VRS App launched by ASTI to give the public a peek of outer space

MANILA – With the goal of giving a preview of outer space, the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) on Wednesday launched the free virtual reality simulation (VRS) app, available on Google Play Store.

The DOST-ASTI VRS app features a comprehensive computer-generated simulation of ASTI's ground receiving stations (GRS) in Metro Manila, Davao City and Iloilo. It also includes a satellite showcase where users can learn about the Filipino-made Diwata and Maya satellite, as well as the different commercial satellites the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) Center subscribes to.

The app development would enable the public to still explore the GRS, as facility tours cannot be done amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"This is our creative attempt to bring space closer to the Filipinos. The interactive tour will let them explore the three GRS, and the locally-made satellites, all by using the app," Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said during the launch.

He added that the app will help the public get a bigger picture of the potentials of space technology.

"We hope that this would help raise public awareness and inspire everyone, especially the youth to take interest and grow an appreciation for space science research," he said.

The country's first GRS in Quezon City houses a 3.7-meter earth observation (EO) satellite tracking antenna. The second GRS, inaugurated in 2019 in Davao City houses a 7.3-meter EO satellite tracking antenna. The one Iloilo City is still under construction and will house a 3.5-meter EO satellite tracking antenna, according to ASTI.

The app also showcases PEDRO Center’s operations such as transmitting, receiving and processing of data to and from the satellites.

PEDRO Center oversees the GRS facilities, including satellite tracking antennas that receive, process and distribute satellite images and other space-borne data that can be used for environmental monitoring and maritime surveillance.

Truth To Action FOIA DisclosuresThousands of Upset Filipinos Blast DOH for Fake News, Support Release of CCH FOI Bombshell, Dispute Claims Vaccines are “Safe and Effective”

On August 31, 2021, Covid Call to Humanity (CCH) issued a press release detailing the results of its Freedom of Information (FOI) request with DOH. The Press Release said: “CCH FOI Bombshell: DOH Admits No Evidence SARS-CoV-2 Isolated. Yet Government Locked Down Nation Due to Virus No Country Has Yet Proven to Exist.”

The CCH press release then went on to detail the number of deaths (potentially over 60,000) due to the covid vaccine that DOH has been rolling out. CCH then explained how the vaccine deaths might now be greater than all the bloated COVID-19 deaths in 2020.

Because it noticed that the CCH press release was starting to get viral, DOH immediately replied via its Facebook channel. DOH labeled the CCH release as  “FAKE NEWS!” It went on to say that “ETO ANG FACT!” (These are the facts!)

Translated into English, the DOH advisory claimed as follows. (All emphasis in the original.)

WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic.

The PCR test is being used to detect genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. (Emphasis in the original.) Other countries like America have isolated COVID-19 using viral culture.

The covid vaccines, which have an EUA, are “ligtas at epektibo” (safe and effective). They went through thorough study by the country’s experts. Until now, no one has directly died due to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Make it a habit to fact check. Believe only in legitimate sources.

I am writing another press release to debunk each and every claim of this distorted response from DOH. What is important now is to document that the vast majority of thousands of Filipino netizens (those active in the internet) questioned and/or lambasted DOH for its flawed response to the CCH press release.

Here are a number of representative comments from Filipinos who were dissatisfied with the DOH attempt to label the CCH FOI release as fake news. The vast majority obviously did not believe in the DOH propaganda.

Verly Congayo Pangan. “Ubusin nyo Yung bakona sa katawan nyo Kay kayo lng naniniwala Nyan vaccine.” (Inject all the vaccines into your body for you alone believe in this vaccine.)

Quelie Niepes Eboy. “Ibalit nyo na marami ng nmatay sa vacc kasi don kami naniwala.” (You spread the news that many have died from the vaccine because that is what we believe in.)

Rob Kanorsky. “Walang naitalang namatay, kasi hindi nyo nilista hahaha. … Madami pang iba deads nung nagpa vaccine.” (There is no one considered dead because you did not place it in the list hahaha. There are many others who are dead after they were vaccinated.”)

Billy Joe Marfil Zamora. “Please kasuhan nyo na sila Atty. Para magkalabasan nang katotohanan. Bakit po kasi ayaw nyong makipagdebate sa mga doctor? Kung walang tinatago, dapat humarap para malaman ng tao yung katotohanan.”  

(Please file a case against them, Attorney, so the truth will come out.  Why don’t you (DOH) want to debate with the doctors? If you are not hiding anything, you should therefore face the doctors so that people will know the truth.)

Panganiban Czar-John. “Yung number ng mga namamatay after mabakunahan kelan nyo ilalabas?” (The number of deaths after vaccination, when will you make it surface it?)

Cristy Capcastillo. “Ako po after first dose ng vaccine moderna lagi akong nahihilo, nawawalan pwersa ang braso ko, yung friend ko na isa sinovac after ng first dose namana buong katawan nahirapan huminga. Ayaw na naming magpasecond dose.”

(After I got my first dose of Moderna vaccine, I always feel like fainting, the strength in my arms is gone and one of my friends who took the first dose of Sinovac, his whole body had difficulty in breathing. We no longer want to take the second dose.)

Derald Jim M. Cabactulan.“Bakit kailangan pa ng waiver form for vaccination kung walang namamatay sa bakuna?”  (Why is a waiver form being required for vaccination if no one will die from the vaccine.)

There are thousands of similar comments like the above. The small sample we took speaks for itself. This outrage of Filipino netizens against DOH is a very promising development.

First, it shows that Filipinos are now starting to wake up and speak on the basis of their own research and/or experience. Second, they are beginning to question the DOH as a legitimate source of information about the challenge of COVID-19. 

Third, they will no longer just believe anything that the DOH pumps out. And it will not just be the DOH. Filipinos will also start questioning the daily misinformation and programming that they are getting from mainstream and social media.

Fourth, this massive awakening to truth among Filipinos will soon translate into some form of action. Fifth, this action is starting to manifest in the outrage against DOH. Sixth, this awakening to Truth explains why Filipinos are vaccine-hesitant resulting in the country’s low vaccination status as compared with other countries.

And, finally, Filipinos will resist draconian measures taken by DOH and the government in the continuing attempt of the latter to fool the people and force them to accept the kill shots.

After almost 17 months, it is about time for Filipinos to end this orgy of senseless quarantines and mandates that have destroyed people’s lives, livelihood, our economy, our society, and our future.

It is time for Truth and Freedom to rise and end this de facto medical martial law that has punished this nation unnecessarily for almost 17 months. Let us all make sure that we boot out all these liars and tyrants in the upcoming elections. Let us act and restore true democracy, truth, freedom, and real health.

Visit here: https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2021/09/03/thousands-of-upset-filipinos-blast-doh-for-fake-news-support-release-of-cch-foi-bombshell-dispute-claims-vaccines-are-safe-and-effective/

DOH Admits No Evidence SARS-CoV-2 Isolated

"In a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) admitted that they do not have a Certified Reference Material (CRM) for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggered global lockdowns and forced vaccine mandates. A CRM or “positive control” in the language of DOH, is needed by lab tests (RT-PCR) to determine whether a person has positively tested for SARS-CoV-2.

Nicanor Perlas, Chief Researcher and Head of Covid Call to Humanity, a global information network, asked the DOH, via an FOI request on August 10, 2021, to show proof of the existence of SARS-CoV-2.

DOH referred the FOI request to its partner institution, RITM, or the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. RITM responded: “We do not have such information as we do not perform virus isolation at RITM.”

“This is a huge scandal and tragedy”, emphasized Perlas. “Duterte, IATF, and the DOH have locked down our country for more than 16 months, all because of a virus that DOH has not proven to exist. Yet everything depends on the verified existence of the virus: the RT-PCR tests, the daily tally of test positives, the lockdowns, the quarantines, face masks, and mass vaccinations, among other deeply flawed and unscientific policies”, continued Perlas."

Visit here: https://covidcalltohumanity.org/2021/08/31/cch-foi-bombshell-doh-admits-no-evidence-sars-cov-2-isolated-yet-government-locked-down-nation-due-to-virus-no-country-has-yet-proven-to-exist/

Making It Happen even in Time of Pandemic, The Airspeed Way!

