Monday, November 28, 2022
Manila is set to Welcome the World to Inaugural Philippine Blockchain Week 2022!
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Hybrid Electric Road Train Technology of the DOST Eyed to be Adopted by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)
DOST introduces 2023 call to R&D programs and scholarship opportunities co-funded with international partners
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Philippine Blockchain Week is here!
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Meet the Level Zero Artists Live at their Concert this December 11!
Happening on December 11, 2022, at Amoranto Sports Complex – Filed Oval Featuring Al James, Pricetagg, Jp Bacallan, the Maneuvers/Street Boys /UMD Selection, DJ Jennifer Lee, Urban Crew, V2 sisters, King Murph with 1008 With 100 Models and Influencers Plus Surprise Guests. VIP productions will provide the car and bike show.
Tickets for the raffle is PHp 100.00 and 2 tickets can already get you in at the venue with 2 raffle tickets already that you can buy using Yogo.ph. Part of the proceeds of the concert is for the benefit of “the gift 6, #alaykapuspalad2022” to purchase basic needs for the less fortunate families and indigent communities all over the Philippines in cooperation with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippines. Eagles is the first-born fraternal socio-civic organization in our country. Raffle prizes to be won are brand new sedan car, 30 motorcycles, more than 100 units of smart watches, phones, laptops, and other gadgets,
200 JVE device with pods , and 10 winners of 5,000.00 cash.
Level zero is set to be nationwide event with 20 key cities already signed up including a grand celebration in March 2023 at the Philippine arena
Presented by LZ Media and produced by Master J. For more information about the Level Zero event: https://www.facebook.com/levelzero.II
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
FLS-HGEM-Trained Farmer Levels up Halal Goat Production
Israel Shares Innovative Solutions for PH Water Challenges
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines through MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation and the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) through the Safe Water held a Water Security Strategies seminar to share with the government and water concessionaires in the Philippines the expertise and experience of Israel on water resource management.
“Israel invested in technology to support the growing demand and urbanization in the country. The technologies were introduced together with good policies and regulations that made Israel the leading country in the world in managing the water sector. From desalination to reuse of sewage, minimum loss of water and more,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss shared. “Through this seminar, we hope that the Philippines’ key implementing agencies will gain insights from the Israeli experience and adapt them to local conditions,” he added. Like all countries in the region, Israel faced a variety of challenges in the water sector. The Middle East is a dry area and more than 50% of Israel is actually desert.
Director Susan Abano of National Water Resources Board (NWRB) shared the challenges of the Philippines as water availability continues to fall as demand expands. Engr. Rodel Rik Tumanda of Maynilad, Engr. Jon Michael Esteban of Manila Water, and MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty presented their perspectives on managing water scarcity in the Philippines. These were analyzed by the Israeli water delegation and presented advanced solutions to better manage the water sector of the country.
The Israeli companies highlighted Israel’s innovation and technology to inspire and encourage the Philippine water sector, businesses, and LGUs to invest in technologies that will help manage water sustainably. Among the Israeli companies who presented their water technologies were ARAD Group, Atlantium, Okiana, and Watergen. This water delegation offers cutting-edge Israeli technologies in the areas of advanced metering infrastructure, water and wastewater management and treatment solutions, water control solutions, and turnkey projects.
Around 50 officials from the Philippine national government agencies, local government units, private sector, and academe attended the seminar on November 17. Notable government officials who participated were Usec. JV Llamas of DILG, Asec. Roderick Planta of NEDA, Atty. Patrick Ty of MWSS, and Mayor Glenn Flores of Alaminos, Laguna. Also in attendance was Mr. Rene Meily, President of PDRF.
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Internet SaMurai cuts through Philippines and Guam
Hollywood producers and creators among keynote speakers at Philippine Blockchain Week
Manila is set to Welcome the World to Inaugural Philippine Blockchain Week November 28-December 4, 2022
Sunday, November 20, 2022
PDRF, partners, launch program to prepare airports for disasters
The three-day workshop was organized to strengthen Filipino airports' capacities in dealing with disasters, with CRK as the pilot model.
“Efficient airport logistics is critical, particularly during times of disaster. Our GARD program helps prepare airports and provides the necessary follow-up actions to ensure continuity. We look forward to working with PDRF in developing the processes for a resilient airport in Clark,” said Carl Schelfhaut, Vice President, International Relations and Regulatory Affairs Asia Pacific of Deutsche Post International, and Head of the GoHelp Program for Asia Pacific.
