PDRF gets P55M grant from AU for tech equipment for use
in emergency response
THE Australian Government has awarded the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) a P55M grant to implement the Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response (REACHED) Project in climate-vulnerable local government units (LGUs) of Butuan, Agusan del Norte, Virac, Catanduanes, and Borongan, Samar. The technology-based project involves equipment, software and platforms designed to speed up response to emergencies.
During the briefing, PDRF used the opportunity to report on the widespread flooding in MIMAROPA, Central Luzon, and Ilocos, with landslides reported in the Cordillera Administrative Region. PDRF member companies like Manila Water and Maynilad are monitoring dams and rivers, while McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen and Jollibee Foods Corporation were able to provide hot meals to evacuation centers in affected areas. PLDT and Smart sent rice and hygiene kits, and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. dispatched a team to distribute relief goods in Northern Luzon from various foundations.
“Typhoon Egay’s destructive swath through the northern Philippines is a reminder of how critical telecommunications are during a crisis. Our thanks to the Australian government for their support. May Project REACHED help make life safer for the people of Butuan, Virac, and Borongan–three cities that are frequently hit by storms,” Rene “Butch” Meily, PDRF President said.
The Project REACHED, launched at PDRF’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Pampanga, is a two-year program that addresses the challenge of establishing communications after major disasters. Its goal is to equip select LGUs with the necessary equipment and training to maintain communication during and after calamities, facilitating coordinated response and recovery operations.
The LGUs of Butuan, Virac, and Borongan were chosen based on their vulnerability to typhoons, economic revenue, population, resources, and competitive index resilience score. The project will leverage public-private partnerships and involve collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Office of Civil Defense, World Food Programme, Globe Telecom, and PLDT-Smart.
This investment aimed mostly at technology used in managing disasters under is in Project REACHED, an integral part of Australia’s development assistance in the Philippines, aiming to bolster local resilience to natural disasters.
“Building long-term disaster and climate resilience has been a key priority for Australia in the Philippines. We recognize that natural disasters and climate change are ‘threat multipliers’ that disproportionately affect the weakest and most vulnerable sectors of society. By investing in resilient emergency communications, we can save countless lives and prevent vulnerable communities from experiencing even more difficulties and hardships,” Thanh Le PSM, Counsellor Development of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines concluded.
Strengthening OFW ties with exclusive deals
from PLDT Global’s TINBO
Aligned with the Philippine government’s goal to uplift the lives of overseas Filipinos and their families back home, PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), through its platform TINBO (Tindahan ni Bossing) is launching a series of promos for existing and new users. This promo is available to TINBO users abroad.
Overseas Filipino workers will be entitled to a reduced transaction fee on TINBO’s bills payment service — a 50 percent price cut on the transaction fee will be enjoyed by OFWs when they pay abroad their family’s electricity, water, and internet bills in the Philippines via the TINBO portal.
“For Filipinos overseas, every peso counts. We understand their plight and we hope that through the products and services under TINBO, we can help them manage their finances better. We are also working very closely with the Department of Migrant Workers in bringing digital services closer to our fellow Filipinos abroad, and TINBO is one platform that allows us to reach them and uplift their lives,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global.
TINBO is the one-stop gateway for digital services powered by PLDT Online Inc. (PLDT Online)–a wholly owned subsidiary of PLDT Global, the international sales and marketing arm of the Philippines’ leading telco network PLDT Inc.
With TINBO, Filipinos overseas can buy load, data packages, and even gaming PINs for their families in the Philippines. They can also subscribe to a Smart Virtual Number via TINBO and conveniently pay abroad their Philippine utilities and government billers, access digital banking needs via Maya, and enjoy other digital services while outside the Philippines.
Filipinos abroad can also purchase and send Magic Data+ 149 to their family and loved ones in the Philippines through TINBO and the recipient gets free All Out Surf P20 on top of their package. The Magic Data+ 149 comes with 2GB data for all sites and apps plus 50-minute calls and 50 SMS to all networks with no expiry. The All Out Surf comes with 150MB data plus 100MB per day for Facebook, unlimited texts to all networks, and 20 minutes of calls to Smart and TNT.
“Connectivity — whether through voice, SMS, or data — is very important especially for OFWs who are away from their families back home. These special promos will allow them to be involved in the everyday needs and activities of their families, strengthening their relationships despite the distance,” said Edith Gomez-Cudiamat, VP & Head of PLDT Global Operations.
TINBO is another innovation that contributes to the overall PLDT Group commitment to create digital solutions and collaborate with partners, to enhance customer experience wherever they are in the world.
