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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017
Jimbo Gulle, Editor
Roger Garcia, Issue Editor
LGUs
Local Gov’t Units
mslocalgov@gmail.com
DPWH URGED TO RETROFIT ALL QC-BASED GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
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MANGROVE PLANTING. Personnel of the Bataan’s provincial environment and natural resources office plant a mangrove propagule during the 3rd Mangrove Planting Project of Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippine Corp. in Calaguiman, Samal, Bataan. Through the leadership of Penro officer Raul Mamac, Bataan has done massive mangrove planting in the past few years. Butch Gunio
ECOZONE IS CAGAYAN VALLEY’S ECONOMIC PROPELLER T By Brenda Jocson
UGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan—Despite difficult challenges in the world of business, the government-sanctioned Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has become the top economic driver of the Cagayan Valley region after 10 years of operation.
This is a result of the establishment in CEZA of international standard tourism, leisure and recreation, as well as information and communication technology-business process management or IT-BPM, ecozone officials said. CEZA public relations head Marie Joyce Jayme-Calimag said significant and successful accomplishments of the economic zone and freeport in 10 years of operation contributed to the region’s fast-growing economy. The tourism industry in Cagayan is booming after the massive promotion of its beautiful islands and white sand beaches, particularly in Sta. Ana town on the northeasternmost point of Luzon. “The Palaui Island here, for example, is ranked 10th among the 100 best islands in the world, and is one of the three best islands in the Philippines by ‘CNN Travel Blog,’” Calimag said. The ecozone has been hosting annual water sports activities like jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, and game fishing, particularly in Palaui Island and the beaches of Anguib, Gotan, Nangaramoan, and Pozzorobo all in Sta. Ana. Big and small private tour operators are mushrooming in the hotel and restaurant industry, which contribute much to the development of CEZA, Calimag added. The increasing tourist arrivals in the area is a result of the recent “Survivor America” television reality show filed on the island. In 2016, the Cagayan Freeport exceeded its target of 200,000 tourist arrivals, a significant increase from only 4,604 in 2007, both local and international tourists. The economic zone is now also tagged as Game Fishing Capital of the Philippines, Calimag said. Cagayan Valley also has the facilities and manpower resources that can accommodate small and medium business process outsourcing companies with its IT-BPM facilities at
the ecozone. While the country maintains its position as the first location for voice and second for non-voice services, the establishment of a “cyber park” in the ecozone is going to be one of the top 10 best in the world, she said. The ecozone’s telecommunications network “now boasts to be one of the best in Asia in terms of latency and capacity, and this is backed up by Cagayan province’s reputable schools and universities that groom the pool of labor for flourishing industries, like the IT-BPM, in the freeport,” Calimag said. Apart from converting the economic zone into the technohub center of the Philippines, she said CEZA is “also aiming to make it the gateway to Northern Luzon’s tourism frontier.” These developments also make CEZA a major job generator in Cagayan Valley, with more than 12,000 individuals employed in various sectors within the economic zone. In addition, the new P1.7-billion Cagayan North International Airport in Lallo town contributes much to the economy of Region 2, particularly in job generation. Last year, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines granted a new certificate to the CNIA, allowing it to cater to bigger commercial aircraft under the Global Express Aircraft Category and below with Code 3C. With it, the airport can now cater to 100-seater and below aircraft. “We can now invite bigger aircraft operators to operate in the Airport, which means more employment. That is why we have been aggressive in inviting investors to locate at the ecozone,” Calimag said. CEZA was created through Republic Act 7922 as a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President to manage and supervise the development of the economic zone and freeport.