More than 20 participants attended the workshop, focusing on airport assessment, creating action plans, and report writing. These skills will further develop airports as reliable and efficient delivery hubs for food, medical equipment, and even personnel before, during, and after the disasters.
In attendance during the event were notable representatives from different government and private sector partners. The Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) lent assistance and resources in the coordination of the three-day workshop as the owners of the GARD initiative.
“UNDP continues to support the government in ensuring that recovery work is the foundation for long-term resilience in the country. Our partnership with PDRF, LIPAD, and DHL is proof that the more we engage the private sector, the better the results we deliver to the underserved communities become,” said UNDP Philippines Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie.
“Clark, being a disaster resilient location, is really ideal for this exercise. With the GARD workshop, we will be able to systematically assess our capabilities and readiness to address disasters and identify areas where there are opportunities to make improvements. We are grateful for our partners’ enthusiasm in joining us in this workshop as it is important for all stakeholders to come and work together. With CRK’s new terminal, we already have the facilities, but equally important is how to make these facilities relevant during difficult times,” LIPAD CEO Noel Manankil said during his remarks.
Conducted by GARD instructors - specially trained logistics and training experts from Deutsche Post DHL, the GARD participants learned how to optimize logistics processes and capacities for when international relief goods begin to pour into the airport.
Warehouse space management, for example, was one of the program's focus areas. Participants were instructed to assess storage options for relief goods and whether the necessary equipment such as forklifts, pallets, gloves, and boxes, was available for cargo handling. The trainees then evaluated the results and developed contingency plans accordingly during workshops.
The program also aimed to raise awareness towards the airport and delivery workforce on the volume of importance they hold through their work in the recovery of communities post-calamities and develop preparation processes and emergency plans when faced with a calamity.
“If there’s one thing we have learned, it is that all of us are connected. The multiple emergencies that we sometimes face compels us to work together. With your help, we can make this a more secure world,” shared PDRF President Butch Meily.
Established in 2009, GARD aims to echo the demand for airport preparedness and response capacity of transportation hubs in the event of disasters. The program, launched in 60 airports in 28 countries, includes training personnel in handling the influx of goods and people during calamities, assisting authorities of the area in relief operations, and assessing the current state of concerned airports.
Monday, November 14, 2022
The 3rd PROPAK Philippines Packaging Trade & Expo 2023
Navigating The Intersection Of Sustainable Growth, Business & Technology
AIBP Conference & Exhibition is a series of in-market physical conferences and exhibitions designed for local markets. Since 2012, AIBP Conference & Exhibition events have been held annually in Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. AIBP Conference & Exhibition attracts large companies and solution providers who want to know the latest technologies and network with each other.
Start connecting with like-minded businesses in ASEAN, discuss issues, work and ideas that focus on digital transformation.
Join us now and explore growth opportunities in ASEAN countries!
Register here: https://bit.ly/3AUKjmw
DTI to Hold 4th Slingshot Conference Spotlighting Future Tech Giants
Concepcion Elated as ASEAN Leaders Prioritize MSMEs Digitalization
Entrepreneurship is a key driver of the ASEAN economy and their digitalization will be vital in achieving inclusive growth in the region. This appeared to be the view of the leaders of the ASEAN as it wrapped up two days of top-level meetings at the ASEAN 2022 Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, according to Go Negosyo founder and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Chair for the Philippines Joey Concepcion.
“I am elated that the leaders were unanimous in saying that MSMEs are the true engine of growth in ASEAN,” said Concepcion, as he reiterated that, in the region, MSMEs comprise 99 percent of all establishments, contribute 85 percent of jobs, and 45 percent of GDP. He also expressed optimism as the leaders recognized the role of governments in helping MSMEs.
“We’re all moving in the same direction,” said Concepcion, noting how the ASEAN leaders affirmed how digitalization among MSMEs can enhance competitiveness and productivityacross the region.
“To upgrade, upskill and upsize our MSMEs, digital transformation is vital,” said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his address at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (BIS). “This is in addition to our efforts to enable our systems to catch up with the rapid development of the digital economy,” the President said.
MSMEs are also most vulnerable to the uncertainties, said NeakOknha Kith Meng, Chair of the ASEAN BAC during his opening statement at the summit. He recommended to make economic integration a priority to achieve faster economic resilience at national and regional levels. “Otherwise, we are helpless amid all the uncertainty especially our workforce and our MSMEs,” he said.
