DOST Davao City Office Collaborates with Barangay Officials for CEST Project Implementation

The Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) has collaborated with barangay officials of identified disadvantaged areas for the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Agency. 

CEST is a DOST program that deploys a package of S&T interventions to build progressive, resilient, and empowered communities for the “disadvantaged sectors” in the country. Through the program, various activities such as livelihood trainings and capacity-building services are conducted to aid the community with their needs.  

With the implementation of the Mandana’s Ruling where major services will be transferred to the Local Government Units, the barangay officials from Bantol in Marilog District, Lumiad and Malabog in Paquibato District were oriented on the implementation of the CEST project in their respective barangays. 

The Davao City S&T Office (CSTO) presented the package of interventions to be implemented in line with the CEST entry points which covers livelihood trainings, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fora, digital library deployment, installation of solar street lights, and distribution of breadfruit seedlings.

An online technology needs identification was also conducted by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) to identify potential interventions for the small-scale furniture manufacturing businesses in Barangays Bantol and Malabog. 

FPRDI said that they will conduct wood drying, wood seasoning, and wood preservation training and discuss ways to improve the quality of furniture products from producers in both barangays.

CSTO Director Mr. Arnel Rodriguez expressed optimism that the projects to be implemented in the barangays will significantly impact their community and improve the quality of their lives. 

“We are very thrilled for the exciting developments that are to come in these barangays. We are very willing to support them through our programs at DOST,” he added.

Globe asserts mobile roaming supremacy with 5G coverage in 72 countries

Amid the resurgence of overseas travel, Globe has again expanded its 5G roaming services, with its footprint now covering 72 countries worldwide. 

Globe’s 5G roaming coverage now covers the following countries: Guatemala, South Africa, Seychelles, India, Peru, Aland Islands, Crete, Croatia, and Romania. These additions mean that Globe postpaid and prepaid customers can now enjoy seamless and high-speed 5G experiences in more destinations.

 

"Our goal has always been to provide our customers with the best possible roaming experience. With our 5G coverage now spanning 72 countries, we're leading the way in the Philippines and giving our customers a better Roaming experience. Whether you're a Globe customer traveling abroad or a foreign subscriber visiting our beautiful islands, you can now #RoamWithGlobe and enjoy unparalleled 5G speeds,” said Coco Domingo, Vice President for Postpaid and International Business.

 

Globe users traveling abroad can get the most out of their 5G roaming experience with any Globe Roam Surf promo.

 

Globe Postpaid customers can pre-register for their preferred data roaming promos a day before their trip via the GlobeOne app. Options include Roam Surf Longer Stay offers, which provide data roaming for as low as P200/day. Alternatively, for customers who want the convenience of not having to subscribe to a promo, Globe Roam Surf 399 is available to them simply by turning on mobile data and data roaming upon landing at the country of destination. This convenient data roaming offer automatically renews every 24 hours with the same rate of P399.

 

Globe Prepaid users can also immediately connect to roaming partners and register for Roam Surf promos via GlobeOne for as low as PHP100/day. Once registered, they simply need to turn on Mobile Data and Data Roaming, restart their phone, and ensure their APN is set to internet.globe.com.ph.

 

Meanwhile, inbound roamers or foreign subscribers of Globe's partner networks visiting the Philippines can also take advantage of the company's robust 5G infrastructure.

 

As Globe continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of mobile connectivity, its customers can look forward to even more innovations and expanded coverage in the future.

 

Breaking the Stigma: DOST-PNRI Holds Nuclear 101 in Davao City

While “nuclear” is stigmatized as an image of threat, danger, or destruction, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) broke the stigma as the agency conducted Nuclear 101, a media conversation activity focused on communicating nuclear science and technology last August 24, 2023, at DOST XI Regional Office in Davao City. 

Dr. Lucille V. Abad, Chief of Atomic Research Division of DOST-PNRI and a Career Scientist III, underscored the importance of the safe and peaceful application of nuclear science and technology in providing solutions to the pressing problems in agriculture, industry, health, and environment sectors that the Philippines is facing.

Event highlights include promising nuclear techniques in various sectors such as the Nuclear Power Plant in the industrial sector as a potential source of energy in the country.

In the health sector, the Cobalt-60 Multipurpose Irradiator helps in treating cancer patients, while the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly insect pest control method involving mass-rearing and sterilization, using radiation to mitigate dengue cases in the Philippines.