THE Quezon City Council is urging the Department of Public Works and Highways to spearhead the structural retrofitting of all national government buildings based in the city. Under City Resolution No. SP-6926, S2016, Councilor Gian Carlo G. Sotto asked Public Works Secretary Mark Villar to facilitate the structural retrofitting of all national government buildings as a precaution against a major earthquake that may strike Metro Manila in the future. Sotto explained that part of the city government advocacy is instilling preparedness among the city’s populace. He said there is an imperative need to make major structures, particularly government buildings more calamities resilient specifically during earthquakes and super typhoons. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology had identified large areas in QC as traversing the West Valley Fault Line that poses grave risk and damage in the lives of the people in the eventuality of a major earthquake. Rio N. Araja
BLOCKAGE-FREE THOROUGHFARES IN MANILA EYED STARTING this January, the City of Manila will set up traffic discipline zones called “Pook Kaayusan” in at least 23 identified traffic choke points in the city’s busiest areas. “By the mere term itself means these areas will serve as our new model for traffic management—free-flowing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, it will be organized,” Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada said. “No illegal terminal or illegal parking, no trash … in other words, no blockage on the streets,” he added. The 23 identified zones, Estrada said, are the most congested areas in Manila that need extra attention. And these traffic zones will be manned roundthe-clock by traffic personnel who will be strictly enforcing traffic regulations. Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau chief Dennis Alcoreza said Pook Kaayusan is similar to Pook Batayan implemented during the administration of then President Corazon Aquino. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 312 on Sept. 1, 1988 identifying 19 areas in Metro Manila as strict traffic discipline zones. “Our Pook Kaayusan will be manned by our new traffic enforcers who will be equipped with communication radios, megaphones, traffic violation tickets… and they will strictly enforce the rules and regulations,” Alcoreza said. Sandy Araneta
STUDENT BEATS THE ODDS WITH INYDO SCHOLARSHIP Kaye Ann Domingsil thought she had a slim chance of qualifying for the Sirib Young Leadership Scholarship of the Ilocos Norte provincial government when she applied. Now on her third year at Northwestern University, Domingsil is on course to finish with a degree in business administration thanks to the scholarship grant.
“HMP, maalaka kad’ met?” [You think you’ll be picked?] Kaye Ann Domingsil’s family had reason to doubt she would pass the exams for the Sirib Young Leadership Scholarship. With about 200 applicants and only 31 slots available, her chances seemed slim, as she had never been a scholar during her high school years. So when the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office—formerly called the Sirib Youth Office—informed her that she was to be a beneficiary of the program, the Domingsils were overjoyed. “Naragsakanda met kasi daydiay ngarud, napagasatannak… adu met iti nag-apply’ak
a scholarship’ en, saannak a naala [They were happy because I was blessed to qualify this time. I’ve applied to many scholarships but was not selected],” Kaye Ann said in her native Ilocano. Nineteen-year-old Domingsil revealed that at the time, in her second semester of her freshman year in college, she had been worried about failing and struggling to maintain her grades. “But now, I am in my third year, and thank God I have maintained my scholarship.” Financially, her scholarship at Northwestern University is a great help to the Domingsils, as her father Alex works both in construction and on a farm, while her mother Lerma
mans a convenience store at their home. She has one sibling in second year college at the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades. SYL scholars are also required to exercise a leadership position, whether at school, in the community, or at church. Domingsil thus holds the external vice presidency of the Philippine Association of Students in Office Administration-NWU Chapter, and serves as the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson in Barangay 20-Cabisuculan of Vintar, her hometown. “It’s not enough that you have a position to write below your name. [The INYDO] also requires photo documentation to prove that you are an active leader,” Domingsil shared.
