Syndicated Estafa Charges filed against Acudeen Technologies, Inc

MAKATI, PHILIPPINES – More than a dozen people filed a criminal complaint for syndicated estafa against the board of directors, officers, managers, and representatives of Acudeen Technologies Inc. before the City Prosecutor of Makati City, October 19. 

Acudeen Technologies Inc company is headed by Januario Jesus Gregorio B. Atencio III along with his staff and officers  

The complaint filed stated that the respondents have defrauded them of their hard-earned money by soliciting investments from them using fraudulent and deceitful investment and cryptocurrency schemes, such as Acutokens.

“Matagal ko pong pinag ipunan ang salapi na ipinagkatiwala ko sa Acudeen at hindi po ako akalain na mawawala parang bula ang perang aking pinaghirapan. Hindi man lang sila naawa sa aming mga biktima nila”, said one complainant, a registered person with disability (PWD) who deposited his hard-earned money to the said company.  

The complainants deposited and lost a collective amount of more than one hundred thirty million pesos.

OPEN LETTER TO FILIPINOS & FREEDOM FIGHTERS AROUND THE WORLD

Dear all, 

Many of you have been contacting and asking us when it will happen. Now it is happening. Today it is happening. 

It has been a long journey, more than 17 months, towards the truth. Now that we have overwhelming scientific evidence, we are using this truth to set us all free. We have filed this Cease and Desist cum Notice of Liability (C&D) document with the Office of the President of the Philippines and other top officials of the country. (See C&D addressee list.)

With the official barcode of the office of the president, signifying receipt of the notice, everything is now official. God willing, the entire scamdemic will be over. We will do whatever it takes to end this fraudulent nightmare being imposed on millions of Filipinos.

We also want to inform freedom fighters all over the world of this good news. We have now activated the Philippine theater of this global war to enslave and kill humanity. There are hundreds of thousands of freedom fighters behind us. This document and its fate are all they are waiting to take back control of this country from the bloody and treasonous hands of people who pretend to be our leaders. We know that this is not about health. This is about control!

We also want to express our solidarity and compassion with all those around the world who have sacrificed and are sacrificing, with literal blood, sweat, and tears, to dismantle totalitarianism in their respective countries. Your struggles are our struggles. Each one’s efforts count. Each deed of courage reinforces deeds of resistance around the world. This is the true globalization of humanity: the collective defense of our spiritual essence against the darkest manipulators our planet has ever seen. 

If we have to go down in this struggle, if we die, because we have striven to unleash the highest morality and the best in humanity, so be it. We would rather die fighting for freedom than survive and live inconsequential lives cowering in fear. This is not our spiritual destiny. 

We can either succumb to the death shots and control structure that they have built with massive lies and fraud. Or we can use this gravest of threats to awaken us to the next higher level of evolution as a human species. A lot depends on how we respond to the unbelievable tyranny they are imposing on us, on a daily basis. 

Please stay tuned. We love humanity, truth, freedom, dignity, and true health. And we will strive forever until these ideals become a reality.  It will be so!

In deep solidarity with all freedom fighters in my country and all over the world,

Nicanor Perlas

Covid Call To Humanity

DOST-NICER Centers in Regions work to support UN’s Sustainable Cities and Communities target in PH

The Department of Science and Technology, through the Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D program works for the achievement of sustainable cities and communities in the Philippines. The program launched on Monday, November 8, 2021 three innovation centers geared towards providing solutions for light pollution, energy consumption, disaster risk reduction, and technologies to help local government units manage their natural resources. In an event entitled, “NICER Symposium: Building Sustainable Cities and Communities”, the event focuses on presenting efforts in support to the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Cities and Communities target in the country. 

“We hope that these worthy initiatives would motivate our Higher Education Institutions to do more R&D projects that are aimed at improving the lives of the Filipino people,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  “As the future National Innovation Centers for Science and Technology (NICEST), the DOST intends that these NICERs will upgrade the technological capabilities of local government units and industrial sectors, support domestic technology commercialization, and promote a conducive environment for industrial diversification and competitiveness in the regions.”

The first center presented from the Rizal Technological University in National Capital Region hosts the Center for Astronomy R&D.  This NICER has successfully trained more than 500 young scientists in the field of astronomy and space science in Senior High Schools and Colleges, developed the Pollution Luminance (Pollux) Device, and produced a Light Pollution Map based on the gathered data by the Pollux Device. From these R&D efforts, the center will propose a local policy to LGUs to lessen light pollution and energy consumption, and improve lighting to areas of crime hotspots.

