Ms 20161113 sec d

D1

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LGUs

ZAMBALES BOUNCES BACK FROM PINATUBO’S WRATH

By Honor Blanco Cabie

C

ITY OF OLONGAPO—Towards the northeast of this coastal city is an imposing sight—the hitherto dormant Mt. Pinatubo which cut a swathe of destruction when it erupted in 1991 following a 600-year slumber.

the eruptive episode sent tourists—foreign and local— into thinking it would take scores before Zambales, buried by lahar in most parts, would be able to bounce back, economically and emotionally.

Observers who motored to the province, which stretches 173 kms on its western shoreline facing the Luzon Bay, noted that ashes destroyed a big portion of the reefs in the area, buried nearby towns in a thick layer of ash at least 1 meter deep—some of them basically wiped off the map.

The same observers have noted that in recent years, the visibility of beaches has slowly returned, and the corals have started to recover with some turtles nesting in some areas.

But they said majority of sharks and dolphins that used to call the Zambales coast home have not returned since.

Pinatubo, whose name was emblazoned on the presidential plane of Zambales’ son Ramon Magsaysay in the 1950s, has started beckoning once more tourists and mountaineers, whose former summit—at 1,745 meters altitude—was believed to be the crest of a lava dome 600 years back.

Some mountain buffs say the volcano’s lower flanks, intricately dissected and densely sheathed in tropical vegetation prior to the 1991 eruptions, were composed mainly of pyroclastic deposits or volcanic rock fragments from voluminous, explosive prehistoric eruptions.

Twenty-five years later, resorts and other tourist destinations have resurfaced like mushrooms in the monsoon, including By The Sea Resort Hotel, which describes itself as “a perfect place for a perfect occasion” fronting Subic Bay, the former drydock facility of the giant US Seventh Fleet.

The Hotel, conceptualized in the 1980s and nestled in the bosom of Beach Valley, is a place where one can dine and wine, enjoy Philippine sunset and have a relaxing oasis from the jostle and flurry of life in a crowded metropolis.

Most of the inhabitants of Zambales, two hours drive from Manila, are crammed in the lowland plains toward the coast facing Luzon Sea: the indigenous Aetas (the earliest inhabitants) and the superstitious Sambals (an Austronesian group of people who displaced the Aetas and from whom the name Zambales was coined) live in its mountain ranges.

Tourism officials say the province is considered the wreck diving capital of the Southeast Asian archipelago, known previously as the Land of the Morning.

Most of the wreckage are concentrated in the Subic area, which for decades hosted Washington’s naval base during the Indochina War until the Americans fled in 1991 following the eruption of Pinatubo.

Official sources say at least 25 Japanese ships were sunk off the Zambales shoreline in the 1940s when Manila became the Warsaw of the Far East at the height of the second world war—the name a reference to the Polish capital which was reduced to ruins in the 1940s.

Sources said there are others that lie in Subic’s seabed, like the remains of the San Quentin (sunk in 1898), a wooden gunboat which lies nearby Grande Island; the USS New York (between Alava Pier and Cubi Point); El Capitan (Ilanin Bay); LST (near Grande Island); Oruku Maru (near Alava Pier); Patrol Boat (Triboa Bay) and LCU Landing Vessel (Triboa Bay).

There are also popular tourist destinations for camping and beach outings.

Turn to D2

Local Gov’t Units

NUMBER CODING SCHEME SUSPENDED BAGUIO CITY—Mayor Mauricio Domogan has suspended the implementation of the Baguio Number Coding Scheme from Nov. 14 to Dec. 9, 2016 for private vehicles of participants in the 63rd Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference.

The suspension also applies to participants in the 67 Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament.

These will be held at the CAP Trade and Cultural Center and the Baguio Country Club and the Camp John Hay fairways, respectively.

Domogan issued Administrative Order No. 147 suspending the implementation of the scheme specifically for the participants of the two major events and their families for the specified period.

Baguio City will host the 63rd Mine Safety and Environment Week on November 14-18 and the 67th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, the longest running amateur golf competition in the world, on Nov 21 to Dec 10, 2016.

“We will suspend the implementation of the number coding scheme for all private vehicles of participants of the two primordial national and international events in the city— to provide members of the mining industry and other stakeholders and our golfers, visitors and their families convenient and stress-free journey around the city to help boost the city’s identity as a prime tourist destination,” Domogan said.

