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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

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BACOLOD SEES BRIGHT FUTURE WITH ASEAN INTEGRATION

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ITH 1,000 children singing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Theme and Hymn, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia expressed confidence that Bacolod will have brighter prospects with the Asean integration into one large regional economy.

“The integration of our country, together with nine other nations, will mean that our horizons will widen, the playing field will be expanded, and we will have a new political and economic order,” Leonardia said at the Asean Landmark Lighting Ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center on Aug. 8. The BCGC was one of the Asean Landmarks chosen by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to be lighted during the simultaneous nationwide Landmark Lighting Ceremonies, in celebration of the Asean ’s 50th Founding Anniversary. “I believe the Asean will expand our territories, and will enhance our culture, customs and traditions. That, for sure, will bring about opportunities, as well as challenges for everyone,” Leonardia said. “So while we prepare our city for the future, and as we join the rest of the nation, we would like to see to it that the massive information and education campaign is launched in our city,” he said. “We will see to it that our consciousness of

One thousand schoolchildren sing the Asean Theme and Hymn during the lighting ceremony for the Bacolod City Government Center as one of the AseanN Landmarks in the country, during the nationwide simultaneous landmark lighting ceremonies in celebration of the Asean’s 50th Founding Anniversary on Aug. 8. Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia (inset) later delivers an inspirational message.

our participation in the Asean is heightened,” he added. Bacolod was one of the 74 local government units chosen by the DILG to participate in the Asean Landmark Lighting Ceremonies. The ceremony also featured the 1,000-voice choir composed of young children from the city’s public elementary and high schools. The children were dressed in white and carried 1,000 helium balloons with LED lights. The ceremony was capped with a fireworks display and a street party. About 5,000 people witnessed the event. Leonardia said the reason they chose the children to perform is that they represent the future of Bacolod. “Most likely they are the ones who will experience what it would be like when the Asean is totally integrated,” he said. “Perhaps, our generation will pave the way for them, but in the end, they are going to reap the benefits of the Asean integration and that is why we believe their presence here today will

prepare them for the future,” Leonardia said. Leonardia said Bacolod is proud and honored to participate in this historic event, more so that the Department of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged that it was the first LGU to declare interest on Asean integration. "We must position Bacolod to prepare for Asean integration which means a new economic order that could provide us opportunities as well as new challenges. Our people must be made conscious and ready for new realities," the mayor stressed. Meanwhile, Leonardia said they are glad the BCGC is now considered as a landmark of the Philippines. The mayor said they are proud of the BCGC, which incidentally celebrate its 9th year of existence on Tuesday, after having been officially completed on Aug. 8, 2008. Leonardia added that the BCGC is now the most popular landmark in Bacolod and the most photographed City Hall in the country.

ACD MAKES SOLAR LAMPS FOR BOHOL FAMILIES ENERGY Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and other energy officials attending the ongoing Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Panglao, Bohol assembled 100 solar-powered lamps under the guidance of local grade schoolers and donated them to Boholano families on Tuesday. The lamps were given to 100 families in the islands of Balicasag, Pamilacan and mainland Panglao, including the families of 34 students from Lourdes Elementary School in Panglao as beneficiaries. The 34 Grades 5 and 6 students, along with 12 chosen Technology and Livelihood Education teachers around Bohol, were earlier taught how to convert the kerosene lamps into solar and battery-powered lamps, and shared what they learned to delegates as part of the ACD's “Liter of Light: Solar Build Workshop” held at the Be Grand Hotel in Panglao Island. Cusi, as head of delegation of the host country, soldered and assembled the electronic parts of the solar lamp with guidance from Grade VI student Christopher Abellana and Grade V student Honey Lee Mijares together with Liter

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (seated) raises the solar lamp that Grade 6 student Christopher Abellana (second from right) and Grade 5 student Honey Lee Mijares (right) helped solder and assemble the electronic parts as Liter of Light founder Illac Diaz (left) and TLE Teacher Gil Adame of La Hacienda High School in Alicia, Bohol observe.

of Light founder Illac Diaz and TLE Teacher Gil Adame of La Hacienda High School in Alicia, Bohol. “What we are doing here among the kids is

creating consciousness on the importance of energy for our economic growth,” Cusi said during the workshop. “The Liter of Light has done several projects already and now we are collaborating with them to promote alternative energy technologies so we can share these options to other communities nationwide. There are other initiatives that are being undertaken, hindi lang itong Liter of Light, but this is the most viable option we're looking at," said Cusi. The workshop served as a great venue for the students to learn and explore new things that they can share to their families, peers and community, according to the DoE secretary. He added that the workshop served to give the people and the youth “Power of Choice” in using energy efficiently and effectively. The lamps also symbolized the giving of light or hope for the realization of dreams and for coping with outage during disasters that affect energy supply. “With these kinds of projects, the power is already within their hands,” said Cusi.

HPV IMMUNIZATION LAUNCHED IN MANDALUYONG SCHOOL

Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos (second from left), Mandaluyong Rep. Queenie Gonzales (third from left), and Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo (kneeling, second from right) led the ceremonial vaccination of 180 Grade 4 female students at Addition Hills Integrated School.

