“The Last Mile Photo Exhibition” – A message of hope and solidarity in the face of disasters

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Exhibition open for viewing until 30 November

The Last Mile Photo Exhibit is anchored on creating awareness of the impact brought by Typhoon Odette (Rai) one year after it hit the country, and EU’s and humanitarian organizations’ relief efforts and ongoing programs to help rebuild communities.

The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and its humanitarian aid partners, together with S Maison and SM, are bringing “The Last Mile” photo exhibition to S Maison, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. It was inaugurated on 24 November at S Maison, SM Mall of Asia by H. E. Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines and Mr Hans Sy Jr, President, SM Engineering Design and Development and Ms Millie Dizon Senior VP of Marketing & Communications of SM and EU’s humanitarian aid partners.

Mr. Hans Sy Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development; Millie Dizon, SM senior VP of Marketing & Communications, and H.E., Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The exhibition offers snapshots of the different phases of the EU’s relief and early recovery operations following the passage of typhoon Odette over Surigao Del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Negros Occidental and Palawan, in December 2021.

Highly destructive typhoons and other extreme weather phenomena such as super typhoon Odette are expected to become more frequent due to global warming, as it was made very clear by the scientists and UN and country representatives gathered at the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh just a few days ago.

Ambassador Véron said “The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons, flooding and earthquakes. The exhibition wants to be a message of hope, a reminder of our humanitarian obligation to save lives and help communities recover from natural disasters like Odette.”

In the parlance of humanitarians, the “last mile” is the final stage of the humanitarian relief chain, in which we make sure that we reach those most vulnerable wherever they are.

 EU Ambassador Luc Véron, with Erika Geronimo and Rhoda Avila of Oxfam Pilipinas.

The exhibition pays homage of the work of humanitarian workers in providing live-saving assistance in the aftermath of disasters and in helping communities recover. It also highlights the importance of preparedness, which was crucial in limiting the number of fatalities of a super typhoon such as Odette. Lastly, the exhibition is an expression of sympathy towards the victims of Odette and other disasters.

The exhibition features images captured by organizations who implemented the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU-ECHO) emergency response for the survivors of Typhoon Odette: ACCORD, Action Against Hunger, Care Philippines, Humanity & Inclusion, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., National Rural Women’s Coalition, Oxfam Pilipinas, Plan International, Save the Children Philippines, Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT) Inc, Community Organizers Multiversity, and United Youth of the Philippines-Women.

The exhibition was first presented in Siargao in August 2022. It will be open for viewing at S Maison, SM Mall of Asia until 30 November 2022.

MERALCO reaffirms support for DOTr infra projects

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The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) committed anew its support for the government’s transportation infrastructure development efforts crucial to the country’s pandemic recovery and economic growth.

DOTr Sec. Jaime J. Bautista (5th from left) and Meralco President and CEO Atty Ray C. Espinosa (5th from right) led officials DOTr and Meralco officials in a strategic meeting to advance the government’s infrastructure development efforts.

In a meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa affirmed the power distributor’s assistance through continuing pole relocation and energization activities in support of the agency’s ongoing and planned transportation projects geared towards greatly benefiting the public.

“As the country’s largest power distribution utility, Meralco is cognizant of the importance of stable and reliable electric service in the timely completion and effective operations of DOTr’s infrastructure projects. The government can always count on Meralco’s continued and full support for these initiatives which will help spur the Philippines’ post-pandemic recovery and renewed drive towards economic progress,” Atty. Espinosa said.

Among the new transportation projects requiring substantial power supply are the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Packages 2 and 3, North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension from Calamba to Batangas; MRT-4; LRT-2 East Cogeo Extension; LRT-2 West Extension; LRT-6 Cavite Line A; MRT-7 Extension Project; EDSA Greenways; EDSA Bus Rapid Transit-Busway Concourse; Pasig River Expressway; Southern Access Link Expressway; and Northern Access Link.

Meralco is also currently undertaking a pole relocation project in support of the ongoing construction of NAIAxEDSA Tramo Connecting Ramp and Skyway Stage 4.

In May 2019, Meralco and DOTr signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) underscoring the parties’ close coordination for the timely completion of Common Station, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, PNR South Long Haul (from Manila to Sorsogon), and the three phases of North-South Commuter Railway System, namely PNR North 1 (from Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan), PNR North 2 (from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga), and PNR South Commuter (from Solis to Calamba, Laguna).

