-friendly and with sustainable green technology infrastructures. It is a bit high technical on my part but it is really a great summit discussing the green infrastructure initiatives in the country. Also, happy to know that one of the newest private infrastructures in Davao City, the Damosa Diamond Tower by Damosa Land Inc., is among those infrastructures with eco-friendly and sustainable green technology.

So, here's more story of ABB PH First Digital Summit...

ABB Technology Can Help Address E-mobility Infra Challenges in PH

 

Manila, Philippines - Global technology leader ABB has the infrastructure to help the Philippines achieve its target of having electronic vehicles (EVs) account for 10 percent of road transport vehicles by 2040.

 

Department of Energy (DOE) Director for Energy Utilization and Management Bureau Patrick Aquino said support infrastructure is one of the challenges that they need to hurdle to realize this goal.

 

“Under the 2018-2040 Philippine Energy Plan, EVs are expected to account for 10 percent of road transport vehicles by 2040 in the clean energy scenario,” he said during the forum, “The Future of E-mobility Is Now”, which was held on the second day of the ABB Digital Summit.

 

Aquino was one of the resource speakers during the forum, along with Electronic Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) president Edmund Araga and ABB Product Marketing Specialist Engr. Ace Bisnar. ABB Asia Pacific Manager for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Kumail Rashid also joined the event during its question and answer segment.

ABB has been leading the way to a zero-emission mobility future. It has developed electrification solutions from EV chargers for the home to fast-charging roadside stations.

 

The company also offers electrical distribution solutions and battery energy storage systems -- infrastructure that are essential to enabling an e-mobility future.

 

Bisnar added that ABB can provide remote support to monitor EV chargers in different areas.

 

“It’s not just putting the EV charger on the area, but also making sure that it is working 100 percent,” he said.

 

The latest available data shows that the transition to EVs from conventional vehicles has been slow so far. Aquino shared that from 2010 to 2019, only 11,950 EVs were registered, accounting for a mere 0.09 percent of registered vehicles.

 

This is why organizations such as the EVAP are closely working with the government and other sectors to further e-mobility in the country.

 

“We never stop promoting, and continue sustaining its ground” Araga said during the Summit.

 

This is the first time that ABB Philippines has staged the ABB Digital Summit, a four-day online event that features global speakers from ABB, with special guest resource persons from different organizations and associations

 

The event, which runs from July 26-29, is being held by ABB in partnership with European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), Energy Managers Professionals Association in the Philippines (EMPAP), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE), Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) and Philippine Green Building Council (PGBC).

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I am looking forward for more projects, eco-friendly infrastructures and e-mobility technologies in the country. I am very glad to have attended this summit. I learned a lot!

Thank you very much for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Event | Hidilyn Diaz Bags the Philippines' First Gold Medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Photo credits to the Philippine Sports Commission

The elusive Olympic Gold Medal for the Philippines is now on hand for the first time! 

Hidilyn Diaz bags the first Olympic Gold Medal for the Philippines in the weightlifting event July 26, 2021. Tonight is also the first time that the Philippine national anthem is heard. She has lifted a total of 224kg, a kilogram more than the Chinese weightlifter. 

Hidilyn Diaz is among the Philippines' 19 athletes for this Tokyo 2020 (2021) Summer Olympics. More athletes are going to make their rounds of event and I am feeling of another gold in the coming days!

I wish all the athletes the best and make this year the best Olympics for the Filipino athletes!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Food | Enjoy Gourmet Bulad in Olive Oil by FarmHouse Cocina

Lapu-Lapu Bulad Flakes by FarmHouse Cocina

As a Filipino, bulad or dried fish is a very familiar dish. It may be among the Filipino food that can really make neighbors search for the source because of its obnoxious smell when being fried! I remember a channel member in my vlog JoyoftheWorld, she said that with air fryer, she is happy that she can cook dried fish! Yes, with the air fryer, the smell when frying bulad can be at least minimized to none.

Good thing, a good news!!! A friend from FarmHouse Cocina here in Davao City has a version of bulad in olive oil! A lapu-lapu bulad is used for the flakes soaked in olive oil. The bulad flakes has the smokiness that's essential for me especially talking about bulad. It has some spices, too, that's subtle and your palate can still enjoy eating the bulad. Plus, you will not need to fry it to enjoy! Simply, pour it on a bowl and serve. That's pretty easy, right? So, you have to prepare your rice because you can really enjoy its taste and quantity in every bottle.

