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Palace calls for end to political bickering in deference to Sin's death
by Rodrigo S. Victoria

Tacloban City (24 June 2005) -- A truce for politicians to make further actions that would worsen the country's situation and unity of the people in the call of Malacañang to all Filipinos as a sign of respect and tribute to the death of Cardinal Jaime Sin, one of the greatest and influential spiritual leaders of the Roman Catholic church in the country.

The former Manila Archbishop who helped unseat two presidents in peaceful uprisings in the famous Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) died at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan due to multiple organ failure after a long struggle with kidney problems and diabetes at the age of 76.

In a statement from the palace as stated by Presidential Spokeperson Ignacio Bunye, the government urged all political leaders and their supporters to temporarily shelf their political leaders and their supporters to temporarily shelf their political diffences in tribute and respect to Cardinal Sin.

As a reminder to the Filipino people of the legacy left by Cardinal Sin to the restoration of democracy in the country, Secretary Bunye stated that the government hopes that his legacy will serve the nation well and that his death would also mark the realization and cooperatioon for this great country.

Likewise, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national mourning to last until Sin's burial on June 28 and ordered flags at all government buildings and installations flown at half-staff from sunrise of June 25 until sunset of June 28.

In the local scene, one of theparish priests in the Diocese of Naval soberly said that he could only hope that the death of Cardinal Sin will be the driving factor that will unite the nation and will stop the political bickering of our political leaders.

The priest added that our political leaders should not concentrate on ventilating trivial issues but rather do their homework in search for a better solution to the pressing situations faced by the country and its people at present.

Fr. Noel Gayrama, a Franciscan priest and presently a law student at the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), opines that accusations made by the opposition camp should be submitted in an appropriate court of law in order to prove the innocence or guilt of the accused rather than trial of the same through public opinion.

He added that the opposition should offer solutions to the problem that we have in our country rather than keep in criticizing the shortcomings of the government. (PIA)

"Safe Ka Ba?" launching marks July disaster consciousness month celebration

Iloilo City (24 June 2005) -- This coming July 8, RDCC VI will launch a communications campaign on disaster preparedness dubbed "Safe Ka Ba?" as one of the highlights of this year's July National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration.

Rosario Cabrera, Office of Civil Defense VI (OCD VI) Director and RDCC VI Vice Chair said "Safe Ka Ba?" is a Strategic Communications Plan that focuses on preparedness against natural hazards such as: typhoons that cause flooding and landslides; earthquake that cause collapsed buildings, homes and structures; volcanic eruptions that cause pyroclastic flows, ash fall, lahar and lava flows; and tsunamis that cause widespread destruction of coastal areas.

The campaign aims to enhance public awareness and greater understanding of hazards and specific vulnerabilities; institutionalize measures to mitigate hazards and prevent disaster by educating action agents and target population; generate optimum support for government through promotion of mechanisms for cooperation among stakeholders; and institutionalizing disaster management as a security enhancer and a nation building effort.

"Under the project, we shall utilize the tri-media and interpersonal communication in the delivery of messages to target audiences who are the Action Agents, consisting local government officials, government agencies/force providers, information workers/media and legislators; the Beneficiaries, who are primarily the general public both the highly vulnerable and less vulnerable groups; and the Supporters that consist the volunteer and donor groups", said Cabrera.

The mechanisms that will be used in delivering the message include primer, comics, posters, pamphlets, TV & Radio ads, print ads, messages in movie houses and inclusion of disaster preparedness in school curricula. Target venues will be schools, workplaces, government offices and buildings, churches, malls and community organizations.

Messages themes include "Detect, React & Evacuate" and "Be prepared. Don't Panic". Information campaign to be done annually during the dry season from January to May in preparation for the onset of the wet season when most weather related hazards occur.

Cabrera said this national public information plan is one of the 4-Point Action Plan finalized by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and was given go-signal by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for immediate adoption and execution.

The other three components of the said action plan include upgrading of PAGASA and PHILVOCS' forecasting capability, capacity-building for local government units particularly in identified vulnerable areas and mechanisms for government and private sector as partner in relief and rehabilitation.

The Disaster Month celebration will be capped, said Cabrera by a safety drill to be conducted particularly in schools in the region to test the knowledge and response of beneficiaries in terms of evacuating themselves to safer places in the eventuality of disaster or calamities. (PIA-6)

India's "godman" convicted of rape

Political Unrest in Venezuela

Integration of products, services key to tourism industry
by Minerva BC Newman

Cebu City (24 June 2005) -- Integration and consolidation of products, services and systems is the key to the country's tourism industry. This was the core message of Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano of the Department of Tourism, during the opening of the Regional Tourism Congress held today at the Cebu Grand Convention Center, Cebu City.

Secretary Durano said tourist arrivals in the country from Jan-May 2005 increased by 19% compared to the same period last year. "We are expecting a 3M tourist arrivals by the end of the year," Durano added.

Central Visayas has been described as a tourist destination and it is the core in the promotion and development of the Philippine tourism to the world. Its goal is to attract 5M tourists by 2010. However, there are still several things missing to build the country's capacity for tourists to stay and spend their money, Durano further said.

The DOT Secretary noted, he never found the Philippines a "hard sell" except that most tourists found it difficult to avail of the various products and services that they need while they are in country. The Philippines, it seems is lacking in capacity and quality of experience to deal with the influx of tourists compared to the other Asian countries.

He explained that the country still lacks information, transportation, hotel capacity and systems to attract tourists to come and stay in the country. He said, it is more expensive to operate and maintain a hotel in the Philippines than in other countries in Asia where they spend millions to develop a tourism estate zone where players and investors can do business and put up facilities at minimum infrastructure spending.

Durano went to say that in other countries efficiency, comfort, and convenience in information, transportation, accommodation and other services are integrated and consolidated in a tourism estate zone where everything are located within distance from the airport, malls, banks and entertainment areas.

"We have made policy adjustments to attract more tourists to the country through TV promotional advertisements in China, Korea and in Japan and we offer visa upon arrival of these tourists to the country. We have seen the fruits of these policies through the increased arrivals of Chinese visitors at 105 percent, Korea at 41 percent and Japan at 11 percent." The DOT Secretary reported.

He then called on major tourism players and investors to integrate and consolidate land holdings for the establishments of Tourism Estate Zones in various parts of the country for the development of a vibrant tourism industry.

The responsibility of the Dept. of Tourism is to simplify processes in all activities and investments that are geared towards integration and consolidation of tourism programs into one wholesome package that would put the Central Visayas, or Cebu for that matter as a "brand in the global tourism market, Secretary Durano concluded. (PIA-Cebu)

RKCG to assess member accomplishments
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (24 June 2005) -- In line with the government's thrust of alleviating poverty and providing a better life to every Filipino, the Human Development and Social Services and Protection Cluster of the Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG) is set to assess the commitments made by its members to KALAHI areas of the region last year.

The developmental interventions delivered to the 65 prioritized barangays of Caraga will also be discussed in the meeting set on June 28, 2005 at 8:00 am at the Philippine National Police Regional Office 13 Conference Room.

The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) is the over-arching poverty alleviation program of Pres. Arroyo. It is a focused, accelerated, convergent, and expanded, and strategic effort to reduce poverty of her administration. President Arroyo institutionalized KALAHI as the government's program for poverty reduction through Memorandum Circular No. 33 issued on November 28, 2002.

As part of the continuing advocacy of KALAHI, a regional mobile tarpaulin info exhibit of BEAT THE ODDS - the 10-point legacy agenda of Pres. Arroyo is now on display at the Agusan del Norte provincial capitol following its 10-day display at the People's Hall in Butuan City. (PIA AMO-13)

PGMA names Senga as next AFP Chief but delays command turnover until August

Butuan City (24 June 2005) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named Philippine Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga as the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff but outgoing AFP chief, Gen. Efren Abu will momentarily remain in office.
Gen. Abu is supposed to retire from office but Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye, in a statement today, said Abu "will continue to serve as AFP Chief of Staff in the meantime to ensure smooth transition of military leadership."

Abu reached his mandatory retirement age of 55 today, June 24.
Bunye, who is also the Presidential Spokesman, said Senga will assume the top AFP post effective August of this year, while Army Special Operations Group commander, Maj. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, will take over Senga's post as Philippine Army commanding general. (PIA)

DENR-Caraga spearheads Arbor Day tree planting
by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (24 June 2005) -- "Increasing the number of trees means increasing our forest cover and by doing so, we enhance our environment to be a better place to live in. Let's all plant trees. Join us!", Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Executive Director Benjamin Tumaliuan urged as he invited stakeholders in the private and public sectors to the launching of Kinamlutan Agroforestry and Eco-tourism Project (KAEP) at Sitio Dumayokdok, Brgy. Kinamlutan, this city tomorrow, Saturday, June 25.

The activity is in line with the celebration of the National Arbor Day, an annual national celebration done every 25th day of June to give importance to the roles of trees in our environment and economy. The activity is aimed to enhance President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's efforts to improve the life of farmers and provide them opportunities to increase their income through environment-friendly activities.

The launching will be highlighted with a tree planting activity at 6:00 a.m. along the proposed eco-tourism site/trekking area of KAEP, overlooking the city. A short program and rapelling adventure will immediately follow. Further, a trade fair featuring products of Brgy. Kinamlutan will also be on sale through the efforts of People's Organization of Kinamlutan Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Aside from RED Tumaliuan, Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II will also deliver a message and take part in the early morning activities. Certificates of recognition will be presented to sponsors of the undertaking. (PIA AMO-Caraga)

Fearless forecast: July is "Blood" Month
by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (24 June 2005) -- "It's going to be one 'bloody' month this July!"

To strengthen collaboration and increase awareness on the importance of blood donation, July was declared as Blood Donor's Month pursuant to Republic Act 7719 otherwise known as "Blood Services Act of 1994". This month long celebration is spearheaded by the Department of Health in partnership with the Local Government Units, Philippine National Red Cross, Regional Blood Coordinating Council and other significant stakeholders.

This year's theme is "Celebrating your gift of blood… be one of us, donate blood". The celebration aims to gain support from the LGUs, PNRC, allied medical staff, the voluntary blood donors and other stakeholders.

The Blood Donor's Month is celebrated nationwide to honor and give recognition to people who donated their precious and life-saving blood voluntarily without any monetary consideration in order to give the most valuable gift of all - to save someone's life.

Accordingly, the main purpose of the celebration is not to attract huge number of voluntary blood donors, but rather to create wider awareness on the importance of voluntary unpaid blood donation and encourage more people to become regular donors. It aims to have a supply of safe blood for use wherever and whenever it is needed to save lives.

In Caraga, to commemorate this month long activity, DOH has lined up several activities. These include radio and television guestings, hanging of streamers, and jingle making contest. The Health Department will also conduct a Mass Blood Donation Showcase and Regional Sandugo Awarding Rites. Voluntary blood donors who have donated at least 9 gallons and more of blood will be the recipient of the Sandugo award. (PIA AMO-13)

NSO-Caraga orients stakeholders on civil registration
by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (24 June 2005) -- National Statistics Office (NSO)-Caraga announced its client service-oriented program in support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's electronic governance. Dubbed as "Census Serbilis Center Services", it seeks to fast track the processing of any transactions in Civil Registration thru the use of computers. With this program, a certain transaction will be processed in just 30 minutes compared to the previous that runs 10 to 15 days. NSO-Caraga Regional Director Victor Baugbog announced that this service is now available to all its clients here in Caraga, during the recent conduct of a one-day forum on Civil Registration here.