THE Department of Health has launched its school-based Human Papillomavirus or HPV Immunization in an inaugural vaccination at the Addition Hills Integrated School in Mandaluyong City. In collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, over 180 Grade 4 female students with consent from their parents were vaccinated with the quadrivalent HPV during the event. “Shifting the HPV vaccination from a community-based to a school-based approach enables us to provide vaccination services to a ‘catch’ population. We will be able to reach high coverage and dropout rate will be

minimized,” Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said. “School health settings will provide good opportunities to integrate vaccine delivery with other health interventions like health information and warnings against tobacco and drug use,” Ubial added. “Making modern healthcare solutions more readily available for people has always been one of the foremost thrust of our local government, especially when it comes to preventing unnecessary suffering. Hence, we fully support the HPV vaccination program,” noted Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita Abalos. Mandaluyong Rep. Queenie Gonzales further underscored

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the significance of vaccination in upholding health and quality of life for the family. “Women have always been at the heart of the Filipino family and society. They are our mothers, sisters, and daughters. We must ensure their protection against diseases such as cervical cancer. Bringing the vaccines in schools, where the target beneficiaries are gathered, helps in intensifying the effort,” Gonzales said. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the Philippines, more than 6,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. HPV infection causes more than 99 percent of cervical cancer cases among women.

VIZCAYA PICKS 15 SCHOLARS FOR NVSU BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— The provincial government here has picked 15 secondary graduates to avail of its four-year course scholarship program for poor youths. The scholars, who passed the test at the Nueva Vizcaya State University, were Pentelicus Fajerdo of Barangay Lublub in Alfonso Castañeda town, Marie Joy Calacala of Barangay Bone North in Aritao, Rogelio Magpali Jr. of Barangay Ibung in Villaverde, Rodalyn Balingon of Barangay Yaway in Aritao, Novelyn Sunshine Buccahan of Barangay Magsaysay in Bayombong, and Romel Javier of Barangay Vista Alegre in Bayombong. Others were Gerladine Oliveros of Barangay Indiana in Bambang, Jonne Coseph of Barangay Carolotan in Dupax del Sur, Marie Lei Sey-ang of Barangay Lantap in Bagabag, Orlando Berras Jr. of Barangay Vista Alegre in Bayombong, Jonnabelle Huliganga of Barangay Kirang in Aritao, Dave Dungallo of Barangay Paniki in Bagabag, Nathaniel Khyrs Vicente of Barangay San Pedro in Bagabag, Frances Edjena Capayan of Barangay Vista Alegre in Bayombong, and Clarissa Daus Soriano of Barangay Maasin in Quezon. The “Pamana” (Heritage) Scholarship Program or PSP is a scholarship for the agroindustrialization of Nueva Vizcaya, which covers the students’ tuition fee for the duration of the courses required, such as Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science in Home Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology through the Nueva Vizcaya State University. The PSP targets 30 scholars this year and the same number in 2018. They would receive free school uniforms, a laptop, P1,000 in monthly allowances, and a P5,000 monthly stipend. Ben Moses Ebreo

SMART RENEWS VOW TO PROTECT MARIKINA WATERSHED SMART Communications and PLDT-Smart Foundation have renewed their commitment to the Marikina Watershed Initiative by expanding their livelihood assistance to the communities working to rehabilitate the protected area. Smart, the wireless unit of PLDT, and PSF recently provided funding in support of the Tayabasang Umuusad ng Pangkatutubong Asosasyon ior TUPAI community and FOREST Families project, which gives incentives to families for their efforts to protect forest areas, addressing livelihood challenges and environmental degradation within the watershed. The two organizations are committed to protecting 13 hectares of remaining forest and restoration of five hectares within the high conservation areas of the Marikina watershed for a period of five years. “PSF has been supporting the Marikina watershed initiative for many years now. Efforts to rehabilitate the watershed goes beyond just planting trees; we also have to address the livelihood concerns of the communities within the conservation areas,” said Esther O. Santos, president of PLDT-Smart Foundation. “We’ve seen the effects of (typhoon) 'Ondoy,' and we realize how nurturing the environment can help us avoid this situation. By giving livelihood to the communities who live near the remaining forest area of the watershed, we not only help them earn income but also encourage them to help mitigate flooding,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT and Smart public affairs head.

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ALAVA: FROM CYCLING TO FISH FARMING By Ben Moses Ebreo

AGABAG, Nueva Vizcaya—Leaving cycling for a moment to focus on fish farming has its ups and downs for former cycling champ Lupo Alava of Barangay Poblacion here. But for Alava, 56, agriculture proved to be a good business, and perhaps a good path for retirement. “I started this venture because it is more profitable than ordinary farming,” said the veteran of the Philippine cycling tours in the 1980s. Alava, however, did not totally abandon his two-wheeled vocation. In fact, he put up a bike shop named after him in Diadi town.

Venturing into fishpond farming, he said, was not a walk in the park either. He experienced fish kill due to overstocking, forcing him to attend seminars and training held by local fishery experts. His first harvest convinced him to concentrate on the business. Slowly, he developed his main fish farm from another lot he inherited from his grandparents in 2003 in Barangay Villa Coloma in Bagabag town.