Meralco and DOTr are likewise working together to ensure the timely grant of necessary permits and rights-ofway (ROW), clearances, access and authority for properties within their jurisdiction, in order for Meralco to fully implement the related relocation projects and to continuously operate its electrical facilities.

Since 2020, Meralco has relocated more than 2,500 poles and has energized 21 facilities to support the government’s infrastructure projects.

“We are grateful to Meralco for their renewed commitment to support our projects. Long before these projects become operational, Meralco has been and remains a loyal partner in supplying power critical for these projects to prosper,” DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.

Beko Offers Sustainable Holiday Gift Ideas

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Filipinos love to share their blessings during the holidays and shopping for gifts—whether it is for family members and friends, the office exchange gift, or raffles—is always part of everyone’s Christmas preparations.

For holiday gifts, appliances that are environment-friendly, energy-efficient, and, most importantly, give us energy savings, are good choices.

Beko uses innovation to develop environment-friendly and energy-efficient products because the brand is guided by the belief that healthy living is possible on a healthy planet.

This holiday season, Beko is also giving away promos and discounts with their appliances.So if you’re still looking for gifts for the holiday season, worry no more as Beko has rounded up a list of ideas for you and your loved ones to enjoy a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle this Christmas!

Want To Get Into Healthy Living This Holiday Season? Check Out Beko’s Air Fryer!

You can relax while waiting for your food to be done, as the Beko FRL2942 (Beko Sends Love Promo Price: Php 3,321) has a fryer timer so whatever you’re cooking doesn’t get soggy. It also has an oil measurement spoon that enables you to measure how much oil to use, so your meat, chicken, and vegetables come out deliciously crisp and healthy.

Go For Beko’s Steam Irons When You’re In A Rush To Get A Gift For Your Christmas Party’s Exchange Gift

Consuming only 2200 - 2400 W, Beko SIM3122T and SIM3124D steam irons offer automatic shut-off, self-cleaning, and anti-drip features.

Get Beko SIM3122T for only Php1,431 (Beko Sends Love Promo Price) and the Beko SIM3124D for only Php1,791 (Beko Sends Love Price).

The Perfect Gift For Your Family Member Who Has Just Moved Houses

In need of a perfect Christmas and moving-in gift? Check out Beko’s cordless vacuum cleaners!

Enjoy up to an hour of intensive cleaning with the Beko VRT82821BV and VRT94929VI. Beko’s cordless vacuum cleaners have an ActiFlex function that lets the nozzle glide under furniture and hard-to-reach spots for thorough cleaning with minimal effort.

Enjoy cleaning with Beko VRT94929VI for only Php 16,791 (Beko Sends Love Promo Price) and with Beko VRT82821BV for only Php 13,491 (Beko Sends Love Promo Price).

The Perfect Christmas Raffle Gift Is A Coffee Maker

Need something for your Christmas raffle? Check out Beko’s espresso machines and coffee makers!

Coffee lovers will surely enjoy the Beko CEG5331X: Espresso Machine (19 Bar) as it also has an integrated milk frother that gives you the perfect cappuccino or cafe latte cup.

With the machine’s adjustable nozzle height, you can enjoy your espresso in different cup sizes, from small (40 mL) to medium (120 mL) to large (190 mL). It also has anti-sleep feet that secures the machine from falling.

You can also enjoy the aroma and richness of your coffee with the Beko CFM6401I: Filter Coffee Machine. You can increase the brewing intensity and extract more flavor from your coffee with a button.

The coffee machine also has the drip stop function, which allows you to drink the first drip of your coffee even when it’s still brewing.

Make your Christmas raffle more energetic and alive with the Beko CFM6401I for only Php2,061 (Beko Sends Love Promo Price) and the Beko CEG5331X for only Php21,591 (Beko Sends Love Promo Price).

Choosing Christmas gifts may take time and effort, but with Beko, you can make your holidays and a new year filled with steps towards a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bekoph and their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/bekoph/.

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ABOUT BEKO

Beko is the international home appliance brand of Arçelik, which is a multinational household appliances manufacturer that operates with 12 brands and employs over 40,000 people worldwide. It is one of the top three large home appliances brands in Europe* in the white goods sector.

Beko has been focusing on healthy living for years, raising awareness and developing products that make healthy living possible and convenient. Beko’s brand mission is ‘healthy living is only possible on a healthy planet’. Beko is committed to protecting the planet by designing and manufacturing energy-efficient products and investing in resource efficiency in production.