In the Philippines’ highly competitive logistics industry and amid the global pandemic, Airspeed has continued to spread its wings. Since Airspeed was established in 1985, the company’s aim is to help clients in building and growing their businesses by providing them with the highest quality logistics services and innovative end-to-end solutions. By staying true to a client-centered business strategy, Airspeed has also been very deliberate in hiring people with stellar reputations, diverse expertise, and solid values.

Today, at 35 years strong, Airspeed is one of the most experienced, most trusted and most reputable logistics companies in the country.

A global network of partners and affiliates cultivated and developed throughout 35 years has empowered Airspeed to presently operate in more than 97 countries around the world. At its headquarters in Paranaque; branch offices in Makati, Cavite, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro; and, many fully-modern warehouse facilities strategically located nationwide, Airspeed has directly employed over 800 highly-skilled personnel to provide corporate clients the logistical support they require. To make sure that employees are adequately capable to transport and deliver cargo efficiently, Airspeed has a fleet of more than 300 dedicated vehicles that can be mobilized at an instant.

 

Airspeed provides logistics services that can be classified under four different aspects. First is Freight Solutions Management which delves into safe, secure, and speedy freight transportation via air, sea, or land. They also offer Warehousing and Distribution, making use of the most advanced facilities and technologies in order to make sure that packages are stored and handled as efficiently as possible.  They also have Customs Clearance whereby they expertly handle clearance processing requirements; and Customized Logistics wherein they tailor-fit services based on the logistics needs of clients.

Airspeed, however, needed to take things several notches higher as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a bigger need to introduce new dedicated demand services meant for the consuming public.

SpeedFood is a new, swift and reliable online multiservice platform that provides express food delivery everywhere and anywhere needed. SpeedFood was purposely created to provide the service-based needs of food merchants and help them reach more consumers. Then there is SpeedGifts -- an online gift delivery service that caters to Global Filipinos who would want to send gifts to their loved ones on any occasion. Finally, there’s UnboxMe, a special Airspeed service that caters to the specific needs of the consumers. UnboxMe is a cross-border delivery platform that seeks to satisfy the shopping habits of Filipinos who shop in their favorite online stores in the US. Items can now be delivered straight to their doorsteps in the Philippines. 

Airspeed realizes that it has to continue innovating, improving, and investing in anything and everything so as to provide logistics services that set industry standards. In doing so, they hope to be able to stay true to its mission of serving their clients with the values of loyalty, respect, integrity, balance, honor, excellence and stewardship -- 35 years and beyond.

Cine Europa Film Fest, now on it's s 24th year this September 2021!

I have followed Cine Europa Film Fest, since its first year, an enriching experience and learnings indeed, made me see Europe's diverse and rich culture. Though i havent been to any of these country yet, thanks to them for bringing their films here. 

This year is yet another colorful line up of critically acclaimed films! And yes, now on it's 24th year! Not to be missed this September 1 to 29!

Cine Europa Film Fest is brought to us by the Delegation of the European Union of the Philippines, together with the EU Member States with the EU Cultural Institutes. 

See the line-up here;

Les Parfums / Perfumes

2019 | France | Comedy | G | 100 min | Gregory Magne

Anne Walberg is a master in perfumes. She creates fragrances and sells her incredible gift to many companies. She is a diva, selfish and temperamental. Guillaume is her new driver and the only one who dares facing her. This is probably why she does not fire him

 

Vlastníci / Owners

2019 | The Czech Republic | Comedy, Drama | PG | 96 min | Jirí Havelka

Based on the play “The Society of Owners (Condominium)”, this wonderful and unique comedy gives the audience an insight into Czech mentality through funny moments experienced at a regular condominium meeting where the owners of the apartments are supposed to make some decisions but are unable to do so. The seemingly simple vote is complicated by the fact that everyone has their own ideas and agenda. Delightful Czech dry humour will undoubtedly entertain you and make your smile.

Catwalk

2020 | Sweden | Documentary | G | 95 min | Johan Skog

Emma Ortlund has a lifelong dream of becoming a fashion model and asks Par Johansson, founder of the Glada Hudil THeatre, for help. It’s an unattainable dream for most people, even more so for people with disabilities. Together with a group of modes, who do not usually appear in the fashion world, they embark on an exciting and bewildering journey to fulfill this seemingly impossible mission.

El Cuadro / The Painting

2019 | Spain | Documentary | G | 107 min | Andrés Sanz

The Painting is a mystery documentary about Velázquez’s Las Meninas, the most widely interpreted work of art in history. A film that plays to turn the viewer into a detective and guide him through the maze of clues that lead to deciphering its secrets.

O Que Arde / Fire Will Come

2019 | Spain – France – Luxembourg | Drama | PG 13 | 86 min | Oliver Laxe

When Amador Coro gets out of prison for having provoked a fire, nobody is waiting for him. He returns to his hometown, a small village hidden in the mountains of rural Galicia, to live with his elder mother, Benedicta, and three cows. Life goes on calmly, following the rhythm of the nature. Until the night when a fire devastates the region.

Trezor

2018 | Hungry | Thriller, Drama | 75 min | Peter Bergendy

The keys to Trezor, the vault of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are lost in the confusion of the 1956 Revolution. And so, only a few days after the battle for independence is violently put down, the police pulls a former bank robber out of prison and asks him to open their own uncrackable safe. The convict, however, finds something very different behind the vault’s door than what he expected. An exciting plot unfolds, full of unexpected twists, where nothing and no one is what they seem to be.

The Lure

2015 | Poland | Romance, Fantasy, Horror, Musical | PG 13 | 92 min | Agnieszka Smoczynska

The Lure revisits Hans Christian Andersen’s classic. At the crossroads between a musical and a rebellious horror film, this fairy tale for adults takes the viewer into a world inspired by Warsaw’s dance scene in the ’80s.

One evening, Gold and Silver, two mermaid sisters, leave their underwater world to step into the human world. They end up in a nightclub, where local divas perform classics such as I Feel Love by Donna Summer or Byłaś serva biciem by Andrezej Zaucha surrounded by disco balls and neon lights. When the owners discover that the sisters’ beautiful legs turn into a fishtail at the touch of water, they immediately see the potential for new flamboyant shows. The unbreakable sisterly bond is put at risk when Silver discovers love and affection in the arms of the beautiful young man, while Gold feels the urge to drink human blood to survive. For each of the sisters, it is time for a choice, but a cruel and bloody one.

Nos Batailles / Our Struggles

2018 | Belgium | Drama | PG | 98 min | Guillaume Senez

Olivier does the best he can to fight injustice at work. But from one day to the next, when his wife Laura abandons the family home, he is left alone to juggle between the children’s needs, life’s daily challenges, and his job. Faced with these new responsibilities, he struggles to find a balance. Because Laura’s not coming back.

Vores mand i Amerika / The Good Traitor

2020 | Denmark | Historical Drama | PG | 110 min | Christina Rosendahl

9th of April 1940 Denmark is attacked by Nazi Germany with the demand of an immediate and unconditional capitulation. After a few hours, the Danish Government surrenders and begins a cooperation with the Nazis. But on the other side of the Atlantic is the Danish ambassador in America, the daredevil and man of the world, Henrik Kauffmann who is willing to stake everything in one throw. He refuses to give in to the German demands and instead he creates a rebellious plan to defeat Hitler and give the Danish population back their freedom.

Doulia tis / Her Job

2018 | Greece = France – Serbia | Drama | G | 89 min | Nikos Labôt

Thirty-seven-year-old Panayiota leads a quiet, modest life with her husband (a domineering presence who spends his meager unemployment income at gambling parlours), her rebellious teenage daughter, and her sensitive younger son. Sacrificing and servile (and nearly illiterate) Panayiota is trapped within a domestic environment that prevents her from achieving independence. One day, an opportunity for employment as a cleaner at a nearby mall stirs in her the excitement of a new life. Eager but introverted, she quickly becomes a model employee, gains financial independence, and expands her social life beyond the walls of her apartment. Back home, the family looks on with respect at Panayiota’s blossoming freedom. Yet her newly gained autonomy stands to be prematurely pruned by a series of layoffs at work.

La Madre / The Mother

2014 | Italy | Drama | PG 13 | 90 min | Angelo Maresca

The life of Maddalena takes place entirely in a village in the Italian province. She works as a chambermaid in a seminar to meet the aspirations of her son Paulo, an aspiring priest. His vocation is soon tested when Agnese, a beautiful girl, falls in love with him and overwhelms him with passion. Maddalena is aware of what could happen, she does everything to protect her son from falling victim to the sin of the flesh.

