New Marawi Resettlement Energized

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TASK FORCE KAPATIRAN IN ACTION: Distribution lines and house wirings are installed by linemen of Mindanao electric cooperatives which have been helping the Department of Energy, the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative and the Task Force Bangon Marawi to fast-track the provision of power supply in the newly built Sagonsognan Transitional Shelter Site.



To provide light is to spark hope.

This is the underlying philosophy behind the efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) and other stakeholders, to rush the completion of the installation of power facilities and streetlights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site for displaced households in Marawi after the siege.

“I am pleased to announce that we have already energized the newly built transitional shelter in Sagonsongan, creating a symbol of hope for our kababayans who have been heavily affected by the armed conflict in the area,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Cusi pointed out that the DOE would extend all necessary support to the people of Marawi so they can recover faster, and help them build better lives after their city was torn apart by the siege.

Overseeing the installation of the power facilities in the area, DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola said the energization of the distribution lines and streetlights was fast-tracked by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative with the help of the other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) under the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Delola and DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque are in Marawi to grace the turnover ceremony of the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to its household beneficiaries.

Last 16 December, the DOE, led by Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, turned over 400 solar-powered lamps to Task Force Bangon Marawi and 131 solar-powered street lights to LASURECO, which were installed to light the most affected areas.

The solar lamps and streetlights, through the coordination of DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, were donated by Pepsi Co. and Phinma Corp. and fabricated by the Correctional Institute for Women through the Liter of Light organization. For its logistics, the support came from the Department of National Defense through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Napocor, MERALCO, Task Force Bangon Marawi and LASURECO.


Other Photos:




LIGHTING MARAWI SHELTERS: Some of the transitional shelters in Sagonsongan, Marawi now with access to electricity as of 26 December 2017. The installation of power lines and meters was facilitated by the Department of Energy and the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative in partnership with other energy stakeholders, including other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co., the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation under Task Force Bangon Marawi.




A SPARK OF HOPE: Linemen and personnel of electric cooperatives demonstrate the bayanihan spirit in completing the installation of commercial street lights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to light up roads at night.

G.SKILL Releases World's Fastest 64GB (4x16GB) SO-DIMM Kit at DDR4-3466MHz CL17-17-17-37

Wazzup Pilipinas!

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is announcing the world’s fastest performance 64GB DDR4 SO-DIMM memory running at DDR4-3466MHz CL17-17-17-37 at 1.35V with a 4x16GB kit configuration. Constructed with rigorously hand-selected Samsung B-die DDR4 IC components, this new Ripjaws DDR4 SO-DIMM memory kit elevates the computing power of small-form-factor (SFF) PCs to a whole new realm of memory performance, allowing you to design a miniature powerhouse system for virtually any tasks ranging from content creation to gaming.


The Perfect Trio: High Capacity, High Frequency, Low Timings

The need of faster and larger capacity memory kits continue to rise as modern day workloads increases in both capacity and weight. To tackle this need, G.SKILL is expanding the delivery of maximum memory performance across all memory capacities; and by using 16GB SO-DIMM modules, high-end machines and workstation PCs can now be built in the size of a SFF system that can fit into a shoebox. Shown in the following screenshot is the high capacity 64GB SO-DIMM memory kit running at DDR4-3466MHz CL17-17-17-37 and being tested for over 6 hours on the ASRock X299E-ITX/ac mini-ITX motherboard with the Intel® Core™ i9-7900X processor.



The Ultimate Performance

Below is the screenshot of the same DDR4-3466MHz CL17 64GB (4x16GB) SO-DIMM memory kit achieving 95231MB/s read, 94856MB/s write, and 90639MB/s copy on the AIDA64 memory benchmark.



XMP 2.0 Support & Availability

This new ultra-capacity 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.

Implementation of Kerosene and Household LPG Price Freeze Upon Declaration of State of Calamity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Upon a declaration of a State of Calamity, the Department of Energy (DOE) is implementing a ‘price freeze’ on kerosene and household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

For its implementation, the DOE reminds the public of the following:

1. The price freeze is applicable for 15 days, commencing one day after the declaration;

2. “Household LPG” refers to 11 kilograms and below of LPG in cylinders;

3. Price movements for kerosene are implemented every Tuesday of the week; and,

4. Price movements for LPG are implemented at the beginning of each month.

Through the Oil Industry Management Bureau and its Field Offices, the DOE is closely coordinating with oil industry players in the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 7581, as amended by RA 10623, which imposes a "price freeze" on these basic energy products being sold in the areas affected by the calamity.