Director Baugbog also enjoined the participants to the forum that as stakeholders, they must be updated on the latest developments in Civil Registration.

"Civil Registration is a continuous, permanent, and compulsory recording of vital events occurring in the life of an individual such as birth, marriage, and death, as well as all court decrees, and legal instruments affecting his civil status in appropriate registers as mandated by Act No. 3753, the Civil Registry Law", Baugbog emphasized.

As to the uses of the Civil Registry documents, Baugbog said that these records establish the occurrence of birth, death, or marriage, and therefore provide prima facie evidence of facts surrounding these events. These also provide data on the number of births, deaths, marriages, fetal deaths, adoptions, and the like, which in turn are essential in development planning. He also explained the rules and regulations governing registration of acts and events concerning civil status of Indigenous People as contained in Administrative Order No. 2004-03.

Several laws governing civil registration were further explained by resource persons, after which an open forum followed to clear up issues not adequately understood by those in attendance.

The Birth Registration of Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) as contained in Memo Circular No. 2004-01 was also explained. CNSP includes, but is not limited to children who are sexually/physically-abused, in commercial sexual exploitation, in conflict with the law, involved in armed conflict, victims of child labor, in various circumstances of disability, directly affected by HIV/STD, in substance abuse, mentally challenged, and abandoned or without primary caregiver.

Salient features of Republic Act No. 9255 that allows illegitimate children to use the surname of their father, amending Article 176 of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the "Family Code of the Philippines", was also taken up.

Another important document discussed is Republic Act 9048 which authorizes City/Municipal Civil Registrar or Consul General to correct a clerical or typographical error in an entry and/or change the first name or nickname in the Civil Register without need of a judicial order". (PIA Caraga)

Public may report gov't discourtesy to Mamayan Muna hotline

Iloilo City (24 June 2005) -- People sometimes complain that they have not properly been attended to by a government agency where they had some transactions or some of the personnel have been discourteous to them.

Misdemeanors, red tape or any untoward and illogical instances by government employees could be the subject of a complaint which could be sent to the Civil Service Commission through the MAMAYAN MUNA. Although the project has been in existence for quite a time now, however many do not know about it.

The Bilis Aksyon provides quick administrative justice mechanism to citizens. After the receipt of the complaint the MAMAMAYAN MUNA action Officer calls the attention of the agency where the erring employee belongs, citing the complaint.

The Head of the Agency where the erring employee works then decides on the course of action to take, such as an investigation, a conciliation or a dialogue where the complainant meets the worker complained in the presence of a CSC official and the Bilis Aksyon Partner. The Bilis Aksyon partner of the agency acts as the conciliator or mediator.

The agency then informs the CSC what final action has been undertaken or needs to be undertaken.

According to Civil Service Commission 6 Regional Director Amelita Santuyo, the public could send their complaints through a formal letter or through 321-2667 to 69 of the CSC. Santuyo revealed that they average about twenty complaints a month.

Director Santuyo said they have been encouraging agencies to activate/reactivate their Public Assistance Counters manned by an Officer of the day so that the public could properly be guided and facilitated in their transactions/dealings with the agency.

The CSC says discourtesy and any form of corruption should not have a place in the public service. The public is urged to report misdemeanors to Mamamayan Muna hotline 932-0111. (PIA-6)

DUMB JOE

Two men walk into a bar to have a drink.  The first man turned to the
second and said, "That guy there?  That's Dumb Joe.  He's been around
here for 20 years or so.

"Why do they call him Dumb Joe?" the second man asked.

"Well, watch this," replied the first.  He walked over to Joe and
asked him, "Joe, here is a nice shiny quarter and a nice dollar bill.
Which one do you want?"

Dumb Joe took the quarter, and as always, everyone in the bar laughed.
The man walked back to his table an said to his friend, "He does that
a dozen times a day."

Later, the second man walked up to Dumb Joe and asked him, "Why do you
do that and have people laugh at you?"

"Well," says Joe, "if I took the dollar, the game would have been over
years ago."

Calabarzon RDC guests at Radyo ng Bayan

MANILA (24 June 2005) -- The CALABARZON (Region IV-A), which is composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, is the emerging economic hub in the Philippines.
Speaking at Radyo Serbisyo program aired today over DZRB-Radio ng Bayan, with the theme "RDC: Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng mga Rehiyon" Chairman Richard Albert Osmond, private sector representative and Chairman of the Regional Development Council-CALABARZON (RDC-CALABARZON) said the region is an ideal economic hub due to its proximity to Metro Manila, low labor cost, infrastructures and business-friendly environment, aside from its tourism potentials.
He pointed out that, CALABARZON is the second region to National Capital Region (NCR) which greatly contributes to the economy of the country.

Osmond noted that industrial zones, factories and some multi-national companies production plants are located in the region which boosts its fast improving economy.

"We want to maintain our status as the country's premiere investment region" he added.
Osmond also said that RDC main thrust is to give direction to the region with regard to it's economic development thrust under the Philippine Medium-Term Development Plan (PMTDP).

He called on the people of CALABARZON to continuously focus on economic activities towards sustainable economic growth amidst the political bickerings happening in nearby Metro Manila.
Radio Serbisyo is a program of the Philippine Information Agency-Mega Manila Information Office (PIA-MMIO) aired every Friday (12:15 to 2:00 P.M) over Radyo ng Bayan (738 khz) and hosted by Allan Allianigue, Mely Tenorio and PIA-Assistant Director General Riza Baldoria. (PIA-MMIO)

Commentary: Sa isyu ng destabilization
By Renee F. de Guzman

Laoag City (24 June 2005) -- Parang piyesta sa baryo ang nangyari sa presscon ng oposisyon kamakailan.

Pagkatapos nagbanggahan at maghiwalay ang landas ng grupo ni Senador Ping Lacson at grupo ng yumaong Fernando Poe Jr., nakahanap sila ng dahilan pati mga militante at progresibo daw na grupo parang magsanib ng puwersa upang idiin ang Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa kontrobersiyal na audio tapes.

Tama ang puntong ginamit ng Pangulong Arroyo, "economic sabotage" ang ginagawa ng mga grupong ito. Alam kasi nila na kapag bumagsak ang ekonomiya ay maari nilang makuha ang simpatiya ng tatamaang sambayanan na nangangarap ng maayos na buhay.

Nakaraan ang ilang buwang paglakas ng piso ay muli na naman itong bumagsak at ang bukod tanging bumubuhay ay ang remittances ng mga OFWs. Dagdag pa dito ang mga pinasok na dolyares ng mga foreign investors na nakumbinse ng administrasyon na mag-invest sa bansa sa stock market at sa mga treasury bonds.

Anarkiya ang taktika ng oposisyon dahil alam nila na sablay ang kanilang mga argumento kung legal at tamang proseso ang susundin at ito lang ang stratehiya na puede nilang masamantala.
Bilang mga responsableng mga Pilipino, alamin muna natin ang motibo ni Senador Lacson at kanyang mga kakampi. Hindi kaya simpleng kaso lamang ito ng sour graping ng matalo siya noon sa eleksiyon?
Mahigit na isang taon na ang nakalipas na eleksiyon bakit ngayon lang nila nilabas ang wired tape na ito?

Unawain din natin na hindi madaling tapatan ang hamon sa Pangulo na sagutin ang kontrobersyal na tape. Kasi anuman ang maging tugon ng Presidente, may patibong na inihanda ang kanyang mga kalaban.

Huwag din tayong magpadala sa mga pinagpipilian na pinipilit ng oposisyon. Alam natin na uso ang imitasyon at ito'y madaling gawin sa pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya. Madaling mangdoktor at mangopya ng boses na madaling ilusot kung hindi natin nakikita kung sino ang sakaling manaig ang kagustuhan ng oposisyon at mga oportunistang militante sino naman kaya ang tunay na makikinabang?

Hanggang ngayon wala naman silang binibigay na alternatibo sa sambayanan. Kahit kailan puro kilos protesta at panggugulo lamang at pomulitika ang ginagawa ng mga oposisyon.
Panahon na siguro na pagbigyan natin ang mga taong - gobyerno na tunay na nagse-serbisyo.

Sa isyu ng jueteng
Ginagawang circus ng mga oportunista sa lipunan ang imbestigasyon ng Senado sa jueteng.
Hindi na ito in aid of legislation kundi in aid of persecution na. Unti-unti kasing inilalatag ng oposisyon ang kanilang mga akusasyon gamit ang kanilang mga willing at unwilling accomplices upang ang layunin nilang pabagsakin ang unang pamilya lalo na ang Pangulong Arroyo ay matupad.

Malungkot lang isipin na pati ang simbahang Katoliko ay hindi nakalusot sa maniobra ng mga mapanlinlang.

Kapag natapos ba ang pandinig ng Senado at mauwi sa pagbagsak ng Gobyerno, mawawala ba kaya ang jueteng? O magpapatuloy pa ito at lulutang na ang mga taong tunay na nakikinabang sa illegal na sugal?

Malinaw kasi ang motibo sa pagpupumilit ng ilan na maisalang ang isyu ng jueteng. Ito ay upang gamiting pambala sa administrasyon matapos mapatunayang epektibo sa pagpapatalsik noon sa dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada.

Isa pang malinaw sa isyu na ito ay ang kawalang ebidensiyang naipapakita ang oposisyon na magdidiin sa sinasasabi nilang protektor sa Gobyerno.

Sawa at manhid na ang mga tao sa sobrang pamumulitika sa bansa kaya tuloy di tayo umuusad.
Ang gusto na ngayon ng bayan ay tunay na aksyon sa kanilang interes upang maayos na ang pamumuhay at hindi pekeng malasakit sa pamamagitan ng paninirang puri sa mga taong nagsusumikap para makatulong sa bansa.

Sa isyu ng IMF report
Pag-upo pa lamang ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa pamunuan ng bansa ini-utos na niya ang pagtitipid sa mga gastusin ng lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno at hindi exempted dito ang mga government owned and controlled corporations.

Ang mga payo ng IMF ay hindi na bago sa gobyernong Arroyo. Subalit ang mga ito ay siniseryoso pa rin ng administrasyon bilang isang mahusay na manager.

Upang maiwasan ang kalugihan ng GOCC at GFI na karaniwang inaasahan ng ordinaryong mamamayan sa kanilang pangangailangang pinansiyal lalo na ang mga miyembro ng SSS at GSIS, inaksyunan ng Department of Finance ang pangangailangan para magpatupad ng standardization sa pagtatakda ng pondo at gastusin ng mga GOCC at government financial corporations. (PIA Ilocos)

Australian firm launches hydrogen-power technology in Ilocos Sur
By Freddie G. Lazaro

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (24 June 2006) - A representative of the Australian Alternative Energy International launched the first-ever hydrogen-power technology project in the country during the 64th birthday anniversary celebration of Governor Luis Chavit Singson in Baluarte, Vigan City recently.

A simple demo witnessed by about 10,000 residents was conducted highlighting the process on how hydrogen-generating power is produced. In the demo, ordinary water was mixed with some chemicals and hydrogen gas came out from the devise producing flame when ignited.

The technology is quite very simple. Ordinary water will be use to produce energy through the separation of the element of hydrogen and oxygen thru electrolysis.