The five-hectare, irrigationfed fish farm also has a small impounding area that served nearby rice fields owned by other villagers. It has eight ponds, each 23,350 square meters in size. Alava harvests fish in four to five months. At most, his yield is eight tons per pond, and sells the fish, mostly tilapia, at a farmgate price of P58 a kilo. “Fish farming is good. I even

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 20 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES Bid Ref. No. 2017-14B

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum of SEVENTEEN MILLION ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS(P 17,100,000.00) through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2017 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 19 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during bid opening.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 19 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES. Delivery of the goods is 60 calendar days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.”

ThePhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum ofTWENTY MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 20,865,000.00)through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2017 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 20 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected duringbid opening.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 20 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES. Delivery of the goods is 60 calendar days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instructions to Bidders. QUANTITY 1 UNIT 19 UNITS

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183. 4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 10, 2017 from the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of twenty-five thousand pesos (PhP 25, 000.00).

The PDEA-BAC will hold a PRE-BID Conference on August 17, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before August 29, 2017, 1:00 p.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on August 29, 2017, 1:00 p.m. at ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City 1100. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. 8. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Mr. Arvin E Sadullo at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only, Mondays to Fridays starting August 10, 2017, 2017 at Tel No. (632)920-8082. However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids. 9. PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. 10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Arvin E Sadullo PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082 (SGD) JESUS A FAJARDO, MMOAS Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

(MS-AUG. 13, 2017)

4. 5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours (8:00 am to 5:00pm). A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 10, 2017 from the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of twenty five thousand pesos (Php 25,000.00). The Invitation to Bid may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov. ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 17, 2017, 9:30 a.m. at ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before August 29, 2017, 1:30 p.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on August 29, 2017, 1:30 p.m. at ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City 1100. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Mr. Arvin E Sadulloat the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays starting August 10, 2017, 2017 at Tel No. (632)920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids. PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Arvin E Sadullo PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

PDEA Bldg., NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Barangay Pinyahan Quezon City 1100, Philippines www.pdea.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) now invites bids for Supply of Labor and Materials for the Renovation of PDEA Annex Building. Completion of the Works is required 180 working days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in SECTION II Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

INVITATION TO BID SUPPLY, DELIVERY, AND TESTING OF 29 UNITS MOBILE ARMOR RIFLE PROTECTIVE/BALLISTIC SHIELD (LEVEL IV) Bid Ref. No. 2017-33 1.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), intends to apply the sum ofTWENTY-THREE MILLION TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND PESOS(P 23,270,000.00)through General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2017 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the SUPPLY, DELIVERY, AND TESTING OF 29 UNITS MOBILE ARMOR RIFLE PROTECTIVE/BALLISTIC SHIELD (LEVEL IV). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected duringbid opening.

The PDEA - BAC now invites bids for SUPPLY, DELIVERY, AND TESTING OF 29 UNITS MOBILE ARMOR RIFLE PROTECTIVE/BALLISTIC SHIELD (LEVEL IV).Delivery of the goods is 180calendar days upon receipt of Authority to Import from PNP-FED. Bidders should have completed within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act.”

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. 4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 AM to 4:00PM only.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on April 6, 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty-five Thousand pesos only (Php25,000.00).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 16, 2017 from the address given below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of twentyfivethousand pesos (PhP25, 000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. 6.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 17, 2017 at 10:00AM at PDEA Main Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before August 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on August 29, 2017 at 2:00PM at PDEA Main Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. 8.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Mr. Arvin E Sadullo or Ms. Jella P. Palacios at the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only, Mondays to Fridays starting August 10, 2017 at Tel No. (632)920-8082. However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Ms. Jella P. Palacios or Mr. Arvin E Sadullo PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082

(MS-AUG. 13, 2017)

(SGD) JESUS A FAJARDO, MMOAS Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

(MS-AUG. 13, 2017)

Invitation to Bid for Supply of Labor and Materials for the Renovation of PDEA ANNEX Building Bid Reference No. 2017-25

ABC PhP 1,516,000.00 PhP 19,349,000.00

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

NOMENCLATURE PASSENGER VAN MULTI PURPOSE VEHICLES

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), thru its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) Capital Outlay 2017 intends to apply the sum of FIFTEEN MILLION PESOS (Php15,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the Supply of Labor and Materials for the Renovation of PDEA Annex Building. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

(SGD) JESUS A FAJARDO, MMOAS Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

Year in the 1980 Marlboro Tour ng Pilipinas, and participated in the annual cycling series from 1980 to 1985, gaining popularity nationwide. In 1985, Alava left the rigorous cycling event, got married and decided to develop a 1,000-sq. m. lot at Sitio Balete in Barangay Namamparan, Diadi, on his wife’s advice. The couple has three children. Alava said his love for cycling remains, as every weekend, he spends time on the road from Bagabag town in Nueva Vizcaya to Lagawe town in Ifugao, or to Santiago City in Isabela. He founded cycling and mountain biking clubs in Diadi to help and support local enthusiasts along with other cycling veterans Domingo Quilban (now a retired police officer), Ariel Maraña (now based in the United States) and Carlo Guieb (manager of a jeepney business).