De vogelwachter / The Warden

2020 | The Netherlands | Drama | 85 min | Threes Ana

For almost half a century, an old man has been the warden of a bird sanctuary on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean. One day he receives notice that his posting will be discontinued. His happy life – in and alongside nature – comes to an abrupt end. But the warden refuses to accept his dismissal. Determined not to leave, he decides to fight back in his own way.

Einer wie Erika / Erik and Erika

2018 | Italy | Biography, Drama, History | PG | 89 min | Reinhold Bilgeri

The true story of Erik Schinegger, women’s world champion skier. Declared female at birth and was raised as a girl, until a newly-introduced gene test proves that he is genetically male. All are overwhelmed by the discovery, especially Erik himself. Joy at his athletic success gives way to heartbreak as he is disqualified and accused of fraud. The National Ski Federation, not prepared to take such a scandal lying down, insists that he undergo a medical procedure to make him fully female. Erik suddenly finds himself alone, with no support from family or friends, faced with the most important and agonizing decision of his life. The story of his life as a woman, his ultimate transition to manhood and his fight for recognition in an age where there was no place in the social dictionary for a world life “transgender”.

Acasă, My Home

2020 | Romania – Finland – Germany | Documentary | 86 min | Radu Ciorniciuc

In the wilderness of the Bucharest Delta, nine children and their parents lives in perfect harmony with nature for 20 years – until they are chased out and forced to adapt to life in the big city.

Aurora

2019 | Finland | Comedy | 106 min | Miia Tervo

Aurora, a commitment-phobic party animal, meets Iranian Darian one night at a hot-dog stand in Lapland. Darian is running from death and Aurora is running from love. They need each other in order to finally stop running.

Kokon

2020 | Germany | Romance | PG | 99 min | Leonie Krippendorff

Nora, a shy 14-year-old Berlin girl, will never forget this way too hot summer. Surrounded by people with disrupted biographies, from different cultures and backgrounds, she makes her way into adulthood. Nora gets her first period, falls in love with another girl, learns to stand up for herself and gets her heart broken for the first time. When summer ends, things will never be the same again for Nora.

Das Vorspiel / The Audition

2019 | Germany – France | Drama | PG | 106 min | Miia Tervo

Anna is working as a violin teacher at a music high school in Berlin. Her French husband Bronsky is a violin maker. They have a ten-year-old son. At the annual entrance exam, Anna decides against the will of her colleagues for the admission of a boy in which she sees a great talent. She wants to prove to her colleagues that she was right about him and soon devotes more time and attention to her next student Alexander than to her own son Jonas and thus brings the two boys into competition with each other. At the same time, her marriage to Bronsky becomes more complicated. Anna withdraws more and more from her family and begins an affair with her colleague Christian, who encourages her to participate in a quartet. When Anna falls at her own concert with Christian, she feels under pressure. What she did not succeed in shall be achieved by her gifted student, Alexander. More and more obsessed, she tries to drive him to peak performance. On the day of the interim exams, a tragic accident occurs.

Virtual screenings are FREE when you register an account at the e-venue: https://www.cineeuropaph.com/. First-come, first-served basis applies. All films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles. See you all! 

PH Digicon 2021 to have Charlize Theron as Speaker

The Philippine Digital Convention (PH Digicon) 2021 will feature Oscar-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur Charlize Theron. As the celebrity headline speaker, Ms. Theron will speak about her personal experiences in different facets of life, including relevant issues in the business industry such as women’s empowerment. 

This October, PLDT—through its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise—will hold the most prestigious thought leadership event in the country. With the theme “REVOLUTION,” the event seeks to encourage businesses to embrace revolutionary change and explore possibilities to stay ahead in the dynamic business landscape. 

In its seventh iteration, the annual convention will feature Ms. Theron, her thoughts on empowering women entrepreneurs and executives in male-dominated industries, and fostering gender equality and economic empowerment, among others. 

The award-winning actress founded Denver and Delilah Productions in 2003, a film/tv production company that co-produced films including The Addams Family, Atomic Blonde, and Monster; and hit Netflix crime drama Mindhunter and reality television series Hyperdrive. 

Likewise, she is known as one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation, captivating audiences with her portrayal of a range of characters. She has been recognized by various award-giving bodies, receiving several awards and nominations for her exemplary performances. 

Theron received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critics Choice Award, and an Independent Spirit Award for her role as real-life serial killer Eileen Wuornos in the critically acclaimed movie Monster. 

Moreover, she portrayed Megyn Kelly in Lionsgate’s Bombshell, for which she received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA Film Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Critics Choice Award, among others, for her remarkable performance. 

The actress-producer also appeared in numerous films including North Country, The Devil’s Advocate, The Cider House Rules, Hancock, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, Snow White and the Huntsman, and A Million Ways to Die in the West. 

In 2020, Theron was seen in the Netflix adaptation of the comic book series The Old Guard, by Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernández, which was also produced by Denver and Delilah Productions. 

Most recently, the actress reprised her role as “Cipher” in the 9th installment of the Fast and Furious franchise that hit theaters this year. 

In addition to Theron’s acting success and principal involvement with her production company, she also serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP). 

CTAOP’s mission is “to invest in African youth and their ability to keep themselves and their peers safe from HIV/AIDS” through its support of community-based, African organizations that “use community-specific programming to effectively engage young people and provide critical tools that support adolescents and address their unique challenges.” 

In 2020, Theron and CTAOP launched ‘Together for Her,’ a campaign to help fight gender-based violence during COVID-19, together with CARE and Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). 

The Philippine Digital Convention: REVOLUTION is set to be a fully virtual event, wherein global industry mavens, thought leaders, and pioneers in technology and business will come together to help drive technological enablement among local and global enterprises especially in this ever-changing landscape. 

PH Digicon 2021 will happen on October 6 to 8. Join the revolution and register now for free at:phdigicon2021.com 

Remote Learning without Internet, Is it possible?

The DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) welcomes you to Expert Class Episode 3: How Assessment Can Help: Maximizing Information to Support Development and School Improvement online class on August 25, 2021, 10:00 am.

The Expert Class is a platform for advisory or advocacy where science will be used to discuss and explain current issues. By engaging the public in further discourse on a topic of national interest, we hope to achieve greater awareness on science-based recommendations for policy-making. All these are for the ultimate goal of enhancing a science culture among Filipinos.

Episode 3 will be presented by the Governmental, Educational and International Policies Division and will highlight data that could also be used to improve strategies and approaches to help raise students’ achievements and total development and wellness. The speaker will also show how data would lead to data-driven decision-making process.

Join us all year-round as NRCP Members will give you Expert Class with interesting topics from 13 Divisions.

Expert Class comes back to back with our Back to Basic (B2B) online class! Just check the NRCP official FB Page, Research Pod, or enroll to BRITER Commons at 

https://briter.nrcpvirtual.com/

Two UN Reports on Impacts of Plastic Pollution& Wild Meat on Migratory Species of Wild Animals

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is releasing two reports ahead of two key global events: the Ministerial Conference on Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution and the UN Food Systems Summit.

31 August

Ahead of the Ministerial Conference on Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution

Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Freshwater Aquatic, Terrestrial and Avian Migratory Species in the Asia and Pacific Region

This study identifies the impacts of plastic pollution on land and freshwater migratory species protected by CMS.

The CMS Report is the result of a collaboration between CMS and the UN Environment Programme as part of the CounterMEASURE II project to identify sources and pathways of plastic pollution in river systems in Asia.

The two case studies focus on the Mekong and the Ganges rivers, which sit among the most polluted rivers globally.

The Report found that migratory species likely among the most vulnerable to plastic pollution through entanglement and ingestion.

Several recommendations point to the next steps to address the issue.

15 September

Ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit

Impacts of Taking, Trade and Consumption of Terrestrial Migratory Species for Wild Meat

There are significant impacts globally from wild meat taking, trade and consumption on most terrestrial mammal species protected under CMS. The CMS Report states that migratory species are particularly threatened by wild meat use and that for most species, taking for domestic use has likely a greater impact than taking for international trade.

The study also focuses on the high risk of future zoonotic diseases due to continued human encroachment into wildlife habitats and further contact with pathogen populations through wild meat taking and trade.

It provides several recommendations, including greater internationally coordinated and consolidated approaches for regulating taking, trade and consumption of CMS species on the national level.