LGUs
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
10 FETED IN CORDILLERA GAWAD KALASAG AWARDS BAGUIO CITY—Ten local governments and private organizations regionwide were this year’s recipients of the 2016 regional Gawad Kaligtasan at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan or KALASAG awards for their exemplary performance in disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adoption in their respective fields of expertise. Deputy Administrator Christopher James Purisima of the Office of Civil Defense and OCD-CAR Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy handed out the trophies during the awarding ceremonies held at the CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. OCD-CAR confers the Gawad KALASAG to local governments and private organizations that excel in implementing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation programs vital in empowering communities regionwide. Uy expressed optimism that more LGUs and private organizations will be empowered to join the awards in the future because of the successful implementation of the initiative regionwide. Apayao was adjudged the best provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, while Mountain Province placed second. For the city level, the Baguio City DRRMC bested other cities in the region for the coveted award. In the first to third-class municipality category, La Trinidad led by Mayor Romeo Salda placed first and Luna, Apayao led by Major Josephine Bangsil placed second. Tublay in Benguet, headed by Mayor Armando Lauro, emerged the best municipal disaster risk reduction council for the fourth to sixth class municipality division. The University of the Cordilleras was the runaway winner for the best school urban category for the third consecutive year, while the BaguioBenguet Public Information and Civic Action Group was adjudged the best volunteer group private category. For the best government emergency management team, the Tuba fire station emerged the winner for the second straight year, while the Baguio City Emergency Medical Services landed second. Aside from the giant trophies, first-place winners received separate checks amounting to P50,000 each, while second placers received checks for P30,000. The OCD-CAR also recognized the significant contributions of its DRRM partners through the DRRM Commitment Award individual category. Trophies were handed to Nerissa Barbosa, Benguet DRRM coordinator for DepEd; Abner Lawangen, Tublay MDRRMO; Erosbon Sabedo, Licuan-Baay MDRRMO; lawyer Edward Chumawar, PDRRMO; Yoshio Labi, La Trinidad MDRRMO and PSSUPT Angelito Casimiro, PROCOR deputy for Operations. The regional office also issued citations to its DRRM partners that resulted in successful of plans and programs before, during and after the onslaught of Super Typhoon "Lawin" in the region. Dexter A. See
CHEERFUL GIVING. Tacloban City Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez distributes food packs to families in Barangay 83-C in Taguictic, San Jose, Tacloban as part of the city government’s relief efforts in communities flooded by heavy rains last week. Mel Caspe
FAO AND NEW ZEALAND
PARTNER TO SUPPORT CONFLICT- AND DROUGHT-AFFECTED MUNICIPALITIES IN COTABATO PROVINCE
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IGKAWAYAN, Cotabato Province—Farming and fishing families in Mindanao are no stranger to both natural and human-induced disasters.
For more than four decades now, their lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by incessant transfers resulting in displacement due to periodic armed clashes, strong typhoons and widespread drought that have by and large, worsened their life struggles in recent years past. Philippine representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations José Luis Fernández told Manila Standard that equipping farming and fishing communities with skills, knowledge and resources to recover from crises, to minimize losses from future disasters, and eventually rise from poverty are among the most important programs of the organization. Through a US$3.0-million grant from the New Zealand Government, FAO is currently supporting the recovery of more than 10,000
farming and fishing households in Cotabato province. The support program—which will operate until October 2017— aims to restart agricultural livelihoods and improve the coping abilities and resilience of smallholders in five municipalities: Aleosan, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan and Pikit. Distribution of farm and fisheries inputs is currently under way. This includes rice, corn and vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings, fertilizer, drying nets, small farm machinery, post-harvest equipment, hand tools, livestock and poultry, tilapia fingerlings and gillnets. To complement these resources, FAO is also conducting climatesmart farmer field schools and other livelihood skills trainings, training on basic planning for disaster risk reduction and
management in agriculture including in agriculture hazard and vulnerability mapping and analysis, good practice options and technologies, and early warning and disaster preparedness. “We have seen how peace, food security and economic growth are often mutually reinforcing. It is from this perspective that we emphasize the need for communities to be provided the kind of support that the Government of New Zealand is enabling us to deliver,” Fernández added.
Food security situation
National accounts reveal that 11 of the 20 poorest provinces are in this primarily agriculture-dependent region. Some three-fourths of the population of Mindanao or about 12.6 million people fall under levels 2 (mild chronic food insecurity), 3 (moderate chronic food insecurity) and 4 (severe chronic food insecurity), on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Of them, 1.96 million were found to be suffering from severe chronic food insecurity in 2015.