The DOE calls on the public to be vigilant and to report any violation on the price freeze implementation to info@doe.gov.ph or to Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. 479-2900 loc. 329.

DOE Fast-tracking Energy Restoration in Vinta-hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After the completion of the power restoration in areas affected by Tropical Depression Urduja at the barangay level on Christmas Day, the Department of Energy (DOE) is now mobilizing all its resources to restore energy in areas affected by tropical storm Vinta.

“Our personnel and staff will continue working during the Christmas break to rehabilitate affected energy facilities, and to coordinate, monitor and report the developments for easy and fast mobilization of assets in places that need assistance,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

“I would like to commend them for braving the storm and sacrificing their holidays just to ensure that energy is safe, accessible and reliable, and it’s no easy task,” he added.

The energy chief urged the public to "ensure safety first amidst all these natural calamities and to report to the nearest authority any problem they may encounter. For energy concerns, they may contact us at 4792900 or email us at info@doe.gov.ph.”
Based on the consolidated report of the DOE and its attached agencies, the National Power Corporation (NPC) stated that there was no damage on all of its energy power plants/lines in areas affected by Vinta.

All compromised transmission facilities were already restored at 2:10 p.m. of 24 December as reported by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

For its part, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that nine (9) electric cooperatives were severely affected by Vinta, resulting in power interruption in some towns in their franchise areas.

Distribution utilities/electric cooperatives and towns still under restoration are the following:

• Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) – portions of Marawi City, Piagapo, Madalum, Madamba, Ganassi, Pualas, Pagayawan, and Tuburan;

• Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II) –San Miguel, Cagwait, Bayabas, Marigatag and Portions of Tago;

• Davao del Norte (DANECO) - portions of Asuncion and New Corella;

• Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO) –portions of Baloi, Matungao, Tubod, and Salvador, Munai, and Tangkal;

• Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) –total blackout

• Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II) –Sirawi, Siocon, Baliguian, and Portions of Titay;

• Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) –portions of Veruela, Bunawan, Loreto, San Luis, La Paz, Talacogon, Sibagat, San Francisco, and Rosario;

• Misamis Oriental-I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO I) –Talakag and Portions of Cagayan de Oro City but expected completion by today;

• Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) –Brooke’s Point, Narra and Aborlan;

For the private distribution utilities, Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC),

Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. (CEPALCO) and Iligan Light and Power, Inc., their engineers reported that some households are still without power due to the dampened outlets and wiring caused by the rain and the flood waters.

Flooding, landslides and downed infrastructures like bridges generally make the restoration of the affected power facilities more difficult. Nonetheless, the DOE is targeting its completion within the week.

The DOE also reminded oil industry players to observe the price freeze in areas placed under a state of calamity. The DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau and DOE- Field Offices, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, are monitoring the prices of household LPG and kerosene in Biliran and Davao.

The Usual MMFF Box Office Favorites Still Favored by Pinoy Moviegoers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Have you been to the movies lately? Specifically for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017?

Well, below are the movies showing since December 25, but sadly the same tradional formula for Pinoy movies are getting the bigger share of the audience.

All Of You (Dan Villegas)
Ang Larawan (Loy Arcenas)
Ang Panday (Rodel Nacianceno)
Deadma Walking (Julius Alfonso)
Gandarrapiddo! The Revenger Squad (Joyce Bernal)
Haunted Forest (Ian Loreños)
Meant To Beh (Chris Martinez)
Siargao (Paul Soriano)

As expected, the movies of Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda, all-time favorites of MMFF patrons, are leading in ticket sales.

Movies like Ang Larawan, Siargao and Deadma Walking are reportedly being snubbed in the local cinemas. Some even put two slots for Vice Ganda's movie in SM cinemas.

The play-turned-film and musical has been dropped from almost 30 theaters nationwide, a mere two days into the festival.

This goes to show how much businesses value money more than artistry and culturally significant films.

The movies mentioned should be valued more in the Philippine cinema. Though, the 'expected' frontliners were dominant in movie houses, we must at least learn to appreciate significantly substantial movies. I am just hoping that people see the essence and moral significance of movies rather than supporting senseless ones.

Ang Larawan is the best Filipino-made film I have ever watched based on cinematography, plot, and musical score.