The brand has been in the Philippine Market for seven years and is currently available in select All Home, Anson’s, Appliance Cetrum, Asian Home Appliance, Automatic Center, Fair N Square, Goldtech (S&R), Great World, HAT, Lazada, Manila Imperial, Robinsons Appliance (Landers), Savers, Shopee, SM Appliance and Western Appliance. This year, Beko will be made available soon in other appliance stores nationwide as it continues to expand its distribution to other retail channels.

Beko is committed to protecting the planet by designing and manufacturing energy-efficient products and investing in resource efficiency in production.

For information, follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram or go to http://www.beko.ph.

Beko, Beko Pilipinas, Beko Pilipinas Corporation, Live Like A Pro, Home Appliances, European Appliances, Beko Sends Love This Christmas, Christmas Gift Ideas, Holidays

Home Credit brings home the power of gaming in Iloilo at UNICON 2022

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• Gaming essentials such as smartphones, laptops, and computers offered 0% interest at Home Credit’s 0% Interest Festival this holiday season

• Home Credit continues its commitment to empowering Filipino gamers and bringing the power closer to Ilonggos

Iloilo City, Philippines. November, 2022 – Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, partnered with ILO Esports, the only government-backed esports organization in the Philippines, for the United Iloilo Convention (UNICON 2022) – a gathering of e-games, toys, and cosplay enthusiasts in Western Visayas from October 29 to 30, 2022 at the SM City Iloilo Cyberzone.

UNICON 2022 featured a wide range of activities, including a toy convention, cosplay showcase, and e-games competition. Home Credit also set up an immersive and experiential where Ilonggos got to test top-of-the-line gadgets, played e-games with a live feed of the games on a massive LED screen, and tried out an augmented reality filter on Instagram.

Anchored on its #PlayLikeAPro campaign, Home Credit was able to showcase the best gaming smartphones, computers, and laptops, which can be purchased through its partner merchants in Iloilo City, such as Gadget Headz and Concept Computer Store.

“We at Home Credit wanted to bring home the power to Ilonggos for UNICON 2022 as part of our thrust to grow and nurture our communities across the Philippines. Esports has become a big community, and a big chunk of our customers get their smartphones and laptops through Home Credit, not only for online schooling or work but likewise for gaming,” shared Home Credit Philippines’ PR Manager, Russel Patina.

The UNICON 2022 was a weekend-long event that brought together the esports fever, with activities such as art and magic exhibits and video game duels like Tekken. A Yu-Gi-Oh! event, a cosplay parade, and a tournament took place during the second day of the event.

Display of gaming products that can be purchased through Home Credit at 0% Interest

“I would like to thank Home Credit for helping us organize this year’s UNICON. We wish and we aim that through this event, we’re able to unite the Ilonggos through games, cosplay, and collections,” shared ILO Esports’ Found and CEO, Jamar Montehermoso.

With its growing popularity, esports has become one of the most talked-about topics in the country. What was once a niche hobby has now evolved into a major sporting event, with pro teams being organized and sent out to represent the country in international competitions.

SEA Games athlete and digital content creator, Angel Danica Lozada, joined the fun in UNICON and hoped to fuel the esports victory amongst the Ilonggo youth

Angel Danica Lozada, aka Angelailaila, a League of Legends: Wild Rift player and former SEA Games representative, expressed her appreciation to Home Credit for holding the event and paving the way for gaming athletes and enthusiasts, as well as for promoting esports to the Ilonggo community.

“Through Home Credit and ILO Esports, I hope that more and more Filipino youth and Ilonggos will be encouraged to play and build an empowering esports community with us here in the Philippines. Like Home Credit, let’s bring the power and play like a pro,” shared Lozada.

Your gaming essentials at 0% Interest this holiday season!

As a holiday treat for Filipino customers, Home Credit launches The Great 0% Interest Festival with over 50,000 products offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide.

Grab the latest gaming computers, laptops, and mobile phones at 0% installments and bring home the power with Home Credit Philippines #HCGreatZeroFestival this holiday season!

What are you waiting for? Shop now via the My Home Credit app and visit its partner brands and retail stores near you. Shoppers can now experience The Great 0% Interest Festival and make the most affordable purchases until January 31!

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are encouraged to download the My Home Credit app on Google Play to know more about the latest promos and see what is new in the Marketplace.