Me and my parents really enjoyed the bulad of FarmHouse Cocina. It is a gourmet treat to every bulad lovers out there and I can say, everyone can enjoy this. Those curious can also enjoy this. It is also just right to those not much of spice lovers. Yes, another product from Davao City that I can say should be tried by our friends in here.

Thank you very much for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Digital Lifestyle | "PORT OUT, PORT IN" in the Philippines Underway on September 2021

Telecommunications Connectivity Incorporated (TCI) logo

The three (3) big telecommunications companies in the Philippines have collaborated to ensure the mobile network portability will be possible in the country. The long dream of having your mobile numbers permanent even you switch networks will happen very soon sometime in September 2021. With this recent development, hence, Telecommunications Connectivity Incorporated is formed.

Mobile Number Portability is not a new scheme in the world, it is available in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Soon, it will come to a reality in the Philippines, with the help of Syniverse as the technical support. "PORT OUT and PORT IN" will be a new practice among mobile telco subscribers, when they opt to change their network to transfer to another. Yes, it will encourage the telcos to be more competitive with their services so that it can entice subscribers to port in.

TCI expects around a million subscribers to have port out and port in transactions in its first year of operations, but who knows the real numbers yet as they are about to start by September 2021.

Good thing that to avail of the services for mobile number portability, it is free! The process will include that you ask a 9-digit Unique Subscriber Code (USC) from your current network and show it to your prospect new network. It will take 48 hours (that's fast!) so that the switch will happen. After opting to port out/port in, you will have to wait for another 60 days to avail port out/port in if you wish to switch again.

The good thing about the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) it is already a law under Republic Act 11202. Thus, to comply with it is a must. It will really give the Filipinos an option of which telco service provider they'll have to enjoy. With the port in and port out to networks, subscribers will enjoy the promos of respective networks: DITO, Globe and Smart. It can also be enjoyed a transfer of prepaid to postpaid, postpaid to prepaid, postpaid to postpaid and prepaid to prepaid. However, A FRIENDLY REMINDER, among the postpaid subscribers, it will be possible after completing the liabilities to the concurrent network.

This is indeed a gamechanger in the industry of telecommunications. As this will be realized, changing of numbers will be less and hopefully will also attribute to personal identification in the future in the Philippines. I wish the TCI all the best with this. As what TCI GM, Ms. Melanie Manuel have said, "IN UNITY, THERE IS CONNECTIVITY".

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Event | Athletes of the Philippines for the Tokyo 2020 (2021) Olympics!

Credits to Philippine Sports Commission

It is a very strong and promising roster of Filipino athletes for the Tokyo 2020 (2021) Olympics. A total of 19 athletes in 12 sport events will try to snatch the first gold medal for the Philippines. With the Olympics Opening Ceremony (July 23, 2021), it marks the start of the Olympics even in this trying times. Even with few spectators, the games will go on. 

Athletes and Sport Event:

Cris Nievarez (Rowing)

Nesthy Petecio (Boxing) 

Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics) 

Kurt Barbosa (Taekwondo) 

Irish Magno (Boxing) 

Jayson Valdez (Shooting)

Carlo Paalam (Boxing) 

Eumir Marcial (Boxing) 

Margielyn Didal (Skateboarding) 

Remedy Rule (Swimming) 

Hidilyn Diaz (Weightlifting) 

Kiyomi Watanabe (Judo)

Luke Gebbie (Swimming)

Elreen Ando (Weightlifting) 

Juvic Pagunsan (Golf) 

EJ Obiena (Athletics) 

Kristina Knott (Athletics) 

Yuka Saso (Golf) 

Bianca Pagdanganan (Golf)

We wish you all the best in your respective sport event! Go Team Philippines!!! Aim for the GOLD!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Public Service | National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Posts 87% Overall Accomplishment Rate

Even in the face of COVID-19, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has posted an 87% overall accomplishment rate for the first quarter of the year based on four key physical areas involved in addressing the cycle of poverty in the Philippines.

The commission has particularly excelled in the training of volunteers for the Ka-isa ng Sambayan Laban sa Kahirapan (Ka-sambayanihan) volunteer program, its partner in implementing and monitoring various anti-poverty initiatives at the grassroots level. Seven hundred eighty-nine people, 20 more than the initial target of 769, rated the training as “good” or “better,” for an achievement rate of 102.6 percent.

