CTTA to host 9th Cebu Travel Catalogue Int’l show on Feb. 14-16

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Tours and Travel Alliance (CTTA) with its event partners—Department of Tourism (DOT-7), Cebu City Tourism Commission, Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATOS) and Ayala Center Cebu will host the 9th Cebu Travel Catalogue International (CTCI) 2025 exhibition show on February 14-16 at the newly renovated Ayala Center Cebu, with this year’s theme “Travel Beyond Limits!”

“Expect an extraordinary gathering of nearly 100 key industry players, including prominent airlines, renowned tourism boards, luxury hotels and adventure places, and trusted travel agencies to establish their respective booths at the exhibition area to showcase their travel/tours offerings to capture the spirit of boundless adventure, discovery and a whole new world of travel opportunities,” CTCI chair and CTTA Vice-President Angelita Dy told the media at the press conference at the City Sports Club Cebu, January 31.

Dy bared that participants to this year’s 9^th CTCI include local and international carriers, RCBC, Tourism Boards from Hongkong, Taiwan and Korea Tourism; major hotels, resorts and adventure parks; travel and tour operators and a host of other participants offering travel discounts and promos and unparalleled tour packages.

Multi-generational travel experiences and new travel trends for 2025

CATOS president, Alice Quiblatin said that the 9^th CTCI travel show hopes to promote Cebu as the hub for domestic, regional, and international travel emphasizing Cebu's central location with an international airport like MCIA, making it a crucial hub for travel within the Philippines and the region.

Quiblatin shared that multi-generational travel is now a significant trend, with families traveling to nearby regions, highlighting the importance of regional travel.  Cebuanos often travel to neighboring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, which can attract tourists from these regions.

“Collaboration over competition in travel must be the focus with packages designed to attract similar markets from Vietnam, Cambodia, and other regions and Cebu is positioned as a convergence point for both outbound and inbound travel, leveraging the same airlines and tour operators. Travel trends for 2025 include attracting families for multi-generational travel, with a focus on perfect accommodations and experiences,” Quiblatin said.

Quiblatin bared that another trend is the immersive travel packages that are gaining popularity, allowing tourists to experience local culture and activities deeply.   Immersive travel includes farm tours where visitors can cook and eat with local families, which has become very popular among Americans.

‘Do-it-Yourself’ (DIY) activities like painting ukuleles and visiting guitar factories are becoming popular too, offering hands-on experiences, according to Quiblatin, Cebu is also promoting local culture, such as learning the Filipino martial art Eskrima and Arnis which are now part of the Mactan tour.

“Multi-generational travel, immersive experiences, wellness packages, and culinary tours are all contributing to Cebu's new destination identity,” Quiblatin added.

Angelita Dy, CTCI chairperson explained that CTTA focuses more on outbound tourism, while their partner like CATOS handles inbound tourism.   The purpose of the Cebu travel catalog is to boost both outbound and inbound tourism, and it is created annually. 

Dy mentioned that airlines play a crucial role in supporting their efforts by providing special fares and packages and the travel catalog is in its ninth year, aims to promote Cebu and outbound travel opportunities. 

She acknowledges the role of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the local government units (LGU) and all other partners on the support, discussions on specifically carving the travel and tourism master plan for Cebu City and their respective roles in tourism promotion.

“We hope to gain from people going out and then bringing in and the good news that they come about the Philippines and Cebu as a destination.  We now expect that they will also come in, because travel is always reciprocal.   You know, people go out with to bring people in, by looking at Cebu as an accessible convergence point and as a hub, travel journeys and experiences here make good business for all of us,” Quiblatin noted.

RCBC Credit Cards, sole banking partner to make seamless travel

For seamless and financially worry- free travels, CTTA and CTCI have partnered with RCBC Credit Cards over the years which proved to be a comfortable alliance and business partnership enabling potential travelers to go for their travel dreams.