•    High-level Virtual Media Launch Event (registration)

•    Press release and report Wednesday, 15 September

Members of the Media are invited to

register for the virtual media briefing with experts

Visit here: www.cms.int

The Future of Philippine Smart Cities in this Time of Pandemic

Smart cities are the future of urban living as technology will play an ever-important role in governance, making social services accessible and making sure that the future is sustainable for the next set of generations. A smart city is defined as a city that utilize technology to better deliver services such as healthcare, mobility and using new methodologies to make city living “smarter” when it comes to governance, administration, the utilization of resources and planning for the future.

2020 was an unprecedented pandemic for the Philippines and Metro Manila, the largest urban metropolis in the country, has seen its share of disruption when it comes to life, work and social services. With lockdowns and heightened social restrictions in order to curb the spread of the pandemic, the past year and the current year have altered the day to day life of citizens and public officials. Despite the ups and downs of the pandemic, Metro Manila is starting to piece together the core pillars of what makes a smart city:

• Governance – Agile and Responsive leadership to the changing times

• Internet & Communications – ICT serves as the backbone for the implementation of key

technologies.

• Inclusive and Sustainable Growth – No one is left behind as social programs and subsidies

must be set aside for the unfortunate and to support their development to be contributing members of society.

• Technology – The utilization of technology on key avenues such as administration, social

services and transactions.

• Measurement – Gaining insights from measuring the data and information coming from

livable and environmental variables 

Technology

During the height of the pandemic, Metro Manila and its key cities were quick to implement multi-faceted technologies for safety: QR code contact tracing, thermal scanners for temperature checks, online registration for vaccination, e-governance for public officials, work from home flexible setups for city administrators and visual analytics to create data models in surveying the impact of the pandemic to the general population.

The speed of the adoption is notably admirable and it is climate where the world too, had accelerated its digital and technological adoption by years in just a few months. The same happened to Metro Manila and these cumulative technologies will be here for years to come.

Still, there is more work to be done as the emergence of new technologies and other innovative ideas on city living will continue to evolve in the next set of years. The national government, the city leaders and other civic groups must keep an eye on these technologies:

• Advance Analytics for Governance – To measure, give insight and fuel future policies on the basis of making informed decision on matters such as social issues, environmental issues and governance effectiveness.

• Environmental Sensors – To measure and track the carbon footprint and environmental impact of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, energy and other verticals to the sustainability and renewability efforts as climate change are also being increasingly felt across the archipelago.

• Sustainable Development Goals – As pointed out by the United Nations on the inclusive and sustainable development of cities and society where there is equality, freedom, reinforcing human rights and responsibility under the accounts of governance.

• Renewable Technology – If there is a way in doing things much better in terms of cleaner, greener and more renewable, the old practices in business, development, infrastructure and resource consumption must give way to the smarter and more efficient way of city building.

The swift implementation of key technologies in Metro Manila was a huge step for the country as it aims to develop more eco-friendly smart cities where livability and the quality of life will be better for all. However, there is more work to be done, more research and development to follow in order to transform city governance to keep pace with their western counterparts and transform the Philippine cities into smart cities.

Visit here: DynaQuest Technology

WAS THE PANDEMIC PLANNED?

A group of over 500 medical doctors in Germany called ‘Doctors for Information’ made a shocking statement during a national press conference: 

‘The Corona panic is a play. It’s a scam. A swindle. It’s high time we understood that we’re in the midst of a global crime.’

This large group of medical experts publishes a medical newspaper on 500,000 copies every week, to inform the public about the massive misinformation in the mainstream media. They also organize mass protests in Europe, like the one on August 29, 2020 where 12 million people signed up and several millions actually showed up.

In Spain a group of 600 medical doctors called ‘Doctors for Truth’, made a similar statement during a press conference.

WAS THE PANDEMIC PLANNED?

• Thousands of medical doctors call the pandemic a global crime, and a world dictatorship with a sanitary excuse.

• Two years before Covid-19 came to the global scene, the European Union, the USA, China and other nations suddenly started exporting tens of millions of test kits for Covid-19.

• In 2013 a musician predicts a global pandemic with a coronavirus and says this will happen in 2020. He knew this because of personal investigation of so called ‘conspiracy theories’.

• In 2017 Anthony Fauci guaranteed a surprise outbreak of an infectious disease during the first term of the Trump administration.

• Right before the outbreak of a coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates organized a global coronavirus pandemic exercise: Event201.

• Right before the outbreak the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board told the world to be ready for a coronavirus pandemic.

• In 2018 the Institute for Disease Modeling announced a global pandemic with a flu virus, originating in China in the area of Wuhan.

• In 2018 Bill and Melinda Gates announced that in the coming years there would be a global pandemic of an engineered virus.

• The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was created in the Bio Safety Lab Level 4 in Wuhan, which received millions of dollars from Anthony Fauci.

• Several movies depicted the coronavirus pandemic with great detail, and even mention hydroxychloroquine as the cure.

• The Summer Olympics in 2012 played a pandemic of a coronavirus during their opening show.

• The investigative journalist Harry Vox predicted in 2014 that a global pandemic would be caused, so the ‘ruling class’ could implement a higher level of authoritarian control.

• The investigative journalist Anthony Patch predicted a global pandemic with a man made virus, that would be used to force a DNA altering vaccine on humanity.

• Dr. Carrie Madej studied DNA and vaccines for decades and says the plan is to use the Covid-19 vaccine to start the process of transhumanism: reprogramming the human DNA.

• The CIA officer Dr. John Coleman studied secret societies and says their goal is to depopulate the earth by means of organized pandemics of fatal rapid acting diseases.

• In the state of Georgia a huge monument was erected in 1980 with ten guidelines for humanity, in eight languages. The first of these ‘Ten Commandments’ is that humanity needs to be reduced to half a billion people.

• Bill Gates said during a TED talk that new vaccines can be used to reduce the world’s population with 10-15%.

• The ‘health ranger’ Mike Adams predicted years ago what we see happening now: the release of an engineered bioweapon, followed by a vaccine mandate, massive government funding for the vaccine industry and a vaccine that is being developed in record time. He also predicted that this vaccine will kill innumerable people over the course of a couple of years.

• In 2010 the Rockefeller Foundation published the ‘Scenario for the future…’ in which they describe a coming global pandemic, that should result in the implementation of authoritarian control over the people, which will then intensify after the pandemic.

• In 2020 they publish a handbook on how to create this world of control, with a step by step guide. They say life cannot return back to normal, until the world has become ‘Locked Down’ with this top down control from authoritarian governments.

• We indeed see that Bill Gates and many others worldwide are right away seizing control in unprecedented ways, with enforcing vaccine ID’s, microchips that will be implanted into people, mandating the wearing of face masks, social distancing, forced lock-downs, extreme contact tracing, and so on.

• Part of this top down control is extreme censoring of every single voice from doctors, scientists or other experts that criticize what is going on.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/30/proof-that-the-pandemic-was-planned-with-purpose/

FDA Report Reveals Vaccines May Have Killed 635 And Seriously Harmed 1,718 Filipinos

FDA Report Found Through Freedom of Information (FOI) Request Submitted by Covid Call to Humanity (CCH) Organization

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that the Covid vaccines may have killed 635 and seriously harmed 1,718 Filipinos. This information is found in the FDA’s Reports of Suspected Adverse Reaction to COVID-19 Vaccines (01 March to 15 August 2021).

The FDA, an agency within the Department of Health (DOH), defines serious adverse reactions experienced after vaccination as follows:  

• In-patient hospitalization/prolongation of existing hospitalization
• Significant disability/incapacity
• Life-threatening (e.g. anaphylaxis) and death
• Birth defect or congenital malformations
• Considered to be medically important event

FDA’s report emerged as a result of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Nicanor Perlas, chief researcher and head of Covid Call to Humanity organization.

“This report totally demolishes the incessantly repeated fiction of the Department of Health (DOH) that the covid vaccines are ‘safe and effective’. As late as August 9, the DOH Facebook page was claiming zero deaths resulting from the covid vaccines”, said Perlas.

In its Report, FDA states: “Symptoms or diseases that occur after vaccination are reported if there is a suspicion of a possible link. However, it cannot be assumed that there is a causal relationship between the suspected adverse reaction and the vaccine.”

