G.SKILL Announces World’s Fastest DDR4 SO-DIMM at 4000MHz CL18-18-18-38 32GB (4x8GB)

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G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is announcing the world’s highest performance DDR4 SO-DIMM memory running at DDR4-4000MHz CL18-18-18-38 32GB (4x8GB) at 1.35V. Combining high frequency and ultra-low timing, this Ripjaws DDR4 SO-DIMM memory kit is capable of achieving the new high level of performance through rigorously hand-binned Samsung B-die DDR4 IC components.





Paving Way for 2018 with CL18-18-18

Just two months ago, G.SKILL announced the high performance DDR4-3800MHz CL18-18-18-38 Ripjaws DDR4 SO-DIMM kit. Aiming to push memory limits to yet another level, G.SKILL strives to deliver the best memory performance possible on current systems, and this time for small form factor (SFF) PCs. With this new SO-DIMM memory kit, SFF PCs can now unlock the full potential of memory performance, as shown in the following screenshot, where this new memory kit is tested for over 6 hours on the ASRock X299E-ITX/ac mini-ITX motherboard with the Intel® Core™ i9-7900X processor.



The Ultimate Performance

Featuring super high frequency and ultra-low CAS Latency, the Ripjaws DDR4-4000MHz CL18 32GB (4x8GB) kit is the fastest SO-DIMM memory solution for building an extreme performance mini-PC with the latest Intel Skylake-X CPU. The screen below shows an incredible 101106 MB/s bandwidth for read, using the AIDA64 benchmark.



XMP 2.0 Support & Availability

This new low-latency high performance G.SKILL Ripjaws DDR4 SO-DIMM memory kit is equipped with the latest Intel XMP 2.0 technology for easy one-click memory overclocking, and will be available from authorized G.SKILL distribution partners in 2018 Q1.

Fortinet Survey Reveals 48% of APAC IT Decision Makers are Confident of Their Cybersecurity Postures Despite 86% of Organizations Being Breached

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Prioritization of Security Fundamentals Such as Employee Education Lacking, According to Respondents


Fortinet, the global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, today revealed additional findings from its Global Enterprise Security Survey. According to the research, 40 percent of IT decision makers (ITDMs) at 250+ employee organizations around the Asia Pacific are confident of their cybersecurity posture, despite 86 percent of organizations being breached in the past two years. In addition, 82 percent believe they are doing better than their peers with regards to cybersecurity, while only six percent believe they are lagging behind. The research is a reminder of the importance of employing cybersecurity best practices and fundamentals as well as the urgency to avoid complacency in defending against cyberattacks.



“ITDMs continue to prioritize the maintenance and upgrade of their cybersecurity solutions in an attempt to combat today’s cybersecurity adversaries. Although important, other security best practices within their broader cyber and technology strategy are still missed opportunities. In particular, the urgency to prioritize security hygiene, educate with broader awareness, or implement security approaches that leverage automation, integration, and strategic segmentation, is critical to defend against the highly damaging Internet attacks possible in our near future,” said Patrice Perche, senior executive vice president, worldwide sales and support at Fortinet.

Complacency despite clear concerns

Respondents reveal that 33 percent of breaches experienced in the last two years were the result of social engineering, ransomware and email phishing. In 2018, 73 percent of APAC businesses are planning programmes to educate employees in IT security, reflecting a growing awareness that breaches are caused by carelessness and ignorance as much as maliciousness.



Another top concern for organizations is protecting access to the network. Under half (44 percent) of APAC ITDMs feel confident that they have full visibility and control of all devices with network access. A similar 45 percent of APAC ITDMs feel confident that they have full visibility of the access level of all third parties who frequently have access to networks, while 52 percent of APAC ITDMs feel confident that they have full visibility and control of all employees. This lack of confidence in the network visibility suggests that this is an area that should be treated as a top concern for organizations. Yet, basic security measures like network segmentation are only being planned by 26 percent of APAC businesses in 2018. Without network segmentation, malware entering a network will often be left to spread.



Employee knowledge key for security in organizations

When asked about what they would have done differently over their career in security, 46 percent of APAC ITDMs wish they had invested more in employee security awareness training to prevent a security breach. Educating users can lessen the chance that they become victim of an intrusion attempt that targets one of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain: employees themselves.

In 80 percent of breach incidents, in the first instance the APAC board blames the IT department – either a specific individual (34 percent) or the department as a whole (47 percent). Employees outside the IT department get blamed in 30 percent of breach incidents, even though they’re often recognized as the weakest link. The IT department can no longer be the only one responsible when it comes to a breach. BYOD and IoT, the use of cloud-based applications, and shadow IT, all extend the security responsibility to the broader organization − and employees.