Recognizing that public consultations and multi-stakeholder dialogues are necessary to understand further issues affecting poverty alleviation, NAPC has organized 110 out of 132 target consultative and convergent platforms,  allowing it to reach 83.3 percent of its goal.

At the same time, it has prepared 24 out of 30 policy, plan, and program recommendations and delivered 2,518 out of 3,063 information pieces and advocacy events for 80 percent and 82.21 percent accomplishment rates, respectively.

“These were all made possible through the efforts of the different units of the agency working together with its partners: the basic sectors, the national government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders, towards the achievement of its goals and objectives,” said Atty. Noel K. Felongco, NAPC Secretary and Lead Convenor.

He added:  “I strongly believe that the success of our fight against poverty is tethered not only in the design and implementation of our programs and projects but most importantly in the unity among us and all of our stakeholders.”

The NAPC operates using the Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanihan as a guiding framework.  Sambayanihan lays down in detail the agency’s visions and targets for poverty reduction from 2019 to 2023 consistent with “AmBisyon Natin 2040,” the country’s picture of the future, and operationalized by the medium-term Philippine Development Plan,

The NAPC has adopted its thrusts of intensified policy advocacy and people’s participation based on a comprehensive view of poverty, towards the fulfillment of 10 basic needs, namely: Food and Land Reform, Water, Shelter,  Work,  Health, Education, Social Protection, Healthy Environment, Peace, and Participation.

Although the pandemic has had a significant impact on NAPCs programs, especially in monitoring and coordination, Felongco said that the staff and volunteers are still actively implementing projects for disadvantaged Filipinos. 

Among these initiatives are the Kasambayanihan Caravans aimed at bringing basic government services closer to remote provinces and the Paaralang Bayan Online. This weekly live stream provides information to volunteers and all sectors about government programs and initiatives against poverty. 

NAPC also coordinates with local governments and other national government agencies for the NAPC-PAGCOR Poverty Reduction through Rural Development (NAPC-PAGCOR PRRD) Projects, including integrated coconut production, the establishment of organic farming and trading posts, and other projects at selected sites in the country.

It has currently signed Memorandum of Agreements with 190 cities and municipalities, 7 provinces and 2 barangays. This will be added with more areas as more signing of MOA (virtual) will be conducted to help achieve the poverty reduction program targets.

To know more about NAPC, visit https://napc.gov.ph/. 

Digital Lifestyle | The Philippines Accelerating ICT Infrastructure Reaping Results

PLDT Fibr SpeedTest from Davao City

The Philippines is on track to make its ICT infrastructure to be at par with its neighboring countries in the ASEAN region. With the latest progress seen in the Ookla Speetest Global Index for the month of May 2021, the Philippines placed 77th (with 31.98 mbps speed on mobile data) out of 134 countries or 7 ranks higher than its previous month ranking. Also on the same month, out of 180 countries, the Philippines ranked 65th (with 58.73 mbps speed on fixed broad band) that is 15 ranks higher than its previous month ranking.

The ICT in the Philippines is really improving over the years. The infrastructure of communications is improving and the new telecommunications company is already making its rounds of expansion in the country, giving a great potential of faster services in many areas in the country. The improvement in the country is ongoing, Globe and Smart Networks are also continuing to beef up their existing network coverage with faster services. There are also other telecommunications players providing services that can also compete with the major telco players.

With the competitive infrastructure in place and ongoing expansion, the Philippines may be seen in the future as among the ICT hubs in the world. It will also invite many investors in the ICT industry to invest more in the Philippines with the skilled workers in the Philippines can also compete globally. Aside from that, many start ups will also increase as ICT is being harnessed to provide solutions using digital technologies in many day-to-day undertakings.

Hopefully, with this improvement and future of the country's ICT, it will also speed up digital technology literacy among Filipinos. There are ICT products that even using simple commands, many are still not able to get the feel of improved lifestyle brought by technologies. There are opportunities still not maximized. Yet, very hopeful in the coming years!