"We have partnered with CTTA because we believe that together, we can provide exceptional value to our cardholders. People travel to enjoy amazing experiences with their loved ones and friends, and CTTA helps make this possible with their impressive roster of event participants. From RCBC's side, we are committed to ensuring our cardholders have strong purchasing power, convenient payment solutions, security, and rewards to guarantee a memorable and worry-free getaway." RCBC Credit Cards FVP and Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ma. Angela Mirasol said.

Mirasol said that RCBC Credit Cards can offer fast-track processing during the event at Ayala and New RCBC Credit Card holders will receive welcome gifts, such as Powermac gift certificates, American Tourister luggage, or Tumi bags.

RCBC will open the event for merchants interested in getting accredited to accept credit and debit card payments. "We are introducing Tap-to-Phone, an innovative feature that allows merchants to use their Android smartphones as terminals for accepting card payments.   Applications for RCBC Personal and Salary Loans will also be available during the event, Mirasol added.

Block February 14-16 on the calendar for this exciting travel extravaganza at the Ayala Center Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman/Newsmansblog)

 

 

 

 

Teleperformance earns recognition as “Gender-Inclusive Workplace”

CEBU CITY— Teleperformance (TP) Philippines got the 1st Runner-Up award for the “Gender-Inclusive Workplace” category at the 2024 UN Asia Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPS) Awards.

TP Chief Operating Officer Tanya Famador and Executive Vice President and TP Women Chair Toni Tompar received the award presented by UN Women Program Analyst Antoinette Santos, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines H.K. Yu, and Amy Baume, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific representative on November 27 last year.

TP-Philippines was honored as 1st Runner-Up for the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category of the United Nations Women 2024 Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards, as the only business process outsourcing company to be awarded under the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category.

“This milestone marks TP's first recognition from UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.  This award is a testament to our shared commitment to champion women empowerment and gender equality across all levels of the organization," Tompar noted.

Tompar added that this award is an affirmation of the meaningful progress TP made across the years in building a workplace where women are empowered to grow, lead, and make an impact. TP is more than inspired to continue breaking barriers and driving change for an even more inclusive future.

TP's high-touch and high-tech approach was instrumental in the attainment of the award, with its globally acclaimed and multi-awarded TP Cloud Campus remote work solution complementing the efforts of TP Women, the company's grassroots employee resource group (ERG) of women-empowering-women.

Under the company's dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&l) program, TP Women has built a vibrant community of women leaders and advocates, that provides mentorship, care support, and regular engagement activities for over 35,000 women employees across TP's 27 sites in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Tompar bared.

Since its inception in 2019, TP Women continues to hold spaces and provide a wider platform for women to share experiences and strengthen their leadership capabilities.

In response to the reconfiguration of the business landscape and new workplace dynamics, TP launched its Cloud Campus solution, further expanding and augmenting its operations in the provinces outside Metro Manila.  TP said that in 2022, the company established the Laoag Cloud Campus microsite in northern Philippines, and then a second one at General Santos City in southern Philippines in the same year as well.

TP’s Cloud Campus has been acknowledged locally and internationally as a contributor to the growth of local economies bringing more rewarding opportunities for communities and, especially to marginalized individuals such as solo parents, persons with disabilities, and working students.

Tompar said that particularly women have greatly benefitted from the increased economic empowerment and redistribution of domestic care work brought about by remote work opportunities in the IT-BPM sector.

“Presently, over 60 percent of the workforce employed across TP's Cloud Campus hubs are women.  Through programs like TP Women and TP Cloud Campus, we are not only creating opportunities but also ensuring that every woman is heard, empowered, and celebrated,” Tanya Famador, Chief Operating Officer of Teleperformance in the Philippines said.

Famador added that TP will continue to innovate and partner with organizations like UN Women to gain more ground in championing women's career development and gender equality, within TP and across the communities where the company operates.

The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards is the first regional awards initiative that recognizes companies that are taking action for gender equality in the region aligned to the Women's Empowerment Principles. (Photos: TP-FB/Google Images)

 

DSWD7 promotes mental health awareness via online platforms

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7- Central Visayas promotes mental health awareness via online platforms with its program called WiSUPPORT or Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support that responds to the mental health and psychosocial needs of individuals and families affected by crises through wireless and online platforms.