Concepcion shared that digitalization and cooperation are central to the regional mentorship program called the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) program.AMEN aims to share best practices and know-how among MSMEs in the ASEAN. It is the legacy project of the Philippines’s 2017
“With AMEN, MSMEs can learn from other small entrepreneurs and mentors across the region. Mentors can also exchange knowledge and learn from each other on a regional scope,” saidConcepcion, whose non-profit mentors thousands of MSMEs in the Philippines every year.
“Our goal is to scale up our MSMEs through access to what we call the three M’s of MSME development – that is, mentorship, money and market – using both traditional and digital platforms,” he said.
Phase 1 of AMEN was piloted in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in 2019, with 127 entrepreneurs and 48 mentors participating. Phase 2 is now on its build up stage and is set to be implemented across the ASEAN. Both phases of the project were funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.
“AMEN plans to train, in each ASEAN country, between 1,000 to 2,000 MSMEs each year. This we hope will one day grow to a network of thousands of confident entrepreneurs, able to grow and generate more jobs in the ASEAN, creating an inclusive economy and bringing prosperity for all,” said Concepcion.
Philippine Web3 Festival 2022
The Philippine Web3 Festival will showcase the future of Web3 and put a vast array of games, guilds, NFT projects, and crypto VCs together in front of the largest and most engaged web3 audience in the world.
We are inviting the world to see how and why the movement began here in the Philippines while bringing players, builders, and investors together IRL to learn, network, and get real-time, community-based insights into the future direction of Web3.
Featuring a flagship conference, esports tournament, hackathon, and community-led side events all week long, the Philippine Web3 Festival will bring internationally renowned thought leaders to Manila to share the stage with those who have shaped this burgeoning industry.A CELEBRATION AT THE EPICENTER OF WEB3 ADOPTION
The Philippine Web3 Festival will showcase the future of Web3 and put a vast array of games, guilds, NFT projects and crypto VCs together in front of the largest and most engaged web3 audience in the world.
Since play-to-earn took off in 2020, the Philippines has led the global narrative on adoption of blockchain gaming and the development of the open Metaverse. From the dizzying heights of Axie mania, to the creation and proliferation of the guild model, and now, a new wave of web3 startups, the world has watched as Filipinos led the way.
The Philippine Web3 Festival is inviting the world to see how and why the movement began, while bringing players, builders and investors together IRL to learn, network, and get real-time, community-based insights into the future direction of Web3.
Featuring a flagship conference, an esports tournament, a hackathon and community-led side events all week long, the Festival will bring internationally renowned thought leaders to Manila to share the stage with those who have shaped this burgeoning industry.
The Philippines is the real birthplace of play-to-earn and blockchain gaming adoption. It has one of the highest rates of adoption and engagement globally and represents the best opportunity to see and understand what the future holds for the adoption of Web3 and the future of our industry.
For far too long, Filipinos have been relegated to supporting roles in the technology space. Our adoption of all things play-to-earn, blockchain gaming, and NFTs has shown the world that we are too native to web3 to ignore.
We are inviting the world into our home to showcase our position as a leader in this space.
This is where the future is being created. Come see it firsthand.

BlockchainSpace enables play-to-earn guilds to scale in the metaverse. We build tools to empower the next generation of play-to-earn gamers and guild owners to become successful entrepreneurs by equipping them with scalable infrastructure, digital tools, financing solutions, and networking opportunities.
BlockchainSpace

Yield Guild Games (YGG) s the world’s leading X-to-Earn guild and has been connecting global communities with metaverse-based income since 2020. YGG continues to expand beyond its gaming roots by exploring innovative new economic models and investing in the future of Web3.

Infinity Ventures Crypto (IVC) was founded to empower and invest in pioneering GameFi, DeFi and Web3 startups - with the aim to innovate, build, and catapult forward the next generation of founders.

Emfarsis s an advisory and investing firm based in Asia Pacific focused on crypto, NFTs, open Metaverse and Web3 innovation for social impact.
Saturday, November 12, 2022
DOST-PCAARRD marks its 50th year of developing innovations in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector
Building and Improving lives
Wilcon has come a long way since it started in 1977 as a modest 60-square meter hardware store along Quezon Avenue, selling at the time only home finishing products. Reaching its 45-year milestone is a testament to the company’s success and commitment to help Filipino homeowners build, improve, and personalize their homes for a comfortable life.
Rose said 45 years in the retail industry has not been an easy feat and she can attest to that as she has journeyed with Wilcon for many years to its current place as an industry leader. For a company to be around after 45 years means they have survived the Asian financial crisis, the ups and downs of the currency market, various political and social unrest, countless typhoons and earthquakes, and even local conflicts near some areas where they’ve chosen to set up shop.
