Month: February 2022

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Digital Game-based Reading Intervention Wins at First TCS Sustainathon Philippines

    Leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) concluded TCS Sustainathon Philippines 2021 last January 28 in an exclusive online event.

    Students from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and De La Salle University Manila bag the top place with their entry Read-IO Works.

    The first TCS Sustainathon in the country, TCS Sustainathon Philippines 2021 had the theme Inclusive Education for All in 2030. Many challenges and issues came to fore when the country’s education sector embraced distance and flexible learning amid the pandemic. Foremost of these are lack of resources, internet access, and a clear and stable line of communication between teachers and students. Through TCS Sustainathon Philippines 2021, TCS hopes to encourage and empower the Filipino youth in using technology to explore solutions for these problems, which their generation experiences first-hand, and collaborate with local stakeholders such as businesses and schools.

    Students from various parts of the Philippines pitched their proposed solutions for the local theme. Among the submissions, 10 groups successfully made it to the finals.

    The technologies developed by the teams involve web and mobile applications, wherein different programs are incorporated to provide convenience and flexibility in education.

    The winning entry is T Read-IO Works developed by the Read-IO team, which comprises Jose Javier Lasala and Janos Lance Tiberio. The entry is a digital game-based reading intervention centered on phonics and oral reading fluency. It highlights evidence-based instruction and game-based assessments. It supports the gadget distribution initiatives of the Department of Education but is also accessible for offline use. With the Read-IO, the winning team sees that it is all the more possible to improve students’ reading comprehension, spelling, letter-sound knowledge and all the other indicators of literacy.

    The second place was won by SchoNEXT. The team, consisting of Prince Loven Abestano, Abe Apao, Esmael Amatonding and Gwyneth Chiu, explored the bounds of technology in their entry, which seeks to create a distraction-free, student-centered virtual environment for studying. As students study from their homes, an effective, self-regulated studying habit and system can go a long way, and this is what SchoNEXT aims to highlight with this virtual studying environment.

    The third place went to GOLS: Gamified Online Learning Space delivered by Racquel Moran, Lance Sangcal and Migs Ganzon. Their entry is about gamifying students’ online learning space, which helps in initiating active thinking and peer-to-peer learning through interactive games. More than anything, learning is best done with peers where students can not only learn vital knowledge but also develop the values of teamwork and leadership.

    TCS Sustainathon Philippines 2021 Finals’ third and second placers will take home Php50,000 and Php100,000, respectively. The champion will receive Php150,000 in cash prize.

    TCS Sustainathon Philippines 2021 was in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc., Edukasyon.ph, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth, and ADB Southeast Asia Development Solutions (SEADS).

    “TCS Sustainathon Philippines showed us the extensive knowledge and passion of the younger generation to deliver solutions to improve the current situation of our education sector. We, together with our partners, are all impressed with the work that we saw coming from these students and how they utilized technology for the better. We are looking forward to seeing what their initiatives can achieve and how these can help them and the country,” says TCS Philippines Country Head Shiju Varghese.

    The champion and second placer will also compete against the Sustainathon winners from Singapore and Malaysia at the TCS Sustainathon ASEAN finale later this year.

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    Caltex Network Supports Typhoon Odette-stricken Areas with Biyaheng Pagtulong

      Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc (CPI), supports relief efforts in typhoon-stricken areas such as Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, Surigao and Butuan with the launch of its Biyaheng Pagtulong fuel promo.

      From February 4 to 10, 2022, Caltex’s network of retailers and marketers will be donating Php1 for every liter of fuel purchased for relief efforts in typhoon-stricken areas. This will be topped up by CPI, in partnership with the American Chamber Foundation of the Philippines (AMCHAM Foundation).

      All Caltex fuel products are included in this nationwide fuel up-to-donate drive and there is no minimum fuel purchase required. The more motorists gas up, the higher the chances that the targeted Php5 million fund will be reached for Caltex and its retailers to donate to the typhoon victims.

      Typhoon Odette left serious damages across Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in Bohol, Cebu, Surigao, Butuan and Northern Palawan. Electricity and water supply have yet to be restored in most of the areas hit by Typhoon Odette. Residents are also struggling with food, clothing and shelter. Relief efforts in these hard-hit areas are still ongoing.

      “Chevron Philippines has always been committed to improving the quality of life of the communities we operate in. We want to appeal to the Filipino spirit of bayanihan to help those in need. It is our hope that the collective contributions will help in addressing the immediate needs of our countrymen affected by typhoon Odette,” CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu said.