Balanced Cybersecurity Investment Priorities Are Critical

In 2017, ITDMs investments ranked the following as their number one investment:

35% - New security solutions and services
27% - Upgrading security solutions
21% - Implementing security policies and process
9% - Employee training
4% - Auditing and assessment


Continued technological investment allows businesses to keep pace with malicious attacks and prepare for them by implementing a comprehensive security solution. Investments in new and upgraded security solutions will continue in 2018, but 27 percent of APAC respondents also reveal that investments towards employee training will become one of the top 3 investment priorities.



Report Methodology

The 2017 Fortinet Global Enterprise Security Survey was undertaken on behalf of Fortinet by independent market research company Loudhouse to examine the changing attitudes towards security in business in July and August 2017. The global survey of IT decision makers with responsibility/visibility of IT security, received 1,801 anonymized respondents across 16 countries (US, Canada, France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Middle East, South Africa, Poland, Korea, Australia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia). Respondents to the online questionnaire were not aware of the purpose or sponsor of the report.

DOTr, BCDA Start Building New Terminal at Clark Airport

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The construction of the New Terminal Building at the Clark International Airport has finally been set into motion.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) led the groundbreaking and capsule-laying at the airport grounds early today. The ceremony marks the start of finally expanding and developing what would be Asia’s next premier gateway.

“It’s quite sad that it took this long. The last six or seven years, things didn’t move. But we forget about the past. That’s water under the bridge, because now we move forward,” said BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon.

Spanning around 100,000-sqm including landside and airside facilities, the new terminal is designed to accommodate an additional eight million passengers every year. It is expected to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals, as well as spread development in the peripheries.






Part of a bigger picture

The expansion of the Clark airport is part of a bigger development plan for North and Central Luzon. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the new terminal will complement other infrastructure projects in the area: Manila-Clark Railway, Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, and the New Clark City.

“Ikakabit po natin ang proyektong ito sa Manila-Clark Railway. Not later than 06 January 2018, we will mobilize the construction of the first segment from Tutuban to Malolos, and hopefully we will complete the entire line to Clark before the end of President Duterte’s term,” Tugade said.

Dizon, a proud son of Pampanga, is also confident that the new terminal will encourage more people to fly from Clark.

“Before Duterte, there were only seven flights from Clark. Now, there are 200 flights from Clark, and that happened in the first year of the administration. That is political will of a President from Mindanao, who said as early as the campaign, that we need to develop Clark,” Dizon said.

Upon assumption into office, Tugade likewise encouraged airlines to launch more flights from Clark in order to decongest NAIA. He also transferred some general aviation activities there.

Turning dreams into reality

Tugade, who was a former president of the CDC, expressed his joy upon seeing a long-delayed project come into fruition.

“Matagal na ho ang proyektong ito. Yung mga pakiusap naming dati naitapon sa mga binging tenga. Pero ngayon, binibigyan natin ang katuparan ang matagal nang pangarap ng ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng world-class international airport,” he added.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, himself a former transportation secretary, also echoed Tugade’s sentiments. He also expressed his excitement over the many opportunities that the new terminal will be bringing to the Philippines.

“The expansion of the Clark International Airport will expand growth and opportunity outside Metro Manila. This means more business and more jobs for everyone. Clark airport will be the gift that keeps on giving,” he said during the ceremony.

Senator Dick Gordon, who played a vital role in establishing Freeport zones in Luzon, is pleased to finally see the airport being fully-utilized, calling it “a new beginning for our country.”

“Infrastructure is not a project of a government. It is a project of the people. It is a project of vision. This is about opportunity, the great equalizer. This is about making the future our friend,” he said.

On-time delivery of projects

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, who represented the economic team of the Cabinet, assured that the delivery of the terminal will not be delayed.

“Before, projects take an average of 30 months under PPP. I assure you that this will not happen in the infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration,” Dominguez said.

He also reported that the Clark expansion project is considered the fastest to be implemented by the national government. It broke ground just six months after getting the NEDA Board approval.

The construction of the new terminal is the first hybrid project under the BuildBuildBuild Infrastructure Program of the Duterte administration. Under the hybrid model, the government will build the infrastructure using its own funds to ensure fast delivery of the project.

Former President and now Representative of Pampanga Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose term saw the building of the CIA, was the special guest at the groundbreaking ceremony

HOME 168 Celebrates Soft Launch with Discount Rate

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"There's no place like home" is a saying that reverberates with enthusiasm whenever spoken especially when you've been away for so long, or when you just can't wait to get off from work and relax on your favorite sofa infront of the TV watching the latest episode of a series.