“FDA’s claim of no causal link between vaccinations and serious adverse reactions including deaths, flies in the face of the science and global data”, said Perlas. “Among others, studies have shown that 57% of deaths occurred within 48 hours after vaccination.^[1] A whistleblower from the US Department of the Health and Human Services, the equivalent of the DOH of the USA, claimed in a written affidavit now used in a federal court case that 45,000 Americans have died within 3 days of taking the Covid vaccines.”^[2]

FDA claims that: “Adverse reaction reports are necessary for the safety assessment of the vaccines, making sure that the benefits always outweigh the risks.”

“This is an empty statement. We have gone far beyond risk/benefit calculations. We are experimenting with peoples’ lives by mass distribution of experimental and deadly covid vaccines” Perlas rebutted.

“In the past, anywhere from 25 to 50 recorded deaths resulted in the removal of the vaccine from public use.^[3] Yet despite massive death counts of around 32,319 as reported by government health agencies in the US, European and the UK governments (as of July 2021),^[4] governments, including the Philippines, are still rolling out and forcing mass vaccinations. This makes no sense. This is a violation of our laws especially the Constitution”, Perlas concluded.

Covid Call to Humanity will make public, in the days and weeks to come, more FDA and DOH FOI-related information. Covid Call to Humanity is a global network of researchers focused on informing the global public regarding the latest and hottest news on Covid in the world. It has uploaded more than 900 evidence-based articles in its website: https://covidcalltohumanity.org

RampXCoinSwap: A Partnership that will Define the DEX Ecosystem

CoinSwap Space: One of the leaders when it comes to decentralized exchanges and finance has recently announced its partnership with RAMP (https://ramp.network/)

Who is RAMP? 

Ramp is a project that aims to build a decentralized, robust infrastructure to make crypto apps powerful and delightful.Their overall technology can unlock a future where everyone can exchange value as easily and as efficiently as using the Internet.

They also strive to make buying cryptocurrency to a certain platform using fiat currency a reality for everyone, not just a handful of crypto-natives.

And thru this, CoinSwap Space becomes a leader and ahead of its time when it comes to the decentralized finance and exchange arena.

Having the ability to buy Cryptocurrencies using fiat currency on the CSS Platform allows them to buy back & burn tokens, slows down inflation rates, or reduces the total circulating supply of coins. (Note: There is a 1% fee on top of the other fees, which will be used for burning.)

What are the Highlights?

1) Short KYC

2) Crypto purchase to Non-Custodial wallet

3) Higher purchase value lower the FEE

4) 1% fee used for buyback and burn CSS

Availability: Ramp's now available in over 170 countries and territories, which includes EU ✓, US ✓, Australia ✓, Canada ✓, Russia, India (some disruptions) ✓, + Latin America.

Payment Options: Credit Cards/Debit Cards, Sepa, Sepa instant, Apple Pay, Open-banking, Google Pay (soon), Samsung Pay (soon). Ramp fees: The market is the lowest - only 2.9% for card transactions! - are fully transparent - their fee, their partner’s fee, and network fees are visible to buyers, - incentivize bigger purchases - fees fall above 2.5k EUR, - are fair - they charge less for slower payment methods and more for the instant ones, - have no slippage - we try to keep the rates as close to mid-market rate as possible.

Fees structure: Manual transfer transactions 0.99% per transactions up to 2500 EUR

0.49% per transactions greater than 2500 EUR (0.99% on 2500 EUR, then 0.49% on additional amount) Easy transfer transactions 1.99% per transactions up to 2500 EUR

1.49% for transactions greater than 2500 EUR (1.99% on 2500 EUR, then 1.49% on additional amount) Credit and debit card transactions 2.9% The minimum fee per transaction is 2.49 EUR.

KYC verification and limits: The most up-to-date source for their KYC limits can be foundon their website. According to Ramp, it is perfect to give you an idea, but note that it's not written in stone. It can change in an instant if they notice a large number of fraudulent transactions that fall just under their current limits.

Binance Smart Chain native connection: Integrating Ramp will allow the users to directly buy BNB on BSC, saving users the necessity of going through the bridging process. It will critically improve long-term business model sustainability and user buying experience(more assets on request).

So, if you are looking for a reliable DEX project that is safe and reliable, You cannot go wrong with CoinSwap Space! Start your investing journey with them today!

Watch out for DOST's Big 21 High Impact Technologies, R&D Projects that will shape the Future, this SEPT. 7!

As the country grapples with the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continues to find practical solutions that will help the Filipinos surpass these challenges.

The science department, backed by a strong pool of competent scientists, researchers, and innovators will present to the public the 21 high impact technologies and research and development (R&D) projects in the areas of health and nutrition, industry competitiveness, enterprise development, disaster management and risk reduction, education, and agriculture, among others.

The special launch of the 21 technologies and game changing R&D projects dubbed as Big 21 in 2021 will be aired live on 07 September 2021 at 10:00AM via Zoom and the DOST Philippines Facebook page. 

 

According to DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, the 21 big ticket technologies, projects, and R&D initiatives are poised to alleviate the conditions of the Filipinos particularly in the regions not only during this pandemic but beyond it.

 

“We already envisioned the changes imminent to creating collective value for our people and our communities using science, technology, and innovation much earlier, even without COVID-19 yet, and this made us future-ready as we intensified our efforts in developing solutions to current problems involving health, food security, livelihood enhancement and utilizing emerging technologies towards a better normal,” de la Peña said.

 

Some of the technologies and projects to be bannered during the launch are the following: 

-Nutritional genomics of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute; the Biosafety Level 2+ Laboratory for the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines; Virgin Coconut Oil as adjunct therapy for COVID-19; 

-the NICER Projects on Smart Water Infrastructure 

Management (SWIM) Research and Development Center in Region II and the Center for Sustainable Polymers in Region X;

-the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) as a hub for additive manufacturing or 3D printing; the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory or AMERIAL; 

-the Spectral Acceleration Maps (SAM PH) Atlas, the latest probabilistic  seismic hazard model developed by PHIVOLCS; the Establishment of Early Warning Systems and Observing Stations from PAGASA; 

-the partnership of DOST with Coursera spearheaded by DOST-Caraga to provide free access to 3,800 courses offered by international universities online; the successful entrepreneurs under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP 4.0 to align with the initiatives of the 4th Industrial Revolution; 

-and the model communities under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program or CEST that has been expanded; among others.   

 

According to DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, despite the many setbacks brought by the COVIOD-19 pandemic, the DOST, in launching the 21 technologies and R&D projects, remains very bullish and optimistic that through science, technology, and innovation, the country can definitely move forward and adapt to the new normal. 

 

“We invite you to create our own future by discovering our local technologies and new knowledge products with the Big 21 in 2021. Similarly, we call on the government policymakers, technopreneurs, integrators and investors to share with us your ideas and resources so we can shape our future together as development partners,” Usec. Guevara said.  

Creating A Transport Bubble For The Fully Vaccinated

Yesterday, I met with Transportation Secretary Art Tugade to recommend the possible deployment of buses for fully-vaccinated individuals. As I have suggested, this is to make sure that fully-vaccinated passengers are still protected within a transportation bubble, so there are no gaps as they travel from their homes to workplaces, and vice-versa.  Currently, when fully-vaccinated individuals leave their homes, they commute alongside unvaccinated passengers, hence letting their guard down. With the regular buses, both the unvaccinated and the vaccinated are at risk to each other. We do not want a scenario wherein we just simply let the vaccinated individuals interact with those who are unvaccinated given the current threat from the Delta variant.

Consequently, I am pleased to hear that Secretary Art and his entire department will fully support us in making this initiative possible, as he asked if we can possibly donate about 40,000 doses of vaccines for our drivers. With this, we will do our best to help them secure those doses.

As I have presented to him, buses for fully-vaccinated individuals will be an extension of their protective bubble, which are their homes and workplaces. These are the safe spaces I have previously discussed in my concept of micro-herd immunity. Considering that their homes and workplaces are actually tagged as safe since those spaces comprise individuals who are also fully vaccinated, then the buses with fully-vaccinated drivers, conductors, and passengers can provide everyone inside with an optimal extension of protection as they travel back and forth.

