DOST-SEI names qualifiers to the 2023 JLSS

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A new batch of third year students enrolled in priority science and technology programs are set to enjoy the benefits of being a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar as DOST-Science Education Institute announces 2,669 qualifiers to the 2023 Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS).

The new qualifiers bested a total of 12,566 examinees who took the scholarship examination on August 27, 2023 held in various testing centers nationwide. On top of the announced number, 331 more potential qualifiers—whose names do not appear in the published list—are also under consideration for the JLSS, pending re-evaluation and resubmission of documents.

In a statement, DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo expressed her enthusiasm and pride in welcoming the new batch of scholars.

“We are delighted to welcome these young talents who have shown high potential in science and technology. They shall join the future S&T movers and leaders of our nation, and their innovative contributions can be instrumental in achieving inclusive development for our country. We are happy to support them in their remaining two or three years in college," said Dr. Biyo.

Qualifiers who will avail of the scholarship will enjoy benefits, which include tuition and other school fees subsidy, monthly stipends, learning materials and/or connectivity allowance, thesis allowance, transportation allowance, group health and accident insurance, beginning the first semester of the academic year 2023-2024,

The JLSS has three component programs, namely: the Merit Scholarship (R.A. No. 2067), R.A. No. 7687 or the “S&T Scholarship Act of 1994,” and the R.A. No. 10612 or the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013.” The Merit and the R.A. 7687 scholarship programs are implemented in support of the Institute’s goal of increasing the number of S&T professionals and experts who will help boost knowledge creation and economic productivity in the country. The RA 10612 scholarship program, on the other hand, supports the execution of the K to 12 law by creating a pool of scholar-graduates who can competently teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in secondary education.

A Notice of Award will be given to all qualifiers, while the potential qualifiers will receive an official advisory on the requirements they must resubmit. The qualifiers, with their parents/legal guardians, must attend the Orientation on S&T Scholarship Policies and Procedures. After which, they are expected to sign the scholarship agreement.

“The JLSS, along with the other S&T scholarship programs we administer, is a testament of the Institute's commitment to developing the country's pool of high-quality S&T human resources which can ultimately lead to the advancement of the nation. We will continue to empower them through the various support programs we offer while they enjoy the scholarship to ensure that they are well-equipped when they join the S&T workforce,” Dr. Biyo added.

Upon completion of their degree programs, scholars under the Merit and RA 7687 programs are required to work along their fields of specialization in the country for a period equivalent to the length of years in which they enjoyed the scholarship. Meanwhile, the graduates under the RA 10612 are expected to teach STEM, ideally in their respective home regions, as their return service.

The SEI is a service agency of the DOST mandated to accelerate the development of S&T human resources in the country by administering undergraduate and graduate scholarships and advanced specialized training, promoting S&T culture, and developing innovative science education programs.



More information about the DOST-SEI programs and projects can be accessed through the Institute’s website, www.sei.dost.gov.ph.

Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Silent Drill Exhibition at Rizal Park Luneta

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Come and witness the much-awaited military drills at Rizal Park Luneta, highlighting the Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Silent Drill Exhibition!

Military drill is the preparation of the troops for their duties through the performance of prescribed movements to improve the unit's solidarity and efficiency. The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony where the incoming honor guards exchange duty with the outgoing honor guards assigned at the Rizal Monument, Rizal Park Luneta. On the other hand, the Silent Drill Exhibition displays a highly disciplined platoon that performs calculated and synchronized drill demonstrations using their rifles without the need for a spoken order.

The Silent Drill Exhibition will be held behind the Rizal Monument, on 12 November 2023 (Sunday), 4:00 PM; while the Changing of the Guard Ceremony will be on 26 November 2023 (Sunday), 4:00 PM at the Rizal Monument. These formal rites will be performed by the respective members of the Philippine Marine Corps




See you in Rizal Park Luneta!



#RizalParkLuneta #SilentDrillExhibition #ChangingOfTheGuardCeremony

UnionBank unveils Digital Solutions that help build Businesses for Beyond Spearheading innovation in transaction banking

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Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) embarked on a digital transformation journey in 2016, long before the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital readiness. 

This forward-thinking approach has enabled UnionBank to position itself as a digital trailblazer in the financial sector, allowing them to scale their operations efficiently and stay ahead of the curve.

One of the most striking aspects of UnionBank's digital transformation is the overhaul of their customer touchpoints. The bank has gone the extra mile to provide a seamless and enhanced experience for its customers: from transforming physical branches into today’s ‘Arks’ — advanced, digitally-integrated spaces catering to customers’ various needs — to developing user-friendly, online banking applications which allow them to conveniently access their accounts and manage their finances within the comforts of their homes, and even the creation of a specialized platform which addresses the unique needs of corporate clients. UnionBank’s tailored approach is an excellent demonstration of the bank’s commitment to meeting the diverse requirements of its customer base, as it embraces the advantages of the digital age.