Home indeed is a place to look forward to and we are definitely anticipating every minute relaxed in the comfort and safety of our own homes.

But what if we live far away in the province and work in Manila, and it would be time consuming and expensive to regularly come back home.

However, it would be expensive to rent or own an apartment or condo in Manila especially if you're just a regular employee with the minimum compensation.

Well, there's now an alternative and second best to our home that won't break the bank.




















Home 168 Manila, a subsidiary of NearHome Inc., recently soft-launched its accommodations and services to customers. Being the pioneer of dormitories, made with recycled container vans in Manila. Home 168 delivers affordable and structurally sound housing and amenities to their tenants.

According to Jong Kyung Lee, Director of Nearhome Inc., There are different social classes for people. Class A, B, C, D and E. The class A and B usually buy condos for themselves. We want to target the class C and below because our accommodation has a higher quality, living standard than what they normally go through every day.

Located in the center of Manila, close to transportation hubs and landmarks. Home 168 has chosen a strategic position for its tenants to be close to the places that matter to them the most. May it be their school, work, business, etc. Also, being close to commercial areas, gives them plenty of options for their basic needs such as laundry shops, convenience stores, computer shops, supermarkets and many more.

Home 168 Manila welcomes you with its Colorful, Convenient, Comfortable, Clean and Cozy dormitory spaces for as low as PHP 2,800/month. Upgrade your life by moving into the fun and safe Home 168 Manila community now. Home 168 Manila offers:
- More than 500 bed spaces for tenants
- Free mineral water
- Free electricity and water
- Free 100 Mbps WiFi
- Spacious outdoor amphitheater style work, study and charging station
- 24/7 Security with stationed Security Guards and 8-channel CCTV on all key areas of the dormitory compound
- Private lockers
- 2-Storey Bath Room Facility with 56 shower rooms, 48 toilet with bidet, 8 washing area and 8 Urinals
- Free Breakfast from Mondays to Fridays
- Free Cinema on Weekends

It can be really traffic in Manila during rush hour, especially in the Christmas season. “Manila dwellers spend the third longest average time in Asia; being stuck in traffic every day at 66 minutes,” as stated in an article at The Philippine Star.





Home 168 Manila also makes it easier for students to study; and employees to work in Manila. Reducing the need for them to go through the daily grind of commuting. Tenants may choose to unwind and relax at its unique outdoor yet roofed amphitheater.

Customers who have reserved prior to the opening dates, may now move in to their desired units. Not only that, but the first 50 people who book for 9 people, will be able to book an additional person free of charge.

About Home 168 Manila: is a 1332 sq. m project of NearHome Inc. in Malate, Manila. Established in December 18, 2017. Home 168 Manila wants to bring affordable accommodation and reliable services to the basic needs of employees and students.

Follow their social media accounts at https://www.facebook.com/manilahome168/ and http://www.home168manila.com.

Being Fit Together Is the Mantra to a Healthy Happy Life

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Exercise and diet are two key factors that contribute towards a fit and healthy lifestyle. However, if you are a fitness freak but your partner or spouse is not then it leads to numerous issues at home. Every day you would find that numerous individuals are going to the health clubs, gyms, or enrolling in multiple new fitness challenges. However, experts feel that all these people must not toil hard alone.
You must realize that physical fitness could boost your health, and overall wellbeing. Physical fitness is the key to a fit and successful life. You could fortify your emotional bond and romantic attachment. You must encourage your partner for a workout session together. Several studies and research findings point to the fact that couples who work out together would really be staying together. Here are some amazing benefits of working out together as a couple.


Helps to Boost Self-Confidence

When people tell wonderful things about you, certainly you would feel nice and happy but your self-esteem would get a boost only when you are successful in accomplishing something important. When you are working out together, you would be staying fit enough to overcome all hurdles and achieve even unattainable goals and objectives together. You develop a lot of self-confidence and your self-esteem is enhanced. You develop a sense of self-worth that is reflected in your relationship. If you have confidence in your ability, you would be encountering fewer issues with jealousy and you would not be dominating or a control freak. This would culminate in a stronger and freer emotional bond.



Helps to Fortify the Bond

Couples who exercise together are known to be sharing a close, romantic, and fulfilling relationship. You tend to become emotionally involved. Your bond would be fortified. While exercising together you tend to become emotionally close to each other. Whether you are at the gym doing strenuous workouts or taking long walks in the park, involving in a physical activity with your partner would mean you are accomplishing a really difficult task together. Moreover, when you go to the gym together or morning-walk together, your attachment towards your spouse would become stronger and vice versa. It is important for you to go with your spouse during her pregnancy for a light workout session as recommended by your gynecologist. Get your Elisa data for proper evaluation and monitoring of different stages of pregnancy.