son. Alava said he was spending P5,000 daily for feeds. He employs six workers and hires seven others for distribution. Officials of the provincial agriculture office said Alava’s fish products have improved the local fish sufficiency level by 15 percent. Last year, Alava was named outstanding fisherman (fish category) by the Gawad-Saka Awards search for outstanding agricultural achievers. He also got recognition and awards from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Cagayan Valley. A graduate of an agricultural course, Alava did not have the fish farming business in mind at first owing to his passion for cycling, which earned him many trophies and victories during the peak of his sporting career. He was named Rookie of the

PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 19 UNITS MOTOR VEHICLES (RE-BID) Bid Ref. No. 2017-14A 1.

spend more hours here that in my bicycle center business. My full attention is here,” he said. Being the largest producer of tilapia in the province, Alava is now developing a fish hatchery. Most fish farmers get their fish supply from the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija and in Isabela, he noted. Alava has outlets for his fish products in Villaverde, Solano, Bayombong, Bambang and his hometown Bagabag in Nueva Vizcaya, Lamut town in Ifugao, and Santiago in Isabela. Many people want to go into fish farming but big capital is needed since it entails expenses for pond preparation and management, he said. Depending on the size of the ponds, a farmer uses at least eight bags of feeds per 1,000 fingerlings for the whole sea-

The Invitation to Bid may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PDEA Website at www.pdea.gov. ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The PDEA-BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 17, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at ODDGA Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City 1100 which shall be open to prospective bidders. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before August 29, 2017, 2:30 p.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on August 29, 2017, 2:30 p.m. at PDEA Main Conference Room, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Pinyahan, Quezon City 1100. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat c/o Mr. Arvin E Sadulloat the PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMonly, Mondays to Fridays starting August 16, 2017at Tel No. (632)920-8082.However, any queries relative to the contents of the bid documents and the project requirements can only be made by bidders who purchased the bid documents not later than Ten (10) days prior to the Submission and Opening of Bids. PDEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Arvin E Sadullo PDEA-Logistics Management Service PDEA Compound, NIA Northside Road, National Government Center, Quezon City Tel No. (632)920-8082

(MS-AUG. 13, 2017)

(SGD) JESUS A FAJARDO, MMOAS Deputy Director General for Administration Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

HIROSHIMA-MUNTINLUPA TIES. Hiroshima City Mayor Kazumi Matsui (left) receives the Muntinlupa Centennial token from Mayor Jaime Fresnedi at the 9th General Conference of Mayors for Peace in Nagasaki, Japan last Aug. 9. Fresnedi, who serves as one of the vice presidents of Mayors for Peace, and Matsui were among the international leaders who participated in the convention. Mayors for Peace advocates lasting peace through the abolition of nuclear weapons.

DOST-FPRDI BOOSTS AID TO INDIGENOUS GROUPS IN SUPPORT of the Duterte administration’s socio-economic agenda to underpin rural development, the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute has intensified its technology assistance to the country’s tribal community. In July, FPRDI’s Training and Manpower Development Services Section held a lecture-demonstration on some bamboo processing technologies for Batak Craft, a livelihood development project for the Batak tribe in Palawan. Led by its founder Lara Frayre, Batak Craft sought FPRDI’s help in improving handcrafted baskets made mainly from “buho” bamboo. Among the topics covered were bamboo preservation, drying, handicraft making and finishing. According to Frayre, their longterm plan is to develop a sustainable livelihood for the indigenous tribe and to set up a bamboo craft industry in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Currently, Batak Craft is exploring ways on how best to utilize buho, which abounds in Batak communities. A similar training on bamboo handicraft production was also conducted for the B’laan tribe of Koronadal City on June 27 to 29. Members of the Oluclufe B’laan Landcare Association-Farmers were taught to make bamboo

lampshades, amplifiers, candleholders, and wind chimes. The training was made possible thru the collaboration of DoST-FPRDI, DoST-Region 12, Provincial S&T Center-South Cotabato and the local government of Koronadal City. FPRDI’s Dr. Ma. Cielito G. Siladan, and Foresters Zenaida R. Reyes and Moreno L. Santander Jr. coordinated and facilitated both trainings. Numbering about 11 million today, the indigenous peoples are among the poorest sectors in Philippine society. According to a study by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, they suffer from “lack of equal access to basic social services, compounded by a long history of discrimination and prejudice.” “We wish to be of help to our indigenous communities through our technologies that are suited to their needs and the resources that abound in their areas,” said DoST-FPRDI Director Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan. “With a holistic plan and strong partnership with other government agencies and people’s organizations, we are optimistic that we can help better the lives of the IPs and other marginalized sectors in the country,” Aggangan added. For inquiries on technology demonstrations and trainings, interested parties may contact (049) 536-2586 or 536-2377, or e-mail at fprdi@dost.gov.ph.