How Philippines businesses can tighten up software supply chain against cyber attacks

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by Dean Vaughan, Vice President of Asia Pacific, Azul

In September 2022, Philippines Airlines lost the personal data of frequent flyers when its IT provider was hacked, adding yet another example of supply chain attacks that have bedeviled businesses globally in the past year.

The cyberattack on a third-party IT provider for the airline caused the names, birth dates, nationality, gender and points balance, among other details to be stolen.

Although it is unclear how the malicious actors managed to get into the victim’s systems, the incident once again reinforces the need to tighten up security against supply chain attacks.

For many of today’s IT systems, using third-party software in one form or another is inevitable, such is the interconnectedness of the Internet and the complexity of digital infrastructure.

An estimated 40% to 80% of the lines of code in software come from third parties such as libraries, components and software development kits. Unfortunately, they are one reason for the increased vulnerability of third-party production code that goes into digital services.

By 2025, 45% of organizations worldwide will have experienced attacks on their software supply chains, a three-fold increase from 2021, according to research firm Gartner.

Dean Vaughan, Vice President of Asia Pacific, Azul

A lack of visibility hampers defense

This is a problem facing any digital economy and the Philippines is no different as it delivers more services over digital channels in the years ahead. The way forward has to involve better detection of such vulnerabilities without impacting performance.

To begin, you can only defend against something if you know what you are up against. Since many organizations do not peer into the nuts and bolts of the many third-party programs they use, they often are working on the hope that the code is free from vulnerabilities.

Even with a vulnerability detection tool in place, many organizations fail to act on a threat, because alerts are often too general or unable to differentiate between production and non-production code. This means the work required to clean up an infected or vulnerable system is too broad to be undertaken by already beleaguered security and application teams.

Today, organizations continue to grapple with Log4Shell, a critical vulnerability found in a widely used Java-based logging component (Log4j). This loophole enables threat actors to run code on a victim’s system and take control. It has impacted countless servers and applications that used Java software because Java software is used widely in today’s modern IT infrastructure.

Yet, when the threat first emerged last year, few organizations had the ability to quickly find the exact location of the vulnerability in their IT systems because Java was used so extensively. The challenge was knowing where to look even when the dashboard lit up with a warning.

More precision needed

What is needed is greater precision, which can only be possible with improved visibility over existing solutions. Application scans in CI/CD, application agents, or application inventories (SBOMs) are valuable approaches as part of a comprehensive security strategy. However, these approaches also have drawbacks, including false positives which waste time via alert fatigue as well as a performance impact which adds burden to Java teams and their applications.

Take Azul Vulnerability Detection, a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product that continuously detects known security vulnerabilities that exist in Java applications. By eliminating false positives and with no performance impact, it is ideal for in-production use and addresses the rapidly increasing enterprise risk around software supply chain attacks.

Azul Vulnerability Detection uniquely identifies code run using sophisticated, highly granular techniques inside Azul JVMs (Java virtual machines) and maps against a curated Java-specific database of common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). This produces more accurate results, even for custom code and shaded components, so IT teams can get to a vulnerability and remediate the issue quickly and efficiently.

Gaining agility while beefing up security

To be sure, vulnerability detection tools are not new. Unfortunately, some end up providing the added security at the expense of performance. This means business agility suffers, because one’s security tool is slowing down transactions and requiring more computing resources and cost to run.

Organizations need to find a way to overcome the software supply chain problem. They need smarter tools that can beef up the security without adding overheads and dragging back performance.

When it comes to security in Java applications, what’s different with Azul Vulnerability Detection is its use of Azul Java virtual machines (JVM), which provide highly accurate runtime-level visibility into what code is actually running and whether it is vulnerable. This enables faster remediation of vulnerabilities with significantly less operational overhead.

Additionally, because the tool is agentless, it avoids the performance penalty commonly associated with other security tools that require teams to install and maintain a separate piece of software. Taken together, Azul Vulnerability Detection makes security a byproduct of simply running Java software.

Fighting a winnable battle

Security has to be baked in from the start instead of an add-on feature in a connected world. In other words, it has to be built into a piece of software or part of a technology stack that is then used to build other digital services. Unfortunately, supply chain attacks against trusted vendors and third-party code pose substantial enterprise risk.

The key to winning battles against increasingly sophisticated threats is to be armed with the right tools that deliver a solid defense while retaining the agility that organizations need today. Even as cyber threats evolve, they have to believe they can keep out the bad guys over time and continue delivering the trusted digital services and experiences to their users.