Under the order, participants in the two events and their family members will be required to show to apprehending officers their respective identification cards to enjoy the exemption from the coverage of the Baguio Number Coding Scheme.

Ordinance No. 01, as amended

by Ordinance No. 107, is known as the “Baguio City Number Coding Ordinance.”

ARCHDIOCESE ENDORSES ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

Scan this icon to view the PDF

CATACLYSMIC ERUPTION. Mount Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano in the Cabusilan Mountains northwest of Manila, near the tripoint of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga in the Central Plains, registered on June 15, 1991 the second largest eruption of the 20th century, producing high-speed avalanches of hot ash and gas, giant mudflows, and a cloud of volcanic ash hundreds of kilometers across and affected a thickly populated area.

PANGASINAN GETS 2ND SGLG AWARD

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Gov. Amado Espino III is dedicating the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance award received by the provincial government from the Department of the Interior and Local Government to Pangasinenses.

Espino said his provincemates deserved the award for supporting various development thrusts of the provincial administration which helped the local government unit attain Pangasinan’s mission and vision.

“This award is not only a recognition of the efforts of provincial officials, but also (of) all Pangasinenses who work with us towards realizing a better province,” Espino said during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol recently.

According to the DILG, Pangasinan passed all the minimum requirements of the SGLG’s core components (financial administration, social protection and disaster preparedness) and essential areas (business friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order, and environment management).

Espino also thanked the DILG for appreciating his brand of leadership which has pursued excellence in running the affairs of the province since July 2007 when the elder Espino served as provincial chief executive.

On Oct. 27, Espino received the SGLG award from Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno and Senator Sonny Angara at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.

In a letter of the DILG sent to the province, Sueno said: “It is with great hope that your LGU sustains its remarkable performance and commitment as we both endeavor to carry on our journey towards an (honest and excellent local governance).”

The SGLG award entitles the LGFU access to the following: Performance Challenge Fund, facilitation of loan approval through the issuance of good financial housekeeping certifications and other program ‘windows’ subject to specific program guidelines.

In addition to the seal, a certificate of recognition was received by the provincial government as a symbol of the province’s commitment towards good

local governance and for passing all six local government assessment areas this year.

Pangasinan, under the stewardship of the elder Espino who has since become a congressman, was a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping award in 2011 and 2012.

When the SGH was upgraded to SGLG, the province again received the award in 2015.

Joining Espino during the presentation of the SGLG award were Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., provincial board members Jeremy Agerico Rosario, Raul Sison, Noel Bince, Angel Baniqued Jr., Napoleon Fontelera and Chinky PerezTababa and several heads of office of the provincial government. Dexter A. See

ILOILO CITY—The Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo has expressed public support to the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s “Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayan Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA MASID) program and the Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS).

In a pastoral statement titled “Unleashing the Power of Love and Mercy,” Archbishop Angel Lagdameo appealed to all Christian leaders, businessmen, professionals, physicians, and all parishioners to invest time, resources, and energy to help curb the complex problem of drug menace in the society.

“We must commit to greater church and state collaboration to eradicate the problem of illegal drugs,” Lagdameo said.

“Through the facilitation of JASAC (Jaro Social Action Center), we can join hands in partnership with groups like the DILG for MASA MASID and UBAS to fight criminality, corruption, and illegal drugs,” he added.

LGUs

D2

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MANGO GROWERS TAUGHT TECHNIQUES BALANGA, Bataan—Mango growers from the province trained by the Bataan Peninsula State University have adopted science and technology farming techniques for better production.

The BPSU and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) have implemented Science and Technology Community-Based Farming on mango production in Bataan involving 15 farmer-cooperators from Balanga and Abucay towns from 2013 to 2015.

Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, BPSU OIC vice president for Research, Extension, and Training Services and project leader, said science and technology interventions were performed by cooperators on their respective mango farms as part of the project for two consecutive years.

The farmer-cooperators underwent trainings and seminars on technology transfer and technical management to further develop their capability.

The university vice president said the project was being sustained by the Bataan Mango Growers Association’s 35 members from Balanga and Abucay towns who contributed a capital share of P20,000 each for flower induction of mango orchards.

The 15 farmer-cooperators of the project are members of the association.