BFAR LAUNCHES TWO NAVOTAS-MADE SHIPS By Jun David THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources launched two new 50.5-meter steel-hulled Multi-Mission Offshore Vessels at Josefa Slipways Inc. in B San Roque, Navotas City on Thursday. The vessels will be used to protect the Philippine waters against illegal fishing and for other purposes such as seaborne research activities and disaster relief or rescue operations. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona, Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco witnessed the ceremony. In his speech, Mayor Tiangco took pride in the workmanship of Navoteños and noted the growing industry of shipbuilding in Navotas. “These vessels are the fruit of

the ingenuity, resourcefulness and skills of Navoteños. Our people are indeed the strength and treasures of our city,” he said. “I have been to various shipbuilding and ship-repair conventions here and abroad when I was still head of the Metro Manila Shipyard Association. I am proud to say that the quality of the two new MMOVs are at par with those made in other countries,” he added. Meanwhile, Rep. Tiangco welcomed the plan of the Duterte administration to build more ships to protect the Philippine waters. The lawmaker noted that a large number of Navoteños will benefit if the national government’s plan to have more locally-built MMOVs will push through. “We fully support the endeavor to secure our seas and oceans, and we will do what we can to help protect our waters and fishing grounds,” he said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Gadgets & Games

ASSA ABLOY: RIDING WAVE OF DIGITIZATION By Nathanielle Punay

OR 22 years, the ASSA ABLOY Group has been the “the global leader in indoor opening solutions” by providing products that bring a strong feeling of security when it comes to residential and commercial premises. This year, ASSA ABLOY will never be known as just a group of lock brands, but as a brand itself as the company has finally decided that it is time to unlock more opportunities to impart better services. The brand will still be offering both mechanical and digital door hardware such as locksets, mortise locks, lever handles, door closers, panic exit devices, hinges, glass door fittings, floor

springs and pull handles. But ASSA ABLOY will also be releasing brand new technologies and products that are guaranteed to have leveled up in terms of security and efficiency, such as Wireless Access Control System, APERIO and CLIQ. Wireless Control Access Control System enables a lock to give alerts to the homeowner wherever he is. Not only will an area will be more

ASSA ABLOY will also be releasing brand new technologies and products that are guaranteed to have leveled up in terms of security and efficiency, such as Wireless Access Control System, APERIO and CLIQ.

protected, it will also be more convenient as it is designed with a control lock setting. It has become more flexible through Access Control common access points, emergency exits and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system. APERIO Wireless Lock Technology promotes improved accessibility and secure management for the whole area. Its core is a wireless communication protocol which connects all APERIO-enabled mechanical locks with an online access system. This new technology has a reduced the cost because of its wireless structure as compared to installing locks with regular access systems. Lastly, CLIQ focuses on a new key management system which prevents unwanted people from trying to use duplicated keys. Each key will be programmed and can be regularly updated to give access to certain areas for certain people at a specific time frame. It also comes in with a wireless system and just like ASPERIO, all locks are connected. Meaning, a person who entered at a particular date and time can be easily tracked. Aside from these promised features and products, ASSA ABLOY has vowed to produce “more and better results at lesser cost.” They strive to extend their scope to other countries, clinging to the word “Innovation” as their key value. “These are indeed exciting times for ASSA ABLOY and we feel the best is yet to come,” the company stated. “We will ride the wave of digitization and embrace the integration of security products with home and building automation. ASSA ABLOY will continue to develop and launch products that will keep up with the changing times.” The ASSA ABLOY Group has been manufacturing lock solutions since 1994 as a merged company of two lock manufacturers. Now, it has operations in multiple countries and is organizing almost 200 brands of door opening solutions in which one of the oldest and most famous brands are ABLOY, VingCard, Sargent, Lockwood and Yale. Yale has recently released their

with affordable and quality smartphones and gadgets. I am very excited with the new line-up of Cubix products exclusively available on the Lazada website, more and more Filipinos will enjoy the new generation of gadgets Cherry Mobile provides.” Engineered to offer a total mobile performance, all Cubix Cube products are packed with the latest features that go with prices which won’t break the bank. The Cube Play, available at P1,999, is every student’s go-to gadget with its 5-inch screen, Quad-Core processor, and dual SIM feature. Upgrade and experience HD and Nougat 7.0 OS with the Cube Play HD that comes with a price of P2,999. Be more and maximize limits together with the Cube Max sporting a 6-inch HD screen and fingerprint sensor at P3,999. Boost creativity and productivity on the affordable Cube Book for just P6,999. All new Cubix products are exclusively available at Lazada. Learn more about the new Cherry Mobile Cubix Cube lineup through by visting www.lazada.com.ph/cherrymobile-official-store/ Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast

YDM4109

latest product, The Yale YDM 4109, that comes with a Biometric fingerprint access, Smart Touchpad, security alarm and Automatic Locking System and can also be linked to smartphones.

Cherry Mobile and Lazada teams are shown here: They are (from left) CTIPR Head Agnes Conopio, CTI-Account Executive Carlo Ang, Lazada-Senior Manager Paola Balugay, CTI-Product Manager Lorraine Javalera, Cherry Mobile CEO Maynard S. Ngu, Lazada Co-founder and CEO Inanc Balci, LazadaSVP Category Management (EL) Arnold Balao, Lazada-Chief Commercial Officer Ray Alimurung, Lazada-Brand Management and Communication Lead Jio Zorrilla, and Lazada-Senior Manager Maryy Ann Ting. Asia—present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Lazada helps more than 80,000 local and international sellers as well as 2,500 brands serve the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace

IT PIONEER TEAMS UP WITH AIM FOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM By Patricia Bianca Taculao