SBMA’S FIRST LADY ADMINISTRATOR AND CEO ASSUMES POST SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—It was a homecoming of sort, as far as the newly appointed head of the country’s leading freeport is concerned. A member of original volunteer corps who stepped up to protect the former naval base in Subic after the pull-out of the US bases in 1992, lawyer Wilma “Amy” T. Eisma assumes her post as the seventh administrator and chief executive officer of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Eisma was warmly welcomed back to her “home” by agency officials and employees in a simple program highlighted by the traditional passing of the SBMA flag symbolizing the turnover of the helm to Eisma, the agency’s first woman administrator and CEO, from her predecessor Roberto V. Garcia. The ceremony was also witnessed by the members of the SBMA Board of Directors and local government officials from Olongapo City, and the contiguous provinces of Zambales and Bataan. She formally took her oath of office as SBMA ad-
ministrator before President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Jan. 9, 2017 along with the new members of the SBMA Board of Directors Benny Diaz Antiporda, Maria Cecilia Bobadilla Bitare, Tomas Lahom III and Stefani Creer Saño. As administrator and CEO, Eisma shall also sit as vice chairman to the SBMA Board of Directors. Born and raised in Olongapo City, Eisma is a seasoned lawyer with over 23 years of experience in both government service and the private sector. Prior to her appointment, she was the Sustainability and Contributions Manager of PMFTC Inc., the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International. Eisma was instrumental in PMI’s decision to locate its regional tobacco warehouse for Asia Pacific in Subic Bay Freeport. Eisma is very much at home in SBMA. As a young lawyer, she started her career as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and member of the Legal Department at the time of the agency’s formation and foundation from 1993
Lawyer Wilma T. Eisma, the new SBMA administrator (left), receives the freeport’s flag from former SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia during a turnover ceremony. Butch Gunio
to 1998. She was also a member of the team that successfully negotiated assistance of the World Bank to SBMA including the entry/investment of Federal Express, and various international and local investors resulting to thousands of jobs. Butch Gunio
FAO program in Mindanao
Since 2015, FAO has been working with the government to address priority agricultural development issues in the region through its Mindanao Strategic Program for Agriculture and Agribusiness. While yet to be fully funded, the MSPAA has served as a framework for the implementation of at least five projects in areas most severely affected by natural and manmade calamities. FAO’s work in Mindanao is implemented in close partnership with the government through its various agencies on the national, regional and local levels. FAO also coordinates with the Mindanao Development Authority and works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the Bangsamoro Development Agency, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and other pertinent agencies and local government units.
PORTAL FOR PANGASINAN OFWS, BALIKBAYANS LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Aggressive in its aim to attain a systematized and comprehensive engagement with the Overseas Filipino Workers and their families, the provincial government is set to adapt and implement the “BaLinkbayan,” “Overseas Filipinos’ One-Stop Online Portal for Diaspora Engagement.” The Commission on Filipinos Overseas and the provincial government led by Gov. Amado I. Espino III is set to ink a memorandum of agreement following the endorsement of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the e-governance project. “The implementation of BaLinkbayan, a project of the national government and will boost further our migration and development initiatives,” PESO manager Alex Ferrer said, as he pointed out that the database system for the egovernance project will be maintained by a unit in PESO specifically designated for OFW affairs. Dexter A. See
Gadgets & Games
LENOVO LAUNCHES THINK UNIVERSITY
With the Lenovo computers, the students are able to access technological resources that will strengthen their learning experience.
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ECOGNIZING the growing role of technology in the learning process of students, Lenovo Philippines launched Think University, an initiative that empowers partner schools to provide an enhanced and more interactive learning experience through a grant of 10 units of ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop to qualified colleges and universities. By purchasing a certain number of Lenovo computers, a school can qualify for the program. “Lenovo believes that empowering the youth through quality education is vital to nation-building. Think University is part of our efforts to leverage our innovative devices to aid the academy in enhancing the overall experience,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “We hope that through this, our partner schools can create an immersive, interactive learning environment for their students.” With the Lenovo computers, the students are able to access technological resources that will strengthen their learning experience. It will allow them to engage more fully in class activities and access worldwide databases with ease, acquiring competence in technologies that are relevant to their studies. Ngan explains that an improved IT infrastruc-
ture in schools can further boost learning in the classroom. “Technology today enables students to learn at their own pace. Almost all educational apps allow for individualized instruction and there are plenty of legitimate resources that can be accessed anytime on the Internet. With this, students can learn according to their abilities and needs. This form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives him or her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling,” said Ngan. As the leading PC manufacturer and seller of consumer electronics in the country, Lenovo’s products are known for their durability, ruggedness, and reliability—three critical factors which the company believes are tailor-made for the classroom. Lenovo’s products are flexible enough to adapt to the many ways technology can be incorporated into the overall school experience.