      The Caltex Biyaheng Pagtulong promo can be availed at all Caltex stations nationwide except in the areas badly hit by the typhoon.

      CPI has a long tradition of donations to various charitable nongovernment organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross. CPI immediately mobilized aid and relief donations in millions during typhoons Ondoy, Yolanda and Ulysses, to name a few.

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      Alibaba Cloud, FinTech Alliance Philippines Partner for Inclusive Digital Finance

      Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, and FinTech Alliance.ph, the premier trade association in the country’s digital finance sector, launched the Fintech Industry Sandbox Program.

      The program is a new initiative designed to increase local financial institutions’ access to inclusive digital finance in support of the massive digitalization initiatives of the country’s regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The first-of-its-kind program will enable local businesses in the finance sector to explore the use of advanced cloud computing products and fintech services from Alibaba Cloud in a risk-free testing environment.

      Under the program, each eligible Philippine business will receive up to US$10,000 in cloud coupons, which can be used to adopt Alibaba Cloud’s proven solutions . Businesses will laos have access to complementary cloud training, technical and industry expertise, and regulatory compliance guidance.

      “We created this program with Alibaba Cloud to support emerging digital technologies, which help address current challenges in the financial industry. With more financial companies joining this program, we are glad to see the acceleration of access to inclusive digital finance in the country,” said Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of the FinTech Alliance.ph and chief innovation and inclusion officer and executive vice president of RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation).

      “Alibaba Cloud and the FinTech Alliance are working hard to create a business-friendly environment for local fintech companies to deploy digital finance solutions tailored to their needs, and this program is an important step toward this goal. We are excited to collaborate with companies in the Philippine fintech sector and further contribute to their development,” said Allen Guo, country manager for the Philippines, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

      Beginning this month, the program will be accepting applications from BSP-supervised financial institutions that are registered with the SEC and meet eligibility criteria. Interested organizations can send their applications to fintechallianceph@alibaba-inc.com.

      As the leading public cloud service provider in the Asia Pacific, Alibaba Cloud is one of the founding members of the FinTech Alliance.ph, offering its expertise in cloud technology and providing solutions around elastic compute, database, security, storage and network services. It is also developing machine learning and data analytics capabilities to address challenges and unlock opportunities for companies across the fintech space.

      For example, Alibaba Cloud provides a mix of fintech solutions to GCash, a leading mobile wallet enterprise, to handle large volumes of digital transactions with minimal interruption and high cost efficiency. The company also works with UBX, the fintech venture studio and fund spinoff of UnionBank of the Philippines, to provide eKYC (Electronic Know-Your-Customer) solutions. These products are designed to help local financial institutions boost their efficiency and security by digitalizing the identity verification process.

      Motivated by the demand for digital solutions and the need for greater financial inclusion, the Philippine fintech sector has sustained rapid growth in recent years. The Philippine Central Bank forecasts that the value share of digital transactions will reach at least 50 percent by 2023.

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      PhilRealty Builds on Legacy to Offer Uncompromised Living

        The pandemic underscored the importance of quality living at home, that instead of just a mere place to return to at the end of a workday, home is a sanctuary.

        As Filipinos adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic such as remote work and online learning, the housing market is experiencing a renewed interest in properties that can deliver the lifestyle suited to the ‘next normal,’ where connectivity, accessibility and well-planned spaces are top priorities.

        In a study released in Q2 2021, Colliers International Philippines noted that the share of upscale-to-luxury developments in new project launches has been on an upward trend since 2019. The segment accounted for 41 percent of new launches in 2020, up from 25 percent between 2015 and 2019. Buyers in the upscale market are looking for safe and high-quality homes for their families.

        Redesigning modern living

        Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation (PhilRealty), which has 40 years of trusted industry experience, remains committed to building not just developments but communities that enable residents to experience elevated urban living in a safe and comfortable environment. Its success is anchored on its landmark developments that have brought vertical living to greater heights.

        SkyVillas’ living room

        In the late 1980s, the company was one of the first developers to combine the concept of horizontal subdivisions and vertical living in the Philippines through its flagship luxury mid-rise project, The Alexandra in the Ortigas Business District. It was one of the country’s first vertical gated communities and continues to be a coveted address in the district today. Through this project, PhilRealty pioneered the “home replacement” concept that allows homeowners an “uncompromised living” in a vertical community.

        PhilRealty’s succeeding development, La Isla Condominium, became the epitome of high-end living with 28 luxuriously appointed apartments at spacious 270 sqm to 580 sqm cuts, each offering breathtaking views of the city.