In the agricultural landscape, the mutation breeding technique promotes an increase in crop yields and productivity, and food irradiation where ionizing radiation applied to food could eradicate potentially dangerous bacteria, avoiding the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. Food irradiation is used to guarantee the commercialization of fruits and vegetables over quarantine boundaries and prevent the spread of insect pests as well, which is a rapidly expanding commercial application.

 

In the environmental sector, radiation techniques were used to treat existing plastics transforming them into useful blocks used in making chairs in order to reduce a massive amount of garbage in the environment and to mitigate climate change and global warming.

DOST XI Regional Director, Dr. Anthony C. Sales, PFT, CESO III, gave strong emphasis on the involvement of media in the pentahelix approach to development: government, industry, academe, civil society, and the media. 

“Media personnel know the structure and process of communication and their expertise is necessary in order to properly communicate different nuclear techniques for a holistic approach,” he added.

The number of questions the attendees asked both during and after the discussion shows that the event piqued their interest in nuclear methods. Contrary to what they thought, it also provided media professionals enlightenment about what really are the endless potentials of nuclear technology.

SEC and GCash sign agreement to combat scams and fraud

From L-R: Atty. Oliver Leonardo, Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) Director; Atty. Emilio Benito Aquino, SEC Chairperson and CEO; Martha Sazon, President and CEO of Mynt; Ren-Ren Reyes, CEO of GXI; Tony Isidro, CEO of Fuse.

The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippines’ leading finance super app GCash have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to join forces in going after perpetrators involved in online fraud, e-scams, and other cybercrimes. 

Under the agreement, GCash will assist and cooperate with the SEC in investigating financial fraud crimes by providing relevant information and data in accordance with prevailing laws, rules, and regulations.

As more and more Filipinos embrace the digital space for their daily transactions and investments, the country has witnessed a concerning rise in online scams, investment fraud, and various cybercrimes in recent years. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) noted that victims of these cybercrimes typically use online money transfer services, such as e-wallets, for their transactions.

“As the country’s investor champion, we must think of ways for fintech companies like GCash to thrive. Financial services offered by GCash will further the cause for financial inclusion and bring the capital market to more Filipinos. The MOA entered into today allows efficient cooperation between EIPD and GCash. Through this MOA, the EIPD can request vital information from GCash to build better cases in its fight against fraud,” SEC chairperson and CEO Emilio Benito Aquino said.

The agreement further solidifies GCash's commitment to secure its customers’ funds and data.

“By continuously working with the government in combating scams, fraud, and other cybercrimes, we want our users to have peace of mind and confidence to transact in the digital space. After all, at GCash, the security of our users is our utmost priority. Together with the SEC, we will continue to improve and innovate in order to protect our customers against cyber threats and other types of scams,” G-Xchange Inc. chief executive officer Ren-Ren Reyes said.

As the e-wallet with the largest user base in the country, GCash is serious in upholding its trust and security mandate by building close coordination and partnerships with law enforcement authorities, namely the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). GCash has also been leveraging the latest innovation in trust technology to build the safest digital ecosystem for its users while doubling down on empowering customers to protect their accounts through education.

GCash warns users on ‘jailbroken’ and ‘rooted' phones

In an ongoing effort to combat scams, frauds, and account takeovers, the country's most popular finance super app, GCash, is now barring 'jailbroken' and 'rooted' devices, effective immediately as a precautionary step against potential security weaknesses of modified smartphones.

Meanwhile, devices running in "developer mode", in which some users configure the operating system for testing software and applications, have also been identified as vulnerable to attacks and will be prevented from accessing the app.

 

The practice of altering the normal settings of a mobile device’s operating system by the manufacturer or operator is referred to as 'jailbreaking' for iOS and 'rooting' for Android. GCash stresses that using jailbroken or rooted phones will not block or cause the cancellation of a GCash account. However, using these modified devices will prohibit the user from opening the GCash app on the said device. This includes phones in developer mode, which should be switched off before using the app.

 

According to GCash's Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, using a modified device can have severe consequences for security.

 

“Firstly, these devices cannot receive critical security updates, making them susceptible to viruses and various threats. Secondly, they are at an elevated risk of malware, which can result in system corruption and some sensitive personal information being compromised, including login credentials, passwords, and PINs,” explained Sy.

 

“Lastly, users of such devices may inadvertently expose their personal and financial data, including credit card details and online access credentials, to scammers and hackers, potentially leading to unauthorized access and fraudulent activities,” she added.