Energy Boost

Active and fit people always have more energy to tackle daily challenges. They are lively, full of spirit, and ready to take on anything that comes their way, be it professionally or emotionally.



Dramatically Reduced Stress Levels

One of the worst things that can happen to a relationship is stress. It takes a toll on your emotional and physical intimacy and can cause serious problems. People who work out regularly have been clinically proven to beable to handle more stress. You are able to deal with stressful situations better and improve your mood. You are better with and around people, and everyone wins.


Conclusion

The enhanced body image and extra energy that comes from overall health and fitness would lead to a definitely greater physical intimacy and fulfillment. This would boost proximity and seal the bond between you and your life partner. Fitness is essential for both of you. You would soon realize how working out and staying fit together could be a boon and infuse a new meaning to your relationship and a new perspective to a new life.

Alden Richards Sets the Tune for a Worry-Free Christmas with New Handwashing Music Video

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Washing hands before and after every meal, or after using the comfort room, or after any other chore involving hands, are often neglected. These, more often than not, could cause undesirable effects on our health especially when we accidentally ingest or get in contact with germs from our dirty hands.

Now, we wouldn't want to get sick after the holidays. So it is but right that we do not forget to wash our hands not just with water but especially with soap that is proven to effectively fight germs.

This is where Safeguard, the nation’s leading soap that stands for germ-protection.

‘Tis the season to be jolly and worry-free; as Safeguard is highly recommended for being the most effective germ-fighting soap in the world.

Safeguard also sets the tune for a healthy Christmas celebration with the newest hand-washing music video, “Five Hugas ng Krismas.”

This music video features the charming voice of local celebrity and “Pambansang Bae” Alden Richards, one of the very popular heartthrobs that most young girls, aside from Yaya Dub, go gaga upon.

The music video stresses the importance of having clean hands this Yuletide season through a colorful and energetic finger-tutting choreography set to a classic Christmas melody. This is Safeguard’s creative response to an alarming discovery from the first Philippine Handwashing Index (PHI), with results showing that most Filipinos do not wash their hands regularly and diligently. PHI is a breakthrough study commissioned by Safeguard to have a closer look at the hand-washing habits of Filipinos.

The music video wants to impart a message that is simple yet impactful: “Ang bawat hugas, dapat Safeguard hugas”. This means only trusting the best when it comes to germ-protection, by simply following these five non-negotiables on when to wash your hands: before mag-mano, after banyo, before kumain, after playing, and before mag-bonding.



“A joyful Christmas is a Christmas that is spent with family and friends – happy and worry-free. A lot of us take hand-washing for granted, and since is it a good way to prevent illnesses, it’s important to remind the people to continuously wash their hands the Safeguard way,” says Alden Richards.

Director Sid Maderazo and Assistant Director Manman Angsico, a veteran theater actor and vocal coach, are the masterminds behind the creative execution of the “Five Hugas ng Krismas” music video. In it, the finger-tutting choreography features five hands that represent the five points of the star – reminiscent of the Filipino Christmas parol. For the background, sliding panels and creative props help depict the different times one should remember to wash their hands, specifically during those festive moments that define a Filipino Christmas. From bonding with the family over karaoke, to digging in on the delicious spread of local rice cakes, the music video is a fun and creative way to create awareness about the value of hand-washing.

“Sometimes the simplest of ideas can be the most challenging. The intention was to shoot the scenes seamlessly with live moving backgrounds. The easy route was to use green screen, but where’s the fun in that? It was all about great team work from everyone involved, and in the goal of sharing about an advocacy worth sharing to kids and the young-at-heart alike,” shares Director Sid Maderazo.


Clean hands for every Filipino

Through the Five Hugas ng Krismas music video, Safeguard aims to address the serious problem with the poor hand-washing habits of Filipinos, which was uncovered by the first Philippine Handwashing Index. The study found that seven out of ten Filipinos claim to wash their hands with soap after using a public toilet, but only two really do. To add, only water is being used when hand-washing by 60% of women before cooking, and 40% of women before feeding their kids

Children are the most prone to sickness, yet 66% of Filipinos have noticed or witnessed children not washing hands after using the toilet; and 40% of Filipinos do not wash their hands before touching young children.

“The results of the Philippine Handwashing Index prompted Safeguard to come up with a creative solution to keep hand-washing a top-of-mind habit in every home. Through “Five Hugas ng Krismas”, we want to work together to instill proper hand-washing habits in time of the holiday season, where Filipinos touch and and are in frequent contact with relatives and friends,” explains Jia Salindong-Du, Safeguard Philippines Brand Manager.