Particularly impressive is their aggressive expansion into the provinces. It seems that wherever Wilcon goes, development follows. Or it could be the other way around. Their entry into the small towns and cities means that they are confident that local economies there are primed for greater activity. Either way, it has worked out splendidly for Wilcon and the towns it serves.
Wilcon’s expansion into key fast-growing cities outside the NCR helps create jobs and stimulate infrastructure development and economic activity in those areas. It’s decisions to expand outside of the NCR greatly contributes to decentralizing growth and development and bringing it outside the traditional urban centers. How many MSMEs have benefited from their decision to put up a branch in, say, Butuan or Tarlac? Although the majority of MSMEs can be found in the NCR, collectively, four out of five are in the provinces.
Economic activity closely mimics the concentration of MSMEs because they benefit from the presence of infrastructure, such as commercial centers, bridges, seaports and roads. A road that becomes well-lit in the evening means a carinderia can extend its operating hours. On a smaller scale, apartments and dormitories being constructed means there will be painters and plumbers who will find employment, and will mean the availability of accommodations for government employees, merchants, and students.
When Wilcon sources its merchandise from local suppliers, it redounds to so many benefits down the line. When they make small companies part of their value chain, they become the big brother to entrepreneurs and nudge them to professionalize their processes and increase their productivity. Wilcon’s own journey, which started 45 years ago as a small shop and now as a publicly traded company, can attest to the breadth of possibilities there are for growth among small and medium enterprises.
I am also told that Wilcon tries to be a good neighbor in the towns where they choose to locate. They try and tread lightly on energy and water resources for their massive, big-box stores. If you’ve ever been to a Wilcon store, you’ll know that they design their buildings to bring in as much natural light into the selling area. They also try and hire as many locals as they can to man their stores.
They are also there when it’s time to rebuild. During times of earthquakes and typhoons, you appreciate that there is a Wilcon branch where building supplies are most needed. During the height of the COVID pandemic, Wilcon remained a good partner of Go Negosyo. During our vaccination campaigns, their nationwide network helped to get vaccinations done in their branches in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. In fact, they are aware of how their expanded store network makes them a member of many local communities. They don’t just sell to these communities, they make sure they become part of them. Their full support of our efforts during the pandemic can attest to that.
They also continue to be a partner of Go Negosyo’s efforts to mentor MSMEs throughout the country. Even with the mobility restrictions and the economic uncertainty, they remain steadfast in believing that development will come, but only if we work together. Even after the pandemic brought mobility to a halt in 2020, Wilcon managed to open new branches through to 2021 and until the present.
And that is what is commendable about Wilcon. They don’t shy away from being pioneers anywhere they go. When they build it, development will come.
The Loop at Devon House HK
Net Zero Carbon Events Philippines
PHILIPPINE STARTUP Week 2022
Friday, November 11, 2022
Israel Exchanges Smart and Sustainable Agriculture Techniques with PH
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, through MASHAV – Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation, in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines through Accelerator Lab, held a learning exchange seminar to tackle smart and sustainable agriculture of Israel and how to connect it to the current context and opportunities present in the agricultural sector of the Philippines.
“As the Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, I look forward to materializing the visions for the agriculture sector of the Philippines to address the request of President Marcos,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said. The Israeli Ambassador elaborated that Israel is ready to assist the Philippines to move from traditional subsistence farming to modern smart agriculture, which is based in agronomy, Science, technology, economics, and sustainability.
Three Israeli experts on agriculture shared their experiences and insights with the key agricultural stakeholders of the Philippines on the following topics: Global challenges, sharing Israel's agricultural experience by Nina Lehmann; Crop management - strategies in dealing with the new pest and unexpected challenges based on the case study of the mango pest called cecid fly (locally known as kurikong) by Eli Simenski; and Improving irrigation efficiency and resource management as a leading measure in dealing with climate change and market demands by Moshe Broner.
The seminar focused on the challenges in the Philippines and how Israel’s approach can be adapted in the Philippine context. Also discussed were the strategies on how to deal with the effects of climate change, new ways of working in the sector while collaborating with the private sector, commercial farming, Science-based approach to agriculture and water management, among others.
In attendance during the discussions were UNDP RR Selva Ramachandran, Assistant Secretary Agnes Catherine Miranda of the Department of Agriculture, and Mayor Floribar Bautista of Malay, Aklan. Also featured was Jackie Go, a Filipino entrepreneur who shared her experience and the promising results after using the Israeli approach in her cacao farm here in the Philippines. The seminar was held on 10 November 2022 in Quezon City.