"The continuous oil price increase in the global market inspired me to conceptualized a hydrogen-power project in Ilocos Sur. The country's first hydrogen power project will be located in Baluarte, this province wherein the machines required will be manufactured here," Singson said.

Singson also stressed that America recently announced that the utilization of hydrogen power will be launch in 2010 while many vehicles in Europe and Australia now use hydrogen power cell to power their vehicles.

In the United States, this hydrogen power was firstly used through the National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) in the flying of space shuttle and rockets in the outer space.
"Actor-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California is another example who uses hydrogen fuel cell in running his car," Singson further explained.

With this technology, the governor is optimistic that the province of Ilocos Sur will be generating great savings in electric consumption because the plan was to distribute it to all households at a lower price per kilowatt in coordination with the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO).

He also stressed that this hydrogen power technology will be used to convert and operate the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the future, considering that funds used for its establishment are still being paid today.

Aside from the hydrogen power project, the governor encourage the conceptualization of other energy projects that will greatly benefit the people of Ilocos Sur, such as the sea-solar power project and the Ilocos Norte wind power project. (PIA Ilocos)

USAID Mission Director Highlights Early Grade Reading Assistance in Visit to Cebu

Cebu, August 11, 2017 â€" The U.S. government, through the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is helping improve the reading skills of more than 420,000 students between kindergarten and grade three in the Province of Cebu and Mandaue City.  This assistance is implemented in partnership with the Department of Education in Cebu’s more than 900 elementary schools through Basa Pilipinas, USAID’s Php1.9 billion flagship basic education project.

“The U.S. government continues to support the Department of Education’s commitment to advance the quality of education in the Philippines, so that every child has the best chance for success in life,” USAID’s Mission Director Susan Brems said during her visit to Vito Elementary School in Cebu’s Minglanilla District on August 9.

Through Basa Pilipinas, USAID has strengthened the reading skills of more than 1.8 million students from kindergarten through grade three, helped train more than 19,000 teachers and school heads, and provided more than 8 million copies of teacher guides, student workbooks, and other education aids.

“We do this with the shared belief that developing children’s reading skills during their formative years of schooling will give them the foundation for lifelong learning and academic success,” Dr. Brems remarked.  She later met with provincial officials to further strengthen the partnership between USAID and local basic education partners.

From August 9-11, Dr. Brems visited other USAID projects sites, including the Hall of Justice in Cebu City, where USAID helped install eCourt systems in 22 Regional Trial Courts and eight Municipal Trial Court branches in 2015.  The eCourt system automates key functions of the court, improving efficiency and increasing the effectiveness and transparency of case management.  Court staff and judges demonstrated to Dr. Brems how they can better record case information, monitor case flow, and provide public access to the status of cases.

Continuing her visit to key project sites in Cebu, Dr. Brems visited the Teen Dreamers’ Home, a USAID-supported residential care facility for sexually exploited children.  In Cebu, USAID partners with Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors, Inc., Children’s Legal Bureau, and Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. to address human trafficking.

Dr. Brems later traveled to Mandaue City, where USAID is helping the city finalize its Green Building Code.  She met with city officials, led by Mayor Luigi Quisumbing, and discussed how key measures, such as incentives to stimulate investment for green building, support the city’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Capping her visit to the Visayan province, Dr. Brems met with partners who are advancing health priorities in their respective communities, including a visit to Glory Reborn clinic, a private birthing facility, to interact with USAID-trained health workers who are providing services to marginalized women.  She later met with leaders from the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Arnold Janssen to discuss how faith-based organizations help promote TB awareness and education.

About USAID:
The Embassy’s office of U.S. Agency for International Development is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to create a more stable, prosperous and well-governed nation. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

Philstar - MANILA, Philippines - Korean manufacturing companies in the Philippines are packing up and leaving the country for Vietnam where they see lower costs and an easier way of doing business.

Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Ho Ik Lee said many Korean firms have been complaining about the higher cost of doing business as well as lack of incentives in the country. As a result, they have started closing down their Philippine offices and operations to transfer to Vietnam.

“We like to invest here in the manufacturing side but unfortunately, many of the Korean companies located here (are) leaving Philippines and moving to Vietnam,” Lee said.
“When I asked them why they are leaving the Philippines, (they said it’s because) the cost is too high. It’s almost three times higher than Vietnam’s. This higher cost is killing manufacturing and that is why the Korean companies are leaving and moving to Vietnam,” he said.

Lee said the Korean companies, which are mostly in the garments and electronics sectors, have indicated “that labor intensive is no longer attractive” in the Philippines.
“One of the reasons why I think it is three times higher than Vietnam is infrastructure, because logistics cost is too high here and the government, BOC (Bureau of Customs), and the others are also another point,” he said.

“Once they invest here, what are the incentives? So they are leaving now. We’re not saying open your country, all of it. We just ask your country (to be the) same level as other Asian countries like Indonesia and Vietnam,” Lee added.

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If you don’t already know, The Coworking Forum is in Manila this Wednesday, August 23rd.

Held multiple times a year at different venues across Asia, this forum has proven to be the most important events for coworking professionals and industry leaders in Asia.



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See our dynamic line-up of speakers and panellists:
- Matthew Morrison, CEO & Founder, ASPACE
- Jay Fajardo, Founder, Launchgarage Innovation Hub
- Greg Perez, Director, Co.Lab Xchange
- Shumate Royo, Co-founder & Managing Director, The Office Project
- Ros Juan, CEO, Commune Café
- Elirine Siwa Yaneza, Manager for BD, Property Planning, and Office Leasing, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC)
- Rochelle Lantano, Marketing & Business Development Manager, Soft Landings Business Accelerators
- Morgan McGilvray, Director of Tenant Representation & Office Agency, Santos Knight Frank
- Mario Berta, CEO & Founder, FlySpaces
- Denise De Castro, Principal Architect, DDC Architecture Studio
- Raymond Rufino, Chairman, Urban Land Institute (ULI)
- and more to be confirmed soon...

For more details about the event and our community, visit http://ph.coworks.asia

>> Book your seat now at http://ph.coworks.asia
Participation fee at only US$ 15 per person includes tea/coffee break and refreshments at Zendesk office in the heart of Makati.

Seats are selling fast so book early to avoid disappointment.

See you on Wednesday in Manila!

Max HENRY
Founder, Entrepnr
meetup.com/pro/entrepnr

Email: mh@entrepnr.com - WhatsApp: +33 644640052 - WeChat/Line: maxbhenry
Virtual Meeting Room: https://zoom.us/meeting/3917363434

≫ Entrepnr network in Asia: meetup.com/pro/entrepnr

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Django thumps Archer
Manila Bulletin
December 1, 2000 | Navarro, Rudy | Copyright

POWER-HITTING FRANCISCO 'Django' Bustamante overwhelmed Johnny Archer, 11-5, but fancied Efren 'Bata' Reyes fell to Earl Strickland, 7-11, in the Philippines-United States International 9-Ball Challenge yesterday at the Metropolis Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Bustamante and Strickland, known for their thunderous breaks, capitalized on the erratic strokes of their rivals to fashion easy victories that prepared the stage for their championship showdown tomorrow.

The winner here gets $20,000 (roughly P1 million), while the runner-up is assured of $10,000 (about P500,000) put up by Puyat Sports, the classic's organizer with Viva Vintage Television.

Archer, a five-time Player of the Year in the rich American Pro Billiards Circuit, led only once at 1-0, before Bustamante took command, winning the next five racks for 5-1.

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Bubby Dacer Kidnap Witnesses Get Protection
Manila Bulletin
December 1, 2000 | Vega, Vic | Copyright

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) placed the two witnesses to the abduction of prominent PR man Salvador ''Bubby'' Dacer in the government witness protection program following threats to the lives of the two from unidentified men.

Acting NBI Director Carlos Caabay said the two witnesses gave a full account of how Dacer and his driver-aide Manuel Corvito were kidnaped by five armed men at the corner of Vito Cruz and South Superhighway in Malate, Manila, last week.

Caabay also said that a man seen by informers in Ternate, Cavite, two days ago escorted by heavily armed men, was not Corvito, as earlier believed, but a police asset in Cavite.

Caabay said he was still hopefull that Dacer and Corvito are still alive and are being kept by the abductors in an undisclosed place in Cavite or in Metro Manila.

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Control of Fiscal Deficit Sought
Manila Bulletin
December 1, 2000 | Sionil, Fil C. | Copyright

The Philippine government should move towards fiscal consolidation in order to maintain and maximize its growth momentum. This means that the government must not allow the widening fiscal deficit to worsen any further.

In a presentation, IMF Assistant Director for Research Department in Washington David J. Robinson underscored the importance of keeping budgetary deficit as an impetus to keep economic recovery on track.

The recent World Economic Outlook survey of the IMF, the paper which Robinson presented this week to the press, placed major importance to the "continuing efforts to strengthen revenue mobilization and further improve budgetary management, combined with comprehensive reform of state-owned enterprises and the banking system.

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Campomanes Reports - Manila Bulletin
December 1, 2000 | Copyright

TO RECAP, the acceptance and recognition of NCFP in FIDE was overwhelming. And we did not even have Eugene Torre appear in the GA. That would have generated additional backing, with a consequent overkill. Toti Abundo's extemporaneous riposte to the PCF's readout message was ample and convincing enough.

Through all these tensions, Eugene performed creditably enough by holding down the toughest board, NUMBER ONE. On more than one occasion, Bobby Ang, the team captain, consulted all and sundry, to decide if Eugene should play or not, or should he button-hole delegates in the corridors of Congress. In the end, we just asked Eugene to clink glasses with FIDE delegates and federation presidents at the opening reception for the General Assembly hosted early on by Turkey's sports minister.

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December 1, 2000 | Catacutan, Dodo | Copyright

BAGUIO CITY - Tommy Manotoc showed yesterday why he's the most successful player in Fil-Am golf championship history, putting together an eagle-aided 40 points as Calatagan threatened to run away with the Fil title here.

Manotoc's round, the equivalent of a four-under card at the par-68 John Hay course here, kicked off a fiery secondday assault by Calatagan that had it opening a huge 23-point spread over closest pursuer CAP-Southwoods.

National player Juvic Pagunsan and Boyet Zaragoza each had a 39 while another national, Solomon Gines, scored 35 to round out Calatagan's 153 in the 51st edition of this event that has lured 700 golfers from across the nation.

"The greens and the pin placements were more receptive to good scoring today," said Manotoc, a five-time individual champion here, who prepared for this event with a stint in the Hong Open where he placed seventh. - MB, 12/2000

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FOLLOWING the series of debacles in the field Bonifacio suffered, a serious challenge was posed against his supremacy as leader of the Katipunan and the Revolution. The pretender was the leader of the Katipunan in Cavite province, Emilio Aguinaldo, a former teacher and capitan municipal of Kawit.

Though a relatively obscure member, Aguinaldo became prominent following his successes in the battlefield, earning him the sobriquet "Heneral Miong" by which he came to be known in the province. Because he won notable battles like the one at Binakayan, his prestige grew as a military leader, to the detriment of Bonifacio. Even the Spaniards soon considered Aguinaldo as the real leader of the revolutionists; and in trying to effect reconciliation with the revolutionists, they wrote letters to him rather than to Bonifacio. As the supreme leader of the Katipunan, Bonifacio naturally resented this. Moreover, he had doubts about Aguinaldo's sincerity in supporting revolutionary ideals and feared that he would be willing to surrender if good terms in the way of political reforms could be secured.