DSWD7 said clients can avail of free Psychosocial Support Consultation and Psychological First Aid and may be referred to a wide range of assistance from a network of partners using the available technology-based platforms.

It caters to clients from Mondays to Fridays, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays. For those who would like to call or text, contact 0999-849-7333 (Smart) and 0945-712-3718 (Globe) or email, send at wisupport.fo7@dswd.gov.ph.

“We want our staff and the community to understand the importance of self-care, combat the stigma and discrimination on mental illness, and increase the acceptance towards mental health with various mental health care services available because mental health is necessary to achieve the well-being of a person,” DSWD7 Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tonyson Luther Lee said

The DSWD WiSUPPORT program directly contributes to the implementation of Republic Act 11036 or the National Mental Health Policy for the Delivery of Integrated Mental Health Services. 

It works on four components: (1) learning and development activities for service providers who will carry out the services; (2) availability of online platforms such as mail, web portal, text messaging, and video conferencing; (3) service provision for the conduct of consultation sessions; and (4) referral pathway for the immediate assistance needed by the clients.

Lee encourages everyone not to remain silent and confront their problems on their own. Seek professional help, especially from the WiSUPPORT program.  Clients can find available information on the official Facebook Page 'Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support - WiSUPPORT' or visit www.wisupport.dswd.gov.ph.

Data Privacy Law ensures that all information gathered during consultation sessions remains confidential.

Mental Health Council

The DSWD Field Office 7-Central Visayas joined the 1st Central Visayas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Summit in October last year in Cebu City, organized by the Department of Health to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and various agencies agreed to establish the Regional Council for Mental Health (RCMH) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will bring stakeholders together to promote mental health awareness and mobilize support for mental health care services in the region.

RCMH Focal Person Princess Yumiko Panlaan joins the Policy-Level Community Dialogue on the Implementation of the Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Law hosted by the Commission on Human Rights that will lead to the crafting of mental health policies in Central Visayas.

The DSWD7 is committed to support the multi-stakeholder effort by strengthening the advocacy of mental health through the implementation of the WiSUPPORT. (Photos: DSWD7/Leah Quintana) 

 

 

A 12-storey public school building soon to rise in Cebu, the first in PH

CEBU CITY- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through the Office of Cebu City South District Congressman Edu Rama with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan led the groundbreaking ceremony on January 30 for the construction of a 12-Storey public school building in  to be constructed at the grounds of Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School (DVRMNHS) in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City and said to be the first in the Philippines.

The medium-rise school building is the first of its kind in the country with a funding of about P700M that houses 42 classrooms and nine workshop rooms dedicated to junior and senior high school students of Cebu City South District. The academic building has an elevator and toilets in every floor.

“We are grateful to our National Government, under the leadership of President Marcos, that the first ever Medium - Rise School Building will soon rise in Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School to address classroom shortages and enhance the learning opportunities for our learners.” Cong. Rama said.

Rama bared that he started the groundwork in seeking for the funding sometime in 2022 with the various government agencies such as the DPWH, DepEd, DENR and mentioned the National Government's initiative to build a mid-rise or 12-story academic building in many areas in the country.

He said that being a member of the basic education committee in Congress and his team’s persistence in budget meetings to address the shortage of classrooms in Cebu City.  Rama stressed the importance of moving forward with building schools in urbanized cities and the groundwork they prepared in coordination with the Cebu City Government and other agencies, including DPM was crucial for securing the project.

Rama revealed that initially, his office endorsed three schools in South District which met the criteria set by the Department of Education, including Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School in Barangay Labangon and San Nicolas Elementary School in Barangay Duljo-Fatima.

"Following several inspections last year, DepEd and DPWH assessed that DVRMNHS met the criteria for the medium-rise academic school building.  The criteria for choosing the site was based on population data and the presence of many alumni in the area and the neighboring mountain barangays. I hope the funding will not be a multi-year project. We are readiness to begin the construction in March this year once the budget is available,” Rama added.