For over five decades, Safeguard has been a dedicated hand-washing advocate, promoting proper hand-washing habits with a wide range of antibacterial soaps that provide family protection against germs for up to 24 hours.

Watch and share the Five Hugas ng Krismas music video to spread awareness about the proper handwashing habits this season of joy. Click this link for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaExAK84IYk

Why BGC is the Best Location for an Office Space

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Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is the new breeding ground for ar lot of businesses. It houses different industries from BPOs, agencies, to any type of business you can think of.

There’s a reason why businesses prefer to set up their office space in this budding central business district—it’s in and out is very evident.

Its location can be accessed whether you’re coming from the North or South of Metro Manila. Also, public transportation is available such as the MRT and BGC bus.

Moreover, it promotes walking from one area to another. With proper sidewalks and pedestrian lanes, people who work and live inside BGC are encouraged to walk. This is because of its excellent urban planning. The accuracy between streets and corners allows easier navigation inside the smart city.


You’ll also appreciate the city’s planning on the eye level. The environment is well incorporated beside buildings. Public parks are open for any kind of activity from simple bonding to sports.

One noticeable thing inside BGC is the art installations and murals painted on office walls. You can definitely take photos and upload it on your social media.

In this infographic designed and provided by Figari Group, there are many reasons you should choose BGC as the next location of your office space.

Kobe Bryant Jersey Retirement by the Numbers

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Five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant will have his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired by the Los Angeles Lakers tonight during halftime of their matchup against the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. The game, which will be televised on ABS-CBN S+A and NBA Premium TV, tips off at 11:30 a.m. PHT.

Below are facts and figures about Bryant’s historic career.

48,637: Minutes played, the seventh most in NBA history

33,643: Career points, third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928)

5,640: Points scored in the NBA Playoffs, fourth most in NBA history behind LeBron James (6,163), Michael Jordan (5,987) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762)

81: Points in a 122-104 victory against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006, the second-highest total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962

60: Points in a 101-96 victory over the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016, the most points in a player’s final game in NBA history. At 37, Bryant became the oldest player in league history with a 60-point game

50: Twenty-five career 50-point games, third most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain (118) and Michael Jordan (31)
37: In his last season, he became the first player age 37 or older to score at least 25 points in three straight games since Michael Jordan at 40 in 2003

24: Jersey number beginning in the 2006-07 season after switching from No. 8

20: Seasons with the Lakers, tied with Dirk Nowitzki for the most with one team in NBA history

18: Consecutive All-Star Game selections (the longest streak in NBA history) and All-Star Game selections overall (the second most all time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 19)

16: Appearances on Christmas Day, the most in NBA history

15: All-Star Game starts, the most in NBA history

13: Overall selection by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft

11: All-NBA First Team selections, tied with Karl Malone and LeBron James for the most in NBA history

9: NBA All-Defensive First Team selections, tied with Kevin Garnett, Michael Jordan and Gary Payton for the most in NBA history

6: Six career 60-point games, second most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain (32)

5: NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)

4: All-Star MVP Awards (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011), tied with Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history

2: Finals MVP Awards (2009, 2010)

1: Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award (2007-08)

E-Powering Marawi for the Holidays

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LIGHTING MARAWI: Two donated solar streetlights are assembled and tested by the teams of Department of Energy, Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO), Task Force Bangon Marawi and the mililitary. In photo with Usec. Felix William B. Fuentebella and Asst. Secretary Redentor E. Delola are (R-L) LASURECO General Manager Nordjiana Ducol, Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Executive Officer Director Ray Aniñon, Lala Norlainie Macasalong and the representative of military personnel who helped in the logistics of the donations. In the background is one of the sections of the Transitional Shelter being built by the government for the displaced families after the 5-month-long armed conflict in their city.

During the long holiday break, the Department of Energy (DOE) together with its energy partners hopes to empower the people of Marawi City and build back better their war-torn homeland.

“Not just because we are mandated, but because this is the right thing to do. E-Powering Marawi is an endeavor by the energy family, working together, to ensure that the much-needed energy infrastructures in Marawi City, including street lightings and other basic necessity use, can be restored,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Last Saturday (16 December), the DOE, through Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola and Chief Investment Specialist Lisa G. Go, turned over 400 solar-powered lamps to Task Force Bangon Marawi and 131 solar-powered street lights to Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO). The street lights and solar lamps were received by LASURECO General Manager Nordjiana Ducol and Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Executive Officer Director Ray Aniñon, respectively.









Based on the DOE’s E-Power Marawi unconventional program, a number of solar street lights will be installed before the holidays in the Transitional Shelter Site, while the rest will be put up in the Main Battle Area.