The second center presented by the University of the Cordilleras in Cordillera Administrative Region hosts the Mountain Engineering R&D Center.  This NICER provides science and engineering interventions to mitigate the risks of landslides and extreme flooding events, save an estimated 200 million pesos per annum in infrastructure damage due to mountain landslides, increase the agricultural production of rice terraces farmers by 20%, and help two (2) Million Cordillerans have access to sustainable clean water through collaborative water resource management and governance.

The last center presented is being led by the University of the Philippines Cebu (UP Cebu) in Central Visayas Region, which hosts the Center for Environmental Informatics.  Known as CENVI, this NICER has initiated the crafting of the biodiversity atlas of Cebu, monitored mango pests and diseases through microcontroller-based sensor systems, produced species distribution maps for 103 native species of flora and fauna, published biodiversity threat maps to monitor human settlement pressures on biodiversity richness, generated surface water maps and groundwater potential maps for 46 municipalities in the Cebu Province, provided the scientific bases for the legal protection of Cebu’s groundwater resources, the island’s various biodiversity-rich areas, and for the improvement of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape’s rehabilitation and reforestation initiatives. Moreover, the Center provides relevant technical services to LGUs, government agencies, and NGOs; and partners with and capacitates neighboring universities in undertaking research for the public good.

“In an effort to sustain our innovation goals, the DOST is also pushing for the passage of the Science for Change Program bill,” said DOST Usec. Guevara.  “Once approved, the S4CP Bill will promote inclusive, equitable and sustainable development through the optimal use of the R&D budget allocated to different government departments and agencies.  It will give rise to more national centers of excellence in R&D which are at par with international counterparts and continue the increase in technology- based and value-adding business investments both foreign and domestic due to a conducive STI-supported economic environment. The S4CP bill also aims to create more self-reliance because of more capable and more confident technology stakeholders. I enjoin everyone to create CHANGE and make innovation work for the people through investing in R&D.”

Vitamin A deficiency – DOST-FNRI

The 2018-2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), verified that one out of six or 15.5% of Filipino infants and children under five years old (6 months - 5 years) are the most affected population group of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The children in rural areas have 16.9% which was slightly higher prevalence than those in urban areas at 13.6%. Vitamin A deficiency is also common 

among children from the poorest wealth quintile (22.4%). This is considered as a “moderate” public health challenge. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), less than 10% spread of Vitamin A deficiency is considered “mild”, while 10% but less than 20% is “moderate” and 20% is “severe” public health problem.

Vitamin A is fat-soluble which supports vision under poor lighting conditions and helps maintain a healthy immune system. It is better absorbed when consumed with food that contains fats and oils. Vitamin A is vital in fetal growth and development in the mother’s womb which comes in two (2) forms: the preformed Vitamin A and the provitamin A.

One can get preformed vitamin A from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, while fruits, vegetables and other plant-based products can provide provitamin A. 

A diet chronically insufficient in vitamin A may result to vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Symptoms of VAD may include, among others, preventable blindness in children if detected early, impaired fetal development, increased risk of morbidity and mortality from severe infections, higher risk of respiratory infections and diarrhea.

It was also reported by the 2018-2019 ENNS that vitamin A deficient children had higher proportion of inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A, based on the estimated average requirement (EAR) compared to children with normal vitamin A status. The 

conditions of underweight, stunting and anemia were more common among vitamin A- deficient children. Among other vulnerable groups, the ENNS also revealed that VAD prevalence is of “mild” public health concern among 3.0% of pregnant women and 2.2% of lactating mothers. 

On the other hand, VAD is not a public health problem among 1.2% of non-pregnant and non-lactating women and 1.0% of the elderly.

Various government programs are in place to address VAD among Filipinos. One of which is the vitamin A capsule supplementation as part of the Micronutrient Supplementation Program of the DOH where supplemental doses of vitamin A are administered every 6 months to infants under five, these are children from 6-59 months old. This is also a part of the Garantisadong Pambata campaign conducted twice a year as catch up for under-five children who missed their vitamin A doses during the routine administration.

The provision of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) to 6-23 months old infants and young children is also in place.

The Republic Act No. 8976, or the Philippine Fortification Act of 2000 is a mandatory fortification of staple foods,voluntary fortification of processed foods and food products with essential nutrient at levels approved by the DOH.

Promotion of balanced, diverse, and healthy diet to increase vitamin A intake can also help address VAD. 

The DOST-FNRI’s Pinggang Pinoy for Healthy Filipinos serve as a quick and easy  guide in determining how much to eat per meal. https://bit.ly/FNRITechTransProtocol.

DOST-ITDI to Open First Metrology in Chemistry Lab in the Philippines

The Philippines' first Metrology in Chemistry Laboratory will be inaugurated on November 9, 2021. DOST Secretary Fortunato T.  De La Peña will lead the event together with the Director of DOST-ITDI, Dr. Annabelle V. Briones. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez will be the  keynote speaker. 