The said movie can be described as being the most different, most unusual of all the 8 finalists that made it into this year's festival roster.

There is no other film in the recent festival that would be able to match its prominence, substance and reputation!

It's such a shame that it had been a tradition for Filipino families to patronize these absurd fantasy movies instead of supporting other entries of the MMFF.

While MMFF continues to reflect being "makamasa," it also proves how low quality Philippine cinema is. The high-caliber, National Artists-decorated Ang Larawan is the best in the biggest Film Fest in the country but we see it being pulled out because MMFF is shamingly commercial.

The Revenger Squad - the shitty, half-assed high school project that aced it because the people who did it are bribing kiss-asses albeit its trashy existence.

Ang Larawan - the fruition of hardwork, zest, creativity, ART & resourcefulness that deserve the victor's spoils.

Below are just four of the many reasons why Ang Larawan should be patronized by movie-goers:

A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino written by National Artist Nick Joaquin

Translated by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera

Libretto by National Artist Rolando Tinio

Music by Ryan Cayabyab


"So if you want to support what is good, what is quality and worthwhile, let your voice be heard. Fight the good fight with us. CONTRA MUNDUM (Defy the world!) is the battlecry of the lead characters, Candida and Paula. WATCH ANG LARAWAN NOW to keep it alive in the theaters!" - Rachel Alejandro

Please #ShowLarawanSomeLove! Spread the word about #AngLarawan.

http://anglarawan.com
#ShowLarawan
#TeamLarawan
#MMFF2017

Celebrate an Epic New Year’s Countdown in BGC, Taguig

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bonifacio Global City, together with the City of Taguig, for the first time ever, is hosting a city-wide New Years street party at Bonifacio High Street to ring in 2018.

Before we bid 2017 adieu, revel in one last epic party packed with food trucks, booths, overflowing beer, holiday cheer, and the hottest musical acts from favorite bands and OPM artists like Hale, Aia de Leon, the powerhouse performer Gary Valenciano, and many more. Topping it off is a grand fireworks display and pyro-musical showcase that will illuminate the city for a brilliant start to 2018.

Celebrations start at 5PM on December 31 at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater and 7th Avenue, with the anticipated New Year’s Eve High Mass at 6PM as thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and prayer for grace in the forthcoming one. After which, the party will continue way into midnight.

“We are thrilled to begin another tradition for the BGC community ─ holding our very own New Year’s countdown right here in the city. Thankful as we are to the previous year, BGC is more than ready for what 2018 will bring,” said Sean Luarca, BGC’s Marketing Manager.

The event is open to everyone but VIP tickets to the main stage may be obtained from purchases made at Bonifacio High Street retail stores from December 21-31, 2017. Corresponding free tickets are as follows:

• P2,000 - 2,999 worth of single/accumulated receipts = (2) VIP tickets

• P3,000 - 3,999 worth of single/accumulated receipts = (4) VIP tickets

• P4,000 and above worth of single/accumulated receipts = (6) VIP tickets

Limited tickets are available so register now at the Concierge booths at C1, C3, and B1 Bonifacio High Street.

Co-presented by Huawei and San Miguel Beers, the New Year countdown is part of BGC’s “Season of Passions” celebration, a series of epic events to cap off the year. For more information, visit BGC’s official Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph and https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet.

Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 15652 Series of 2017

Julius Legaspi at Gateway Gallery

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gateway Gallery opens 2018 with an exhibit by Julius Legaspi who will present new pastel paintings in his fourth solo show, Paghirang.

Julius Legaspi at Gateway Gallery

Gateway Gallery opens 2018 with an exhibit by Julius Legaspi who will present new pastel paintings in his fourth solo show, Paghirang. Paghirang will have its Artist Reception on January 6, 2018, 6 pm at the Small Room of Gateway Gallery. In this solo show, Legaspi will again demonstrate his mastery of the pastel medium. His talent in rendering forms and tones in pastel is matched by his ability to evoke moods in his landscape, still life or genre paintings. He is a prolific artist whose artworks can be found in various art collections.

Julius Legaspi, who hails from Bulacan, is a well-rounded artist whose time is not limited to visual art making. He is also a generous teacher, sharing his knowledge by conducting art workshops. He is also a mentor as he guides the members of the Philippine Pastel Artists to become better image-makers. He currently sits as president of Philippine Pastel Artists. He is also a member of the Philippine Art Educators’ Association which updates him with regards to art education.