Working in close coordination with the DOE-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, Pepsi Co. and Phinma Corp. were able to donate the solar lamps and street lights, which were fabricated by the Correctional Institute for Women through the Liter of Light organization.

The logistics of the lighting units were made possible through the Manila Electric Co. for the vehicle and manpower support for transporting the items to Villamor Airbase; the Department of National Defense through Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine Air Force for transporting the items to Cagayan de Oro via C-130; Task Force Bangon Marawi for transporting the items from CDO to Marawi; and LASURECO for providing personnel and support on the ground.

Cusi said the DOE would extend all necessary help and support to the people of Marawi on their road to recovery, and work round-the-clock even during the holidays until access to energy in the area is already reliable, stable and sustainable.

ICT Enabled Startup Development (seedPH) Program

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The seedPH Program is a pioneering program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) aimed at strengthening the Philippine Digital Startup Ecosystem and supporting the continued development of relevant innovations and digital startups throughout the country by encouraging the Filipino youth to develop relevant ideas that could either help solve societal challenges or become successful businesses.

The program started in 2013 under the collaborative efforts and inputs of the Philippine digital startup community. The DICT took the initiative to gather the country’s major startup players which paved the way to more aligned efforts for the startup movement in the country, especially spreading these efforts in the countryside to help promote inclusive growth throughout the country.

In 2017, seedPH anchors its efforts to the sector’s roadmap, the Philippine Roadmap for Digital Startup as it strives to provide interventions that will encourage creation of digital startups to help improve the Philippine economy and provide local employment,  build sustainable businesses and help solve current and future challenges in the society with the use of technology. The program also aims to the Philippine Startup Community and get it to work as one unit as it strives to produce successful startup companies whose products and services are scalable locally and internationally and answer real problems in industries and communities.  Now, identified and assessed by the local community as a foundational startup ecosystem, the Philippines aims to move forward as a truly unique innovation hub that shows resiliency, ingenuity and heart that is truly Filipino.

The seedPH encourages Filipinos especially the youth to create startups through the programs summed up in one phrase: I C.A.N., which stands for the Program’s main thrusts for the Startup Community: Inform, Collaborate, Accelerate and Nurture.

INFORM

One of the issues identified in the Philippine Startup ecosystem is the low number of digital startups and the general lack of awareness on technology entrepreneurship, which in turn hinders the growth and establishment of more tech businesses. The program aims to educate Filipinos particularly the youth on digital opportunities through trainings and workshops that will equip them with basic startup knowledge and how to build technology startup companies.

Startup Workshops are one-day trainings, which aim to provide basic concepts and tools in building technology startups. These workshops help enhance the competence of ICT enthusiasts in the countryside and uplift the local economy through possible creation of ICT business. The workshops cover five major concepts and activities relevant in setting up a startup: Idea Generation and development, Customer Identification and Validation; Unique Value Proposition; Cost and Revenue and Pitching. This workshop is open for college students and professors and is being done in collaboration with the startup industry leaders and startup founders. The program has conducted 21 advocacy workshops in gathering a total of 3,000 potential startup founders and startup professionals from different cities and provinces in the country.

Lean Startup 101 Bootcamps - While Startup Workshops target the students, Lean Startup 101 Bootcamps aim to capacitate college professors from the fields of Computer Studies, Engineering, and other Technical and Business Related courses to become campus startup coaches. Mentors from the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), an industry partner of DICT, help teach the Lean Startup Methodology in a one-day bootcamp, providing professors knowledge on Idea Generation, Business Model Canvass, and Customer Validation. The program stresses the crucial role of professors in molding future technopreneurs and serving as startup champions and mentors in academic institutions. This fosters a supportive and collaborative environment for innovation to be created in the academe level ensuring that mentors from different fields of expertise are aligned in the startup mindset.   Bootcamps are also conducted in preparation for the program’s national startup competition, the Philippine Startup Challenge. Potential team coaches are equipped with the necessary tools and skills to efficiently coach student teams in building their own startup innovations. There are currently 460+ professors who were trained under the Lean Startup Bootcamps.

COLLABORATE

With the intent of being an agent of unification and collaboration, the DICT has put great importance in collaborating with the local players in the ecosystem, as it has rolled out its programs with the benefit of both the industry and the stakeholders in mind. The program has found great results in building a robust ecosystem by empowering local champions as it has found in local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Councils established in localities throughout the country. The seedPH program opens opportunities for collaboration between aspiring startup founders and industry leaders by supporting conferences and events that bring together the country’s great minds.