Based on the 2023-2024 enrollment of DVRMNHS, it has a total of 4,878 enrollees for the school year. Most of the learners are from Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, and Quiot Pardo, Rama revealed.

The construction of the midrise academic school building will accommodate around 5,000 additional learners in specialized programs for both junior and senior high school and it will also provide additional instructional laboratories and other learning facilities for students.

Rama is optimistic that the mid-rise school building will definitely address the classroom shortages and hopefully put an end to classroom shifting, that students are currently experiencing.

“As much as possible we want our students to be in the best environment to learn, and that is one of this administration’s main objectives for education, he said.

According to DepEd data, Central Visayas is among the top regions in the country with the highest classroom shortages.  The 12-storey building will be constructed at the site of the current hearing-impaired building and 1-storey 2-classroom building within DVRMNHS's 14,447-square-meter campus area.

The inauguration ceremony included the signing of the memorandum of agreement among various national and local government agencies and the laying of the time capsule which was attended by Cebu City 2nd (South) District Representative Congressman Edu Rama, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, DPWH Regional Director RD Danilo Villa, Jr., DPWH Cebu City District Engineer Manolo Madronio, DepEd Regional Director RD Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd Cebu City SDS Nimfa Bonggo and a hosts of local officials. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center ushers in new era of learning, innovation at Silliman University

 DUMAGUETE CITY—Silliman University (SU) led by Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president with Grace Ty, SU Board of Trustees (BoT) resident member; and Wilfred Steven Uytengsu formally open the Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center at the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library on January 20, 2025 to usher in a new era of learning and innovation at Silliman University.

“The Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center is our response to the changing demands of education in the digital age.  This addition strengthens the University’s commitment to academic excellence, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in education,” SU president, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann said.

The newly donated project by the Uytengsu Foundation, Inc., through Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, is set to transform the educational experience at SU.  Equipped with integrative mini-laboratories, the facility is designed to foster interdisciplinary approaches to research, instruction, community engagement, and service-learning, reinforcing the University’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation, she bared.

McCann said that the constantly evolving educational landscape necessitates revisiting the teaching-learning process to meet the needs of the time, and extended her gratitude to the generous donation of the Uytengsu Foundation, Inc.

The Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center as the latest addition to the enduring legacy of the Uytengsu family at SU.  For decades, the family has supported initiatives that inspire innovation and create opportunities for the Silliman community, McCann noted.

A hub of innovation and learning

Wilfred Steven Uytengsu noted that the Center has created a different ambiance to the Silliman Library.  “The Silliman Library has now been transformed to a digital center that will feature a series of integrative mini laboratories designed to promote interdisciplinary approaches in research, instruction, community engagement, and service-learning, furthering the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation,” he added.

A section on the third floor of the SU Library is decked with benches and chairs for students to sit on.  Recounting his visit in 2019 to meet with McCann and see how the Uytengsu Foundation could continue to do things to help Silliman University, Uytengsu said that the building was a darker image of itself than what it is today.

“I’m really proud of these windows that bring in natural light. But I’m even prouder of the respect for the heritage of what was, and to contemporize that look to make it a comfortable and exciting place for students to come for many more years,” Uytengsu smiled.

Uytengsu also announced that the Foundation will be reactivating the Wentworth Uytengsu Memorial Scholarship so that we “can support many more law students in the years to come.”

The The Wentworth Uytengsu Memorial Scholarship, established in 1953 by SU alumnus and former Trustee Don Tirso Uytengsu, honors his son Wentworth, a pre-law student who, during World War II, wanted to enlist in the military but was deemed ineligible due to his alien status and ended up making the ultimate sacrifice for his birthplace, supporting the resistance movement prior to his arrest and execution.