The proposal complements what I discussed in an interview with Mike Enriquez last Tuesday, which is to only allow fully-vaccinated individuals to  enter various establishments in NCR after the lapse of the current lockdown. Since they are protected with the vaccines, we should allow them to go outside with greater mobility as they can help revive our country’s economy. We cannot do the same with unvaccinated individuals as they will risk themselves and our healthcare system if we allow them to be mobile as usual. At best, they should only be allowed to move from their homes to workplaces and vice-versa. This is not at all discriminatory as we are protecting them and the country’s healthcare system from being overwhelmed as the unvaccinated are the ones filling up the hospitals’ capacity. In the Philippine General Hospital, 187 individuals out of the total of 265 of COVID-19 patients admitted as of Aug. 15 were unvaccinated. San Lazaro Hospital, meanwhile, reported that 82 percent of the total severe and critical cases of COVID-19 were also unvaccinated individuals.

Given the threat from the Delta variant, we have to be extra careful as to who we should allow total mobility in NCR, given the number of cases exponentially replicating in numbers. Those who are not yet vaccinated must be limited to travel to and from their workplaces. If we truly want to safely reopen the economy, we must be careful in doing so by limiting absolute mobility to fully-vaccinated individuals. If the current lockdown will be extended, we must temporarily implement it for those who are not yet vaccinated, while the Delta variant is still here. The best thing we can do is to prevent unvaccinated individuals from infecting the vaccinated, and vice-versa.

This is also precisely the reason why we are asking the government to adopt this measure, following the models currently implemented in Singapore and France. We have to consider this not only because the unvaccinated individuals are putting themselves at risk, but also others with whom they interact with.

With our local government units intensifying vaccination rollouts, targeting anywhere between 70 to 80 percent of our population in NCR, that will eventually allow us to put an end to all lockdowns if we can decrease infections coming from the unvaccinated population.

Meanwhile, the extension of the current lockdown depends on our health advisers and how they sethe situation. The OCTA research group was quite spot-on. A few days ago, we hit over 14,000 new COVID-19 cases and they had predicted this weeks before. Even if some groups said that the point of concern is in other areas, the focus of the private sector is in the NCR where the lockdown is. I am sure that the IATF-EID will do the right thing. What is important is whatever step we will take, we have to look at a scenario where we can finally move out of a lockdown, be it on Aug. 20 or if they extend it until the latter part of August. This is because the question that must be answered is if the current two-week ECQ will actually suffice to tame the spread of the Delta variant as seen in the current data. With the hospital’s capacity at the point of exhaustion, we really need to recalibrate our current measures.

Again, we will not surpass this lockdown if unvaccinated individuals are given absolute liberty that they had during the pre-pandemic situation. They are the cause of increased transmissions and the best that we can do is to limit their mobility in the pandemic epicenter, which is Metro Manila. If we do not implement this, then there will be no way for us to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and lockdowns will just become a norm in our country. On the other hand, since the vaccinated individuals already have sufficient protection because of vaccines, we can allow their increased mobility since our economy will eventually depend on them. They will serve as a way to kickstart our economy with their increased consumption, which is crucial in NCR since our GDP is concentrated here. Furthermore, this is the best option to take since consumer activities in various establishments will come from the vaccinated, as opposed to limiting the mobility of both the vaccinated and unvaccinated altogether. Hence, if we implement the said proposal, it is tantamount to striking a balance between opening the economy and allowing the vaccinated individuals contribute to our country’s much-needed recovery.

The 5th FDCP International Film Industry Conference Online now open

As September closes in, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) elevates its annual Film Industry Conference to International Film Industry Conference (IFIC) Online from September 16 to 19, with a month-long celebration and events lined up for the first celebration of Philippine Film Industry Month.

The 5th edition of the IFIC will continue to provide comprehensive knowledge to young filmmakers and enthusiasts as they bring together local and international experts in the industry as speakers and panelists in the series of public sessions and masterclasses.

The IFIC shifted online last year and had over 2,000 attendees throughout the event. This year, there will be free public sessions and masterclasses open to the public, both local and international.

“The success of last year’s Film Industry Conference indicates that even amidst the pandemic and the shift to online platforms, the passion to learn more about the different aspects of cinema is still present. Through its 5th edition, the International Film Industry Conference Online, we want to support aspiring and budding filmmakers from the Philippines and the rest of the world by providing lessons that would help them grow and develop in their filmmaking journey,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

Launched in 2017, IFIC creates a platform for aspiring Filipino filmmakers and film enthusiasts to further explore opportunities, challenges, and the new norms in the film industry during the global pandemic.

The IFIC will run in September, the declared Philippine Film Industry Month by President Rodrigo Duterte in Proclamation No. 1085, Series of 2021, alongside the other FDCP-organized programs, projects, and activities for the annual celebration.

For more upcoming information and updates on IFIC, follow the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IFICPHofficial/.

FDCP Address: 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, PH 1000

PHONE +63 2 82569958 loc. 100

E-MAIL mediadesk@fdcp.ph

WEB https://www.fdcp.ph/

Food safety tips: Sale nga, pero safe at de-kalidad ba?

Malayo pa lang ay kitang-kita na ang kulay pulang karatula: S-A-L-E: 50% OFF ON SELECTED ITEMS! Naku! Sinong hindi maeengganyong o mahihikayat na bumili ng mga produktong 

ibinebenta na mas mura? 

Minsan nga kahit hindi kailangan, mapapabili ka ng biglaan dahil mura. 

Madalas ay naka-schedule na ang mga sale ng mga bilihin gaya ng payday, year starter, Valentine’s, summer, rainy days, Christmas, 8.8, 9.9, at iba pa.

Hindi magpapahuli ang sale sa mga pagkain gaya ng Buy 1, Take 1 o di kaya ay less 10 o 20 pesos. Minsan, kapag bumili ka ng gatas ay may libreng asukal o kaya naman kapag biskwit ay may libreng rubbing alcohol. 

Ang iba, may libreng pinggan, baunan, o mga kutsara. 

Nakikita mo rin ba ito sa mga binibilhan ng pagkain? Napabili ka, ano? Pero naisip mo ba kung bakit sale ang mga pagkaing ito?

Iba-iba ang maaaring dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng sale ng isang produkto. Maaaring isa ito sa naisip na marketing strategy ng isang food manufacturer upang 

maipakilala o mas maibenta pa ang kanilang mga produkto. 

Maaari rin itong istratehiya upang mas mapalaki ang kanilang benta lalo na sa mga 

bumibili ng maramihan. 

Karamihan din kasi ng mamimili ay bumibili ng higit sa kailangan kapag mababa ang presyo ng bilihin, gaya ng Buy 4, Get 1 free.

Tandaan lamang na suriing mabuti ang kalidad at kaligtasan ng mga bilihin na naka-sale para hindi masayang ang pinaghirapang pera. 

Narito ang ilan sa mga kailangang suriin sa pagbili ng mga pagkaing naka-sale:

1. Kalidad ng mga produkto

Kung naaangkop, maaaring itsek ang kalidad ng mga produktong bibilhin. 

Tingnan kung may mga nakatagong nabubulok na bahagi sa mga prutas at gulay. 

Tingnan ang kalidad ng laman ng mga sariwang pagkain gaya ng manok, karne, at isda. Ang mga ito ay walang mabahong amoy at may maayos o firmna laman. 

Tingnan ang mga tuyong pagkain gaya ng bigas, noodles, at ipa pa. Siguruhing ito’y walang insekto at hindi nagpupulbos.

2. Kalidad ng packaging materials

Ang balat o packaging materials ng mga pagkain ang nagsisilbing proteksyon ng mga produkto laban sa kontaminasyon. 

I-tsek ang mga plastic na bumabalot sa mga produkto. Ang mga butas na ito ay maaaring pasukan ng mga insekto na nakakaapekto sa kalidad ng mga pagkain.

Ang mga packaging materials gaya ng karton at mga uri ng tetra packs ay madaling masira at makontamina kapag nabasa. 

Suriin ang mga produktong 

nakabalot dito at siguruhin na ito ay tuyo.

Para sa mga delatang pagkain, tingnan ang lata at iwasan ang mga DERB o Dented, Expired, Rusted, at Bulging. Ang mga ito ay senyales ng hindi maayos na paghawak ng produkto at may mataas na tyansa ng 

kontaminasyon. 

Suriin ding mabuti ang mga packaging materials na maaaring tinapalan lamang upang magmukhang lehitimong produkto. Bumili lamang sa mga 

pinagkakatiwalaang tindahan upang maiwasan ito.

3. Expiration date

Balewala ang kalidad ng produkto at kaayusan ng kaniyang packaging material, kung ito naman ay expired.