 

The leading fintech super app strongly advises its users to only use unmodified smartphones to access the app. GCash also cautions its customers against rooting and jailbreaking since it not only compromises security but also raises the chance of 'bricking' the phone or irreparably destroying its software, leaving the device useless.

 

Modding also voids the smartphone's warranty, which means that the manufacturer will no longer fix the device if there are any problems. Having the device fixed by an unlicensed business also raises the danger of revealing sensitive data that the repair shop may get. Finally, GCash highly advises buying new phones rather than retaining hacked handsets to safeguard their safety.

 

GCash remains committed to providing a secure and seamless user experience for its customers. This latest security update underscores the company's dedication to protecting the interests and personal data of its valued users.

 

 

KonsultaMD welcomes actor and entrepreneur Enrique Gil as new CCIO

[L-R] Pamela Lee, Head of Marketing and Partnerships of KonsultaMD; Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD CEO; Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO; actor Enrique Gil, KonsultaMD Chief Communications and Impact Officer (CCIO); and Ranvel Rufino, Strategic Partner.

Prominent Filipino artist and entrepreneur Enrique Gil has formally joined  KonsultaMD, a premier health SuperApp under the Globe Group umbrella, as its Chief Communications and Impact Officer (CCIO).

The appointment was marked by a contract signing, with key attendees including Ernest Cu, President and CEO of the Globe Group, and Cholo Tagaysay, President and CEO of KonsultaMD.

Known for his acting prowess and business ventures, Enrique has always been passionate about ensuring that healthcare reaches every Filipino. He actively sought out a partnership with KonsultaMD to bring this vision to fruition.

"Thank you so much to KonsultaMD for trusting me in this partnership. I really strongly believe that healthcare should be accessible to every Filipino no matter where they are," he said.

Enrique’s role at KonsultaMD goes beyond endorsement, serving as a voice for a significant cause. He aims to bridge the gap between Filipinos and quality healthcare, ensuring that medical services are available to everyone. 

This partnership, created with enthusiasm by Ranvel Rufino, Strategic Partner, and Pamela Lee, Head of Marketing and Partnerships of KonsultaMD, perfectly aligns with the company's goal. 

“The mission of KonsultaMD is to democratize healthcare.” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of KonsultaMD. “Enrique is going to be a massive help to that mission. We’re very excited to collaborate with him and his team to create awareness for KonsultaMD.”

With Enrique on board, KonsultaMD hopes to connect with a wider audience who may not be aware of the availability of accessible and affordable healthcare services. His genuine connection with Filipinos nationwide is expected to encourage more people to prioritize their health and well-being.

The Globe Group, beyond its telco services, has been diversifying its offerings. Through 917Ventures, it has introduced innovative services and tech solutions such as KonsultaMD, which has been revolutionizing healthcare services in the country.

“Globe has been transforming itself into an entity to not only provide better communications, but also impact solutions to the Filipino public— solutions that address the largest issues in the Philippines,” Cu said.

“During the pandemic, KonsultaMD started to make an impact. Even with the pandemic winding down and the economy opening up, the momentum of KonsultaMD continues,” he added. 

KonsultaMD stands as the Philippines' largest telehealth provider. It offers comprehensive telehealth services, from 24/7 doctor access, medical certificates, and same-day pharmacy deliveries to at-home diagnostics and nursing care for newborns and the elderly. KonsultaMD is also a strong advocate for mental health, leading initiatives to destigmatize mental health consultations among Filipinos.

Davao De Oro’s Fashion Enterprise is Best SETUP Adopter in Davao Region

 

In a bid to enhance the safety protocols and preparedness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, a comprehensive Basic Training Course on the Fundamentals of Chemical Safety and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) in partnership with the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University. 

Out of 200 participants, a total of eight (8) PNP personnel and eight (8) DOST laboratory personnel from the Davao Region joined the activity which covered a range of topics on History of Explosive Chemicals and its International Regulations, Basic Environmental Chemistry, and Guidelines for the Management of Explosive Chemicals among others.

The training course highlighted the importance of understanding rapid advancements in technology and the increasing use of hazardous chemicals in criminal activities.

In addition, the training equipped the PNP and DOST personnel with knowledge to proactively prevent accidents involving explosive substances, and ultimately reduce health risks for individuals and the broader community.

This Basic Training Course is a significant step forward in boosting the PNP's capabilities in dealing with chemical-related emergencies which contributes to the overall safety and security of the country.(DOST)