Not only for students
Knowing that improved education technology leads to better teaching opportunities, Lenovo also aims to assist educators. The products enables teachers to deliver more dynamic lessons by providing reliable access to the latest online multimedia materials and connecting their PCs to interactive online classroom boards. Administrators can also update policies and procedures on the overall network in real-time, maintain up-to-date emergency plans and increase collaboration among staff for school-wide initiatives. “Being a global leader in technology and innovation, we have a special role in developing the use of technology in the classroom. We also understand the challenges schools face in improving education with new models of teaching while managing cost, efficiency, and security and that is why Lenovo will continue to support its partner schools,” added Ngan. ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop is a compact computer packed with the same reliable and powerful performance one expects from bigger desktops. It features 4th Gen Intel® Core™ processors as well as plenty of storage and memory, making it a good fit for school use. Moreover, the model comes with an advanced heat regulator and an ultra-efficient Green design to help lessen energy use.
VIDEO STREAMING TRIBE IS HERE
TRIBE, Southeast Asia’s newest mobile-first over-the-top video streaming service has finally arrived in the Philippines. In partnership with Globe Telecom, Tribe offers live and on-demand content exclusive to the region from popular genres such as Korean entertainment, anime, e-Sports, Asian thrillers, and fight sports. Tribe features K-entertainment programs from KBS World and tvN and soon, ondemand content from K plus. Also streamed by the app are Anime shows from Aniplus, e-Sports events via eGG channel, and action and Asian Thriller programs from Kix and
Thrill channels. K-drama fans will be able to watch dramas such as Hwarang and My Fair Lady. Anime fans get to view the latest anime series such as Drifter and Occultic Nine. They can also catch up on Anime favorites like Erased,Terror in Resonance, and Psycho Pass. E-sports fans on the other hand have access to gaming tournaments such as the recently streamed Boston Major Dota Tournament on its 24/7 eGG channel. Action, thriller, and fight fans will definitely enjoy programs such as Bellator, Top Gear Korea and a wide selection of Asian suspense thriller
movies in their line-up. Beyond quality content, Tribe aims to create immersive experiences and build connections among different fan groups through events, contests. Tribe’s launch was headlined by a viewing party of the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards 2016, the largest Ko-
rean pop awards show. The launch gathered the country’s largest K-Pop communities. Upon its Philippine launch, Tribe plans to unlock its highlight categories: K-entertainment, Anime, and e-Sports by spearheading more initiatives that resonate with millennial communities. “More than increasing Tribe’s subscription base, we want to unite fans by providing avenues for interactions. In the coming months, Filipino millennials can definitely expect more engaging activities that help them find their respective tribes,” according to Ryza Dipatuan, Head of
SET... From D4 whole day without charging. Moto G Play, meanwhile, is a boon to mobile gaming enthusiasts: it packs in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad-core processor with 2GB and a 2800mAh battery that allows users to
VIEWSONIC... From D4 top computer monitor choice,” said Jeff Volpe, president of ViewSonic Americas. “Our product portfolio supports a wide range of display needs, from professional graphics and video production to engineering and finance, plus our newest line of XG Gaming monitors are the choice of e-sport professionals around the world. “With the average monitors lasting for several years, it’s no
Marketing of Tribe Philippines. Finding your Tribe has never been this easy! Download the app and have access to relevant and quality content, anytime, anywhere. The app is available via Google Play and Apple Store with a 30-day free trial. Users can continue to stream shows after the free trial for a subscription fee of just P69 a month or P30 a week. For more information on Tribe, please log on to: http:// www.tribenow.tv. Join the Tribe on Facebook via facebook.com/ Tribe.ph and on Twitter and Instagram (@ tribe_ph) and #FindYourTribePH.