Another circumstance to consider in the struggle for supremacy between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo is that the heart of the rebellion at that stage was Cavite, and "Heneral Miong" was the recognized leader of the insurgents. The Cavitenos were the first to drive the Spaniards out of the greater portion of Cavite, and after accomplishing this they divided the towns of the province into two provincial councils under the Katipunan. One was called the Magdiwang and the other the Magdalo. In each council there were a president, a vice president, a secretary, several secretaries of departments (interior, justice and finance), and a captaingeneral corresponding to secretary of war.

Aguinaldo was the Captain-General of the Magdalo council. From the beginning, he seemed to have the idea that the Katipunan should continue only as a means of propaganda and that the conquered provinces should have a different sort of organization. - MB, 12/2000

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AUSTRIANS ZBYNEK Mlynarik and Luben Pampoulov scored contrasting victories yesterday to reach the semifinal round of the US$15,000 International Tennis Federation-Philippines Men's Futures Week 1 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Mlynarik, the third seed who is ranked No. 343 in the world, pulled off a 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) victory over fifth seed Donovan September of South Africa to advance against second seed Danai Udomchoke of Thailand.

Udomchoke, the 19-year-old Davis Cupper who won by two legs in the US$25,000 India Satellite last June, defeated American qualifier Jonathon Beardsley, 6-3, 6-4, in the other quarterfinal match of this event offering US$1,950 in cash and 12 ATP points to the singles champion. - manila bulletin, 12/2000

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December 2000 - (MB) ROMANIA celebrates its National Day today. The country has had a long history of contributions to the world's cultural and scientific ideas. The ''Hamangia Thinker'' and the ''Clay Tables of Tartiara'' in 4000 BC are proofs of the country's early calligraphy, the first ever in Europe.

Eighty one years ago, the Romanians achieved their century-old aspiration - the completion of their national unitary state. Romania participated in the First World War for only one reason: to achieve this ideal of the national unity of all Romanian historical provinces. The collapse of the two multinational empires - Austo Hungarian and Tsarist - created the possibility for the Romanians in Besarabia, Bukovina, and Transylvania to achieve their freedom.

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It's been nearly two decades since the first AIDS case was discovered and health leaders today, World AIDS Day, make a new commitment to carry on the fight against the disease, with a new theme ''AIDS: Men Make a Difference.''

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men play a major role in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Their participation in the AIDS campaign not only indicates a stronger possibility that the trend will be reversed.

"It is crucial not to isolate men as the origin of the problem but to involve them in search of a solution," Dr. Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, pointed out.

Omi cited past experiences in some countries of the world which illustrate that men's behavior has changed after actively joining in the fight against AIDS. - MB, Dec 2000

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December 2000 - The suspension of the three percent import tariff on crude oil and finished oil products will entail a loss for the government of P1 billion over a threemonth period starting last month.

According to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Managing Director for Research Diwa Guinigundo, the foregone revenues will be felt by the national coffers for a three-month period, starting last November to January of 2001.

He explained that the three percent tariff on oil imports, both on crude and refined products, constitutes a proportion domestic pump-price. - MB

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Reuters - Two prominent religious conservatives defended U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday after he was widely criticized for blaming both white nationalists and counter-protesters for last weekend's violence at a Virginia rally organized by neo-Nazis and white supremacists.

Evangelical Christian Jerry Falwell Jr said Trump could be more polished and politically correct but is not racist. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who last week criticized the white nationalists' "evil, sinful, disgusting behavior," said unequivocally on Sunday that the faith community stood by Trump.

The responses reflect a balancing act by conservative Christians as they try to square the images that emerged from the Virginia city of Charlottesville last weekend - torch-carrying white supremacists and neo-Nazis toting swastika flags - with support for a president that failed to condemn them roundly and immediately.

Trump alienated fellow Republicans, corporate leaders and U.S. allies with his comments about the violence that broke out at a white nationalist protest against the removal of a Confederate statue in Charlottesville. He said "many sides" were to blame and that there were "very fine people" on both sides.

Trump also decried the removal of Civil War monuments to the Confederacy that several cities have deemed offensive for their connection to slavery.

But the remarks, including those at a fiery Trump news conference on Tuesday, may not dent support from his political base, where white evangelical Christian voters are a major component.

Many in the evangelical Christian community condemned the neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists who marched in the University of Virginia town before one of them plowed through a crowd of counter-protesters and killed a 32-year-old woman.

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Reuters - Ten sailors are missing after a U.S. warship collided with an oil tanker east of Singapore on Monday, the U.S. Navy said, the second accident involving U.S. Navy destroyers in Asian waters in little more than two months.

The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain collided with the merchant vessel Alnic MC while heading to Singapore for a routine port call, the Navy said in a statement

"Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft," the Navy said. "There are currently 10 sailors missing and five injured."

A search-and-rescue mission was under way involving Singaporean ships, helicopters and tug boats, as well as U.S. Navy aircraft.

The warship was currently sailing under its own power and heading to port, the Navy said.

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hod carrier
noun
: a laborer employed in carrying supplies to bricklayers, stonemasons, cement finishers, or plasterers on the job
First use: 1771

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Golden Age of Infrastructure in the Philippines

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Stop the shipment of shabu from China.

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The Department of Energy (DOE) taught 50 more grade school students on how to use energy efficiently on Tuesday bringing to 455 the number of its Energy Smart Kids.

The DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office (CWPO) staff conducted the energy briefing for Grades V and VI students of Cembo Elementary School in Makati City at the DOE Headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The students were accompanied by their science coordinator, Jeanne L. Angcaya, and Grade V teacher, Michael Madueño.

“As part of the E-Power Mo! Campaign, we are more than committed to educate our youngsters to empower them so they’ll be able to discern the relevance of energy in their daily lives,” DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said at the workshop.

“We have to inculcate the significance of energy to these children as early as possible to enable us to develop their energy consciousness and become part of our own army who can rally for efficient use of energy, among other energy aspirations that we have,” Cusi said.

DOE-CWPO Head Helen B. Arias introduced the Energy Smart Kids Program and how DOE endeavors to make students “energy smart” by exposing them to new situations, new faces and true-to-life energy applications.

The students were oriented on basic electricity concepts and household energy conservation tips as discussed by Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Supervising Science Research Specialist Engr. Eduardo B. Fernandez and CWPO Senior Science Research Specialist Norita C. Froilan, respectively.

Moreover, engineers from the Renewable Energy Management Bureau highlighted the potentials of renewable energy. Chief Science Research Specialist Fortunato S. Sibayan explained the principles of solar and wind energy; Science Research Specialist II (SRS II) Maria Adeline L. Pagauitan discussed the sources of biomass and how they are transformed to produce electricity; SRS II Jeffrey Andal described the geologic settings of geothermal systems; and SRS II Raymond L. Samson expounded on how water is used to generate electricity.

As take-home exercises, students were also asked to work on "Who Left the Lights on" by using logic to determine who is the culprit among the names mentioned in the short story; and on the "Energy Waste Coloring Page", which directs the students to encircle all examples of energy being wasted in the given house configuration.

As a tradition since its inception in 2016, the half-day educational program ended with the Pledge of Commitment branding the students as “Energy Cost Busters” to apply their newly acquired learning on energy in their day to day living.

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U.S. Embassy Closed on Monday, August 21

Manila, August 17, 2017 â€" The Embassy of the United States in the Philippines and its affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Monday, August 21, in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day, a Philippine holiday.

The Embassy and its affiliated offices will resume regular services on Tuesday, August 22.

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Anuga participants attend seminar on EU Labeling
Requirements conducted by PTTC and CITEM

The Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), in cooperation with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), conducted a seminar on "EU Labeling Requirements based on Regulation No 1169/32011 of the European Parliament and of the Council" on August 9, 2017. Engr. Menandro Ortego of PTTC discussed the detailed labelling requirements for the EU market and DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) Director Ann Claire C. Cabochan emphasized the benefits under the EU-GSP+ and walk thru the participants in exploring the website of the EU Export Help Desk for the tariff code of their respective products.

This was attended by the 18 participants from 8 companies (See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp., KLT Fruits Inc., Kitchen Witchery Food Ventures Inc., Mega Fishing Corporation, Goldilocks, B-G Fruits and Nuts Manufacturing Corp., Magic Melt Foods Inc., and Brand Exports Philippines Inc.)  who will participate in ANUGA FOOD FAIR 2017 with the theme “Taste the Future.” ANUGA is a 5-day event on 7th October to the 11th October 2017 at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. This event showcases products like exotic drinks, meat and meat products, frozen food, chilled and fresh food, dairy products, bread, bakery and soups, organic products etc. in the Food & Beverage industry.

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OFW Solon’s Radical Proposal:

BID OUT ALL CUSTOMS OPERATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL FIRMS, BUILD NEW BoC

2016 COA audit proves Bureau of Customs really resistant to reforms

We have tried everything.

Many attempts have been made to reform the Bureau of Customs but in the eyes of the public and of Congress all those failed. We can only conclude that either the right solution has not been applied or that the Bureau of Customs has been impervious to reform.

Congress even tried to reform the Bureau with a Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) which is Republic Act 10863, approved on May 30, 2016. But it seems that even with RA 10863, real reform at Customs has been elusive.

One solution not yet resorted to is the wholesale, complete, absolutely total overhaul of Customs operations. One step toward this is by contracting out to an international firm, all customs operations in the Philippines.

One way, I think, this can be done is by the international bidding out of all Customs operations, including human resources, administration, finance, utility services, to a competent globally respected customs operator. This can be done using existing build-operate-transfer law and regulations.

However, there must be a prohibition on hiring any current or former customs personnel.

The implementation of the Management of Customs Operations Bid Contract can include civil society oversight and periodic review.
While Customs Operations are contracted out, a multi-sectoral Public-Private Customs Overhaul Commission can map out and implement the building from the ground up a totally new Bureau of Customs. No absorption of current personnel. Surely some contentious issues would need to be ironed out, including relevant civil service laws and regulations.

Building a new Bureau of Customs might take about seven to ten years. Then there will have to be a transition phase to enable the new bureau to run customs operations that meet international standards.

Perhaps an Executive Order by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can get all these done. The BOT Law and regulations we already have.

This radical proposal is consistent with the ideas of President Duterte on customs privatization. I agree with the president that privatizing the BOC will eliminate political interference in its operations. https://goo.gl/Y9d4QX . The time for this is NOW, not later. (END)

Backgrounder:

In 2016, the BOC had 6, 285 personnel in authorized plantilla positions and 897 personnel hired under the Contract of Service with six-month contracts ending on December 31, 2016, according to the latest Commission on Audit annual audit report on the Customs Bureau.

That audit report and previous years’ audit reports prove how resistant the Bureau is to reform. Here are some excerpts (highlighting ours) from the COA report:

Of the 158 prior years’ audit recommendations, 10 were implemented, 96 were partially implemented, 31 were not implemented, 16 have no status of implementation and 5 were overtaken by events.

The completeness, accuracy and reliability of  57 accounts totaling P29.573 billion could not be ascertained due to: (a) non-maintenance of Subsidiary Ledgers (SLs) accounts of various accounts; (b) SLs of six cash accounts not updated; and (c) reconciliation with the corresponding General Ledger (GL) accounts were not carried-out, inconsistent with the provision of Section 12 b, Chapter 2, Government Accounting Manual (GAM) for National Government Agency (NGAs), Volume I,  the instructions in Appendices 5 and 6, of GAM for NGAs, Volume II and Sections 111 and 122 of Presidential Decree 1445 (PD 1445).