UnionBank's core strength lies in transaction banking, with 51% of their deposits originating from corporate clients, surpassing the industry benchmark of 45%. The adept manner in which they handle their transaction banking processes has led to quicker and more secure financial transactions, and has earned the trust of their corporate clients in the process.

Unionbank recognizes the evolving business landscape and is committed to helping other enterprises succeed in the digital age by ushering in a new era of innovative transaction banking solutions. Unionbank aims to empower businesses — to be built for beyond.

PayExpress

A first of its kind, PayExpress, is an electronic supplier payment solution with automated Check Disbursements and Creditable Withholding Tax (CWT) Generation. Unionbank understands the significance of streamlining supplier payments and enhancing efficiency — and PayExpress does just that. It allows clients to conveniently manage transactions by collecting Official Receipts (ORs) from suppliers and vendors prior to disbursing or crediting payments. 

What sets PayExpress apart is its immediate generation of Creditable Withholding Tax (CWT) and Invoice Vouchers, sent directly to nominated email addresses of suppliers and vendors, once the ORs are collected and funds are credited to payees.

PayExpress complements the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) forward-looking strategy to adopt an e-Invoicing and e-Receipt System. The initiative is a significant step in the modernization of the country's tax documentation processes. By providing a secure and efficient platform for collecting Official Receipts (ORs) and generating essential documents like Creditable Withholding Tax (CWT) and Invoice Vouchers, PayExpress helps businesses seamlessly adapt to these evolving tax regulations. This alignment not only simplifies tax compliance but also contributes to the overall transparency and efficiency of financial operations.

Payroll Digital Account Opening (eDAO)

Say goodbye to in-person bank visits when setting up payroll accounts with Unionbank’s Payroll Digital Account Opening (eDAO). eDAO is a solution which provides efficient, paperless, and fully-digital end-to-end ePaycard payroll and corporate disbursement solution for corporate clients to their employees. Corporations can now efficiently distribute salaries, while offering an array of value-added benefits to their employees allowing them to open an account at the convenience in their own home.

Moreover, eDAO also complements the upcoming Bank Account Portability For Workers Act (Hb7619), granting private sector employees the prerogative to select and change their preferred bank accounts, thereby liberating them from the constraints of a one-size-fits-all banking system.

In essence, eDAO not only simplifies the account setup process for corporations; it also positions UnionBank as a forward-thinking institution aligned with legislative changes aimed at enhancing the financial flexibility and convenience of employees.

Remote Check Deposit

Remote Check Deposit (RCD), redefines the way checks are deposited. With RCD, corporate clients can effortlessly use a check scanner to deposit a hundred checks at a time online, eliminating the need for branch visits. All they need to do is upload the images along with the check details on The Portal, and UnionBank will take care of the rest — from validating the submitted images and details to depositing the approved checks. RCD supports deposits of both current-dated and post-dated checks, with a cap of PhP20,000,000. Clients can conveniently track their status online, from warehousing to clearance and return. RCD also provides a clear display of cleared and bounced checks, making it a cutting-edge innovation in check payments, perfectly complementing the bank’s mobile check deposit service

Mobile Check Deposit

The implementation of the Check Image Clearing System, adopted by the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) in 2017, marked a significant advancement in the modernization of banking processes. This innovation eliminated the need for physically transporting checks for clearing, as only check images and their electronic payment information were required to be transmitted to the paying bank. In tandem with advancements in mobile technology, UnionBank introduced its award-winning Mobile Check Deposit (MCD) in 2020, effectively reshaping the operational landscape for business clients. MCD capitalizes on the prevalence of the most commonly used gadget – a smartphone — by allowing corporate clients to conveniently deposit checks at their preferred time and place, thereby overcoming the limitations of having to visit traditional physical counters and embracing the convenience of a digital interface.

The PORTAL

All these cutting-edge transaction banking solutions are all conveniently accessible through a single platform known as "The Portal”. This one stop shop corporate banking facility offers corporate clients seamless access to UnionBank's extensive array of products and services, making it the go-to choice for large corporate entities seeking a convenient, secure, and efficient solution for their day-to-day financial transactions.

The future of banking is here, and UnionBank remains dedicated to elevate businesses’ transaction banking experience through its continuous pursuit of innovative solutions.

About UnionBank

UnionBank has always been among the first to embrace technological innovations to empower its customers into the future of banking. It has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies, ranking among the country’s top universal banks in terms of profitability and tech efficiency.

UnionBank stands firm in its promise to power the future of banking through "Tech-Up Pilipinas" to best serve the growing needs of Filipinos everywhere, while pioneering innovations for a better world.