        Home as a haven

        Building on the success of these residential projects, PhilRealty developed Skyline Premiere and The SkyVillas in the One Balete Compound in Quezon City as a prestigious address for homeowners who appreciate luxe living in the comforts of home.

        SkyVillas’ bedroom

        These developments offer tranquility with the laidback charm of the New Manila area and features large cuts, bi-level apartments, kitchens with a service entrance, maids’ quarters with toilet and bath, and utility areas with open-air ventilation. Units are fitted with top-of-the-line brands such as Canadian Kitchen cabinetry, SMEG kitchen appliances, and Kohler or Grohe bathroom fixtures.

        The PhilRealty concept of ‘home replacement’ focuses on family living, with units that are designed to ensure that everyone can have their personal space for work, study or other recreational activities. It incorporates spacious living in intimate communities that provide privacy and exclusivity in a modern urban setting. For those who want to experience an outdoor respite, the property has a landscaped garden that offers the rejuvenating feeling of being in wide open spaces. The clubhouse has a swimming pool, fitness center and a children’s playground to help build that spirit of community.

        PhilRealty’s master-planned projects continue to define high-end real estate development. The company is gearing up for more innovative and luxurious vertical residential developments to meet the distinctive homeowner’s needs in a dynamic industry.

        With the past months reminding everyone of the importance of quality home life experience, PhilRealty reaffirms its mission of building not just structures but homes and communities that can last for generations, whether it be in residential condominiums, offices, or commercial spaces.

        In the coming years, PhilRealty is looking into developing leisure propositions and townships. As the company looks forward to more projects ahead, it remains committed to building quality developments that enable residents to achieve uncompromised living in communities where generations can live and thrive. Having spacious and flexible residential units means that personal space, comfort and security are guaranteed.

        For more information about PhilRealty’s properties, visit www.philrealty.com.ph

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        Today’s Modern Filipino Kitchen Must-Have: A Reliable and Stylish Water Purification Station

          As families prioritize health and wellness, more Filipino homeowners are taking extra measures to ensure what they and their loved ones use and consume is safe and of high quality.

          Drinking water is one of these. Waterlogic, the global leader in home and workplace hydration solutions, offers Filipino homeowners a revolutionary way to purify and sterilize drinking water at home with the Aqua SmartGuard. The world’s first COVID-19-safe water purification product recently launched in the Philippines, the Aqua SmartGuard boasts state-of-the-art Firewall UVC technology and BioCote antimicrobial surface protection to prevent the COVID-19 virus from contaminating the family’s drinking water.

          “The Aqua SmartGuard water unit is an innovative addition to modern and healthy Filipino households. By combining technology expertise and aesthetic craftmanship from our many years in the global water purification industry, we hope to help keep every Filipino home protected with an advanced and well-designed water unit that delivers the safest drinking water from the source to the glass,” said Windy Goffe-Gomez, Aqua SmartGuard Philippines CEO.

          A stylish, functional cube to fit your home aesthetic and needs

          The Aqua SmartGuard comes in a sleek, compact cube design that complements any kitchen aesthetic and can fit even small countertops. But make no mistake because while its stylish metallic silver and black design is a sure standout in any modern kitchen, the Aqua SmartGuard is more than just eye candy. It has a premium build and durable quality that homeowners can trust for long-term use.

          The Aqua SmartGuard offers a wider range of temperature selections. While most water dispensers have only cold and hot options, the Aqua SmartGuard has ambient, cold, hot and extra hot water options. Its maximum volume storage and water capacity for cold and hot water are 1.4 liters and 1.3 liters, respectively.

          The product’s innovative user interface and settings will suit digital-savvy homeowners. The intuitive UI and LCD make for easy use and programming. Customizable settings such as temperature set point optimization, UV timer, filter timer, filter life monitor and energy saving sleep mode ensure smart unit use.

          Parents need not worry about their children’s safety when getting water because the unit also has a Child Safeguard selection that ensures the system defaults back to cold water after three seconds of inactivity to prevent accidental dispensing of hot water. The unit also includes a Leak Sensor and Alarm that halt supply to prevent overflow and reduce the risks of accidents.

          Enjoy the purest and safest drinking water at home with the sleek and stylish Aqua SmartGuard purification cube. Visit Aqua SmartGuard physical stores at Trinoma, Greenbelt 1 and SM Megamall, or online at smartguard.ph.