The Cash in Bank balance of P6.754 billion is unreliable due to: (a) unreconciled differences between the records of BOC-NAIA and port of Davao, and the SLs of OCOM Accounting Division amounting to P362.670 million; (b) unrecorded Cash in Bank, Local Currency Current Account (CIB-LCCA) of BOC-NAIA amounting to P718.527 million; and c) inclusion of two closed bank accounts in the Schedule of CIB-LCCA.

A total of 1,452 overstaying containers at MICP and Port of Cagayan De Oro, carrying various articles have remained undisposed for a period of 30 days to more than 25 years, which includes 143 containers loaded with perishable goods, 217 containers with no information as to their contents and 1,221 containers with no schedule yet of auction/disposal, thereby delaying the realization of revenue from the sale of these articles and may result to further deterioration. Moreover, it included, 104 containers of imported articles to be donated to the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC), but were not yet released from BOC for 1,044 to 1,153 days, thus defeating the purpose for which the donation was made, notwithstanding that the cargoes are considered tax exempt under Section 105 of the TCCP Volume I.

The Notices of Suspension, Disallowance and Charge of P379.65 billion, P.417 billion and P32.2 billion, respectively, remained unsettled contrary to Section 6.1 of COA Circular No. 2009-006 dated September 15, 2009 and Section 7 of the 2009 Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts.

balskie, invite ka nako nga guest/resource person sa radio program nako sa station dyTR September 30, sabado na, 12 noon - 1 pm.

DoE eyes for "LNG" power barge to Bohol

Consistent with Bohols green development agenda, the Department of Energy (DOE) unwittingly leaked its plan to bring to Bohol a cleaner source of power in a  barge.

During a press conference at the BE Grand Hotel in Panglao, no less than DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi timidly confirmed the plan after a  slip of the tongue when he exposed the plan to send in a liquified natural gas (LNG) floating power plant to Bohol.

The press conference of the First  East Asia Energy Forum which also had Japanese professor president of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia Hidetoshi Nishimura, Shigeru Kimura of ERIA, Energy Research Institute Network Chair and associate professor Romeo Pacudan,   Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi tackled the directions East Asia and the Philippines is taking in its energy development in response to the pressing industrialization needs of the times.

While the DOE admitted its direction towards an establishment of an energy source that is  attainable in the shortest term to keep up to the countrys development pace, the Philippine direction towards clean coal became apparent.

"The Philippine direction is building up more coal fired plants, which should comprise 50% of the 80% energy supplied by conventional energy," he said.

The rest of the 20% should be from  renewables.

The downside for renewables however is that these are dependent on the times.

When the sun is out for example, less energy is gathered or hydropower is dependent on the water supply, energy sources said.

The move for coal considers that the Philippines has coal while it is also available from Indonesia, Australia and Russia, its import price affected by economics of supply and demand, Sec. Cusi who led the host nation in the Asian Cooperation Dialog in Panglao. 

As to the environmental concerns of coal, the energy bigwig was quick to the follow-through: 50% is from green-coal technology, he stressed.

"Technology has done great lengths to reduce coal carbon emissions," the secretary said even as he assured that the government is also looking at socio economic as well as the ecological impacts of coal.

But with Malampaya in the Philippines producing natural gas, the DOE is eyeing these as source of back up power for Bohol.

This is also considering that the only time Bohol could have a redundant power supply system is when the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines completes its Cebu-Bohol interconnection by 2020.

An earthquake that shut down the geothermal plants in Leyte last July disrupted Bohols power supply blanketing the island in darkness for a few nights.

A few landbased plants later supplied 20 megawatts of the 69 megawatts the entire island needed.

Weeks later, NGCP tapped Bohol to the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid which supplied some of its power requirements.

Bohol officials who have yet to accept bids for more landbased power, has arranged for a diesel power barge to complement the supply, but none has arrived yet.

The DOE did not also say when the clean barge is coming and from where would this come from. (rahc/PIA7/Bohol)

kumbate ni nga duwa, balskie.

NGCP Advisory

Restored power transmission service in parts of Iligan City and parts of Baloi, Lanao del Norte, 12 August, 11:49AM.
Affected: ILPI, LANECO (M3), and TESDA
Restored Facility: 20MVA Power Transformer (PT)
Reason: the newly installed 20MVA PT at Overton Substation is energized at 10:01AM but tripped at 10:03AM today due the technical problem. Iligan-Maria Cristina Norte and Iligan-ILPI 13.8KV lines were re-energized accordingly at 11:54AM and 11:53AM, respectively.
Via Beth A. Ladaga

DOE Hosts Dialogue on Asia Energy Issues
(Bohol, Philippines). The Department of Energy (DOE) plays host to the three-day Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) that will tackle energy security, sustainability and resiliency starting Monday, August 7, in the island of Panglao in Bohol.

On the first day of the ACD, delegates will have four sessions. The first session is on renewable energy (RE) for a cleaner future covering RE efforts in China and Malaysia. China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute Director Xu Yifan, and Adjunct Professor and Nusantra Technologies Executive Chairman Dato Mohamed Razali Dato Yusoff will be the speakers.

The second session will discuss natural gas as a transition fuel and the best practices and challenges of natural gas infrastructure development. Institute of Energy and Economics Senior Economist and Manager Yoshikazu Kobayashi will provide Japan’s experiences and initiatives in their domestic natural gas sector and a regional situationer on the said resource.

Session three is on mainstreaming energy efficiency focusing on the conceptualization and development of a Low Carbon Model Town, an initiative following the 9th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Energy Ministers Meeting held in Fukui, Japan in 2010. Preliminary researches were done in six phases covering the cities in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, U.S.A., Peru, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Korea, Russia and Japan.

The fourth session is on the renewed role of nuclear energy with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Dohee Hahn talking about the regional and global status and prospects of nuclear power and the role of nuclear energy in greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Currently, there are 446 nuclear reactors in operation spread in 30 countries, including 61 under construction in 15 countries. Approximately 2/3 of the reactors are located in Asia with two new ones in Belarus and the United Arab Emirates.

On the second day of ACD on Tuesday, there are three sessions. Session 5 is on Energy Access and Connectivity with Energy Economist from Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, Dr. Yanfei Li, tackling initiatives that aim to improve energy safety, optimize the distribution of energy resources, integrate regional energy markets and push forward the green and low carbon development of regional energy. In the same session, Thailand’s Energy Policy and Planning Office-Energy Strategy Management Unit Director Tanongsak Wongla will talk about the challenges of cross-border energy connectivity, especially in relation to growing domestic demand.

Session 6 is on promoting energy resilience with Philippine DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella sharing the Philippine experience in developing the country’s energy resiliency policies and programs, such as the E-Power Mo!, to ensure resilient energy systems and facilities as well as empowered consumers.

In the same session, Dr. James VanCoevering of B-LEADERS will touch on the development of climate resilient distribution construction approaches. Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) Vice President and Head Energy Management Engr. Rolando M. Cagampan will talk about their efforts towards supply versus demand and disaster resilience. And lastly, SN Aboitiz Power Group President and CEO Joseph S. Yu will zero in on the issues beyond power, the food-water-energy nexus.

Session 7 is on the role of the future generation on sustainable energy. The Liter of Light will hold an orientation and solar build workshop. A total of 34 grades five and six students from Lourdes Elementary School in Panglao Island, and 12 teachers from various schools in Bohol will teach ACD delegates how to assemble a solar powered lamp, a project of the DOE in partnership with the Department of Education, Provincial Government of Bohol, MERALCO and Liter of Light Org.

On the third day of the ACD, August 9, there will be a working group meeting to discuss the approaches and strategies to move forward the ACD Energy Action Plan. After the group meeting, there will be an Economic Research Institute Network (ERIN) meeting and the holding of the 1st East Asia Energy Forum, which will focus on energy issues of sub-regions East Asia and ASEAN and the role of fossil fuels in addressing global energy supply requirements.

The purpose of holding the event in Bohol is to give the ACD delegates a better presentation of the energy issues that is anchored on the rich culture and experience of the Philippines and the resilience of the Filipinos. (DOE)

By Jeepy Compio

GITAPUK-AN ang usa ka sakyanan nga nakaparada daplin sa kalsada sa McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City, human nag-sex sud sa van ang drayber ug yaya niadtong Miyerkules sa buntag.

Sa impormasyon nga nakalap sa SuperBalita Davao gikan sa kasaligan nga impormante nasayran nga nagkaguliyang ang mga tawo nga nangagi sa kalsada ug nanglili sud sa van.

Giingon nga natingala ang mga nangagi sa sidewalk sa dapit kay perti kauyog sa elite van hinungdan nga milili ang mga nangagi. Didto paglili wa nay panty ang babaye samtang gipa us-os sab sa lalaki ang iyang pantalon uban ang iyang brief diin maayong pagkakapyot sa duha ka kamot sa babaye sa tangkugo sa lalaki ug nagpauntol untol nga naghangos.

Dihang namatikdan na sa duha nga duna nay nanglili kanila, daling namanti ang babaye ug gisira sa lalaki ang iyang zipper.

Gilayon silang giduol sa traffic enforcer nga nadestino sa dapit ug dali silang namulong nga naghagwaanay lamang sila samtang naghulat kanus-a mogawas sa eskuwelahan ang ilang gihatud nga estudyante.

Hinuon, wa na sila gipatala sa Talomo Police Station ug gipahimangnoan nalang sila nga kung duna silay himuong buhat sa magtiayon, himuon kini sa pribado dapit.

Read more: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/superbalita-davao/balita/2017/08/10/drayber-ug-yaya-nag-sex-sulod-sa-van-trapiko-naghuot-557771
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inubanan sa pag-ampo sa Ginoo nga buligan ta nga magmalamposon kining maong kalihokan, boss Balskie. aduna ba tay eprimyo sa team nga modaog? one game lang ba ni?

boss balong, atong imbitahon diay si simply lee, filipina castillo rio, taga maribojoc, ug usa sa karaan nga myember sa tubagbohol. naa pud si paul vistal. si coy ponte from loon. ug si reigh monreal from loon. daghan na sila mga active member sa tubagbohol kaniadto nga naa sa bohol karon.

balskie, september 27 akong birthday. timing ang imong pag-abot. hopefully makadalikyat ko sa calape anang september 29 nga schedule.

balskie, daghang salamat sa preparasyon aning maong tournament. unta buligan ta sa Ginoo nga magmalamposon kining unang sultada sa maribojoc batok sa lungsod sa Anda.

In a prolific career spanning five decades, Resil B. Mojares has produced a remarkable body of work that combines meticulous research, incisive analysis, and elegant, lyrical writing.