He also said the association would perform mango spraying as form of extension services and income generation.

The association will also provide services such as pruning and bagging of fruits.

Paguia said mango growers would undergo continuous capability building to enhance their skills for improved mango production to be conducted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, and City Agriculture Office.

He said they wanted to have mango buying station and packing house by consolidators with hot treatment facility.

He said the support of local government units and Department of Agriculture was vital to this plan.

A project proposal is being prepared to seek Commission on Higher Education and Department of Science and Technology funding support which, if approved, would cover five mango-growing LGUs. Butch Gunio

IN HIGH GEAR. Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan intensifies the local government unit’s ‘Oplan Clean Agad’ and directs the city’s Environmental Management Office, Mayor’s Action Center and Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management in barangays 65, 66, 69 and 73. Jun David

KABAYAN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WANT PART IN PROJECT PROPOSAL

By Dexter See

K

ABAYAN, Benguet—Many young professionals tracing their origin here want the Cordillera office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP-CAR) to consult them regarding the ongoing free and prior informed consent process for the 45-megawatt Nalatang hydropower project.

The project is being proposed by the Aboitiz-owned Hydroelectric Development Corp. (HEDCOR) Inc. The professionals claim they think like their elders from their respective barangays, the reason they deserve to be consulted by the FPIC team so they can share their insights on the proposed environmentally critical project that will impact on their ancestral domain.

“Like our elders, we are concerned about the preservation and protection of our domain that is why we must also be consulted. We also have our own insights on the project that will compel prospective

developers to give to the indigenous peoples their equitable share from the utilization of the resources within their domain,” said one professional, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

The source questioned what he called the obvious bias shown by the NCIP FPIC team toward the project proponent as the indigenous peoples leaders who are to represent the different barangays were handpicked by the team and not actually selected by the IPs in the area through their own indigenous selection processes.

According to the alarmed sources,

the project proponent is allegedly in cahoots with the FPIC team to railroad the process amid the issues raised that must be addressed by agencies before the indigenous peoples can decide to give or withhold their consent as provided by law.

The sources claimed the IPs of Kabayan want an equitable share from the development and utilization of the natural resources in their domain.

Their ancestors preserved and protected such resources for the benefit of their children and their children’s children, thus, oligarchs cannot just simply take away from them these resources at the ancestral domain owner’s expense.

They disclosed the project proponent had been giving away simple tokens to the selected IP leaders as an inducement to give their consent for the hydropower project. Such inducements is a violation of the FPIC process, they said.

The sources asserted developers were welcome to utilize the

resources within their domain but not to the extent of shortchanging them.

Those conducting the FPIC process should inform and educate them about their rights so that they will know what to demand from the developers.

Under the provisions of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, companies interested in developing and exploring the resources of the State are required to secure the free and prior informed consent of the affected indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities having domain over the areas prior to introducing any development.

The sources argued interested hydropower developers should not belittle the IPs because they can be partners in the proposed development of the resources if given the equitable share.

They also remind the project proponent and the NCIP FPIC team the indigenous communities have the right to deny consent to the project.

SM FOUNDATION DONATES BLDG. TO BAGUIO SCHOOL

TURNING THE CORNER. Mariveles Mayor AJ Concepcion circulates with small fishermen of his town, vowing to look immediately at their plight and help them improve their nine-to-five livelihood. Butch Gunio

ZAMBALES ...

From D1 These include, according to tourism officials, Anawangin in San Antonio town, 39 kms north of Olongapo, which offers adventure activities for a camping travel itinerary.

Anawangin, a crescent-shaped cove lined with pine trees on its shore which gives it a different impression, is complemented by surrounding mountain rocks which gives the area a poster-perfect view particularly during sundown when the sun gives off an orange glow that reflects the mountain terrain.

The sand is white and soft with a mixture of volcanic ashes from the

1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The cove is complimented by the surrounding mountain rocks giving it a picturesque and poster-perfect view especially when the sunset is givingoff an orange glow that reflects to the mountain curves.

There are other sights for tourists like Camara Island, which has clear waters and colorful corals and provides a majestic view of the open ocean.

This is the closest island in the shore of Pundaquit, a 15-minute ride from Anawangin Cove.

There is also the Capones, a 2-km long bone-shaped island which is chiefly a site for surfing adventures, is about 30 minutes by boat from Pundaquit.