Don Tirso also contributed significantly to the development of key university facilities, including the Uytengsu Hall for the College of Engineering and Design and the Alaska Basketball Court. The Uytengsu Foundation further enriched Silliman’s infrastructure with the construction of the Uytengsu Foundation Computer Center in 1994, the Computer Studies Hall in 2007, and the Apps Incubation and Development Laboratory in 2015, the latter in collaboration with Apple, Inc.

The evolution of the Silliman University Library

Dr. Dave Marcial, director of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center and proponent of transformative learning spaces at Silliman University, acknowledged the Library’s decades of dedicated service and underscored the need to evolve beyond traditional library operations by reimagining it as a dynamic hub for both learning and innovation.

“Today’s libraries are more than repositories of knowledge.  They are dynamic spaces where technology and human creativity converge to inspire innovation.  This Transformative Laboratory equips students and faculty with the tools to explore, create, and innovate. It is a pioneering initiative that embraces a transdisciplinary and holistic approach, integrating advanced mini-labs that redefine Silliman University’s library services.  By prioritizing technology, collaboration, and adaptability, it ushers in a new era of learning and innovation,” Dr. Dave Marcial, director of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center, explained the exciting changes in store for students, faculty, and staff in the use of the new SU Library.

Marcial said, he Silliman University Library has always been committed to its vision of being the Resource Center of Excellence in the fast delivery of relevant, updated and automated information and research services not only to the bonafide Silliman students, faculty and staff, but also to the larger community of professionals, scholars, and researchers here and abroad.

It started with only two bookcases in 1906, which then grew to over 100,000 collections, subscriptions, and pamphlets. In its history, it has undergone multiple relocations until its present building was constructed in 1977 through funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Marcial bared.

Four years later, SU and the Uytengsu Foundation Inc. signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the creation of the Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center under then vice president for Development, Enterprise, and External Affairs (VPDEEA) Asst. Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino. 

“The Library is a gift and a testament to the Lord’s love and faithfulness to Silliman University. Also, its transformation was a collaboration of the President’s Office, the Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise Development Office, the Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center, SU Library, architects, engineers, finance and legal, suppliers and contractors, and so many more,” Belarmino said in a separate interview.

According to Asst. Prof. Sarah Angiela Ragay, SU Librarian that the transformative library will have upgraded technology that will be complemented with competent librarians and staff who will facilitate the new services that the library will offer.

Ragay explained that the ground floor is divided into three major spaces: the STEAM Digital Library, the Allied Health Transformative Lab, and the Immersive Technology and Exhibition Lab. The second floor houses the library’s book collection, while the third floor serves as an open space for collaboration and learning activities.

“A provision of four discussion rooms on the 3rd floor will be available, for small and big groups. These rooms are intended for ideation, focus group discussions, study groups, virtual meetings, and the like,” Ragay added.

With these transformations, the library has also developed innovative services, complementing the traditional offerings that include Hybrid & Remote Access, Personalized Research Assistance, Digital Well-Tech Hub, Borrowing Beyond Books, Knowledge Curation Services, Community and Collaborative Spaces, and Immersive Hub.

Transformation challenges

“Transforming the Brutalist-inspired edifice into a modern, inclusive, and technology-driven hub was a challenging task entrusted to the design team,” said Arch. Vittorio Alejandro Vinarao, chair of the Department of Architecture at SU College of Engineering and Design.

Arch.  Vinarao, walked the audience through the renovation of the SU Library.  He explained that the team recognized the importance of striking a balance between modernity and preserving the building’s architectural legacy.

This understanding guided their design philosophy, which sought to address the evolving needs of the University by integrating technological advancements while safeguarding the structure’s iconic identity and historical significance.

Their design approach encompassed several key modifications. The exterior was modernized with the replacement of steel-framed awning windows with curtain-wall glazing, enhancing both the façade’s contemporary appeal and the flow of natural light.

 Interior renovations focused on functional improvements, including better circulation spaces and enhanced safety features such as widened fire exits. Accessibility and inclusivity were prioritized through the installation of an elevator and the renovation of restrooms to accommodate the needs of differently-abled individuals and the elderly.