Startup Weekend is a global movement with a weekend-long, hands-on module - tried and tested to become a productive venue where startups and aspiring entrepreneurs gather in one place, collaborate, execute ideas and pitch among esteemed startup industry leaders.  It allows anyone with an idea for a business to find potential co-founders and partners who can help build the business with little investment.

The seedPH program enables the conduct of Startup Weekends in regional locations, also providing support for facilitation in partnership with Techtalks.ph, a dynamic grass roots community of technology enthusiasts who continuously empower groups in the countryside to spread ICT initiatives. Numerous startups have begun their careers as participants of startup weekend, finding future co-founders and partners, and gaining valuable insight that it is possible to create something relevant and that failure is easily overcome.

Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) is the premiere international startup conference in the country that gathers startup, technology and design practitioners, enthusiasts and experts to inspire relevant innovations and strengthen the budding community of ICT startups and its stakeholders.

Showcasing both the Philippines vibrant tourism industry through its beautiful beaches seamlessly merged with ICT and innovation development, GOAB has opened opportunities for startups to learn from and collaborate with the local and international startup industry experts and leaders. Through the conference, startup enthusiasts were able to connect with potential partners and investors; learn from experienced entrepreneurs and hear the latest trends on the tech-startup industry.

GOAB 2016 also opened an opportunity to gather Philippine Startup community leaders and launch the sole organization for the country’s startup ecosystem – the StartupPH.org. The organization became a venue to discuss the issues in the ecosystem and how to address them.


ACCELERATE

Moving further to support startups beyond its ideation stages, the seedPH program has conducted projects to support early stage startup founders who are moving towards market and product validation and/or prototyping stages. The DICT finds its niche in the startup’s ecosystem and in supporting the startups in the advocacy and strengthening of their innovative product/service even before these technopreneurs become fully legitimate businesses. These projects aim to connect founders with necessary experts and mentors who can help them further in their tech business ventures.

Launchpad - is a mentoring and assistance program, which aims to support and capacitate local startups as they transition from developing their software product idea to operating viable software businesses.  This program is geared towards providing assessment on the startup idea; guidance on the business and technical aspect of their startup; networking opportunities with industry leaders and enablement trainings that could further enhance the participants’ existing business idea.

This program has been conducted in partnership with the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) to continuously provide support for local technopreneurs to become sustainable businesses with the aim of becoming globally recognized startups.

 Alpha Startups Bootcamp is a 6-day program consisting of a 5 day bootcamp and a demo day. It aims to address the gap between idea generation to having business viable products by gathering around 50-60 founders and co-founders of early stage startups who have initially started conceptualizing an innovative ICT startup/business. The 5-day Bootcamp includes discussion covering workshops on Customer Development, Product Development and Marketing Strategies.

seedPH supports 1337 Ventures and the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) through financial and logistical assistance. In the last 2 years, 1337 Ventures helped mentor and fund 6 Filipino startups.

NURTURE

seedPH aims to focus directly on encouraging the youth to create relevant technologies that could also be viable business ventures.

 Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) aims to inspire college students to create innovative solutions to the most pressing problems in the society with the use of technology.

A total of 300+ entries were received in the last three years. Student teams created digital-based startups to help solve issues in the sectors of Agriculture, transportation, education, health, environment, among others.

PSC is more than a student-competition because as it exposes the youth different ways of creating innovative and viable business solutions and inspiring them to pursue with their idea even after the competition.

Partnerships with the industry helped PSC winners develop their ideas further. The team behind the startup “eBasura” had the opportunity to be part of a 2-week international study program courtesy of Huawei Philippines. The program aims to prepare future generations to be more competitive by exposing them to the latest innovation trends.  The team is now working on their prototype and gained industry partners. Investment is also on its way as former startup founders turned investors who are graduates of seedPH supported Alpha Startups bootcamp are providing financial support as a means of giving back to the support provided to them by the government and seedPH industry partners.

seedPH Program is a proof that closer collaboration between the government and the private sector is the most effective way to implement programs that has great impact to the community. It continues to open doors for both sides to address both the gaps and support needed to strengthen further the Philippine Startup ecosystem.

For 20 year old Queeny Jane Cabizares, projects of DICT like Alpha Startups Bootcamp, Launchpad, Philippine Startup Challenge and Geeks on a Beach helped her develop, improve, validate and scale her startup idea. “I will not be where I am if not for the seedPH Program of DICT. It was just a dream for me, I have no knowledge on the business side but the mentors whom DICT introduced had helped me a lot in a way I can’t even discuss in a few words.” Now, Queeny has established customer base and continues to get support from industry experts and investors.