A lighthouse from its top is also an attraction where adventure-seekers can have a pleasant view of the open sea.

Officials also point to Balon Falls, said to be a perfect paradise in nearby Subic’s barangay Aningway for nature lovers with crystal-clear water fresh from the falls, where fragrance of wild flowers and trees surrounds the whole place, and only the sound of the birds and wild animals breaks the tranquil atmosphere.

With foreign and local tourists seeking out the popular destinations in the province every month, tourism officials themselves raise their hopes for continuing recovery from the devastation inflicted by Pinatubo.

BAGUIO CITY—The Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School has set its sights to expanding to Junior High School in 2017 as SM Foundation turned over a brand new, two-story school building on Nov. 1.

The new school building comes with four fully-furnished classrooms with a total 200 arm chairs, 4 teacher’s desk sets, 16 wall fans, 8 blackboards, 4 wall clocks, and 4 toilets.

SM Foundation says it recognizes the need to help close the gap in the quality of education between private and public schools by providing the proper environment that is conducive to learning.

“Education is the greatest equalizer,” said Linda Atayde, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs.

She said: “Numerous studies have shown that having a prepared environment conducive for learning boosts the child’s creativity, independent thinking and absorptive capacity.

“Through these fully-furnished, wellventilated classrooms, we hope to aid the child’s learning to be more productive, enjoyable and comfortable.”

MLQ Elementary School has 900 students from 13 barangays from Kinder to Grade 6.

It has a campus with more than a hectare of land, with 9 school buildings.

The new school building will be the 10th on campus which will serve as classrooms of the incoming Junior High in 2017.

In the meantime, it will serve as laboratory rooms for different grade levels.

“Our dream is to be a full K-12 school,” said school principal Danilo Gayao.

“The new school building from SM Foundation makes the expansion to Junior High possible. We are now even more hopeful that, eventually, it will lead to the expansion to senior high.”

MLQ Elementary School also provides Alternative Learning System to 300 students including mothers, ex-convicts, and out-of-school youth, who hope to finish schooling.

It also serves as one of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority campuses.

“We thank SM for being a partnerstakeholder of DepEd’s vision to provide education for all,” Gayao said.

This is SM Foundation’s 76th school building to date. It is the 5th school building in Baguio, including those built for the Irisan Elementary School, Pinsao Elementary School, Josefa Carino Elementary School and Lucban Elementary School.

SM Foundation also provides college and technical-vocational scholarship grants to further help provide access to inclusive and equitable quality education.

To date, the SM Group of Companies has supported Baguio and communities around it through the various programs of SM Foundation.

Through the Scholarship Program, there are 77 college scholars and 40 tech-voc scholars. The Foundation has conducted 24 medical missions benefitting 19,973 patients.

The Foundation has also renovated three health centers and two hospitals.

Dexter See

Gadgets & Games

NINTENDO, SONY DO BATTLE WITH OLD, NEW Nintendo on November 10, 2016 launched palm-sized versions of its 1980s-era games consoles— the North American “Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition” (above) and the Japanese “Nintendo Classic Mini Family Computer” (below), setting up an old versus new showdown with rival Sony as it released a new PlayStation 4. AFP

T

OKYO—Nintendo on Thursday launched a palm-sized version of its eighties era games console, setting up an old versus new showdown with rival Sony as it released a new PlayStation 4.

The dual launches marked a new chapter in the battle for supremacy between Japan’s top videogame companies as they try to deal with

a sharp rise in mobile gaming.

Scores of excited gamers queued at electronics stores in Tokyo to tr y to get their hands on the N intendo’s new version of its Famicom and Sony’s PS4 Pro. The smaller version of Nintendo’s classic console, known as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) overseas, sold more than 60 million units after its 1983 launch.

The new mini-console retails for about $60 with a strong nod to nostalgia by letting gamers lower screen quality to mimic playing on an old television.

The console is installed with 30 games including Nintendo’s famed Super Mario and Donkey Kong characters.

Sony’s cutting-edge machine retails for about $400 and promises even sharper graphics than earlier versions of its PS4, which have sold over 40 million units globally.

Most consoles had already been pre ordered, dashing the hopes of some Japanese gamers who rushed to stores for the double launch day.