An exemplary home-grown and -educated activist, intellectual, institution-builder, and man of letters, Mojares has made important, often pioneering, contributions to diverse fields and subjects, ranging from Philippine literature (Origins and Rise of the Filipino Novel: A Generic Study of the Novel until 1940; [co-ed.] the two-volume Sugilanong Sugboanon), architecture (Casa Gorordo in Cebu: Urban Residence in a Philippine Province, 1860â€"1920), theater and social history (Theater in Society, Society in Theater: Social History of a Cebuano Village, 1840â€"1940), to intellectual history (Brains of the Nation: Pedro Paterno, T. H. Pardo de Tavera, Isabelo de los Reyes, and the Production of Modern Knowledge), biography (Vicente Sotto: Maverick Senator; The Man Who Would be President: Serging Osmeña and Philippine Politics; Aboitiz: Family and Firm in the Philippines), history and politics (The War Against the Americans: Resistance and Collaboration in Cebu, 1899â€"1906; [co-ed.] From Marcos to Aquino: Local Perspectives on the Political Transition in the Philippines).

source: philippinestudies.net

city and port, northern Distrito Federal (Federal District), northern Venezuela. It lies on the narrow strip of land between the coastal hills and the Caribbean Sea just west of La Guaira. Founded in 1670 along the old supply road from La Guaira to Caracas, the city was home to most of the mule skinners (mule drivers) who operated the mule trains between the port and Caracas. It is a leading port of Venezuela and a popular beach resort. Industries include a glass factory, a brewery, and a caustic-soda plant. The city is accessible by highway and expressway from Caracas, 20 miles (30 km) to the south, and it is the site of the international jet airport that serves the capital. Pop. (2001) 67,000.

Social isolation is something that quite a lot of people enjoy â€" because, once you get a taste of it, it is hard to give up. There’s nothing like spending time in solitude without the need to deal with other people and their drama.

This addiction is also the reason why researchers are worried that loneliness will overtake obesity to become the most important public health crisis affecting humanity.

The loneliness epidemic

The reality has hit many nations so hard that they are calling this crisis a ‘loneliness epidemic’. This surprising revelation comes from a long-term research study presented at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, by Julianne Holt-Lunstad from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Two large meta-analyses, including 148 studies covering 300,000 people; and 70 studies covering 3.4 million people, were combined for the purpose of this research. These studies focused on the effects of social connectedness to family or community and the health outcomes of different types of people.

The research findings concluded that people living alone or affected by loneliness, social isolation are 50% more likely to die a premature death than those with strong social relationships.

The negative health implications of loneliness and social isolation were also discussed, which include the risk of getting mental health problems and suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Speaking on the findings of her research, Julianne commented, “Being connected to others socially is widely considered a fundamental human need. It is crucial to both well-being and survival.”

This research isn’t the only study that Julianne has completed about the health effects of loneliness. In 2015, she published a ground-breaking study in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science that delved into the health effects of loneliness.

That study helped changed the myths surrounding loneliness, including its conditions and rumoured causes. It was discovered then, that those going through loneliness had up to 32% risk of premature death.

The actual causes and definitions of loneliness and social isolation were extremely challenging to figure out for this research due to the different individualistic expressions that were conveyed in this field. The results were inaccurate even when a checklist approach was used to pinpoint the issues.

Should social connectedness be on a doctor’s health check-up list?

Despite that, it doesn’t change the fact that loneliness is increasing and that its public health implications are serious. In a 2016-survey conducted by the Australian crisis help organisation Lifeline â€" it was reported that even people who live with their partner or have children have found themselves feeling lonely.

Another research concluded that more people from traditionally family-orientated homes have felt long stretches of loneliness than people from homes that promote individualism and independence as desirable virtues.

In spite of the different results that are concluded from the health implications of loneliness’ studies, most of them have accepted that there’s a bigger risk of isolation as a person gets older.

Speaking on this, Julianne commented that the situation is about to get worst since older people are a major part of the population. It has been reported that in the US, India and the UK, most of its older populations are living alone.

This research suggested that in order to avoid an increasing population with acute loneliness, children should go through social skills training in school. It has also been recommended that social connectedness should be on a doctor’s health checkup list while inspecting their patients.

Michelle Lim from Swinburne University of Technology explained, “Another promising way to tackle loneliness is to improve the quality of our relationships, specifically by building intimacy with those around us.”

“Using a positive psychology approach that focuses on increasing positive emotions within relationships or increasing social behaviours may encourage deeper and more meaningful connections with others.” MIMS

Sleep disorders in pregnant mothers linked to premature births

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has credited sleep disorders, such as apnoea and insomnia, in pregnant mothers to be the cause of premature births. Premature births are the main cause of death for children under the age of five, worldwide.

Every year, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely â€" with about 1 million succumbing to death â€" while the others are left with birth-related complications like hearing impairment, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and more.

“It is normal to experience sleep changes during pregnancy â€" often due to discomfort, pain or frequent trips to the bathroom,” explained Jennifer Felder, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and the lead author of the study.

“The current study focused on more impairing sleep problems that were severe enough to result in a sleep disorder diagnosis.”

Entrepreneurship in countryside growing, says DTI
           
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomed the growing interest of the public in entrepreneurship as more Filipinos turn to Negosyo Centers for assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs.

DTI Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya noted that since the inception of Negosyo Centers in 2014, the Department’s assistance to MSMEs spiked a total of 595,573 clients.

Maglaya attributed the “entrepreneurship fever” in the countryside to the agency’s continuing drive to introduce entrepreneurship as a steady source of income, partnerships with other national government agencies, and non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units, and MSMEs.

“This is a very welcome news for us that interest in entrepreneurship among Filipinos is growing. We highly encourage Filipinos, especially our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage in business so we can help our fellow Filipinos and the country’s economy,” Maglaya explained, adding that at least 3,041 OFWs were assisted by Negosyo Centers.

A total of 562 Negosyo Centers have been established since its inception in 2014, 297 of which were launched under the current administration.

Guided by Secretary Ramon Lopez’s 7Ms framework for a successful entrepreneur, the agency has provided assistance in the following areas: mindset, market access, mastery, machines, money, mentoring, and models.

“These programs for our MSMEs, being the backbone of the country’s economy, are surely beneficial. We would like to create more entrepreneurs and more jobs to help alleviate poverty in the country,” Maglaya said.

“At the start of 2017, we’ve targetted to open 200 more Negosyo Centers. But to be able to reach far-flung areas, we would open more so we expect to surpass the 200 centers target,” she added.

The Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promote ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and other equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs), ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), in cooperation with USAID B-LEADERS, conducted the last Public Consultation for the finalization of the draft rules and guidelines of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) held on Friday, 11 August 2017 at the DOE’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Luzon leg of the pub-con is the culminating consultation after the Visayas leg in Cebu City and Mindanao leg in Davao City held respectively last 6 July and 26 July.

The RPS is a policy mechanism under Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 that requires electric power industry participants, particularly the distribution utilities, to source or produce a specified fraction of their power supply from eligible RE resources.

The main objective of RPS is to increase the utilization of RE by enhancing national and local capabilities on using RE.

“Once the RPS is rolled out, energy consumers have more options on what type of energy they want to consume, particularly the clean and sustainable ones. It empowers them to formulate the right energy strategies for them,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

The Energy Chief said, “The pub-con is a necessary tool in engaging RE stakeholders in the policy-making by gathering their insights and suggestions to ensure a comprehensive RPS rules and guideline before finalization and endorsement by NREB to the DOE.”

Today’s pub-con was led by NREB Chair Atty. Jose Layug, Jr. as Keynote Speaker together with Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) OIC-Director Mario Marasigan and NREB Co-chairman and RPS Chairman Mr. Juan Antonio Bernad.

Chair Layug said, “We must ensure that the targets we have set for the RPS should not remain simply as statistics, not even as final destinations, but as milestones upon which new targets will evolve.”

Some issues raised during the consultation were the impact of RPS to consumers regarding electricity prices, the implication of RPS to existing power plants, social and environmental impression of the RPS and possible updates on the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) rules among others.

Around 300 participants from representatives of government agencies, NREB, international financial institutions, distribution utilities and renewable energy stakeholders attended the Luzon consultation.

Energy Facilities not Affected by Quake

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck near Nasugbu, Batangas at 1:28 p.m. Friday did not cause any outage as the energy facilities were not affected by the temblor.

The major energy facilities situated in Batangas, including the Malampaya offshore platform in the West Philippine Sea, are operating normally and remain in good condition after the earthquake.

On supply side, post-earthquake initial inspections showed that the integrity of the Malampaya subsea pipeline and onshore gas plant were also not affected.

Additionally, there is an on-going physical inspection of the onshore gas supply line to the natural gas power plants owned by First Gen Corp. (Tabangao-Sta. Rita pipeline).

On the transmission side, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the operator of the power grid, announced that the power transmission services are stable.

In its advisory, the grid remains intact as there had been no reported cases of power interruptions.

The NGCP is still assessing if there are damaged transmission facilities in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

For distribution, the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO) reported no outage and no facilities were affected. The utility serving Metro Manila and its nearby provinces is operating normally.

Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi directed the DOE to continuously monitor the energy situation and to provide any update as it becomes available.

MoveInSync mulls Philippine expansion

MoveInSync has announced plans to expand its services to Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, given the increasing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in these countries. MoveInSync is an enterprise transportation service provider that helps Wipro, Oracle, LinkedIn, NetApp, AT&T, and 45 other IT and outsourcing companies in India. Deepesh Agarwal, cofounder and chief executive officer of MoveInSync, said the company may expand its services to the Philippines and Indonesia as these countries are becoming hubs for the BPO industry. MoveInSync manages nearly five million shared rides a month.

BPO workers join PH Labor Day rally

Workers from the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are among the thousands who joined the massive Labor Day protest in the Philippines on May 1. Michael dela Concepcion of the BPO Employees Industry Network said they are calling on the government to help them in their problems with their employers. The group announced that a lot of BPO companies are cutting costs, affecting employees’ benefits. Dela Concepcion added that project-based and seasonal employments are also rampant in the BPO industry. Also, various labor groups in the country are calling on the government to end contractualization and implement a P750 national minimum wage.

Aon completes sale of outsourcing platform

Insurance broker Aon plc announced that it has completed the sale of its employee benefits outsourcing business to private equity firm Blackstone Group. The sale was carried out for cash consideration of USD4.3bn at closing and additional consideration of up to USD500m based on future performance. For Aon, the deal allows it to exit a mature, capital-intensive outsourcing business and focus in growth areas beyond its core insurance brokerage operations, including cyber security and health insurance. It was in 2010 when Aon took on the benefits outsourcing unit as part of its acquisition in 2010 of Hewitt Associations for USD4.9bn.

Accenture among top 10 firms Filipinos want to work for

Accenture Philippines continues to be among the top 10 firms that Filipinos want to work for. It holds the number 3 spot, next to San Miguel Corporation and Nestle Philippines. Accenture is a global management consulting and professional services company that provides strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations services. The company offers employees what it referred to as a “Total Rewards” package. This package includes competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, professional growth opportunities, and programs to help employees balance work with a healthy family-oriented lifestyle. Accenture has about 200,000 employees worldwide. Its current clients include 94 of the Fortune Global 100 and more than three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500.

Philippine Senator vows to push Rural Impact Sourcing

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, one of the authors of the law creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), vows to push for the strengthening of the Rural Impact Sourcing in the country. Angara said the Rural Impact Sourcing of the DICT, business process outsourcing (BPO), and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) can thrive anywhere in the country. Angara, who recently visited Negros Occidental, noted that the BPO industry is flourishing in the province, but Negros still needs to move up the value chain by further improving other sectors of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, particularly KPO.

ADP bares 2017 consolidated financial results

Carlos Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of ADP (Automatic Data Processing Inc.), announced that the company is making continuous progress as reflected on its third quarter fiscal 2017 financial results. The said report showed that ADP posted increase in revenues at 5% to USD3.4bn. Earnings from continuing operations before income tax increased to USD828m, or 4%, despite 2 percentage points of combined pressure from the disposition of the CHSA and COBRA businesses and acquisitions completed during the fiscal year. Rodriguez also underscored that ADP remains committed to simplifying its organization and continuously improving the client experience with an enhanced service model and innovative solutions.