Legaspi, who graduated from the UP College of Fine Arts, was a follower of conceptual artist Roberto Chabet. This makes it easy for him to create abstract pieces. He is however known for his soulful still life and evocative landscapes, images that only a perceptive artist can see. He also dabbles in music as a song writer and lead guitarist.





Paghirang will be open for viewing to the public on January 7 and will run until January 20, 2018. Parts of the proceeds of the exhibit will go to Remote Area Medical Philippines to support is medical missions.

Gateway Gallery is open daily, from Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm. It is located at the 5F Gateway Tower, Araneta Center, Quezon City. Gateway Tower is the building in front of Kia Theatre. It is the art museum of Araneta Center and is run by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation. For details on the exhibit, please contact jslegaspi.ppa@gmail.com, gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com or the number 09451143358.

BURI, JV Members Disqualified from Bidding for Any Government Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is to clarify various news articles published on 25 December 2017, regarding the supposed qualification of certain shareholders of the terminated MRT-3 maintenance service provider, Busan Universal Rail, Inc. (BURI), for three (3) other railway projects.

BURI and its joint venture members, which include Busan Transportation Corporation (Busan) and Edison Development and Construction (Edison), are DISQUALIFIED from participating in the bidding of government projects, which is a consequence of the termination of BURI's contract for the maintenance of MRT-3 due to poor performance and breach of contractual obligations, which took effect last 6 November 2017.

Under the Uniform Guidelines for Blacklisting of Contractors, after termination of a contract due to the fault of the contractor, the erring contractor shall be barred from participating in the bidding of all government projects.

As noted in various news reports, Busan and Edison recently submitted bids for railway projects: DOTr's Systematic Rail Replacement Project for MRT-3, LRTA's Maintenance Contract for LRT-2, and LRTA's Restoration of Four Train Sets Project also for LRT-2.

Busan and Edison’s submission of a bid for a project does not mean that they are qualified.

While Busan and Edison may have submitted the legal, technical, and financial documents required under R.A. 9184 (which is evaluated on a "presence" or "absence" criteria), Busan and Edison have not been declared qualified for the projects, which is done in the Post-Qualification stage of a procurement process.

All 3 projects are currently in Post-Qualification stage, and Busan and Edison's disqualification from all government projects, pursuant to the Uniform Guidelines for Blacklisting of Contractors, will disqualify them from the 3 projects.

Statement on the Release of Scholarship Allowances

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) embarked on an unprecedented investment in the higher education sector in June 2016 through the K to 12 Transition Program, to provide scholarships and grants to faculty affected by the K to 12 implementation. More than 9,500 scholars are being supported under the program, which include support for the tuition fees, living allowances, and other privileges such as thesis/dissertation grants, book allowances, and transport expenses.

In the implementation of the program since June 2016, the Commission has encountered the following challenges that contributed to delays:


Volume of documents, which stands at approximately 11,000 sets to date;
CHED internal system that is not designed to take in the large scale of scholarship administration, taking in more than 4,000 scholars per year under the K to 12 Transition Program alone, and on top of student scholarships, institutional support, and research grants that the Commission undertakes;
Issues and discrepancies in documentary requirements that required multiple follow-ups and re-submissions. 48% of submitted documents have issues, such as:
· Incomplete documentary requirements such as authenticated copy of enrollment form or authenticated copy of grades.

· Incomplete grades and difficulty in verifying of submitted grades with their HEIs and/or failing grades, as good academic standing (passing general weighted average) is needed to continue release of allowances.

Additional requirements prescribed by the Commission on Audit (COA). The resident auditor of the Commission issued notices of suspension of audit covering the disbursement of allowances to scholars and grantees approved in FY 2016, requiring the submission of additional documents that should form part of the requirements that will trigger the disbursement; and
Delays in the submission of these additional requirements from sending Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The Commission acknowledges that the delays have caused pain to our scholars, many of whom rely on the living allowances for the daily subsistence of their families. The Commission is taking steps to fast-track the release of allowances through: (1) the hiring of additional manpower to process more than 11,000 sets of documents; (2) introduction of quality checks to ensure that discrepancies can be detected early on, and those with complete and valid requirements get prioritized; and (3) closer coordination with the Regional Offices to expedite the collection and evaluation of documentary requirements, and communication with scholars and their sending institutions.

