Hashtags 101

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Hashtags are a ubiquitous feature of social media platforms that are used to group together posts and facilitate content discovery. They have become so popular that they have now made their way into mainstream culture, appearing in everything from TV commercials to clothing lines. In this article, we will explore what hashtags are, how they work, and how they can be used effectively.

What are hashtags? A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol. It is used to categorize content on social media platforms and to make it easier for users to find posts related to a specific topic. When a user clicks on a hashtag, they are taken to a page that displays all the posts that have used that particular hashtag.

How do hashtags work? Hashtags are created by users when they post content on social media platforms. The hashtag can be placed anywhere in the post, but it is most commonly found at the end. When a user clicks on a hashtag, they are taken to a page that displays all the posts that have used that particular hashtag.

Hashtags can be used on a variety of social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Each platform has its own guidelines and best practices for using hashtags effectively.

Why use hashtags? Hashtags are a powerful tool for content discovery and engagement. By using hashtags, users can increase the visibility of their posts and reach a wider audience. Hashtags also make it easier for users to find and connect with others who share their interests.

Hashtags can also be used to track the success of a social media campaign. By monitoring the use of a specific hashtag, marketers can measure the reach and engagement of their content.

How to use hashtags effectively

Research and choose relevant hashtags: Research the most relevant hashtags for your content and include them in your post. This will help your post to be discovered by users who are interested in that particular topic.


Keep it simple: Use clear and concise hashtags that are easy to read and remember. Avoid using long, complicated hashtags that are difficult to type or remember.


Use trending hashtags: Stay up-to-date with trending hashtags and incorporate them into your content when relevant. This will help your post to be discovered by users who are following that particular trend.


Limit the number of hashtags: While it may be tempting to use as many hashtags as possible, it is generally recommended to limit the number of hashtags to 2-3 per post. Too many hashtags can make your post appear spammy and can decrease engagement.


Be creative: Don't be afraid to create your own hashtags that are unique to your brand or content. This can help to increase brand recognition and encourage user-generated content.

In conclusion, hashtags are a powerful tool for content discovery and engagement on social media platforms. By using relevant hashtags, keeping it simple, and being creative, users can increase the visibility of their content and reach a wider audience. As social media continues to evolve, hashtags are likely to remain an essential part of the social media landscape.

Marites: The art of rumor mongering in the Philippines

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Rumor mongering, also known as gossiping or spreading rumors, is a common social phenomenon that involves the spreading of unverified or false information about a person, group, or event. It is a form of communication that often involves negative or salacious content and can have serious consequences for individuals or groups who are targeted.

Rumor mongering can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and online communities. It can take many forms, such as verbal gossip, written messages, or online posts. Rumors often spread quickly and can be difficult to contain, particularly in today's interconnected world where social media and instant messaging platforms allow for the rapid dissemination of information.

One of the main reasons why people engage in rumor mongering is the desire for social connection and validation. Sharing gossip or rumors can be a way to bond with others and feel part of a social group. Rumor mongering can also be motivated by a desire to gain power or influence, as spreading false information can be used to manipulate or control others.

However, the consequences of rumor mongering can be significant and damaging. Spread of rumors can harm the reputation and credibility of individuals or organizations, and can lead to loss of trust and respect. It can also create a toxic environment of suspicion and distrust, leading to social isolation and exclusion. In some cases, rumors can even lead to physical harm or violence.

To prevent rumor mongering, it is important to foster a culture of respect and open communication. Encouraging people to speak directly to one another, rather than spreading information through third parties, can help to reduce misunderstandings and false information. Promoting fact-checking and verification of information can also help to combat the spread of rumors.

It is not accurate to say that all Filipinos are fond of spreading rumors, as generalizations about an entire population can be misleading and inaccurate. However, like any other society, there may be individuals in the Filipino community who engage in spreading rumors.

The reasons for why people spread rumors can vary depending on the individual's motives and context. Some people may spread rumors as a means of gaining attention, feeling a sense of power or control, or to manipulate or harm others. In some cases, rumors may also be spread due to a lack of information or understanding about a particular situation.

It's important to note that the behavior of spreading rumors is not unique to the Filipino culture, as it can be observed in many societies across the world. Rather than making sweeping generalizations about an entire culture, it's more accurate to recognize that the behavior of spreading rumors is a complex and multifaceted issue that can be influenced by a range of factors.

Rumor mongering is a common social phenomenon that involves the spreading of unverified or false information about a person, group, or event. It can have serious consequences for individuals and groups, including damage to reputation and credibility, social exclusion, and even physical harm. It is important to foster a culture of respect and open communication to prevent the spread of rumors and encourage fact-checking and verification of information.