“We stopped taking pre-orders some time ago because demand for both machines was beyond

expectations,” Yuko Harima, a spokeswoman for retail electronics stores Bic Camera, told AFP, without disclosing sales figures.

Nintendo’s system is being released in Europe and North America on Friday.

The two offerings are very different but their launch could herald a new turf war among the rivals, said Hirokazu Hamamura, who heads game magazines publishing at the Kadokawa media group.

“You may think it’s no big deal that the cuttingedge high-end game machine and old-style Famicom make their debuts on the same day, but I don’t think so,” he said.

“This really illustrates that we could see a platform war in the coming years,” he told a recent seminar in Tokyo.

Both firms are competing to win so-called crossover customers who use smartphones, game consoles and traditional computers, he added.

Nintendo has been looking for a hit to counter flagging Wii U console sales, after making a longawaited debut in the mobile gaming market for the first time earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the firm last month stumbled as it gave a sneak peek at a long-awaited new console called Nintendo Switch.

The hybrid machine can be played at home and on the go, thanks to a removable screen like a tablet with the controllers attached.

But the release of a three-minute video of the system left investors underwhelmed, sparking selling on the Tokyo stock market of shares in Nintendo, which had been buoyed by the success of “Pokemon Go” smartphone app earlier this year. AFP

D3

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

LAZADA SELLS 100K ITEMS IN 9 HOURS LATE night shoppers started very early to take advantage of Lazada’s 2016 Online Revolution.

Customers looking for the best deals from trusted brands started coming in from 12 midnight today. As of 9 a.m., www.lazada.com.ph recorded 100,000 sold items, 29% of which came from the health and beauty category, with electronics as a close second.

Shoppers relished in the choice of products available to them at amazing offers— all at up to 95% discount. The very first order came from a customer in Tarlac City, who ordered a KDS Beats-0022 100dB Stereo Subwoofer Over-the-Ear Headphones.

Lazada’s Online Revolution excitement started much earlier this year,” said CEO Inanc Balci, “We’ve had an exciting and long night, with crowds of late-night owls turning into early-bird shoppers snapping up the best deals from Samsung, L’Oreal, P&G, BUM, Starmobile, Mamy Poko, among many others. Watch out for more deals coming later today and in the next 4 weeks for your Christmas shopping.”

The Online Revolution sale continues until Dec. 12. Following 11.11, and during the next 4 weeks leading up to 12.12, Lazada is focusing on satisfying its customers’ interests with a weekly curated selection of products for beauty fans, supermoms and families, techies and fashionistas.

Be part of history as Lazada kicks off the Christmas shopping season with the best brands and wallet-friendly deals.

Get a chance to win an Isuzu D-Max and Turkish Airlines international roundtrip tickets for all your shopping. Visit www. lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada mobile app for free.

BIG...

From D4

True portability

Unlike other projectors in the market, the Lenovo Pocket Projector delivers true portability with its built-in lithium-ion battery that provides up to three hours of continuous operation on a single charge. That’s more than enough juice for a feature-length movie that users can enjoy anytime, anywhere!

The compact, ultra-light design of the Pocket Projector clocks in at only 288 grams, allowing users to fit it right into a back pocket or a laptop bag for breathtaking display on-the-go.

The new Lenovo Pocket Projector is available in Lenovo stores and authorized dealer partners across Philippines for only P13,999.

IRRESISTIBLE DEALS ON GADGETS ALL is clear, all is bright this holiday season as Sony Philippines introduces irresistible deals on Sony mobile phones, cameras, headphones, TVs, and much more.

From November 11 up to January 15, 2017, Filipinos nationwide can enjoy huge cash discounts, easy installment plans, and exciting freebies on some of the latest Sony products.

Level up your photography and take Insta-like photos like Nadine Lustre with the Sony A5000. Aspiring photographers looking to upgrade their point-and-shoot can opt for the 20.1 megapixel mirrorless interchangeable lens camera for P22,999. For an additional P2,990, they can also avail of a special accessories bundle comprised of a chic camera bag, leather case, and camera strap if they purchase a Sony A5000 or A5100.

Audiophiles can listen to

their favorite tracks in superb high-resolution with the latest headphones and speakers from the Extra Bass Line. Get the MDR-XB650BT, MDR-XB450AP, and SRS-XB3 with a cool Extra Bass drawstring sling back.