These steps have improved the release of allowances to the batch of scholars approved in 2017. Furthermore, the allowance for scholars approved in 2016 is being fast-tracked by the Central Office. The Commission has processed documents of 2,152 scholars in the last three weeks, whose documents have been found fully compliant of the guidelines, and their allowances are expected to be released before the year ends.

Meanwhile, recognizing the exigency of providing relief during this time of the year, the Commission is implementing steps to accommodate scholars whose documents are still pending full compliance. For scholars with signed contracts and submitted enrolment forms and/or grades of the completed semester, allowances will be partially released. These scholars however are advised to submit their deficiencies to their respective CHED Regional Offices on or before 10 January 2018 in order to process the balance.



Category

# of Scholars

Status and Next Steps

For FULL release

2,152

Will receive living allowances by 29 December 2017

For PARTIAL release

1,011

Will receive living allowances by 05 January 2017



Deficiencies must be submitted to the CHED Regional Office by 10 January 2017.

No release

933

Pending submissions must be submitted to the CHED Regional Office to process allowances


A public tracker will be available on the CHED K to 12 website to guide scholars, including status of payment and pending submissions. Scholars with deficiencies and pending submissions are advised to visit the CHED K to 12 website at https://chedk12.wordpress.com/sgsrequirements/ to be guided accordingly. The Commission’s K to 12 Transition Program Management Unit will work on the backlogs during the Christmas holidays, and shall also be accepting the submissions through this period.

The Commission recognizes that the stop-gap efforts are not enough and we apologize to the scholars for our shortcomings. Longer-term structural reforms should be implemented to sustainably address the perennial problem of delays in releases. CHED appeals for extended patience and continued support in this once-in-a-generation effort.

Such an investment in higher education faculty has never been seen before, contributing to the larger aim of enhancing the Philippine higher education sector, and will redound to the production of better-equipped graduates in a more globalized and competitive economy. The Commission will, with the highest degree of integrity, make the improvement of these systems its top priority, assuring the public that despite the challenges, it remains steadfast in finding ways to fulfill its mandate of supporting institutions, faculty, and staff during the transition period.

Issued this 22nd day of December 2017 at the Higher Education Development Center Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.


For the Commission:

(signed)
Patricia B. Licuanan, Ph.D.
Chairperson

5 Compelling Reasons Why You Need to Integrate Your Online Forms with Salesforce

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Salesforce is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software used to help companies in sales, service and market their products and services.

Once you integrate your online forms with Salesforce, you can capture and manage the leads for your business, more quickly and efficiently.

Here in this article, I am going to address the importance of integrating your forms with salesforce.

Reasons You Need to Integrate Your Online Forms with Salesforce

1. Capture and manage the leads more efficiently. With the help of using an online form builder for Forms integrated with Salesforce, that helps you create, design and integrate your forms with salesforce, you can capture the leads with online forms and manage them for sending out welcome messages, marketing campaigns and future networking.

2. Use the form builder options to make the most out of the salesforce integration. In this case, once you build and integrate your forms with a robust form builder like FormTitan, you can benefit from using various options built for the salesforce. An example of such benefits is, using the objects in the form builder setting of the said system.

3. Increase your productivity. You can increase your business productivity by using an online form with salesforce integration. With that in mind, you can build a system that works for saving your time, and automate capturing emails for your business, manage the leads, perform segmentation, send out promotional emails and carry out marketing campaigns.

4. Accept and manage files through online forms. You can embed option to accept files through online forms. Once you start accepting files with your forms, by integrating with salesforce; you can take benefits by using salesforce features built for file management. With that clarified, you can accept, share, discuss and monitor your files in real time.

5. Monitor reports and Sales forecasting. Integration of online forms with salesforce provides access to dashboard, full of various options used to help you cover and manage your captured data and files. You can monitor your progress of campaigns about your leads and forms, and forecast the potential estimates about sales. You can also perform monitoring with teams to increase your chances of promoting your business more quickly and efficiently.


Final Thoughts

With the help of integrating various tools online, such as forms with salesforce; you can secure your business leads, automate tasks, manage the leads and save time more efficiently.

Several form builders out there are providing free support, but if you need to dig deeper than a normal user, you can hire their teams of support to help you assist, set and carry out tasks that require technical routine for your business promotion.

To sum up the entire concept, create forms with online form builder tools, integrate them with salesforce and capture leads, automate tasks and carry out marketing campaigns. It will help you give your business a new look on the Internet, save your time and make you able to focus on important things for your business.