The design also introduced a transformative hub with flexible spaces and state-of-the-art technology, seamlessly integrated into designated areas to foster innovation and adaptability. The SU Library will open very soon. While it primarily serves the SU community, Ragay said that its doors are also open to Dumagueteños and Negrenses as a whole.

“We strive to provide access to educational resources… ensuring we meet the community’s information needs. Additionally, we aim to offer access to advanced technologies that outside users may avail but with an associated fee,” Ragay added. (Photos: SU Office of Information & Publications)

 

 

 

Reimagine love’s magic with Ronan Keating, a Valentine’s Special in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Reimagine and experience love’s magical surprises with Ronan Keating, a celebrated international artist, former member of the iconic group Boyzone for a Valentine’s Special on February 12 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

It’s time to go beyond the usual routines: candlelit dinners, picnics, and rom-com movie marathons. While those activities undoubtedly have their charms, why not rewrite your Valentine’s story this year with live music that will amplify the magic and passion in your hearts?

Let Ronan Keating serenade you and prepare experience love in its many forms and different stages. Step into an emotional rollercoaster from “kilig” beginnings, lifelong love, bittersweet heartbreaks, unspoken feelings, to even celebrations of friendships and self-love.

With his timeless classics like “When You Say Nothing at All,” “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” and “Life Is A Rollercoaster” among many others, this concert is for everyone looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of love this season in a vibrantly extraordinary way.

After all, the new saying today goes something like “the key to one’s heart is concert tickets.” Whether you’ll be celebrating with your partner, friend, family, or alone, do not let this opportunity slip away. You can still catch your tickets at https://ronankeating2025ph.lsquared.live.

Special tickets for an exclusive Meet & Greet with the international icon are also up for grabs. Explore the ticket details below:

SVIP (with Meet and Greet) at Php 8,500; VIP (with Meet and Greet) a Php 7,500; Patron at Php 5,500; Gold at Php 4,500; Silver at Php 3,500 and Balcony at Php 2,500.

Ronan Keating is a celebrated artist and former member of the iconic group Boyzone who enjoyed an illustrious solo career spanning over two decades. With multi- platinum albums and numerous awards to his name, Ronan continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his heartfelt ballads and magnetic performances that truly defined generations.

Ronan Keating: A Valentine’s Special is proudly presented by L-Squared Productions Inc. that is dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment to the Philippines, curating exceptional live events that create unforgettable moments. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, L-Squared Productions, Inc. is a trusted name in the local events industry.

Cebu-based startup delivery systems wins at ASEAN-India Startup Festival

CEBU CITY – A Cebu-based startup delivery systems--“Oh My Genie! Crazy Fast” (OMG!) won the first prize at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival 2024 held at Taj Vivanta in Dwarka, New Delhi in November last year that showcased the region’s most innovative and impactful startups with OMG! standing out for its groundbreaking fulfillment model.

Karl Kesner, co-founder of Oh My Genie (OMG!) received the award and described the systems as an AI technology transforming traditional fulfillment processes by turning physical retail stores into decentralized hubs that enable faster and more cost-effective delivery—a solution that can fulfill online orders in as fast as 30 minutes.

“This unique approach not only addresses inefficiencies in delivery systems but also supports local businesses and reduces environmental impact.  This recognition affirms our mission to provide crazy-fast delivery while promoting sustainability and empowering local economies,” Kesner said.

He is excited to bring this innovation from the Philippines to ASEAN and beyond and is deeply grateful to the DTI StartupIsland program for its invaluable mentorship and support that helped shape his journey.

OMG! is also one of the graduates of the StartupIslandPH Mentoring Program (SIPH), StartupIslandPH Mentoring Program (SIPH) initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7 in partnership with the local startup community.

OMG! is also a recipient of the DOST-PCIEERD Startup Grant Fund (SGF), a government initiative to support innovative startups. The company’s success at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival highlights the impact of nurturing Filipino talent to address global challenges.