Philippines scored low in ITU scoring

Using a scoring system developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) where 100 points represent the best possible scenario, the Philippines is only midway toward the ideal with a score of 52.5, according to a report entitled Rebooting Philippine Telecommunications through Structural Reform report. The country is the second lowest in a group of seven Asean members, with Myanmar placing last with a score of 23.8. Singapore topped the list with a score of 87. The report said structural change is required to improve regulatory quality and support the efficient functioning of the information and communications technology markets. The reforms needed will consist of significant improvements in both the governance and substance of the regulatory system.

George Nazi is Accenture’s new global network practice lead

George Nazi is Accenture’s new global network practice lead within the company´s Communications, Media & Technology operating group. Nazi will be responsible for all aspects of Accenture´s Network practice defining the go-to-market approach, shaping the strategy, and designing and executing on all Accenture´s network offerings. He will also oversee the carrier transformation and innovation portfolio of offerings, helping Accenture´s clients address the huge transformation changes in network technology across business disciplines. Accenture is a global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations with about 401,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries including the Philippines.

Infosys to create 10,000 US jobs

Infosys, a global tech outsourcing giant, announced plans to hire 10,000 new employees in the US over the next two years. The company is reportedly planning to open four US-based hubs, starting in Indianapolis in August. The company expects that the Indiana site will create 500 jobs by next year and possibly up to 2,000 by 2021. Vishal Sikka, the Infosys chief executive, disclosed during a recent news conference at the Indiana state capitol that the company desires to train and hire graduates from local universities and community colleges. The Indian multinational corporation was among the outsourcing companies that were under fire from Pres. Donald Trump for “stealing” American jobs.

Wipro beefs up security after bio attack threat

IT outsourcing giant Wipro has beefed up security at its Bengaluru campus after it received emailed threat of a possible lethal drug spread on the facility. In a police statement, Wipro said it received an anonymous email threat demanding Rs5bn (USD77m) worth of bitcoins as ransom. The anonymous sender reportedly threatened to use a lethal drug if Wipro fails to pay. Wipro confirmed that they have filed a complaint with the local law enforcement authorities after receiving a threatening letter from an unidentified source. Wipro has augmented security measures at all its office locations and stressed that the threat has no impact on the company’s operations.

Stefanini to present expertise at HDI Expo

Global IT outsourcing firm Stefanini said it would present its IT solutions expertise at HDI 2017 Conference & Expo on May 9â€"12 in Washington. HDI (Human Development Index) is considered the industry’s most comprehensive event, gathering the leading experts and practitioners of technical service and management. During the expo, Stefanini will present its portfolio of innovative IT outsourcing practice solutions, reinforcing its position as one of the leading providers of business solutions based on IT. Created in 1987, Stefanini is a USD1bn global IT provider of business solutions with locations in 39 countries across the Americas, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Convergys names Portland as global PR partner

Convergys has named PR agency Portland as its global agency on record (AOR) to handle corporate communications, employee communications, and media relations. The AOR relationship was formalized in April although Convergys and Portland started its partnership last year, according to Rob Shapiro, the agency’s lead on the account. Krista Boyle, VP of global brand and communications at Convergys, cited Portland’s strategic insights, counseling, and execution in a statement on the agency hire. Convergys has 133,000 employees in 33 countries, including the Philippines. It reported net income of USD18m in the fourth quarter of last year.

Cognizant posts 26% profit rise in first quarter

Nasdaq-listed IT outsourcing firm Cognizant said its profit for the first quarter of this year rose to USD557m from USD441m from a year earlier. With the Q1 growth, Cognizant reaffirmed its revenue growth forecast of 8â€"10% for calendar year 2017. In a statement, the company said its net income rose to USD557m, higher than the USD508.33m revenue expected by analysts. For the second quarter, Cognizant estimates revenue to be between USD3.63bn and USD3.68bn, a sequential increase between 2.3% and 3.7%. Cognizant has more than 261,000 employees, most of them based in India.

Open Access BPO to open China site in June

International call center firm Open Access BPO is set to launch its newest site in China, in Xiamen City, on June 3. The Xiamin site can house up to 400 employees working in three different shifts to allow for 24/7 operations. The company will deploy customer support solutions in Chinese languages, including Mandarin and Cantonese. It also plans to provide IT services. Open Access BPO has three operation hubs in Makati City and Davao City in the Philippines and Taipei in Taiwan. The company is sending over to China training specialists from its sites in the Philippines and Taiwan.

Accenture acquires Australian creative agencies

Global outsourcing firm Accenture has bought independent Australian creative agency the Monkeys and design business Maud. The acquisition aims to strengthen Accenture Interactive’s customer experience capabilities, as well as the services the company provides to chief marketing officers and chief digital officers. The Monkeys is one of Australia’s most respected agencies, with a team of 130 staff and clients including Ikea, Telstra, Qantas, and Meat and Livestock Australia. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. The Monkeys and Maud will become part of Accenture Interactive in a bid to drive brand strategy and creativity in Australia and New Zealand.

Convergys holds biggest BPO event in Cebu

Convergys is holding the biggest BPO event in Cebu dubbed as Hugyaw 2017, which brings together its employees from all the eight sites of Convergys to Cebu to celebrate and show the diverse talents of its people for the entire month of May. Director of Communications Hanica Pacis shared that Convergys is the Philippines’s largest BPO company with 60,000 employees, and Cebu is the second largest location after Metro Manila, with around 13,000 employees. The monthlong celebration engages the employees to join basketball, volleyball, song and dance competition, employee-produced short film competition, and Queen of Hugyaw, which aims to show beauty and diversity in beauty contest.

BPO jobs still most in demand in PH

Jobs from the business process outsourcing (BPO) industries continue to be the most in demand in the Philippines, according to job searching website JobStreet Philippines. JobStreet said BPO is followed by retail and real estate jobs in terms of overall demand. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), for its part, also announced that sales coordinators, sales representatives, customer service representatives, cashiers, and merchandisers are among the most in demand jobs during the May 1 Labor Day jobs fair in the country. DOLE-National Capital Region is set to conduct two more jobs fair within the month. The jobs fair are slated on May 10 in Pasay City Hall and May 18 in Malabon.

Vibal, Microsoft joins force for DICT’s GovCloud

Vibal Group, an integrated education and technology firm, adds Microsoft to its list of partners for the country’s biggest information and communications technology project called GovCloud. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) awarded the P373-million bid to build, operate, and transfer a complete cloud solution for the Philippine government to Vibal. GovCloud is a public service cloud infrastructure designed to reduce the cost of government technology solution, boost employee productivity, and improve online services. This project is in accordance with DICT Circular No. 2017-002, which encourages all state departments, offices, and agencies to adopt the Cloud First Policy.

Sitel adding three more centers in the Philippines

Sitel Philippinesâ€"one of the country’s largest business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in terms of workforceâ€"is adding three more service delivery centers in the country. The expansion would bring the total number of Site’s service delivery centers to 16 by the end of the year, according to Craig H. Reines, chief operating officer. The three new facilities will be in the cities of Baguio, Tarlac, and Puerto Princesa. The building in Baguio City has already been inaugurated. The expansion would add at least 3,000 more jobs to its existing workforce of 23,000 people. Two-thirds of Sitel’s clients are companies based in North America, Reines added.

49% of Filipinos working in BPO at risk of losing jobs

A report from International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2016 revealed that 49 percent of Filipinos working in business process outsourcing (BPO) firms are at risk of losing their jobs when BPO companies shift to automation using artificial intelligence (AI). Alarmed by the said report, Senator Bam Aquino is now seeking an inquiry into the threat posed by AI on jobs. Aquino underscored that the country should be preparing for any eventuality that may occur when automation goes into full swing as AI is one of the emerging technologies emphasized in the government’s economic growth road map. The inquiry will come as the BPO upgrades the skills of its workers to avoid being replaced by computers.

Pilar, Bohol mayor dismissed for granting fee exemptions
11 August 2017

              The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from the service of Mayor Necitas Cubrado of Pilar, Bohol after she was found guilty of Grave Misconduct.  The penalty of dismissal from the service carries the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility, and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

            Case records showed that on 27 August 2015, Cubrado authorized the issuance of a certificate granting exemptions to several residents of the municipality from paying fees for the electrical connection of their homes.

             â€œBeing the Chief Executive of the Municipality, respondent evidently overstepped the scope of her authority and encroached upon the powers and prerogatives of the Sanguniang Bayan when she granted exemptions to some residents, without, however, securing the prior approval of the SB thereby deliberately disregarding the provisions of the [Local Government Code],” stated the Resolution.

             As a result of this illegal issuance, the Ombudsman also ordered the filing against Cubrado of one count of violation of Usurpation of Legislative Powers (Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code) before the Sandiganbayan.         
   
           The Ombudsman directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Governor of Bohol to implement the dismissal order. ###


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Accenture fully acquires Arismore, expands market in Europe

Global professional services and outsourcing giant Accenture has fully acquired Arismore, a private France company that specializes in security services, identity and access management, architecture, change management, and related training services. With this development, Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security, cited that the presence of Arismore under the Accenture Security umbrella immediately amplifies the company’s long-standing leadership in the digital identity management market throughout Europe. The acquisition also helps Accenture provide advanced services to its global and French clients across their entire security lifecycle. Accenture has more than 400,000 employees and operates in more than 120 countries, including the Philippines.

Oracle denies acquiring Accenture

Oracle spokeswoman Deborah Hellinger has put an end to the rumor that Oracle is set to acquire Accenture, saying the report is completely made up. She pointed out that her company never considered the idea even as Oracle has a long history of acquiring firms like NetSuite most recently for USD9.3bn, and PeopleSoft in 2005 for USD10.3bn. Hellinger, however, pointed out that Oracle and Accenture remain longtime partners. The rumour of Oracle eyeing Accenture surfaced on The Register’s website, which cited sources who said that Oracle has hired global specialists to explore the feasibility of buying Accenture, which has a market capitalisation of USD77.17bn.

Essar Group exits BPO business, sells Aegis to PE firm

Essar Group has announced its final exit in the BPO business after selling Aegis Ltd to a Singapore-based private equity (PE) fund manager Capital Square Partners for an estimated USD275mâ€"USD300m. Aegis has revenues of USD400m and employs more than 40,000 people across 47 centres in 10 countries. India accounts for 25% of the firm’s revenues. The group entered the BPO business through the purchase of US-based Aegis, which then had revenues of USD60m and 1,000 employees. Three years ago, it started to monetise its investments in the BPO business by selling part of the unitâ€"Aegis US, Philippines, and Costa Ricaâ€"to France’s Teleperformance for USD610m.

SPi CRM wins 2017 Best C-Suite Team award

SPi CRM wins the Best C-Suite Team award during the recently concluded 2017 International ICT Awards, the most prestigious information and communication technology (ICT) award event in the Philippines. The award recognizes the important role of the company’s Top Executive Team in leading its organization toward development and growth. SPi CRM president and chief executive officer Maulik Parekh proudly shared the recognition to the company’s 11,000 talented employees who have shown commitment, passion, and dedication for excellence. SPi CRM, a pioneering leader in business process outsourcing, operates across the United States, Australia, Nicaragua, and the Philippines.