LAZADA, CHERRY MOBILE BOOST PARTNERSHIP NOW on their fourth year as partners in bringing exclusive Cubix gadgets to more Filipinos online, Cherry Mobile and Lazada further strengthened their partnership through the launch of the newest Cubix lineup. Joining the roster of new Cubix generation are the Cube Play, Cube Play HD, Cube Max, and Cube Book of which is the flagship product. “Cherry Mobile has always been true to its promise of delivering quality mobile technology to every Filipino—be it through personal buying or online shopping. We have achieved this together with Lazada, that has been our partner for four years now. I’m glad and excited that through another round of Cubix generation, Lazada online shoppers will have more options with these four new exciting Cube products,”said Cherry Mobile CEO Maynard S. Ngu. Lazada co-founder and CEO Inanc Balci also shares his insight on the strengthened partnership between Lazada and Cherry Mobile through the newest Cubix generation. “We, in Lazada, pride ourselves partnering with strong brands like Cherry Mobile. Since Lazada started, they have been a great partner in providing our customers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions. Lazada offers an excellent customer experience through a wide network of logistics partners and its own first- and last-mile delivery arm.

A RENOWNED IT pioneer teamed up with the Asian Institute of Management for an incubator program that promises access to a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise. Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, the Chairman of the PhilDev Foundation and an IT pioneer is working together with AIM to provide startups in the Philippines, like the incubator program which is aimed to accelerate the development of startups and open more local opportunities for entrepreneurship. The AIM-Dado Banatao Incubator Program is intended to support early-stage startups with deep technology, science or engineering solutions to the neglected problems of an emerging world. “Aside from providing qualified startups rent-free working space, AIM will also gladly make accessible to them a mentoring program and the expertise of our faculty and alumni,” said AIM President and Dean Jikyeong Kang. AIM, alongside PhilDev, received an initial funding of Php 14.8 million grant for the Incubator under the Department of Science and Technology Incubator Creation Program. Kang added that micro enterprises and small business are the biggest drivers of the Philippine economy. Out of the 99.6% of local companies that make up the foundation of the local economy, a big portion of it belongs to enterprises which have less than 10 employees and just a small fraction belongs to medium enterprises. “We believe that AIM’s being located in the Philippines is not an accident. At AIM, our motto is ‘Lead. Inspire. Transform.’ and the working out of that vision begins here, in the Philippines. One of the fastest ways we can achieve this is to give the country’s biggest economic engine the rare opportunity to benefit from the mentorship of global visionaries, such as Dado Banatao,” Kang also said. Banatao is the founder of several Silicon Valley companies, including Chips and Technologies, S3 Graphics, SiRF, Marvell and Inphi. He is prominent for pioneering two essentials in the PC technology: the chipset and the graphic acceleration architecture. The AIM-Dado Banatao Incubator Program has a rolling application without a deadline and the online application form can be found on the AIM website: https:// aim.edu/dado-banatao-incubator

BOOSTING... From D4 downloading heavy torrent files, playing online games or video streaming, thus using up most of the bandwidth allocation. Other times neighbors may have actually gained access to your wireless network and are getting a free ride. Reminding family that the bandwidth is to be shared and changing your WiFi password regularly will cure that. Increased gadgets at home. Over the last few years, more and more Filipinos are carrying personal devices—smartphones being the gadget of choice—to fulfill many of their daily tech-based needs like uploading and downloading files, personal and professional communication, online streaming, and keeping up with the world at large. Many Filipinos still perform these bandwidth-heavy tasks at home at an average of four hours a day over WiFi connections Bandwidth-heavy tasks can pose significant toll on WiFi connections at home; users might observe slow and inconsistent connections at the peak of such activities. Sometimes, it is just a matter of strategically positioning your WiFi router and the things around it, and looking into added routers if needed. Robust, reliable connections are necessary to enjoy world-class digital experiences at home—and strengthening your home WiFi can be the key toward more opportunities for communication, learning, and entertainment right where it matters.Top things that can affect WiFi performance at home.

HOME CREDIT: SOCIAL MEDIA MAY BE KEY TO LOAN APPROVAL WITH Filipinos reported to be spending more time on social media than any other country in the world, the ability of platforms such as Facebook, Viber and Instagram to connect people and build communities is more potent than ever. At the same time, a new, important role is emerging for these social media sites: as a rich source of big data, and for finance companies, a new tool for approving loans and managing risk—especially for those borrowing for the first time. “With virtually everyone in the Philippines having a social media account, regardless of social status or economic standing, it is easy to see why these are great tools for mining data,” remarked Leos Gregor, Head of Risk at Home Credit Philippines, a Prague-based finance technology (fintech) company that allows

consumers to purchase smartphones and other goods on installment even without a credit card. “And for a country that has yet to adopt a universal ID system, the basic information provided by Filipino users on these sites become extremely helpful in verifying identities, which in turn helps us to approve more loans for more people, and at faster speeds while managing risk,” Gregor added.

Fast loan approval

Gregor explained that Home Credit currently has one of the fastest, if not the fastest, loan processing and approval times in both the local and international finance industry, requiring only two valid IDs from the applicant. In the Philippines, where majority of applicants are approved within less than 5 minutes, Home Credit’s automated system can quickly receive a loan application form and determine if the

application is approved or declined. A portion of this time is spent doing data check on customers’ social media accounts, wherein Home Credit’s underwriting system will match information provided in the applicant’s loan application with their social media information.