Philippine Airlines enters Web3 with exclusive collection
EIGHT decades since being established as Asia’s first airline, Philippine Airlines makes history anew with a collection of Limited Digital Collectibles. Offered in partnership with Philippine Blockchain Week, the country’s premiere blockchain event, the collection pays tribute to PAL history while showcasing the airline’s dedication to embracing the future.
Comprising eight unique images designed by artist Trace Orozco, and minted on the Ethereum blockchain platform, each PAL collectible is a highly detailed work of art aimed at discerning collectors. In addition to the art, each collectible is encoded with $1,500 worth of Mabuhay Miles (consumable) that can be redeemed at the owner’s convenience.
To continue their digital journey, buyers will receive a Philippine Blockchain Week VVIP ticket every year for the next three years, granting them premium access to global thought leaders in a technology that is changing the world.
Bringing together practitioners, enthusiasts, and experts from all over the world, the 2023 Blockchain Week conference will take place at the Marriott Grand Ballroom from September 19 to 21 under the theme, BRKOUT. This year’s event will also feature a number of groundbreaking real-world applications for blockchain technology, including a one-of-a-kind Michael Cinco Metaverse Fashion Gala where attendees will be invited to partake of the designer’s first-ever NFT collection.
As Philippine Airlines continues to soar to greater heights by growing its global network of nonstop flights, so does Philippine Blockchain Week work to elevate Philippine society by motivating Filipinos to embrace the infinite possibilities of Web3 and beyond.
For more information on the Philippine Airlines x Philippine Blockchain Week Limited Digital Collectibles, visit https://opensea.io/collection/
Lionsgate Play redefines its entertainment experience
in South Asia with new brand identity
WITH its roar of success echoing louder than ever, Lionsgate Play, the global entertainment brand that offers specially curated premium content, has unveiled its revamped brand identity across South Asian markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. Inspired by the concept of a prism, the platform’s new logo reveals multiple perspectives, conveying the diverse narratives of
Lionsgate Play and its multifaceted approach to storytelling. The prismatic concept allows for a fluid transition in and out of the brand’s new hero color: teal, maintaining the cinematic appeal and highlighting a bold new endeavor. Aligned with its refreshed identity, Lionsgate Play will continue strengthening its connection with the viewers and offering a seamless entertainment experience that they can trust.
As a brand that believes in standing up for what is right and taking the road less traveled to attain its goals, Lionsgate Play is fearlessly committed to its core values of being relentlessly brave, innately inclusive, purposely provocative, creatively empowering, and authentically engaging. The brand’s voice is not just what they say, but how they say it, which is consistent, cohesive, recognizable, and unique, enabling them to communicate and connect with its audience, fostering trust and familiarity. Along with its revamped identity, Lionsgate Play will also focus on bringing forth an advanced user interface, enhancing the consumer experience with seamless navigation, faster app loading time, and an overall increase in stability promising a polished look and feel when streaming content.
“As a brand, Lionsgate Play not only provides opportunities for a range of voices to be expressed, but it seeks to present characters with complexity and depth. The new identity represents innovation, energy, and excitement; the perfect embodiment of all that we aim to achieve for the brand. Through this refreshed identity, our goal is to provide premium content that is consistent, original, and bold. We hope our efforts appeal to the viewers and showcase the true essence of what Lionsgate Play is about,” Rohit Jain, President, Lionsgate Play Asia said, sharing his thoughts on the same issue.
Lionsgate Play is a global entertainment brand offering premium content at a fair price – we tell stories that embrace unique perspectives and broaden the horizons of our viewers. As Lionsgate Play continues to strengthen its presence across South Asia, our new brand identity will stand testament to present bold, diverse, and captivating narratives that resonate with audiences. The brand refresh reflects the brand’s core values – relentlessly brave, innately inclusive, purposely proactive, creatively empowering, and authentically engaging. It is multifaceted in its approach to storytelling, and this is where we draw our inspiration, providing audiences with the best viewing experience.
“Lionsgate Play is a global entertainment brand offering premium content at a fair price – we tell stories that embrace unique perspectives and broaden the horizons of our viewers. As Lionsgate Play continues to strengthen its presence across South Asia, our new brand identity will stand testament to present bold, diverse, and captivating narratives that resonate with audiences. The brand refresh reflects the brand’s core values – relentlessly brave, innately inclusive, purposely proactive, creatively empowering, and authentically engaging. It is multifaceted in its approach to storytelling, and this is where we draw our inspiration, providing audiences with the best viewing experience,” Amit Dhanuka, Executive Vice President of Lionsgate commented.