PH economist downplays Trump’s BPO threat

Felipe Medalla, a member of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board, expressed doubt on Trumps protectionist policies negatively affecting the BPO industry in the country. Medalla, a former socio-economic planning secretary, even doubts that Trump can actually push some of his protectionist policies. He also downplayed the border adjustment tax being pushed by Republicans as a way to boost exports. Medalla added a border adjustment tax could cause the appreciation of the dollar, which in turn would make outsourcing more attractive. Analysts earlier said that Trump’s protectionist policies could severely affect the operation of BPO companies in the Philippines.

IT, BPO firms help raise employment in CDC

The Clark Development Corp (CDC) has reported an increase of 8.6% in the number of its employees, from 93,067 last year to 101,086 this year. Among the contributors of the said increase are information technology (IT) firms, with 19,951 employees or 19.74% of the total and IT developers that are employing 14,124 workers or 13.99% of the total, said Noel Manankil, president and chief executive officer of CDC. BPO firm Sutherland Global Services Philippines Inc employs 6,778 personnel in CDC, whereas IQOR has 4,697 employees. Most of the firms operating in CDC belong to the industrial and information and communication technology sectors.

Intelenet pushes for automation, ready for short-term revenue cut

Intelenet is pushing for automation of its healthcare and transport services to reach a USD1bn revenue by 2020. To achieve its goal, the company said it is ready to experience short-term revenue cut in order to gain new customers in the next few years. Intelenet is now focusing on new horizon offerings, such as robotics, analytics, and mobility. Chief executive officer of Intelenet Bhupender Singh said BPO customers are asking for a step change of 20% improvement on a project that is already offshored and improved, and that can only happen with automation. Intelenet, a third-party BPO and contact center provider, has more than 30 locations and has headquarters in Philippines and India.

TeleTech welcomes new top executive

TeleTech Holdings has announced the appointment of Kyle Priest as the company’s new chief strategy and marketing officer. He will be in charge of strategy, offer management, demand generation, sales enablement, and corporate marketing. Ken Tuchman, chairman and chief executive officer of TeleTech expresses confidence on Priest, noting his vast experience in handling digital customers. Priest was previously connected with SapientRazorfish (formerly Razorfish), where he was a member of the leadership team as the SVP, Growth Alliances. Established in 1982, TeleTech is a global BPO company that operates in 14 countries, including the Philippines.

Bacolod City BPOs join earthquake drill

Panasiatic Solutions and Transcom Bacolod employees recently joined the earthquake drill spearheaded by the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The drill was part of the First Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has requested the CDRRMO and the BFP to conduct an emergency drill in BPO-IT offices in Bacolod. Aside from the drill, authorities also provided orientation to all employees on disaster preparedness and occupational safety. The activity was in line with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council’s earthquake information campaign.

Improved customer service, solution portfolios drive Asia-Pacific call center growth

Frost & Sullivan Digital Transformation Industry analyst Shuishan Lu said improved customer service (CX), upgrade of existing solution portfolios, and increased focus on the optimization of contact center operations are factors driving growth in the Asia-Pacific contact center application market. Lu advised vendors to harness the integration of web real-time communication, video, and artificial intelligence for better revenues. Lu added that vendors should tap greenfield opportunities while still catering to their large installed base of premise products. Avaya, Genesys, Verint Systems, NICE Systems, and Cisco strategically offer omnichannel CX to attract business across end-user segments.

Flatworld to hire more people in expansion drive

Flatworld Solutions Philippines (FSP), one of the many BPO sites of Indian-based ICT-BPO company Flatworld Solutions, has announced plans to hire more people as part of its expansion by the end of this year. Ajit Sivarajan, FSP head for Service Delivery, said 250 or more seats will be added as the company enjoys substantial growth in sales. He added that FSP is also planning to add new location since its present headquarters in Davao City will be maxed out after this year’s expansion. FSP is also diversifying its agents and will move towards multilingual voice and non-voice services.

ICT conference gathers industry experts

The 1st Philippine Impact Sourcing Conference (Piscon) held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City, gathered industry experts coming from both the private and public sector. Highlights of the conference include the launching of the National Broadband Network, the iGov data center that seeks to address the hosting requirements of government agencies, and cyber security. Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) secretary Rodolfo Salalima and undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim personally graced the event, together with representatives from the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Contact Center Association of the Philippines, and ICT Davao Inc, among others. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier gave his approval to establish a National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang.

TaskUs opens new office in Santa Monica airport

TaskUs announced that it will have a new office situated at Santa Monica airport. Chief executive officer Bryce Maddock expressed excitement over the said project that will occupy the 6,193-square-foot space previously home to the restaurant Typhoon. The new office, which is expected to be completed by October, will showcase inspiration from the airport itself and will include elements common to the company’s global network. Launched in 2008, TaskUs is a BPO company that has more than 7,000 team members and operates in the Philippines, Latin America, New York, San Francisco, and San Antonio, Texas.

Davao’s IT-BPM promotion to be replicated

Davao City’s information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) promotion was lauded by officials of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) during the 1st Philippine Impact Sourcing Conference media briefing. DICT secretary Rodolfo Salalima announced that they will replicate the city’s efforts in boosting its IT-BPM, highlighting Davao City’s active ICT industry. DICT undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim, for his part, said that of the estimated 1 million freelance online workers, some 154,000 are from Davao, which is now one of the biggest freelance online hubs and home to numerous local and foreign BPM firms in the country.

Accenture completes acquisition of iDefense

Accenture’s full acquisition of iDefense Security Intelligence Services is seen to boost the company’s existing Cyber Defense Services through better threat intelligence to augment the services it manages for clients’ security operations. Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security, disclosed that iDefense dramatically increases the breadth of Accenture’s threat intelligence capabilities, given iDefense’s track record as one of the world’s first and most prolific cyber threat intelligence business with proven capabilities in making its intelligence both timely and actionable for clients. Accenture serves more than 200 cities covering120 countries, including the Philippines.

Excelity Global Solutions inks deal with China’s WOWOO HR

Excelity Global Solutions, the largest Asia-based payroll outsourcing business, has teamed up with China-based WOWOO HR to offer payroll services to clients in China. WOWOO HR, a cloud-based Chinese HR service provider, will provide Excelity with regional mandatory benefit services to clients in China, whereas Excelity will offer payroll services through its EZ Payroll platform to WOWOO HR clients. With its partnership with Excelity, WOWOO HR will offer Internet-based praiseworthy and workable HR service to small and micro companies, thus, helping them to effectively avoid risks and benefit more from effective management.

Impact sourcing development in PH pushed

The Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) is further pushing for the development of impact sourcing in the country, especially in the countryside. CCAP believes that impact sourcing gives businessmen in the rural areas the opportunity to exercise their entrepreneurial prowess by establishing home-grown information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) firms right in their own backyard, while giving potential workers the ability to be employed without having to leave their families. CCAP chairman Benedict Hernandez disclosed that the IT-BPM industry was already practicing impact sourcing as early as 15 years ago but admitted that it is still a relatively young practice for IT-BPM firms.

IT, BPO firms implement new maternity law

Leading information technology (IT) and BPO firms in India are now implementing the new maternity law that provides 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for women employees. Tech Mahindra for its part said it would revise its existing policy on maternity leave although it still needs specific planning since it already has an existing extended maternity policy. Wipro has revised its policy late last month. Mindtree, which introduced six months’ paid maternity leave in September, also offers “Mi Lady,” an application that engages women on maternity leave to upgrade their skills before they rejoin the workforce again.

PHâ€"Japan dialogue to boost IT-BPM

Trade undersecretary for Industry Development and Bureau of Investment managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), along with the micro, small, and medium enterprises, and human resource development, will benefit from the Philippinesâ€"Japan Industrial Cooperation Dialogue (ICD). Rodolfo described the ICD as a mechanism for the Philippines to realize its aspiration to become a manufacturing and human resource development hub in the region, with the assistance and cooperation of Japan. Philippine Software Industry Association president Jonathan de Luzuriaga, who attended the dialogue, pushed for further cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in the IT-BPM industry.

Healthcare BPO market to exceed USD300bn by 2022

The global healthcare BPO market is projected to exceed more than USD300bn by 2022 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 10% in the given forecast period, Market Research Engine revealed in a new report. The report said major driving factors of the global healthcare BPO market’s growth include the strain to reduce healthcare delivery cost, performance of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or PPACA, consolidation of healthcare systems, compound clinical trial procedure, and strict regulatory requirements. Key players mentioned in the report include Accenture, Cognizant, Infosys BPO, Tata Consultancy, and Xerox Corporation.

Integreon names Robert Gogel chairman of the board

Global outsourcing firm Integreon announced that its current chief executive officer (CEO) Robert Gogel has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of the company. The move is part of the raft of changes that Integreon has been making after it was acquired by NewQuest Capital Partners in end of 2016. Gogel will relinquish his post as CEO to Bob Rowe. Integreon has more than 2,400 associates that support at least 250 clients around the world. It operates 14 delivery centers across the US, UK, India, China, the Philippines, and South Africa.

Indonesia President Widodo cites Philippines’ outsourcing success

Indonesian president Joko Widodo has urged young entrepreneurs in his country to explore major business opportunities in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. He cited how the Philippines had successfully managed to generate an annual revenue of USD25bn from the BPO sector. However, the Indonesian leader said Indonesia can level up and offer graphic design, animation, and software development instead of just offering telemarketing, just like the Philippines. Widodo said the BPO, tourism, and e-commerce are three business areas that can be explored by young Indonesian entrepreneurs. Philippine BPO players are currently looking for ways to level up their offerings to include outsourcing of skilled works, such as design, animation, accounting, and more.

BPOs urged to prepare for artificial intelligence

Business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are told to prepare for the disruption that will be brought about by artificial intelligence (AI). According to Dr. Ted Ladd, an American technology and business expert, the technology for AI is already here and while the AI’s impact on BPOs will start to be felt in five years, Ladd says BPOs and entrepreneurs should already be preparing for this. He suggested that companies should look for new opportunities that will be opened by AI, adding that AI solutions could even come from Manila. Additionally, Ladd said some of the creative talents in the BPO industry should create algorithms that are necessary for AI.

Capgemini named Star Performer by Everest Group

Consulting and IT outsourcing services firm Capgemini has been named Star Performer of the Year in Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix Service Provider of the Year awards. Capgemini was recognized both for Overall IT Services as well as Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Services. Everest Group’s 2017 IT Service Provider of the Year Awards recognize service providers who demonstrate consistent top performance across the 21 IT services PEAK Matrix evaluations published in 2016. Thierry Delaporte, Group Executive Board member responsible for Financial Services at Capgemini, said the recognition is an extraordinary acknowledgment of the company’s achievements across the board in overall IT and Financial Services industry expertise.

Integreon, Stefanini team up for healthcare and pharma solutions

Outsourcing firms Stefanini and Integreon are teaming up to provide enterprise outsourced solutions for contact research organizations and pharmaceutical companies. The partnership seeks to address several of the latest technologies and IT challenges associated with clinical trials. It brings together expertise in all phases of delivery, combining Integreon’s proven managed Internet of Things (IoT) services, which include connectivity, security, and device management, along with Stefanini’s experience in IT outsourcing, application development, solution deployment, and systems integration. The combined capabilities provide a complete spectrum of services for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, addressing several of the hidden complexities that are common in connected health solutions, said Integreon president Bryan Lubel.