Philippines to Host Second High-Level Regional Meeting on MEPSEAS

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bringing together heads of maritime agencies from participating International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States, the Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), will host the Second High-Level Regional Meeting on Marine Environment Protection of the Southeast Asian Seas (MEPSEAS) in Manila, Philippines on 27 to 29 August 2019.

The IMO and the MEPSEAS International Consultants will lead the session and will provide updates regarding the MEPSEAS Project website, initial steps undertaken to capacitate countries in implementing the provisions and requirement of the Conventions, results of Train the Trainers (TTT) held in Singapore last 28 to 30 May 2019, and initial delivery of the training modules covering the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Convention and MARPOL Annex V.

Delegates from the participating beneficiary countries will likewise present the development and adoption of their respective National Action Plans (NAPs), including successes and challenges in completing the NAP activities related to the accession of the chosen IMO Conventions.

Moreover, the strategic partners will present relevant activities and programs, which support the objectives of the MEPSEAS Project, and will also explore possible areas of collaboration and modalities by which to pursue cooperation.

The Second High-Level Regional Meeting will be attended by delegates from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as strategic partners from the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), Women in Maritime – Asia and Philippines, Tokyo MOU Regional Port State Control Organization, ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Chair’s representative, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and Maritime Technology Cooperation Center (MTCC) Asia.

As host country, the Philippine delegation will be composed of representatives from different departments and agencies that are identified important in giving full and complete effect to the Conventions. They are the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environment Management Bureau (DENR – EMB), DENR – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR – BMB), Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, Office of the President – Presidential Legislative Affairs, Filipino Shipowners Association, and International Maritime Association of the Philippines.

The MEPSEAS Project is a 4-year project (2018-2021) of the IMO in cooperation with the Norwegian Agency for the Development (NORAD) providing assistance to East Asian countries in ratifying and implementing IMO Instruments for the protection of the marine environment. It aims to reduce the risks and impacts of environmental issues related to maritime transport in the ASEAN region. It supports the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 – to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”.

Should Media Accept Tokens of Aporeciation in Exchange of Their Service?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As a member of the media, whether its traditional like TV, radio and print, or the new and better online media which includes blogs and social media, should you expect to receive, or demand, something in exchange of a coverage, feature or write-up ?

The reason why traditional media is being accused of being paid purveyor of fake and biased news is mainly because they accept what could be called honorarium, talent fee, tokens, loot bags or complimentary gifts, etc. because admit it or not, our stories could be greatly influenced by perks, freebies and privileges especially if they are of considerable value. Of course you would feel somewhat obligated to be at his goid side thus giving him or her a better side of the story.

It has been a common practice especially at gatherings like events, presscons, media launches, etc., that the PR or company would provide something in return for the media's attendance, but this culture has worsen because many media would not put out your story if they don't get something in return. Others would not show or publish if there is no money involved. That is why many would try their best to pamper them with everything to make their visit worth their time. So aside from their salaries with their respective media outfits, media people also gain something when assigned to field duty...or receive gifts too when guests visit their studio for promotion or interview.

Don't you think the media should also be like government employees that are prohibited from accepting gifts or any form of "thank you" for a job well done?

Our decisions should not be influenced. All kinds of "extra" compensation or a show of gratitude could corrupt us to the favor of the more generous. Just as how bloggers and media would prefer attending events organized by those known for giving out better "tokens of appreciation".

Digital Promotion & Online Influencers Forum 2019

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The local influencer industry rates peg the rates of micro-influencer — accounts with 10,000 to 100,000 followers — between P20,000 to P40,000 per post, while nano-influencers  (who have 1,000 to 10,000 followers) are paid P5,000 to P10,000 per post." - GMA News

Those figures sort of motivates you to try becoming an influencer, but if youbare already among those, you may be wonderibg why you are not getting as much as what was pegged per number of followers, or maybe puzzled why you haven't reached those numbers yet to proudly flaunt that you are an influencer already.

The word Influencer had been used by many.  It is one of the most sought-after status for Vloggers, Bloggers, Instagrammers, YouTubers, and other online creators because within it is the connection to various brands and products.  But are influencers really just based on numbers or are we not seeing the reality of the term.

Do you think you are an influencer?

What does it take to be a “real” influencer?

Does number of followers, subscribers, etc matter in being an influencer?

For the past decade, we have witnessed how social media grew rapidly in importance. 40 %, if not more, of the world’s population actively use social media. I believe those who are not yet in social media are those who are still unable to purchase a smartphone, or have no Internet access at the far-flung areas where telcos have not penetrated yet.

Influencers in social media are people who have built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a particular topic. They make regular posts about that topic on their preferred  social media channels and generate large followings of enthusiastic engaged people who pay close attention to their views.

The bulk of social influencer marketing today occurs in social media, predominantly with micro influencers, and blogging. Industry experts and thought leaders such as journalists can also be considered influencers and hold an important position for brands. Then there are celebrities. These were the original influencers, and they still have a role to play, although their importance as influencers is waning.

Bloggers and influencers in social media (predominantly micro-bloggers) have the most authentic and active relationships with their fans. Brands are now recognizing and encouraging this.

Brands love social media influencers because they can create trends and encourage their followers to buy products they promote.

Without any doubt, people look up to influencers in social media to guide them with their decision making.

The influencers have the power to affect purchase decisions of others because of his/her authority, knowledge, position or relationship with his/her audience."

"Influencer marketing will stay, despite the criticisms, the value of Influencers on Social media marketing will continue to rise and over time brands would realize the effect of influencers on their marketing.

The value of bloggers, vloggers  and online strategists will increase- globally. But before that will happen- Influencers need to improve content, strategies and ways of connecting with the audience- it means creating meaningful, useful and purposeful content.

Is your blog content making any sense? Is it helping anyone in your community right  now? Is it highlighting an important service, business or information? 20 years from now will your videos matter? Will your website articles create value for small and big businesses in the long run? When coming up with content make sure to strive for longevity- the content should remain relevant, the words used should be hyper targeted. Only Influencers worthy content will win- time to ask yourself if your content is helping a specific type of industry.

Influencer marketing will become a Billion Dollar Industry but only for those who create the right content and for those who influence correctly."

It is a perfect time to witness the gathering of digital story tellers and

Get to know our moderators and panelists at the Online Influencers Forum on August 30 at 10am happening at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall

Meet them personally at the event as they share their own insights on the benefits of online influencers to brands or businesse

The forum is brought to you by Ex-Link Events and Wazzup Pilipinas as part of the 10th run of the Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs Expo

#OnlineInfluencersForum #WazzupPilipinas #PBEX