The seedPH program also encourages startup community to pay the favor forward by encouraging them to  share their knowledge to the community. Ms. Angeline Viray of Beep A Ride, one of the startup teams who became part of the Startup Weekend and Alpha Startups Bootcamp programs, continues to share her experience and expertise to the youth by being a resource person in Startup Workshops. “I believe that advocacy is a noble cause. And we need more programs like this to participate in causes that benefit the startup community.”

For software and tech-startup industry leaders like Mr. Joey Gurango, seedPH has helped empower many startup founders to become future leaders of the startup community. “The Department of ICT, through its SeedPH program, has been an invaluable partner to SPRING.ph in our efforts to encourage, enable and nurture the stakeholders of our growing Philippine Startup Ecosystem. We hope to empower many more with the continuous support that we receive from DICT”.

For seedPH, Filipinos CAN create innovative technologies. DICT believes, together with its community partners, it can create a strong Philippine Startup ecosystem.


Philippine Startup Industry / Community Partners
Science and Technology Advisory Council – Silicon Valley
Plug and Play Tech Center
Ideaspace Foundation
ICCP Ventures
Ideyatech
UP Enterprise Center
Techtalks.PH
Kickstart Ventures
IPO Philippines
DOST Technology Application and Promotion Institute
Department of Trade and Industry
Narra Ventures
Launchgarage
Philippine Software Industry Association – Spring.PH Program
Philippine Society of IT Educators
National ICT Confederation of the Philippines
Huawei Philippines
Microsoft Philippines
HP Enterprise

seedPH Program Startup Advocacy and Training

Philippine Startup Challenge
Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) is a national startup competition for college students , which aims to encourage the youth to create innovative solutions to the country’s most pressing problems.

PSC 2014 Winners:

Intern Ship (Pag Hinabol Mo Lalong Lalayo) – an application that allows students to use geolocational search for finding companies who are looking for new interns. Students can also use resume and application letter templates through this internship portal.

Tweeva (Technovators) – is a mobile/web application that analyzes Twitter data to provide sentiment analysis of a given hashtag keyword. Aside from the sentiment analysis, the application will also generate demographics. The application will also provide rankings for specific topics like restaurants, hotels, public figures, and others.

POD (NoSemicolon) – is a cross-platform mobile application that provides suggestions for students or individuals who wish to study or work away from their hometown and needs to find a dormitory or apartment where they can stay. This features all dormitories/apartments that are around the vicinity of the entered school or university.

CareStarter (Gecko) – is an application that assists scholars in finding the right donor for them and for donors to find deserving scholarship beneficiaries. This application is an avenue for scholars and donors to interact with each other. Donors will also be given the privilege to see the transcript of records of the students they are funding so that they will be able to check on the accomplishments of their scholars.

Escape Plan (WiseGeeks) – is an augmented reality game that will change the way of building teams. It addresses issues on inconveniences before, during, and after team building activities, such as going to far-flung areas, spending too much money, getting in harm’s way and destroying the shared vision of the company because of irrelevant competition. This game promotes basic principles of building effective teams – effective communication, shared purpose, dynamic team design and balance orientation. The objective of the game is to escape the room, where teams get to escape an environment by solving puzzles and finishing the challenges.

PSC 2015 Winners:

eBasura: a cross-platform mobile application that addresses the problem and teaches people on the proper disposal and management of broken and old electronics or e-wastes.

eBasura team had their two-week study in China courtesy of seedPH industry partner, Huawei Philippines. They were able to learn about current technologies and help them develop their startup further. Right now, eBasura is set to launch this year and investment is on the table.

Fresh2ket: a web platform that connects farmers directly to its potential customers.

Fresh2ket is currently operating and plans of expansion in Manila is underway.

BookNow: a mobile-app based bus ticket reservation system.


Alpha Startups Bootcamp

The bootcamp is a five-day pre-accelerator program packed with in-depth discussions for startups who are looking to level up their business.

2015 Winners:

Fresh2ket - A web platform that aims to remove the middle men in buying fruits and vegetables, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers, thereby ensuring the latter’s access to fresh goods


Paspas - Named after the local term “paspas”, which means fast, this SMS-based delivery service aims to deliver “a super-fast delivery” to consumers anywhere in Cebu. Just send a text message and any tasks or chores you can’t attend to will be taken care of.


Impok - A cash deposit and micro-financing platform that aims to help individuals – students or employees alike–and give them an avenue where they can save or loan money, especially in dire times.

2016 Winners:

Bus Tayo: Bus ticket reservation which does not require credit cards

Detivo: Point of Sale system as a platform which will help restaurants integrate with solutions and attribute sales data.

BetterHapp: A web-based wedding management application for all wedding enthusiasts.