play all night. Pricing for the Moto G4 Plus starts at P13,999. Moto G Turbo and Moto G4 Play may be availed exclusively for free with Smart’s GIGA Plan 999 and Globe’s MyLifestylePlan 799, respectively. Welcome the New Year with a new Moto smartphone, and fearlessly take on 2017’s challenges without skipping a beat!
surprise that PCMag.com readers value quality and performance in their monitor choice. This is truly an honor for each employee here as we celebrate 30 years of making great monitors,” he added. This year, ViewSonic celebrates its 30th Anniversary and this award “makes it even more meaningful,” Volpe said. “As a leading global supplier of display technologies that combine innovation, reliability and quality in its products our heritage is rooted in delivering excellent performance, functional designs and advanced technologies to our customers.” Jimbo Gulle
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph
SANYO: NEW NAME, SAME QUALITY LONG trusted in the home appliances market, Japanese electronics brand Sanyo in the Philippines is taking a step forward as it refreshes itself with new products along with a new name: Haier. The transition follows the acquisition of Sanyo Philippines by the Haier Group in 2012. Now under Haier Electrical Appliances Philippines Inc., Sanyo products are expected to fully transition by the middle of next year. Haier promises to continue delivering Sanyo’s “affordable quality,” but with the introduction of new product categories, designs, and technologies to give Filipino consumers more value for the low price. “Haier wishes to build on the success of Sanyo in the Philippines. This is why the company retained the brand’s Japanese management and business style,” Haier Philippines president and CEO Yutaka Itamochi said. “The acquisition also enables us to take advantage of Haier’s R&D and manufacturing facilities across the globe so that Filipino consumers can enjoy highquality products that fit their budget.” With the aim to elevate ordinary home life to “inspired living,” Haier delivers appliances that not only bring convenience, but also foster togetherness among families.
New name, new products
The shift expands Sanyo’s existing product lines with new selections care of Haier for home appliance shoppers to choose from. Adding to Sanyo’s popular Single-Door fridge, Haier offers a full range of Basic and Two-Door refrigerators on top of its Inverter, Side-by-Side, and French Door models. Haier’s Window-Type air conditioners, along with its Split models, have also been added to Sanyo’s collection of Window ACs. Haier has begun transitioning Sanyo’s television sets and washing machines this year, but while the process is ongoing, these product lines are already gaining market share. Across these transitions, Haier adopts Sanyo’s technology, quality, and latest innovations in its manufacturing plants to produce the same appliances that consumers trust. Quality within budget HPI leverages the Haier Group’s 29 manufacturing bases in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia; 16 industrial parks in the US, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa; and eight research and development (R&D) centers in Germany, Japan, the US, and Korea to ensure worldclass products at more competitive prices. “By owning our own manufacturing plants and R&D centers, we at Haier are able to offer affordable products without sacrificing quality,” Itamochi said. “This gives Filipino consumers the assurance that they will continue enjoying top-class products even after the Sanyo brand name phases out.” This capability further allows Haier to innovate products for better functionality, energy savings, and convenience. It also enables the company to offer warranties that go beyond industry standards for complete customer satisfaction long after the sale. Itamochi is optimistic about the reception to Sanyo’s transition. “We will continue working hard so that Filipino consumers will remain confident in our products,” he said.
GOOGLE GRABS FABRIC
SAN FRANCISCO—Google is acquiring Twitter’s mobile application developer platform Fabric, a move which could give some breathing room for the social network after charting an independent path without a suitor. Terms of the deal were not announced. Twitter last year was in talks to sell itself with several firms including Google parent Alphabet, but without a deal decided to continue on an independent path, cutting jobs and refocusing on its core services. The sale of Fabric will shift to Google the platform used by developers for mobile apps. “When we launched Fabric in 2014, our goal was to provide the best tools to help developers create amazing apps,” the Fabric team said in a blog post. “Today we enter the next chapter for Fabric and are pleased to announce that we’ve signed an agreement for Fabric to be acquired by Google and for our team to join Google’s Developer Products Group, working with the Firebase team.” AFP
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph
Gadgets & Games SET YOUR GOALS WITH MOTO A FRESH year is always a nice excuse to get a new smartphone—go-getters and adventure seekers need a smart, reliable digital sidekick to complete their bucket list for the year, after all. Welcome 2017 with a bang and try Moto’s newly launched smartphones, which packs in fun and functionality. With the enhanced productivity, speed, and mobility features, you can be sure to accomplish your #2017goals without a hitch.