Supporting financial inclusion in PH

Gregor noted that especially for first-time borrowers with no existing credit records, having social media accounts that contain accurate identification and as much relevant information as possible can increase their chances of loan approval. “This, along with our use of other data sources such as from credit bureaus helps us to approve even unbanked or first-time borrowers while mitigating risk,” he said. “All of these data sources are crucial because the more data we have, the better the chances of

approving credit worthy individuals. At the same time, we are happy to be able to promote financial inclusion by helping the government build a comprehensive credit database, while being a responsible lender at the same time,”Gregor added. Safe lender Gregor noted that to ensure that first-time borrowers are included in the financial system in a responsible and sustainable way, Home Credit Philippines’ loan products come with “safe lending” features, such as the option to avail of insurance along with the loan; a 15 day “cooling-off ” period that allows customers to pay back the full loan at no added cost within this time period; customer-friendly repayment tools meant to address various financial difficulties; and Home Credit’s “Our Commitment” that promises full transparency on loan products with no hidden charges.

Home Credit currently has one of the fastest, if not the fastest, loan processing and approval times.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Gadgets & Games

QIHOO: FEATURE-PACKED CAMERA IN TINY PACKAGE

OU want a reliable home security system, but hate the wires and cables and the complicated buttons that go with it. Fret no more. The Qihoo 360 Smart Camera is just the right one for you. Just plug in the power, download the apps from the apps store/google play, input the wifi password and voila! You’re all set. The Qihoo 360 Smart Camera and accompanying smartphone app (iOS and Android) pack in a dizzying array of features in such a diminutive package. The camera itself has a 110-degree wide-angle lens and broadcasts in H.264 format at up to 720p at 20 fps. It connects to any wireless-N network and has a micro SD card slot for local storage, or when used with the smartphone app can record to the handset, or to the cloud. The app is where you can view the feed, specifying the quality you require and—with the two-way speaker on the camera itself—allows you to hear what’s going on during the recording and send audio from the smartphone. Throw in night vision via infrared and real-time alerts, and you’ve got a highly capable and versatile security camera. View your loved ones when you are away. Either by day or night.

The 720p HD and 1080 Full HD lets you see clear image and get to know what’s going on, even under low light environment. With Micro SC Card Recording, play back is right at your finger tips. The 360 automatically records rolling video into your SD card. You can record, playback, snapshot or record clips to your own storage. Stay connected with two-way talk feature. Two-way high quality audo allows you to listen in and also participate in a video conversation between the camera and the 360 Smart Camera. You can use your apps to talk with family members, baby, pets and anyone else near to the canera. You can even shout to the thief to scare him off from anywhere. You can share the camera to your friends, family and coworkers. Let them see what’s going on with your house, office, etc. Fit anywhere you like. Adjustable 360-degree magnetic base can be attached to any flat surface by sticking the included metal disc to the surface and placing the base of your camera. It can even be used as your baby camera. A feature-packed camera in such a small package, isn’t it? Indeed, the Qihoo 360 Smart Camera is a perfect device to have in your home.

The Qihoo 360 Smart Camera and accompanying smartphone app (iOS and Android) pack in a dizzying array of features in such a diminutive package.

MORE ACCESSIBLE VIDEOS THRU SMART AS more and more people watch videos on their phones, Smart Communications, Inc. continues to grow its content offers for its customers’ viewing pleasure. Smart’s Video Prime 99 comes with 2GB data allocation and subscription to top streaming sites iflix and iWant TV. Available to Smart Prepaid subscribers, Smart’s Video Prime 99 gives users the convenience of having both subscriptions to iflix and iWant TV, as well as data to stream blockbuster films or series on these mobile apps, valid for 7 days. “We are continuously improving our roster of popular video content, which our subscribers can access using our improved LTE network. In the end, our goal is provide our customers, not only with a good network, but also with relevant content and value-packed service offers, for a truly superior digital experience like never before,” said PLDT and Smart chief revenue officer Eric R. Alberto. Filipinos’ increasing appetite for video content is part of a worldwide trend, which points

to a continued increase of global mobile video traffic in the next few years. iFlix, iWant TV iflix is one of the fastest-growing digital hosting and distribution platforms for Western and Asian dramas obtained through partnerships with over 150 studios and content distributors globally including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, NBC Universal, Fox, CBS, Sony Pictures and Discovery. iflix also carries Asian series like K-drama hits Descendants of the Sun and Goblin, as well as popular TV series Arrow, The Flash, The Big Bang Theory and Mr. Robot, among others. Meanwhile, iWant TV, owned and operated by ABS-CBN, streams content from ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN News Channel, ANC, ABS-CBN Sports, DZMM, TeleRadyo and Kapamilya Box Office, including their current roster of telenovelas and classic Star Cinema movies, to name a few. LTE rollout To support the rise of bandwidth-heavy activities such as

video streaming, Smart has committed to make LTE progressively available to 95 percent of cities and municipalities across the country by end-2018. LTE, an all-IP network, delivers superior experience for users, particularly for data. It can also be quickly upgraded to LTE-A, which can provide even faster speeds and greater capacity to subscribers who are using LTE SIMs on LTE-capable handsets. Smart is currently re-equipping its cell sites to use lowfrequency bands such as 700 MHz and 850 MHz to provide better indoor coverage. It is also deploying high-frequency bands like 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz to increase the cell sites’ capacity to handle more calls, texts, and everincreasing mobile data traffic. The company remains on track to deploy the LTE network in 783 municipalities by end of the year or about half of its three-year target of 1,551 municipalities by end-2018. This comprehensive network modernization and expansion program is at the core of the PLDT