Established by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), the 1900 m2, 4-story MiC Laboratory is located on Saliksik Street in the Science Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City.  It will gather in hundreds from the food and water industry sectors and science communities as it officially opens its services to the public on Tuesday.

DOST-ITDI Director, Dr. Annabelle V.  Briones, admitted that "It took us quite a while, a decade actually, to establish our chemical testing services and house it in one of the most economically vital and heavily invested infrastructures in metrology.

 

DOST-ITDI created the MiC Laboratory to help local testing laboratories comply with traceable chemical measurements by producing reference materials (RMs) and conducting accuracy-based Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes.

What makes RMs valuable is how it supports the results of measurement laboratories to ensure that commodities can pass stringent international trade standards on food quality and control. MiC thus aims to reduce the detention and recall of Philippine products for export.

But, while highly characterized, authenticated control materials, such as RMs, are vital in food testing, the Philippines took time to develop these. Finally, through the MiC Laboratory of DOST-ITDI, these are readily available.

Dr. Benilda S. Ebarvia, the former project leader of the MiC Team who conceptualized the establishment of the laboratory, explained that chemical testing and production of RMs or referencing is time-consuming.

She added that the referencing process requires skills that need to be learned and honed through the years adding that, "RM development has to be matched with appropriate, state of the art – that means very expensive - equipment. Staff who will be using the equipment and devices have to be trained to use, maintain, and troubleshoot the same.

Currently, most Philippine food manufacturers rely on RMs purchased overseas like the US, UK, Japan, China, and Thailand.  RMs are pretty pricey; one material per food product may cost from Php15,000 to Php30,000. Further, these are updated continually.

To date, DOST-ITDI has developed RMs on trace presence of toxic metals in drinking water (manganese, nickel, cobalt, and iron), benzoic acid in banana catsup, sulfite as a preservative in dried mango, and histamine  (a chemical indication of food spoilage) in dried salinas fish.

This year, it hopes to complete the development of 15 RMs on trace presence of pesticides in fresh mango, and other fruits and vegetables; and presence of veterinary drug residues such as salbutamol in pork meat; and 3-Amino-5-morpholino ethyl-2-oxazolidone or AMOZ in fish, among others.

Early works include RMs on the presence of trace heavy metals in water, such as lead, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, cobalt, and magnesium. As well, an RM on calcium, a reactive metal in water, was developed. These metals are toxic and noted for their potential toxicity in the environment.

Through referencing, the MiC Laboratory stands to cut costs on purchasing RMs abroad by our local food and water industries.  Further, it aims to ensure that local products pass international trade standards to avoid product recall or detention, a scenario that is too costly and damaging for our economy. 

The MiC Laboratory is monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) under a five-year program on capabilities enhancement of the National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines. (AMGuevarra\ DOST-ITDI S&T Media Service) 

The 70th Miss Universe Competition® will be held in Eilat Israel, December 12

The Miss Universe Organization, the Israel Ministry of Tourism and the city of Eilat announced that the 70th MISS UNIVERSE® competition will air live from Eilat, Israel on December 12, 2021, at 7 p.m. EST. Israeli singer and international star, Noa Kirel, will perform at the competition. 

This year’s competition will also feature two other contestants from the region: Miss Universe United Arab Emirates and Miss Universe Morocco. This will mark the first time that a delegate from the United Arab Emirates has competed in the competition. Additionally, Miss Universe Morocco returns to the competition for the first time in over four decades. 

“Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic placed in our path, we knew how to maintain the balance between health and the economy, to bring tourism back to Israel and we wish to welcome Filipinos again,” said Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism Director for the Philippines, and India. “The Miss Universe pageant is without doubt an important and significant event.”

The contestants’ will arrive in Israel ahead of the competition to explore all the host country has to offer, beginning in Jerusalem and ending their trip in Eilat, where the competition will take place. 

Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Gomez together with MUPh Board of directors had a meeting with the representatives of Israel Ministry of Tourism and Israel Embassy. Present in the meeting were H.E., Ilan Fluss Israeli Ambassador, Mr. Nir Balzam Deputy Chief of Mission, Anna Oraiza Aban Marketing Manager PH office Israel Ministry of Tourism, Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Gomez, Mr. Voltaire Tayag MUPh Communications Director, Ms. Shamcey Supsup- Lee National Director MUPh, Jonas Gafud MUPh Creative Director and Mr. Albert Andrada MUPh.

“The visit to Israel is an opportunity to experience the so many aspects of the country – the holy land, history, culture, innovation, cuisine and night life" Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss. He also emphasized the special relations between Israel and the Philippines and wished Ms. Gomez good luck in the competition.