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Lifestyle | Essence of Independence Day: More Liberating, Getting Vaccinated

Schedule for the Vaccination

The Philippines has just celebrated its 123rd Independence Day from the colonization of the Spaniards. It is also more than a year, like the rest of the world, that we are experiencing a pandemic following minimum health safety protocols. I quite have felt the essence of the independence day as I have received my first jab of vaccine this month - indeed, it is liberating!

The past few months, staying at home, wearing of face mask and shield when going outside for errands, maintaining safe physical distance and constantly sanitizing or washing hands has been practiced. Not perfectly executed, though, but those are the practices that can somehow cut the cycle of infection talking about Covid-19. Honestly speaking, doing it is really boring... Especially, we, as human beings, really want to socialize; talk and touch with our families and friends. It is really hard to refrain doing the things that were used to do. It has also become a moment for persons like me who are extroverted introvert back to become introvert. Yeah, that's a bit hard. Somehow, the healthcare professional in me understands it very well as I also master about infection control, we just need to abide for now.

Even as a healthcare professional, with senior citizen parents, I have chosen to stay home with them. Yeah, the journey is not that productive and a clear manifestation that I have violated my own philosophy of keeping myself productive. Well, safety weighs heavier than the other things I have in mind. So, few months ago, I have tried to make myself more connected online - not for work really - but to divert my attention, keeping myself mentally active and maintain my sanity. I have very minimal revenue to zero but still paying out social securities and bills. Yeah, that is hard as I am just emptying my savings and a few to none revenue. I love to bake - that has been part of me after I ended my contract for an NGO work - somehow, my literal bread and butter. However, I  have to stop because I am afraid that my exposure outside the house will be a threat to my parents, especially that whenever I go out, my father usually drives the car for me. I also love to talk with peers, but talking has become an online thing. I also love to attend events for my blogging and also support my friends. Everything has been diverted to my YouTube Channel, JoyoftheWorld, luckily monetized along the way as I have maximized my time in the platform.

Yeah, to earn, in any way, is not very easy these days. Having a YouTube channel is not also an assurance that you will have a payday monthly. Everything will really depend on your channel activities and audience. Days of today are really rough but we have to go with the tide and eventually find an island of hope and opportunity.

Yes, I have found that hope with the vaccines coming in the Philippines, a country that is not producing vaccines and simply constantly negotiating to have supplies which the whole world needs. With the country having more than 100 million citizens, there is going to be a very long queue for the vaccination, but still there is a hope to be vaccinated. Then, more and more vaccine supplies arrive in the country with medical frontliners and senior citizens receiving jabs of vaccine first. Yes, with my family inclined as healthcare professionals, they too have been among the firsts being vaccinated; it has played as game-changer and something liberating that this episode in the world will end soon. Also, it has become another branch of approach to fight against the disease.

My senior parents with comorbidities have gotten their first dose of vaccine last May 2021. It has given me a sigh of relief that at last, the needed protection for them is already in them. So they just waited for their next schedule to be fully vaccinated. Luckily, few days after the independence day, they have gotten their second dose. They are now fully vaccinated!

Somehow, that moment has gotten me to wonder, when will I get my first dose? Yes, I am a healthcare professional but not a frontliner, part of a workforce who is not working... Oh dear God, am I going to be on the final leg of those who will be vaccinated? But, who would have thought that I will thank for being a person with bronchial asthma that can be triggered by cigarette smoke, smog (pollutants), and even pollens. Yes, too much exposure with my triggers will really make me sound like a newly born kitten.

I really took chances to be vaccinated through walk-in as I really am clueless how the prioritization will proceed. I have friends who have tried to walk-in on some vaccination sites and then accommodated. Oh bad luck on me, walk-in has become elusive for me, but I have gotten myself listed for scheduling in the coming days or weeks. 

Few days after listed, I have an overflowing joy after I have received a message about my schedule for vaccination. I will remember that day, June 8, my day of liberation from fear of when to get my vaccine. As a healthcare professional, I know how vaccines work and I am an advocate of vaccination that has followed certain steps of bureaucracy.

But... But... But...

Even after being vaccinated, we have to maintain our guards like the face masks and shields, practice washing of hands frequently, and safe physical distance. Only a few have been vaccinated, herd immunity has not been reached yet. So, when there is a supply of vaccines in your area, don't be that reluctant - it is a social responsibility to protect others because we are all suspect carriers.