Humanoid robot Jia Jia, created by a team of engineers from the University of Science and Technology of China, is seen following a presentation at a conference in Shanghai. "Jia Jia" can hold a simple conversation and make specific facial expressions when asked, and her creator believes the eerily life-like robot heralds a future of cyborg labour in China. AFP
BIONIC WOMAN: ROBOT TURNS ON THE CHARM
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HANGHAI—”Jia Jia” can hold a simple conversation and make specific facial expressions when asked, and her creator believes the eerily life-like robot heralds a future of cyborg labour in China. Billed as China’s first human-like robot, Jia Jia was first trotted out last year by a team of engineers at the University of Science and Technology of China. Team leader Chen Xiaoping sounded like a proud father as he and his prototype appeared Monday at an economic conference organised by banking giant UBS in Shanghai’s futuristic financial centre. Chen predicted that perhaps within a decade artificially intelligent (AI) robots like Jia Jia will begin performing a range of menial tasks in Chinese
restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals and households.”In 5-10 years there will be a lot of applications for robots in China,” Chen said. With flowing black hair and dressed in a traditional Chinese dress, Jia Jia looks strikingly real. Yet her charm has its limits and simple questions frequently stump her. Still, Chen said his team has made great progress over the past two years in developing her AI. She was able accurately to answer a query about the day’s weather, hold basic conversations and recognise the
gender of her questioners. “You are a handsome man,” she complimented one, but when asked later if she has a boyfriend, replied, “I prefer to stay single.” Rapid advancements are being made in artificial intelligence and such products stole the limelight at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. A range of products were unveiled that can respond to voice commands to play music at home and follow other remote-control orders—or even think on their feet by accessing and “learning” from the Internet cloud. One company, Hanson Robotics, unveiled its life-like“Professor Einstein,” which has realistic facial expressions and can engage in informative conversations such as lessons in math and science.
Jia Jia is not quite there yet, but Chen sees a bright future for her kind in China. He said growing prosperity was causing many young Chinese to eschew jobs like waitressing, while an ageing population would require more hands on deck in hospitals and nursing homes—even if they aren’t human hands. Chen showed a video of a less lifelike, but more functional, robot making and serving tea to team members at his university lab in the eastern province of Anhui. Chen, however, dismissed sci-fi fears of future robots getting too smart for our own good. “As long as this is done in a step-by-step and controlled manner, I don’t think there will be a big impact on society. It won’t harm human beings,” he said.
VIEWSONIC IS READER'S CHOICE
ViewSonic received the highest rating in all categories in which it received a rating.
VIEWSONIC Corp., a leading global provider of visual solution products, has been selected as this year’s PCMag Reader’s Choice Award winner for monitors. In its 28th year, PCMag.com readers were asked to rate products and services they use in overall product satisfaction, picture quality, ease-of-use, likelihood to recommend, and reliability within the past 12 months. ViewSonic swept all categories and easily won the overall award.