The competition, in addition to celebrating the past 70 years of championing strong women and their platforms, will also shine a spotlight on the issue of global warming as part of a green agenda that corresponds with the values ​​of the host country. Using the Miss Universe platform, the December 12th production will highlight both the bold contestants of the past and the social and global issues they faced in their time, and the fact that climate change is on the world agenda for the next generation of women. The broadcast will aim to raise awareness amongst the hundreds of millions of spectators, with the hopes of inspiring action in contestants’ community.

“As a company that has the distinct advantage of bringing a global spotlight to world issues, I look forward to showcasing both how our contestants can make a difference in their communities and around the world,” said Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization. “I know that the city of Eilat will provide a great space for our contestants to learn and grow together.” 

Tickets for the live telecast, the preliminary competition and the iconic National Costume Competition will go on sale by November 15. Press interested in covering the show, both virtually and in-person, can apply here.

About The Miss Universe Organization:

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global community that empowers women to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success. MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® programs provide the 10,000 women who participate annually an international platform to affect positive change through influential humanitarian and professional efforts. The contestants and titleholders are leaders and role models in their communities, develop personal and professional goals, and inspire others to do the same. The Miss Universe Organization is an Endeavor company. Learn more: www.missuniverse.com.

About Eilat: 

Eilat, Israel's southern gateway, is an oasis on the shores of the Red Sea, a meeting point for the sun, desert, and sea, and a crossroads between four countries and three continents. Eilat offers spectacular natural landscapes and tropical crystal-clear sea waters with thousands of species of fish and corals. Eilat is a leading tourism and leisure destination and home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Israel. Hosting 3 million domestic and international vacationers annually, Eilat offers over 12,000 hotel rooms of all price categories. Experiences include desert and sea attractions, diving in the magnificent Red Sea Gulf, jeep tours, walking tracks, and vibrant nightlife. The city also boasts worldwide recognition as a venue for major conferences and festivals. The City of Eilat invites you to come and enjoy the perfect holiday experience and all that Eilat has to offer.

In the photo L-R MU PH Creative Dir Jonas Gafud, Israel Ministry of Tourism Mktg Mngr PH Ofc Anna Aban, Natl Dir Ms. Shamcey Supsup, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, MU PH Ms Bea Gomez, Dep Chief of Mission Mr. Nir Balzam, Comm Dir. Voltaire Tayag,  MU PH Board of Dir. Mr. Albert Andrada

EVAP Sets the First Eco-Run for EVs in Philippines

A number of electric vehicles will be showcased along a couple of major thoroughfares in Metro Manila this weekend. The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is organizing the first EV eco-run, ‘Accelerating the Switch to EV Charging,’ on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

The on-ground event will be mounted with the support of the association’s sub-group, EV Owners Society (EVOS), a startup community of EV owners in the country that was established in January 2021.

‘Accelerating the Switch to EV Charging’ will gather registered participants—EV owners in Metro Manila and nearby areas—for an driving tour that is aimed to demonstrate support to a proposed legislation (now lodged in the bicameral conference committee) promoting the use of EVs in the country.

The activity is also in line with the ongoing 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), wherein EVAP and the country are participating in. COP26—which commenced on October 31 to last until November 12 in Glasgow, Scotland—gathers parties from across the globe to “accelerate action towards the goals” of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change.

“EVAP is unrelentingly spearheading the push towards the use of EVs so the country could do its part in the rising international drive towards a greener planet,” said EVAP President Edmund Araga. “In our little way, we aim to stage a show of force to gain the backing of our honorable legislators so we could earn a major milestone in our proposed switch to air pollution-free and energy-efficient EVs.”

Participants to the upcoming one-day eco-run will drive along assigned routes to complete required activities. There will be two loops that they can take:

North Loop (40kph speed) running from Land Rover site in San Juan City going to UNIOIL EDSA Guadalupe station DOE Ave;

South Loop (15kph speed) starting from Nissan Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City site going to BYD (southwest corner Buendia/Dian St) Nissan Otis, and ending in UNIOIL Guadalupe station-DOE Avenue.

There are checkpoints assigned per station where participants are required to submit activity passports containing information from the registration form and a list of EV charging stations. Those shall be stamped or signed by marshalls per station. Participants are also required to have their photos taken while holding plaque cards and picking a prize.

The eco-run is set to begin at any of the loops at 8 a.m. The time starts when a participant enters a station. All stations in a loop shall be completed along with the designated stamps/signatures in the activity passport (ideally 3 minutes per station for the physical activities). All participants meet up at Ford BGC at 10 a.m. for awarding and snacks.