Kung mapapansin sa ilang kilalang tindahan ng tinapay, nagkakaroon ng bawas sa presyo ng mga produkto ilang minuto bago magsara. Ito ay isang paraan upang maibenta ang kanilang produkto bago pa man bumaba ang kalidad ng mga ito.

Ginagawa rin ito ng ilang mga food manufacturer ilang buwan o linggo bago mag-expire ang kanilang produkto sa pamamagitan ng mga sale. 

Tingnan ang expiration date at bilhin lamang ito kung makakain bago ang nakasaad ng produkto.

Tandaan na hindi nirerekomenda ang pagkain ng produktong lampas na sa expiration date.

Malaking tulong ang pagbili ng mga pagkain sa mas mura nitong halaga ngunit maging mapagmatyag sa mga senyales ng kontaminado at sirang pagkain. 

Mas mahalaga ba ang matitipid sa pagbili ng pagkain kaysa sa kaligtasan ng iyong kalusugan?

Ang DOST-FNRI ay kasama ninyo sa bagong kaaalaman at impormasyon sa pagkain at nutrisyon na batay sa agham. Jane Jasmine F. Sune DOST-FNRI S&T 

Gaano kahalaga ang macronutrients?

Naaalala mo pa ba ang ilang aralin tungkol sa nutrisyon noong una itong ituro sa 

elementarya? Halika at tayo ay magbalik-tanaw. 

Ano nga ba ang mga macronutrients at ang kahalagahan nito sa ating katawan? Kung iyong matatandaan, ang mga sustansya ay may dalawang uri: ang macronutrients at micronutrients. Ang macronutrients ay binubuo ng mga sustansya na carbohydrates, proteins, at fats na kailangan ng katawan ng maramihan. Ang micronutrients naman ay binubuo ng mga bitamina at mineral na kailangan ng katawan sa kaunting dami lamang.

Ang tutukuyin natin ngayon dito ay ang macronutrients. Para saan ba ang mga macronutrients at bakit kailangan ito ng katawan ng maramihan?

Unahin natin ang carbohydrates. Ang carbohydrates ay sustansyang nagbibigay ng enerhiya o lakas sa katawan.

Ang carbohydrates ay binubuo ng mga asukal, fibers o himaymay, at starches na 

nakukuha sa mga pagkain tulad ng kanin, tinapay, noodles, lamang-ugat, mais, at asukal. 

May dalawang uri ang carbohydrates: ang complex at simple carbohydrates. Ang asukal ay napapabilang sa mga simple carbohydrates dahil ito ay nasa pinakamaliit na anyo ng carbohydrates, ang glucose. Sa kabilang banda, ang complex carbohydrates naman ay naglalaman ng mas malalaking anyo ng carbohydrates at kailangan pang dumaan sa proseso ng digestion o pagtunaw bago pa ito mapunta sa pinakamaliit na anyo na glucose, at saka pa lamang maa-absorb o magagamit ng katawan. 

Kaya naman mapapansin na mas mabilis ang pagtaas ng blood sugar level kung kumain o uminom ng matatamis na pagkain na mataas sa asukal, habang dahan- dahan naman ang pagtaas nito kung kumain ng mga pagkain na kabilang sa 

complex carbohydrates. Ang protina naman ay ang sustansyang kailangan para sa paggawa at pagkumpuni ng mga nasirang tissues o muscles ng katawan. 

Ito rin ay kailangan para sa paggawa ng anti-bodies ng katawan na tumutulong upang makagawa ng natural na panlaban sa mga mapaminsalang mikrobyo na 

nagdudulot ng sakit.

Ito rin ay kailangan para sa produksyon ng hormones na mahalaga para sa pangkalahatang pagkilos ng iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan. Halimbawa nito ay hormones na insulin at glucagon na namamahala sa pag-kontrol ng blood sugar level ng katawan.

Ito ay nakukuha sa mga isda at iba pang mga shellfish gaya ng tahong at talaba, karne tulad ng manok, baboy, at baka, itlog, gatas, seafoods gaya ng hipon at alimango, mga pinatuyong buto gaya ng munggo at mani.

Ang fats naman ay sustansyang nagbibigay rin ng lakas at enerhiya ngunit sa mas mataas na konsentrasyon. 

Bukod dito, ang taba ay nagpapasarap sa lasa ng pagkain at tumutulong sa pag-

absorb ng mga bitaminang A, D, E, at K na natutunaw sa taba. 

Ito ay makukuha sa mga pagkain gaya ng margarina at krema, iba’t bang uri ng mantika, mga taba galing sa hayop, abokado, at gata.

Ngayong nalaman mo na ang mga sustansyang kabilang sa macronutrients, sapat ba ang nakakain mong pagkain na kabilang sa dito?

Ang Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) ay nanguna sa paggawa ng isang rekomendasyon upang ating maging gabay sa pagsigurong nakukuha natin ang mga sustansyang kailangan ng ating katawan

Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Pinggang Pinoy na may simple at madaling maintindihan na rekomendasyon ng mga tamang dami at uri ng mga pagkain na dapat nilalaman ng ating plato sa bawat pagkain.

Ano ang mangyayari kung kulang ang sustansyang kailangan ng katawan? Gawin nating halimbawa ang maaaring mangyari kung kulang ang sustansyang carbohydrates sa ating katawan.

Ang glucose, na nagmumula sa carbohydrates, ay ang unang pinagkukunan ng enerhiya ng katawan. Ito rin ang pinagkukunan na enerhiya ng ilan sa mga organs ng katawan, gaya ng utak, para sa normal na pagganap at pangkalahatang pagkilos ng katawan. 

Sa oras na may kakulangan sa supply ng glucose, ang katawan ay magsisimulang kumuha ng enerhiya sa protina, na orihinal na kailangan ng katawan para sa pagkumpuni ng mga nasirang tissues o muscles dahil sa araw-araw na pagkilos natin, gaya ng paglalakad, pagtakbo, pagkakaroon ng sugat at iba pa. 

Nirerekomenda ang pag-bawas ngunit hindi ang pagtanggal ng mantika at taba sa pagkain dahil ito ang tumutulong sa pag-absorb ng mga bitaminang natutunaw sa taba. Ibig sabihin, kung wala ito ay hindi maa-absorb ng katawan ang mga nasabi bitamina. 

May kani-kaniyang tungkulin ang bawat sustansya sa ating katawan. Ang mahalaga dito ay ang balance, moderation, at variety sa pagpili at pagkonsumo ng pagkain. 

Kumain ayon lamang sa nirerekomendang dami at pumili ng iba’t ibang uri ng pagkain dahil walang iisang pagkain ang makapagbibigay ng lahat ng sustansyang kailangan ng katawan. 

Pumili rin ng mga pagkain na nagtataglay ng mas maraming sustansya. Maaaring piliin ang brown rice o partially-unmilled rice na nagtataglay ng mas 

maraming bitamina at fiber kumpara sa puting kanin o well-milled rice, o pumili ng whole wheat bread kaysa sa puting tinapay. Huwag umasa lamang sa iilang sustansya, dahil ang lahat ng mga ito ay kailangan 

ng katawan. Siguruhing kumpleto ang iyong macronutrients para sa mas matagumpay na pagkilos ng katawan.

Ang DOST-FNRI ay kasama ninyo sa bagong kaaalaman at impormasyon sa pagkain at nutrisyon na nakabatay sa agham. Jane Jasmine F. Sune DOST-FNRI S&T 

DynaQuest is Improving Efficiency of the Insurance Value Chain with Blockchain

The ever-evolving sophistication of the insurance industry is defined by the constant need to scale up offers basing on the premium needs of the client. As society progresses and customer outlook evolves, insurance companies are delving deeper into their customer needs and wants in a hyper-personalized offer to fit each emerging generation of professionals, households and business leaders.

With the sophistication needed to support the hyper-personalized premiums and the entailing demands set in meeting expectations with value, the competitive insurance industry is now at a technology race as the landscape is being reshaped by technologies such as Blockchain.