Available at 6 months to pay at 0% interest, you can listen to your favorite songs in amazing audio quality for as low as P499.83 per month.

Preserve fleeting moments in their truest colors with the Xperia XZ which features a 23 megapixel camera coupled with a highly acclaimed triple image sensing technology and 4K video recording. Grab the brand new flagship device for only Php 37,990 via credit card at 12 months to pay at 0%.

Looking for a stylish device that fits your lifestyle? Get the stunning Xperia XA with a free 32GB USB on-the-go for only P12,990.00 Watch your favorite movies

in extra high-definition and immerse yourself in extreme contrast with the 75” Sony Bravia Z9D 4KHDR Android TV. At P399,999, you get up to 10% off when you pay in cash.

Spruce up your living quarters and enjoy excellent picture quality with the slim and stylish Sony Bravia X9300D. Get a free Xperia Z5 mobile phone or HT-CT80 soundbar when you purchase select Sony Bravia TVs. Head to your nearest Sony Center to get to know more about these exciting deals. This Christmas season, gift yourself or your loved ones with a Sony product, and experience everything extra clear and extra bright all year round.

For more details visit www. s o n y. c o m . p h / m i c r o s i t e / s o nychristmas2016/index.html or follow Sony Philippines on Twitter (@SonyPHinc), Instagram (@ SonyPHinc) and Facebook (facebook.com/SonyPhilippines)

From Nov. 11 up to Jan. 15, 2017, Filipinos nationwide can enjoy huge cash discounts, easy installment plans, and exciting freebies on some of the latest Sony products.

D4

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

EDUCATION APP SEES STRONG PH POTENTIAL P

RIOR to announcing the official launch in the country, Singapore-based education company Zookal made available in the Philippines its hugely successful app three weeks ago and immediately saw over 30,000 downloads since.

The app allows Filipino students with a smartphone to instantly access and review comprehensively through the 20,000 practice multiple-choice questionnaires handcrafted by over 500 of the best teachers in the country.

Available for free download via Google Play Store and iOS App Store, the app’s content have been crafted and prepared in accordance with the Philippine education curriculum. It simulates the nature of multiple-choice entrance tests allowing students to conveniently swipe through questions and complete quizzes and is perfect for those reviewing for entrance tests and licensure examinations such as UPCAT, ACET, Civil Service Examination and the NSAT. “Several factors motivated our team to launch the concept of Zookal in the Philippines. First, we saw how Filipinos value education more than anything. Majority of the budget allotted by the government goes to the sector. Secondly, with over 30 percent of Filipinos being a smartphone user and how this percentage is expected to vastly grow over the years according to a report recently made

by IDC, we know that Filipinos can readily adopt to this digital education resource,” said Jon Tse, Co-founder of Zookal.

Aiming to make education more affordable and accessible to everyone, Zookal especially caters to those who have limited access to books and review centers which could be very costly.

“We are inspired by the story of Mr. Efren Penaflorida who earned the title CNN Hero of the Year in 2010 because of his Pinoy Kariton Educator concept. He would go around different villages and bring along with him school materials for street children. We believe the cause we stand for is no different,” he continued.

Instilling strong and healthy study habits among Filipinos Upon completion of the questionnaires, app users earn bonus study tips which have been compiled by oblation scholars and top teachers from Teach for the Philippines.

These tips are aimed at instilling strong and healthy study habits among Filipino students; ultimately improving their study outcomes and enhancing their educational experience.

“We are very proud to have made this impact in the first few weeks of the launch. The positive feedback from our users has been overwhelming and we are working very diligently to enhance the product,” continued Jon Tse. “Buying books and going to review centers might not be feasible for every student, so if we can help some students access resources that were previously unavailable to them, then we will strive to do so on as big a scale as possible,” he added.

Among the improvements included in their pipeline is explaining to users why certain answers are correct and others are wrong.

They are also working on expanding the content to cover more tests including NCLEX, IELTS, GMAT and more.

To d o w n l o a d t h e a p p via Google Play store, go to: https://play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.zookal. zookalsg&hl=en or via iOS App Store, go to https://itunes.apple. com/au/app/zookal-philippinesschool/id1140369065?mt=8 The app is also available for direct download at www.zookal. com.ph.