          Transforming drinking water in today’s Filipino homes

          Filipino families obtain drinking water from different sources. Many rely on water refilling stations that offer drinking water on a per-gallon container. Others have installed water purifiers at home or buy bottled water.  Contamination of jugs or filter replacements remains a concern in the first two cases. As for bottled water, rising prices, delayed deliveries due to lockdown restrictions[1] and concerns about plastic pollution are a deterrent.

          The Aqua SmartGuard addresses home drinking water supply needs and safety concerns with its advanced water purification system that uses a cutting-edge, proprietary purification technology to filter water. The unit’s high-performance carbon filters remove contaminants from the water source while retaining the essential minerals. Made from sustainably sourced coconut shell, the multilayer filter absorbs impurities as small as one micron, including chlorine and other common contaminants, leaving the water free of unpleasant tastes and odors.

          Each Aqua SmartGuard unit is equipped with Waterlogic’s patented FirewallTM UVC technology that ensures each drop of water dispensed is purified by precisely targeted UVC light. This guarantees that every glass of water is 99.9999 percent bacteria-free, 99.99 percent virus-free and 99.9 percent cyst-free. The FirewallTM UVC technology is also proven 99.999 percent effective against COVID-19.

          Taking water safety a notch higher, Aqua SmartGuard water purifiers have silver-based BioCote antimicrobial protection infused into the key surfaces, including the filters, drip tray and dispensing nozzle, which reduces microbes by up to 99.5 percent.

          “The water revolution has started in the Philippines. Our role is to provide homeowners with a reliable purification station at home that ensures safe drinking water and is convenient to set up and use just like the coffee stations families have to make sure they get their favorite morning drink. With the Aqua SmartGuard, more Filipinos can easily access and enjoy the health benefits of the world’s safest purified drinking water,” Goffe-Gomez added.

          The Aqua SmartGuard by Waterlogic is trusted by experts in the industry. Aside from successfully meeting the ISO 9001 and Energy Star standards, it has been recognized and certified by international health organizations such as the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS).

          The Aqua SmartGuard offers Total Care Service for unit installation, regular replacement of filters and UVC lamps, and maintenance, all included in the accessible monthly price of Php1,490. Visit smartguard.ph for more details.

          [1] https://phys.org/news/2022-01-pandemic-sales-bottled-dip-asia.html

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          Airbnb Announces Relief Program Supporting Filipino Guests Impacted by COVID-19

            Airbnb has recently announced a new way it will support guests as they navigate the unexpected impact of a recent surge in COVID-19 cases with its Guest COVID Support Program.

            The company is introducing the program to provide relief to guests no longer able to proceed with their previously booked reservations due to unexpected travel disruptions caused by government mandates such as border closures or mandatory extended quarantine requirements.

            For guests in these situations who are unable to obtain full refunds under their Hosts’ cancellation policies, Airbnb will provide relief in the form of a travel coupon for 50 percent of the cost of the unrefunded portion of the reservation. The company is funding this program with UD$20 million initially to help defray these financial impacts to guests and ensure guests know that it is listening to their concerns.

            This program is effective immediately and applies retroactively to reservations that (1) have a check-in date on or after December 1, 2021 and (2) had to be cancelled by the guest due to border closures, government mandates and certain other Omicron-related travel restrictions not in effect at the time of booking. If guests had reservations for stays with check-in dates on or after December 1 and they had to cancel in advance of check-in due to unexpected travel disruptions caused by government mandates, they are eligible for relief under this program.

            For example, if a traveler in October booked a stay in Manila with a check-in date for late December — and Manila’s restrictions on outside travel were announced after the date of booking but before the date of check-in — this program would retroactively apply. However, if a traveler books a stay in Manila today while the same travel restrictions are already in place, the program would not apply. Guests who believe their canceled reservations meet the program criteria should contact Airbnb’s 24/7 Community Support team.

            This program is meant to support guests who have encountered extreme and unexpected government-mandated travel disruptions due to Omicron and through no fault of their own. Other circumstances such as a guest testing positive for COVID just prior to a reservation will still be covered by Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances policy and therefore will not be eligible under this new program. Additionally, extreme travel disruptions such as earthquakes and wildfires that are not related to COVID-19 are also covered under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances policy.

            “Since the World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020, Airbnb has continued to prioritize public health. Our guiding principle has been that people should not travel or host if they are sick with this virus,” shared Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

            He continued, “We are grateful that our Host community as a whole has sought to offer guests greater flexibility — with almost two thirds of active listings globally now offering moderate or flexible cancellation policies. Travellers have been hit hard, particularly with sudden travel restrictions and border shutdowns. We understand that our guests are trying to navigate in a really dynamic environment, and so we’ll be stepping up our support for them.”