I know that we have different perspectives talking about science of vaccines. For me, vaccines work and glad to have read about the Philippines has successfully ended polio again after re-emerging few years back. Yes, it will also do the same for this pandemic. Yes, I will really suggest that everyone should be educated about the vaccines and be vaccinated because for me, being vaccinated is really liberating!

Event & Lifestyle | Making Community Pantries More Sustainable in the Philippines

Community pantry concept in the Philippines sprouts like mushrooms because of the ongoing battle against hunger amongst unfortunate families. This is also spreading fast because there are areas in the country wherein continuous stricter community quarantine classification are being implemented. Many families are unable to sustain the need for food, thus the need for a more sustainable approach of the concept should be place to address the concern.

Here's a story from the Municipality of Valladolid, Negros Occidental through the National Anti-Poverty Commission:

Community vegetable and Peking duck farms: Valladolid’s long-term version of community pantries

While community pantries are sprouting like mushrooms all over the country this past few months, the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s Kasambayanihan volunteers in the coastal municipality of Valladolid, Negros Occidental have been quietly tending to their communal vegetable gardens and Peking duck farms to help alleviate hunger and provide livelihood to impoverished families.

 

One of these hardworking residents is Ernesto Araneta, coordinator of the Communal Vegetable Farm Project in Barangay Paloma created under the Poverty Reduction through Rural Development (PRRD) program of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

 

As a NAPC Ka-Sambayanihan volunteer, Ernesto leads the community in planting various vegetables such as lettuce, pechay, string beans, and alugbati from seeds provided by the Commission in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA).  The crops are grown organically through organic fertilizers and pesticides also supplied by NAPC.

 

Aside from harvesting for their personal consumption, the team is able to earn as much as P3,000 a week from the sale of their produce.

 

“Malaking tulong sa amin ang pagkakaroon ng communal garden.  Nakakapag harvest kami ng dalawang beses sa isang linggo.  Pinamahagi namin ito sa mga kasamahan namin sa Ka-sambayanihan para magkaroon sila ng kabuhayan,” he said.

 

Like Ernesto, David Rigonel, NAPC municipal focal person, is also helping Barangay Bayabas but this time, through Peking duck production.

 

 “Itong Peking duck ay nakita natin na hindi lamang itlog ang mapapakinabangan pati na rin ang karne. Simple itong alagaan.  Pabayaan lang silang umikot-ikot sa bakuran ng bawat benepisyaryo at bigyan ng tirang pagkain.  Siguradong mangingitlog na kaya walang masyadong gastos.  Pwede ring ipagbili ang karne dahil mahal ito,” David said.

 

NAPC provided the barangay with an initial 100 Peking ducks which the team is raising.  The target is to provide each family beneficiary at least 15 ducks to take care of in their own backyard for continuous production.

 

“We are pleased to see these community efforts taking off and this inspires us more to work harder in order to bring down the country’s poverty incidence, enhance food security, and strengthen rural-urban agro-economic value chains,” said NAPC Secretary and Lead Convenor Atty. Noel K. Felongco.

 

In 2019, Felongco and Valladolid Mayor Enrique Miravalles signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of a P3-million poverty alleviation project in the municipality.

 

The budget for the Integrated Community-Based Agricultural Production and Processing Facility includes P2 million for the construction of physical infrastructures and procurement of equipment, P500,000 for hauling support and provision for vehicles, and PHP500,000 for capital infusion relative to the conduct of livelihood projects.

 

Valladolid is one of the seven priority areas for the implementation of the PRRD prototype projects which include Majayjay, Laguna; Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya; Cebu City; Calbayog City, Samar; Talipao, Sulu; and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

 

Underprivileged families in the country most often live in rural areas with limited access to education, health, and roads and transportation to bring their produce to the market.  Many also live in conflict areas and places prone to natural disasters.

 

Thus, the NAPC has developed the Sambayanihan: Serbisyong Sambayanan, a five-year development framework from 2019-2023 to offer opportunities for people to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve a better life.

 

The framework provides guidance in carrying out a climate-responsive, culture- and gender-sensitive, and convergent and participatory anti-poverty strategy in response to the administration’s goal of bringing down the country’s poverty incidence from 21.6 % in 2015 to 14% by 2022.

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Indeed, such stories should be an inspiration to other areas in the country especially to some local governments, hopefully, they can replicate to address further poverty.

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