“Sometimes, it pays to specialize,” said Ben Gottesman, executive editor at PCMag.com. “While most computer monitors are made by companies that build a variety of electronics products—computers, phones, cameras, printers, refrigerators, and more—our 2016 PCMag Readers’ Choice Award winner for computer monitors is a company that specializes in displays only: ViewSonic. “This is the second time in the last three years that ViewSonic has
won the award,” Gottesman added. According to the annual survey, ViewSonic received the highest rating in all categories in which it received a rating. ViewSonic collected a rating of 9.1 for both “Overall Satisfaction” as well as for “Likelihood to Recommend,” a 9.2 for “Ease-of-Use” and “Satisfaction with Picture Quality,” and finally a 9.3 for “Satisfaction with Reliability.” “We’re honored the readers of PCMag voted ViewSonic as their Turn to D3
Empowering Go-Getters with Moto Z Series Beautifully crafted for fashion trendsetters, Moto Z epitomizes elegance and style: Moto Z is a head turner with its military, aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel build. As the world’s thinnest premium smartphone, Moto Z is only 5.2 mm thin. Don’t be fooled by its size though, as it packs a punch: powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon TM 820 processor with 4G of RAM and 62G of internal storage, Moto Z delivers a smooth and blazing performance that keeps users ahead of the game. Moto Z sports a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display for optimal viewing experience. To top it all off, fashionistas can enjoy taking their OOTDs using Moto Z’s high-resolution 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and laser autofocus. Pricing for the Moto Z starts at P33,999. Meanwhile, Moto Z Play is the perfect companion for heavy multimedia users who need a smartphone that can last throughout the day. As the Moto smartphone with the longest battery life on a single charge, Moto Z Play can last up to 50 hours with regular use. Moto Z Play boasts of a 5.5-inch 1080p HD AMOLED display that delivers crisp and vivid images. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon TM 625 processor with 3GB of RAM and 32G of internal storage. Moto Z Play’s 16MP rear camera with laser and phase detect autofocus makes taking photos on any lighting condition such a breeze. Pricing for the Moto Z Play starts at P22,999. Moto Z Series smartphones are compatible with special snap-ons called Moto Mods: the Incipio OffGrid Power Pack, JBL Soundboost Speaker Mod, Moto Insta-Share Projector Mod, Hasselblad True Zoom Camera Mod, and Moto Style Shell Mods, which enhance the functionality of the smartphones. Without having to turn off the phone and remove the back panel, users can just simply snap the Moto Mods on using strong magnets that work like magic. Elevate Your Digital Prowess with Moto G Family The Moto G family of smartphones packs in all the essential features social media-savvy millenials need. Today’s selfie generation can capture the perfect picture with Moto G4 Plus’s 16MP camera with enhanced autofocus features, and upload them directly on social media without missing a moment. YOLO travelers keen on documenting their journeys will love Moto G Turbo, which is as adventurous as they are: Moto G4 Turbo features the IP67-rated dust and water protection, so users won’t have to worry about splashes and spills when they take travel selfies. Moto G Turbo also features a 5-inch full HD scratch-proof screen protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Notable for its long battery life, Moto G Turbo is powered by 2470mAh battery, which lasts the
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SAMSUNG UNVEILS ITS BIGGEST MOBILE SERVICE CENTER
By Peter Paul Duran
GLOBAL tech giant Samsung unveiled its biggest, exclusive mobile service center in the country to date, staying true to its commitment of providing premium consumer satisfaction. The brand recently opened its Service Center in SM North EDSA, Quezon City, offering Samsung users a new destination for their product-related inquiries and repair needs.
Formally presented to the public on Dec. 17 of last year, the grand opening was graced by Samsung Service Operations Head Sheila Jaucian and one of Mind Alliance’s Top management heads, Jeffrey Wong. The new Samsung Service Center boasts of its vibrant store display that creates a more fun and enjoyable environment for visitors. It has high-density fixtures that make the store look and feel both bold and iconic.
Precisely crafted lines on the wall and bright lighting also create a more refined space. With its accessory wall and available live demo units, the new service center not only aims to provide efficient frontline assistance and repairs, but also allows customers to have an immersive, in-depth experience. Being the company’s current biggest exclusive mobile service center in the Philippines, the store provides support for all Samsung mobile products such as smartphones,
tablets, and other accessories. As Samsung’s pledge to ensure that users get to fully enjoy their devices to the optimal level, customers can get assistance from highly-skilled service engineers and staff for device services from Level 1–Level 3 repairs, including but not limited to software updates and recovery, device set-up, troubleshooting and parts’ replacement. Visit the store now at the 4th Level, Cyberzone, SM City North Edsa-Annex.
The new Samsung Service Center boasts of its vibrant store display that creates a more fun and enjoyable environment for visitors.