The Need to Innovate and Evolve

A challenging and evolving landscape of the insurance industry means that the expense ratio is also evolving. As the cost per insurance transaction rises – spurred on by the need to constantly innovate, tailor policies and be able to offer greater value proposition to clients. The property insurance market and its reinsurance market is also facing challenges due to the volatility of the climate where premium real estate areas are also affected. The global pandemic has also increased the demands for healthcare as health insurance premiums are caught in the disruptive cycle of extreme demand, coverage challenges and the need to scale and evolve even in the midst of the pandemic. From the start of 2010 and the pre-pandemic year of 2019, the global insurance industry have posted moderate growth. In the ongoing pandemic, the volatility of the climate and significant market shifts will go down as pivotal years and will benchmark how the insurance industry copes moving forward.

Scaling cost, process efficiency from Know Your Customer (KYC) processes to underwriting and executing policies is a value chain that is constantly changing. From one process to another, the insurance process observes a spaghetti effect as each cases remain unique and often, unique approaches require more resources to win over opportuniqies. As technology evolves, it is becoming an increasing objective to adopt emerging technologies such as Blockchain to make efficient several insurance processes in order for the industry to generate more growth on the expense ratio frontier and be in a driver seat to generate value creation within the value chain.

Blockchain: Seamless Process and Efficiency

Blockchain is a disruptive force for good in the insurance industry. Launching from the Insurance- Technology market (Insurtech), Blockchain’s ability for self-executing contracts via smart contracts are promising enough to enable greater efficiency in the value chain. Blockchain’s distributed ledger function allows insurers to significantly cut-down fraudulent claims and help make the process tamper-proof as distributed ledger technology (DLT) allows everyone in the participating network to have a copy of the agreement, the records, the files and the policies. With a structure geared at permissioned participation that locks in trust regulations, the Blockchain allows only valid claims as every participant has time-stamped records of the transactions and all the important knowledge. Using pre-built permission blocks, information based on transactions are allowed only to progress if it satisfies conditions set of what makes an insurance claim genuine.

Much of the insurance policies’ losses are centred on time and process efficiency. Meaning, the processes that require redundant means and long lead-times generate less profit and have a substantially weaker claim to the overall efficiency of their value chain.

Time = The overall amount of time needed to complete a successful enrolment and a claim to be successfully made.

Process = The amount of processes and sub-processed embedded into the transaction cycle.

In the layer of time and process, invisible costs accumulated in the ‘waiting in-between’ processes is being increasingly looked at the microscope in advance performance optimization by process experts. The space and time in between from one process to another is costing the insurance millions if not billions annually.

The future of Blockchain and its use case in the insurance industry is making the time and process to complete one verified transaction – swifter and more manageable. First and foremost, take away the waiting in-between the processes that are usually dependent on human actors. Blockchain introduced distributed ledger with capabilities to self-process, enter verification stages and track conditions that launch insurance coverages – seamlessly. This is done through smart contracts where agreements are coded instead of primarily being paper-based. Blockchain saves time and process as it alleviates the industry from paper-based handling and its attributed lead times.

The earliest use case of Blockchain in insurance is within the complicated reinsurance industry where a combination of retrofitted Blockchain working across its industrial counterparts to verify, process and execute insurance – sets the stage for other insurance industries to explore and adopt early.

DynaQuest is an award-winning Blockchain solutions provider that offers a strategic change management solution for insurance companies as they journey into Blockchain. 

Visit here : DynaQuest

DOST Balik Scientist Courtesy Call for Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP)

Taguig City – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continues its preparations for the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) through talks with Filipino virologists trained abroad on 13 August 2021, 1:30 PM via Facebook Live. These Filipino virologists will be engaged by DOST under the Balik Scientist Program (BSP).

In a courtesy call, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña will official welcome seven Balik Scientists who will serve in the VIP and share their expertise in the study and development of local vaccines against novel Corona virus disease (COVID-19) and scientific research in virology and other diseases.

“We see our Filipino Scientists as catalyst in the creation of our Virology and Vaccine Institute. We believe that their extensive experience and expertise will help us craft cutting-edge scientific research and development to fight COVID-19 and other viruses that may arise in the future,” said Sec. de la Peña.

The premier research institute will not only study the current COVID-19 that grapples the country but will conduct further scientific research on virology and diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

“Our experts will be at the heart of the anatomy of the soon-to-rise VIP. The Balik Scientists who participate in the VIP projects will accelerate human resource development of our scientific community,” added DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D), Dr. Rowena Cristina L Guevara, who will also join the courtesy call.

One of the seven Balik Scientists is Dr. Elpidio Cesar Nadala, Jr., a virologist and microbiologist with 20 years of experience in academic research and 17 years in the industry, developing diagnostic assays for the detection of bacterial and viral pathogens. Dr. Nadala co-founded Diagnostics for the Real World, Ltd (DRW) in California, USA, where he led the development of rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) surface antigen, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibodies, and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies, as well as improved versions of the CE-marked Chlamydia rapid test.

Another Balik Scientist joining the courtesy call is Dr. Leodevico L. Ilag. He has 25 years of solid research in discovery, preclinical and clinical development of biologics and dietary/food with applications in oncology, cardiovascular disease, CNS, infectious disease, metabolic disease, and dermatology. Dr. Ilag also has 25 years of international entrepreneurial biotechnology experience all around Europe, USA, Asia, and Australia.

To know more of our Balik Scientists and updates on the VIP, join us this Friday, 1:30 PM to be broadcasted on DOST-Balik Scientist Program Facebook’s page, . 

Joining the courtesy call is Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHR) Executive Director, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya; Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) Director, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones; and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST- PCAARRD) Executive Director, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora. 

Women in Power with Engr. Grace Bondad Nicholas at Asian Leaders Awards

Asia Leaders Awards 2021 (ALA 2021) is set to celebrate “Women in Power”, at the awards ceremony to be held on November 11 at the Embassy of Singapore.  Several women stood tall and proud to have made their marks in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and corporate social responsibility.

Women, powered by grit and determination is really unstoppable! And a Filipina, with these traits, alongside with a big heart, would really excel and rise above the rest. Leading this year’s awards ceremonies is no less than the co-founder and CEO of TAG Media Group, Grace Bondad Nicolas, the brains behind the Asia Leaders Awards, an engineer, host, events organizer, PR specialists, a well-rounded certified empowered woman! 

She is currently the president of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP), the first woman to assume the position since the organization’s establishment 73 years ago. Concurrently, she is the vice president of the Makati Tourism Foundation and the Lieutenant Governor Elect of Kiwanis Club, Division 3A, for 2022-2023, under whose auspices are clubs in Makati, Manila, Pasay, and Taguig.

She is also a Go Negosyo certified Mentor for several years now, selflessly sharing her knowledge and experiences to aspiring entrepreneurs handling modules in Entrepreneurial mind setting, marketing and business development. An entrepreneur herself, she launched just last year her very own line of brands, under AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company, GlamHigh Cosmetics, Glutaglow Drinks, Immune Cee and Graceful Skin.

As if she has not enough on her hands, she is also a certified Plantita, nurturing a 2-hectare farm land in Calauan Laguna, Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino. She is living up to her Dad’s dream of making the farm a destination for family full of love, joy and laughter. 

A mother of 3 sweet and pretty kids, Andrea, Alexis and Alexa, better-half of Tag Media CEO Mr.Troy Nicolas,  Engr. GRACE BONDAD NICOLAS took her Masters in Management Major in Engineering Management (MMEM) at Colegio De San Juan De Letran. She credits what she is right now to the foundation and unconditional training she received from her entrepreneur parents. 

Other women awardees of ALA 2021 are:  

• Lerma Manzano Bernabe, President and CEO, AsiaPrime Philippines Corporation (APPC)

• Architect Kaydee Velasco, CEO of KMV Asia Corporation

• Jaie Flores Ador, Founder and CEO of 3D Container & Packaging Philippines Corp.

• Cris Albert, President of FILA Philippines;

• Rosemarie P Rafael, President of Airspeed International Corporation;

• Vanessa Tanco, President and CEO of iAcademy

• Liza Timbol, President of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines 

• Merle Balicao, President and Founder of Mer-nel’s Cake House

• Virginia Lane - One of the most glamorous ladies in Manila Society

Asia Leaders Awards is the only recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different organizations and embassies. It is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia

Major awards sponsors are Alfamart, Asian Tigers Mobility, AsiaPrime Corporation, Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc., Fredley Group of Companies, Frontrow Enterprise, Grab, Jollibee Group, and J&T Express.

To know more about Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, check out her FB page https://www.facebook.com/gracebnicolas or her Tag Media official page https://www.facebook.com/TAGmediaPH

Read more about the Asia Leaders Awards at https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards