Smart Boosts Communication, Preparedness Efforts in Legazpi City

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Residents of Legazpi City, Albay, can now benefit from Smart Infocast, a text message broadcast solution developed by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications.

Smart Infocast is a web-based platform that can send out several short message service (SMS) to a specific group of people as defined by an organization.

In the case of the governing body of Legaspi City, the facility can readily send out news broadcasts, weather bulletins, and other critical information to residents via text message, making it an effective emergency communications solution for the LGU. Smart Infocast also allows registered subscribers to send reports or feedback to the system administrator.

Gracing the launch of Smart Infocast are representatives of Smart and the city and provincial governments, led by Mayor Noel Rosal, Gov. Al Francis Bichara, and PLDT-Smart chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn and consumer business for customer development regional head John Palanca.

“Smart Infocast will enable the Legazpi local government unit to communicate with the constituents in times of calamities and help in information dissemination, using our cell phones. It will make connecting with all the 70 barangays here in Legazpi so much easier,” said Rosal.

FDCP and Intramuros Administration Partner for #WeAreIntramuros Film Challenge

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Combining film artistry with appreciation of heritage and history, the Film Development Council of the Philippines has partnered with the Intramuros Administration to launch #WeAreIntramuros, a 24-hour filmmaking challenge focusing cultural awareness on Filipino values. 

During a Press Conference held last August 30 at FDCP's Cinematheque Centre Manila with Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, Chairperson Liza Dino explained that this activity is in line with the aim to encourage more young filmmakers to explore their creativity and craft. "This challenge will surely need our filmmakers to be on their toes and make use of every resources and minute that they have. We look forward to seeing the types of films that they will be coming up with," she said. 

The goal is also to make Intramuros as a viable location for FILM or A/V production. The historical backdrop and interesting venues within the perimeters of INTRAMUROS will hopefully be highlighted by the creativity of the young participants.

The film projects can be of any topic as long as it is promoting the outstanding values of the Filipino people like hospitality, valuing family, hard work, and resourcefulness. Through the Wall Production Fund, ten (10) chosen participants will get an allowance to produce three to five-minute films. The competition is open to all young aspiring filmmakers in High School and College around Manila.

Qualifications include the following:
1.     Participants should be a Filipino citizen and must be 16 years old and above
2.     Applicant must be a student of an educational institution in the Metro Manila area.

The production crew TEAM (max of 4 members total) with the proponent will have to come from the same educational institution they’re connected with.


Mechanics for submission:
1.     Completed PDF Document of the Entry Form: Concept paper with synopsis

2.     Scanned copy of current school ID and registration form. If applicable, any government issued ID ex. Postal ID, Passport, Voter's ID, etc.

3.     Proponent may submit a maximum of two (2) entries but only one (1) will be selected.

4.     All submissions must be done online

5.     All entries must be original.

6.     Preferences must be cited properly and with permission

7.     Project must include Intramuros as a viable location.



Finalists can win the following awards:
1.     Best Film Award with Php 20,000.00 cash prize, trophy & certificate

2.     Jury's Choice Award with Php 15,000.00 cash prize, trophy & certificate

3.     People’s Choice Award with Php 10,000 cash prize, trophy & certificate (most viral video)

4.     Consolation Prize of Php 5,000 for the eight (8) production teams with certificates

5.     Special Award that the Jury might feel rewarding, Php 5,000 for one or two (1 or 2 ) production teams with certificates.

Interested applicants may download and submit their forms at www.fdcp.ph/we-are-intramuros

On the Granting of Preliminary Injunction to Angkas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOTr-LTFRB PRESS STATEMENT

06 September 2018

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are saddened by the decision of the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court to grant a preliminary injunction to the ride-hailing service, Angkas. The decision keeps the government from interfering, whether directly or indirectly, with the operations of Angkas.

The DOTr-LTFRB, as a regulator, is being faithful to its mandate when it ordered Angkas to cease operations. 

Our position is that motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress.

Apart from engaging in unfair business practice, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered as a safe mode of public transport.

If Angkas is to continue accrediting motorcycles registered as private vehicles to book rides and accept passengers for a fee, it is considered as without authority from the government regulators, and, therefore, are considered colorum vehicles.

The DOTr-LTFRB will exhaust all legal remedies to ensure that our roads are cleared of colorum vehicles, such as Angkas motorcycles. 

Safety is our priority. Following our laws is our priority. Obviously, Angkas is just interested in making profit, and profit, alone.