GLOBAL technology leader Lenovo recently announced the availability of its latest innovation in the Philippine market: the Lenovo Pocket Projector, a carryanywhere projection dynamo that turns any room into a private theater with a push of a button.

All eyes will be on this device which allows work presentations, movies, TV shows, home videos, games, or photos to be shared and project up to 110 inches of stunning display.

Powered by Lenovo’s vibrant color technology, the Pocket Projector delivers amazingly high contrast images and features a built-in lithium ion battery for extreme mobility.

“The Lenovo Pocket Projector helps users turn simple visuals into big cinematic moments,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines. “This is the first standalone projector of Lenovo that truly delivers innovative technology right where it matters: display, versatility, and true portability. As always, Lenovo utilizes the rapid advances in imaging technology to provide consumers with innovations that allow them to make the most of their images, videos, and ideas.”

Larger-than-life brilliant display

The app allows Filipino students with a smartphone to instantly access and review comprehensively through the 20,000 practice multiple-choice questionnaires

DEVICE SPARKS HOPE OF PARALYSIS CURE GENEVA—A new device has allowed two monkeys to regain use of their paralysed legs by transmitting brain signals wirelessly, bypassing their spinal cord lesions, a study released Wednesday by the journal Nature said.

The implantable device, called a neuroprosthetic interface, was developed by an international team led by researchers at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) and may soon be tested as a remedy for paralysis in humans.

“For the first time, I can imagine a completely paralysed patient able to move their legs through this brainspine interface,” Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon at the Lausanne University Hospital, said in a press release from EPFL. The interface conceived at EPFL is a multi-component brain-spine connector, which decodes signals from the part of the motor cortex responsible for leg movements.

It then relays those signals in real time to the lumbar region of the spinal cord that activates leg muscles to walk.

In the two test cases, the monkeys’ motor cortex and spinal lumbar regions were still functioning.

The interface was therefore able to wirelessly relay the movement

This handout picture released by Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) shows lead scientist Gregoire Courtine holding a silicon model of a primateís brain, a microelectrode array and a pulse generator. An implantable neuroprostheric interface device developed by EPFL has allowed two monkeys to regain use of their paralyzed legs by transmitting brain signals wirelessly, bypassing their spinal cord lesions, a study released November 9 by the journal Nature said. AFP

instructions while skipping the damaged area of the spine causing the paralysis, EPFL said.

The monkeys regained some use of their paralysed leg within two weeks,

BIG SHOW WITH LENOVO POCKET PROJECTOR

walking on both a treadmill and on the ground, Nature said in a press release.

The journal noted that implantable technology that decodes brain signals has previously allowed a human patient

to move a prosthetic or robotic hand.

But using a neuroprosthetic interface to activate a complex leg muscle in a primate was a first, Nature added.

The lead scientist on the groundbreaking project, Gregoire Courtine of EPFL, warned“it may take several years before all the components of this intervention can be tested in people.”

The concept of the interface was developed in Switzerland, key components came from Brown University in the US state of Rhode Island and the medical device company Medtronic, based in Dublin. AFP

Dim and blurry projection is a thing of the past with the Lenovo Pocket Projector, which consistently delivers stunning display of up to 110 inches with a 50-lumen, high-contrast Digital Light Processing (DLP) Technology optical engine designed and developed by leading semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments. DLP technology allows projection quality of up to 1080p for larger screen sizes, perfect geometry and linearity of images, and a wider range of colors than other display technologies.

Every small detail is clear and vivid, making the Pocket Projector perfect for any type of presentation, even for discerning, meticulous clients. Couple this ultra-portable projector with a great speaker system and you can turn a boring old room into a high-end theater with dramatically crisp and clear visuals.

Enhanced mobility and versatility

The Lenovo Pocket Projector performs superbly whether at work or at home—even outdoors. The projector itself can rotate up to 90 degrees for total viewing versatility; turn any wall, floor, or ceiling into a vibrant display to amp up the experience for family, friends, colleagues, and clients.

The Pocket Projector comes with a smart auto-correct feature designed to address image distortion to ensure that images are brilliant and perfectly proportioned every time. And the best part, it offers easy connectivity —shows presentations, movies, and photos from the microSD slot or wirelessly via Miracast or WIFI direct.

Turn to D3

Lenovo Pocket Projector