Morong, Rizal is first LGU to use Next Generation 911 Emergency Communication System

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The citizens of Morong, Rizal will be the first beneficiaries in the country of the most advanced 911 emergency communication system available in the world. The Morong LGU signed an agreement today with NGA 911 (Next Generation Advanced 911) to provide it with the state-of-the-art, next generation emergency response system. NGA 911 Philippines is the local subsidiary of NGA, a multinational corporation headquartered in California, USA.

The new system will replace the 55-year old technology in use today so that Morong's ability to respond to fires, accidents, crimes, medical emergencies and other crises is super fast and accurate. The system will run despite challenges from strong typhoons, earthquakes or other calamities.

LGUs must prioritize public safety, emergency response, says Mayor.

Citizens of Morong, Rizal will now find it easy to call for help and expect instant response from their local government during disasters and other types of emergencies.

Mayor Sidney B. Soriano, Vice Mayor Jose Fred Feliciano, Jr., and other key municipal officials signed an agreement on April 24, 2023 with Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) that made Morong the first LGU to use advanced, next-generation digital technology for emergency communication and public safety services.

The second-class municipality with over 70,000 residents has assigned NGA - Philippines, a local subsidiary of NGA, a multinational corporation headquartered in California USA, to provide Morong with complete solutions that will enable the LGU to respond to emergencies, save lives and secure property in the fastest possible time.

Known globally as the innovator of the emergency calling technology, NGA is the leader in Next Generation 911 emergency communications. NGA provides an advanced emergency communications system that can provide faster and more accurate emergency responses to people in need. This system is critical in times of crisis, where time is of the essence, and accurate information can be the difference between life and death.

This technology is used in the United States, and it has proven to be a game-changer in emergency communications. The system uses internet protocol (IP) technology to transmit voice, text, and video messages between callers and emergency responders. It can also provide real-time data on the location and condition of callers, which can help first responders make more informed decisions in emergency situations. This is the only true cloud-based NG 9-1-1 solution operating on the Amazon Web Service (AWS) Cloud platform uses a robust and resilient Internet Protocol (IP) backbone that will replace the decades-old 911 infrastructure and turn emergency communication into Next Generation 911.

The digital-led system will enhance the LGU’s response capabilities with faster reaction time, accurate location tracking, consolidation of communication channels, call routing, collaboration and mapping and thus help save Morong residents’ lives,” said NGA Philippines Country Manager Robert Andrew Llaguno.

“Its IoT (internet of things) capabilities allows interaction beyond regular devices like smart phones, desktops and gadgets. It allows seamless integration with public safety technology and systems like CCTVs, two-way radio, and social media apps to provide front liners with valuable information, resulting to better situational awareness and quicker, more efficient response.”

Llaguno added that the system gathers information and stores everything in an unlimited fully-recorded environment complete with audit trail, dashboards, and logs. The data is secured by NGA 911’s international standards-compliant Next Generation and Cybersecurity capabilities and helps the LGU improve the speed and quality of its response.

Even the hearing-impaired can make efficient use of the system, Llaguno said. A Real Time Text (RTT) feature makes it easy for both callers and call receivers to report incidents, so those in danger need not do voice calls to report a crime, accident or emergency, making them feel safe and more secure in challenging situations.

While Morong, Rizal already has an Operations Center in place, the municipality’s current system will benefit from the advanced technology that will make coordination and response to emergencies at the soonest possible time.

“We are partnering with NGA 911 to equip our public safety officers with a system that will enable them to provide immediate emergency assistance and help us adapt to the ever-changing landscape of public safety. Quick response is valuable because the equivalent of every second can be life or death. Whether the emergency is medical, fire, crime or accident, we need to provide fast and effective response. The NGA 911 Call Handling System will let us respond faster and more efficiently. Finally, our constituents are going to get the peace of mind they deserve,” noted Mayor Soriano.

Mayor Soriano enjoined other LGUs to prioritize public safety and follow suit. “We set an example here today for other municipalities and cities to follow. Let’s prioritize public safety and invest in the future of our communities.”

“The implementation of NG911 technology in the Philippines could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response systems in the country. We are using Next Generation 911 Technology currently being implemented across the United States. With Mr. Soriano’s leadership and support, we are confident that we can make this a reality and provide better emergency services to the Filipinos.” said Ishka Villacisneros, Chief Financial Officer of NGA in the United States.

At the contract signing, Mr. Llaguno briefed guests on the features and interface of the groundbreaking technology and demonstrated how the system works and delivers on its promise.

For more information, visit facebook.com/nga911ph and nga911.ph.