Smart’s Video Prime 99 comes with 2GB data allocation and subscription to top streaming sites iflix and iWant TV.

group’s digital pivot. Smart’s network rollout took a big bulk of PLDT’s ramped-up capital expenditure program of P42.8 billion for 2016, which included the utilization of the new frequencies

freed up with the acquisition of San Miguel Corporation’s telco assets. PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan has announced a total capital expenditure of P46 billion this year.

DUTY FREE PH TAPS MICROSOFT DYNAMICS AX AS one of leading luxury retailers in the Philippines, Duty Free Philippines wanted to provide a truly welcoming and more rewarding experience to its customers, whether they’re in Manila or in Davao. They needed to be more responsive and agile and offer a better shopping experience, so they decided to embark on their digital transformation journey. In order to do this, Duty Free Philippines has tapped Microsoft Dynamics AX to improve its financial, merchandising and front-end systems. According to Vico Angala, COO for Duty Free Philippines, the system they’ve been using has been around for more than 10 years. Angala said that it’s crucial they generate reports based on POS, inventory management and merchandise on a timely basis. Duty Free Luxury Items for all their branches Duty Free Philippines looked at other ERP systems but they discovered that Microsoft Dynamics AX is a better fit as it will provide them with the end to end solution for their operations. Dynamics AX is an integrated, adaptable business management solution that helps companies and key decision makers make business decisions with greater confidence. Microsoft Dynamics AX works like and with familiar Microsoft software, automating and streamlining business processes and connecting you with global customers, business partners, and subsidiaries in a way that helps business success. It offers Warehouse management wherein it can automate warehouse processes to reduce operational costs. It has modern POS system tha allows customers to engage with rich clienteling, real-time inventory lookup, and back-office capabilities. On top of that, it can also provide Demand forecasting to improve forecasting accuracy to boost product availability and minimize inventory costs. Dynamics AX can also increase the consistency of your data across your organization and deployments. With Dynamics AX, Duty Free Philippines will help them automate their supply chain, store, financials. What’s key to them is the transparency of all their supply chain data. Merioles cited that they use to go to the physical store just to check the inventory. With Dynamics AX in place, anyone can see the inventory in their desktop and mobile device immediately once it’s been delivered to their warehouse. Another key area that’s going to improve is updating the prices on their POS. Back then, if they needed to do this, they’d have to do it by midnight. Everything needed to be processed before the store opens and they’d have to do it again move it to other internal systems. With Dynamics AX, Duty Free Philippines will be able to update their POS pricing in real time and it’ll be reflected on all their 18 operational branches. It will also be essential when they open their second biggest branch in Terminal 3 this November 2017. Now with the new system, DFP believes that there will be less error, with auditing. Whatever information that will be computed there in the system, the information will be disseminated to the proper departments. OFWs can reward their families with Duty Free Philippines gifts anywhere in the Philippines

BOOSTING YOUR WIFI SIGNAL AT HOME THE internet is everywhere. Laptops, desktops and smart phones are always connected. Smart TVs with access to the Web are becoming commonplace, as are digital media players. Home security devices, and soon enough, even refrigerators, will soon be linked as signs of the march towards the inevitable Internet of Things. As each new electronic doodad introduced to the market is ostensibly “smart”, the scramble for bandwidth becomes fierce, weighing down the strength of your connection. But while connectivity can get noticeably slower, there are a few quick-fix ways to help the strength of

your WiFi signal at home. Placement of yourWiFi router. It’s natural that the farther away from the router you are, the slower your signal will be. So try to place your router at your home’s central location. Be mindful of physical barriers between the router and your internet-capable device.Walls made from dense materials such as masonry are obvious signal deterrents. Lighter materials on the other hand, not so much. Proximity of other devices. If your WiFi signal is normally strong then experiences occasional drops, there may be frequency interference from some home appliances. Common culprits are microwave

ovens, hearing aids, cordless phones, lamps, refrigerators or other wireless devices. Your neighbors WiFi network can also retard and degrade your signal, so change your frequency and/or your router channel. Upgrade your software/hardware. Manufacturers are always tweaking firmware to eke out a bit more performance from their devices. So sometimes getting optimum speed is just as simple as upgrading your router’s software. Regularly check to see if one is available. Sometimes, however, your old router just needs to be replaced. Consider a range extender. Because routers are reliable only

up to a certain distance, invest on an add-on device that can stretch your WiFi signal. Called ‘repeaters’ or ‘range expanders’, these devices will act like another client with its own IP address, will pick up your signal then extend it. Just make sure that when buying one, it is indeed capable of broadcasting your specific signal. Control hogs and leeches. There is only a limited amount of bandwidth to go around. And when you have too many people connecting to your WiFi, of course your connection will bog down. Sometimes family members may be Turn to D3

There are a few quickfix ways to help the strength of your WiFi signal at home.