The ASEAN-India Start-up Festival

According to DTI-7 that the ASEAN-India Start-up Festival is a prominent event designed to foster innovation and collaboration between startups from India and the 10 ASEAN member countries, organized by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur in partnership with India’s Department of Science & Technology (DOST) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

 

The event featured 100 startups, 60 from India and 40 from ASEAN nation and spotlight deep-tech and sustainable innovations to address regional challenges. The three-day program included seminars, exhibitions, pitch competitions, networking sessions, and industry visits to encourage B2B and G2G collaborations, DTI-7 said.

During the grand valedictory ceremony attended by Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director of IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Nagaboopathy Mohan, DST Coordinator for the ASEAN region, OMG! was recognized with First Prize in Problem-Solving Excellence for Tackling ASEAN Regional Challenges. The award was presented by Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of India.

DTI Cebu OIC-Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar said that OMG!’s victory underscores the power of technology-driven solutions to address pressing regional challenges.  “As the company continues to grow, it serves as an inspiring example for other businesses looking to optimize fulfillment and delivery systems in the digital age,” Aguilar added.

For more information, visit ASEAN-India Start-up Festival 2024 Website, OMG! Website: https://www.ohmygenie.vip/ and https://www.facebook.com/startupisland.ph. (Photos: DTI7/Google)

 

 

 

 

 

Helpline for abused children is at the fingertips, help report child abuses

CEBU CITY – Helpline for abused children is practically at your fingertips!  “MAKABATA Helpline 1383” is a reporting mechanism project of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) designed to assist children victims of abuse and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas encourages the public to use and popularize it.

To report cases, call 1383 or mobile numbers 0919-354-1383 (SMART) and 0915-802-2375 (GLOBE) or email makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph.

The public can access online platforms like Facebook at Makabata Helpline, for online resources to learn about children’s rights and the services available.  The helpline is also available on the eGov website and mobile application.

“Every child has rights that should not be violated and ignored. It is important that we know and understand the rights of our children such as freedom, access to education, enough food, opportunity for play, protection from abuse, to live in a peaceful community, among others,” CWC secretariat Cynthia Bersabal said.

MAKABATA Helpline is short for “MAhalin, KAlingain ating mga BATA” and aims to provide a quick response to reports received through calls, electronic mail, and social media platforms about child abuses.  The launching of this project helps CWC to establish a support system and reporting mechanism for those experiencing abuse and seeking assistance, Bersabal added.

DSWD-7 encourages public to popularize the helpline

The DSWD-7 and the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) take the lead in the protection and welfare of the children sector and the establishment of the presence of the helpline as outlined in Republic Act 111888 or the Special Protection of Children is assured.

RCWC7 chairperson Shalaine Marie Lucero said that DSWD aims to help communities become proactive in reporting abuse and exploitation of children.  “The challenge now is how to get the message across, especially for the duty-bearers who will translate into the subconscious efforts of the community about the presence of this helpline,” Lucero added.

The helpline is also the agency’s contribution to end online sexual abuse or exploitation of children or OSAEC, and child labor, which remains prevalent in Central Visayas. The MAKABATA Helpline 1383 ensures that children experiencing abuse must have someone to report to, Lucero said.

“These societal issues continue to prevail because many lack awareness on where to report cases of child abuse. Now that this platform is in place, we call on the public to act and protect our children,” she noted and encouraged everyone to report or send a complaint against any violation of children’s rights to our available platforms.”

She also cited that abuse can happen anywhere and anytime, whether online or offline. Those who come in contact will get support from a network of service providers such as government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and private sectors.

Anyone can report, maybe it be the child victim, parents or guardians, relatives, social workers, barangay and school workers, and any person who has direct knowledge of the abuse to the children.

According to Lucero, this year’s observance of the Children’s Month advocacy calls for a heightened awareness of the rights and protection of children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, or any violation of their rights.

DSWD is committed to supporting awareness of the helpline in partnership with key stakeholders in terms of popularization by investing in advocacy campaigns, educational outreach, and community mobilization. (PR/Photos: DSWD7)