3rd IT SECURITY ASIA 2022 in MANILA Philippines

 

Trust is fragile and essential in Business Organizations. With rising high-profile cyber threats and attacks in the Philippines before and during the pandemic crisis, how can Organizations both Private and Public sectors become cyber-secure in this evolving digital era? Where are we now in the current IT Security Landscape and what are current challenges need to be addressed?

OpenGov Asia reported that a UK-based cybersecurity firm found that Philippine organizations have spent an average of $820,000 (approximately P40 million) to recover from these attacks – costs that cover the ransom paid, and the costs incurred by the downtime. According to the latest study conducted by a reputable technology company based in the USA, 35 percent of the companies in the Philippines are using outdated cybersecurity platforms and need to be replaced to realign with the trends of cybersecurity Infrastructure globally. The prioritization of DICT for the National Cybersecurity Plan is an indication that Philippine IT Infrastructure is strengthening its approaches and measures against Cybercriminals.

This year how will the current cybersecurity infrastructure mitigate the cyber attacks and what are the advanced CyberSecurity Technologies and Solutions to be expected? Is it time for your organization to shift from Traditional Platform to Zero-Trust Security? Is your organization doing enough to adhere to better Data Governance? What are the cost-effective Security solutions for your Organization? Are you choosing the best Cloud Security Solutions for your organization? How will your organization recover after a disruption caused by a data breach and leak? These are some essential questions that need a precise answer.

Join us as we proactively discuss and tackle the evolving landscape of Cybersecurity with the notable IT Industry Thought Leaders in the Philippines for sharing insightful thoughts and strategies that may help shape the future of CyberSecurity. Rockbird Media is pleased to host this Premium event and pave the way to network with the best IT Service Providers in the ICT Sector whom you can rely upon your organization’s CyberSecurity resilience and readiness.

Angkas enters moto racing scene to promote safety

 

Take racing off the streets, and onto the track

To drive home the message that motorcycle racing should be done on the track and not on the streets, Angkas is entering motorsports, sponsoring standout Filipino riders TJ Alberto, Troy Alberto, and EJ Sobretodo who will represent Filipinos in international motorcycle racing competitions. Angkas remains committed to its motorcycle riding safety advocacy, ensuring that all Angkas riders are thoroughly trained in safety and riding skills.  

“Right now, we are sponsoring TJ, Troy and EJ. Coincidentally, EJ’s father is a hardworking Angkas rider-partner,” says George Royeca, CEO of the app-hailing motorcycle taxi Angkas. “Angkas will be providing financial support to sustain the needs of these three top-caliber riders in global racing competitions.”

Angkas’ involvement in the motorsports scene does not begin and end here. According to Royeca, they will be initiating a training program for potential racing champions to be undertaken in partnership with Ducati Philippines within the year.

“We are working on a race training program. Imagine bringing Ducati to the grassroots level through Angkas,” he adds.

“This program will be open to all potential champions, including Angkas riders,” continues Royeca, an awardee of the Ten Outstanding Young Men 2020 for his innovations and effective campaign for alternative transport solutions in the country.

Angkas has been known to be a leading advocate of motorcycle safety, as the company goes through great measures to ensure that Angkas riders are trained thoroughly in safety as well as riding skills.  

The entry of Angkas into the motorsports scene was an offshoot of the company’s excellent road safety record and high customer satisfaction rating. Angkas CEO George Royeca emphasizes that this undertaking is aimed at hopefully convincing speed-hungry riders to race on the tracks, not on the streets. Organized motorcycle racing provides a disciplined, controlled, environment in which safety is rigorously practiced by organizers, teams, and racers. This is the kind of discipline Angkas intends to instill in each of its own riders.

Having recently undergone intensive training, TJ Alberto is now racing at the 2022 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) in Thailand, while Troy is competing in the WSBK WorldSSP300 in Portugal.

The Albertos and Sobretodo serve as an inspiration to Pinoy riders, many of whom also dream of being able to race competitively at the international level, something which would be costly without sponsorship from companies like Angkas.

The Alberto siblings are children of the famous Toti Alberto, CEO of Ducati Philippines who himself competes in the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK).

This is just the beginning of something big for the Angkas motorsports program. For aspiring Pinoy motorcycle racers out there, this is your best chance to get involved in prestigious competitions. It’s now or never!

DOST-CRADLE Cooks Up Nutritious Food Innovations to Improve Industry, MSME Products

 

With its crispy pork skin, juicy meat, and savory sauce – Filipinos carved a place for lechon to be a highlight in every community and holiday celebration.  This product creates hefty business opportunities, most especially to small business owners or the local lechoneros.   Post-holiday woes, however, include the subject of income loss due to food waste.  

The pandemic also brought additional burden to many Micro-to-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as they needed to adapt and change products and mode of business transactions to comply with health and travel restrictions. 

Finding solutions to the problems of private companies and MSMEs through research and development (R&D) is the objective of the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program of the Department of Science and Technology.  Through the 1st CRADLE Symposium held last Tuesday, January 18, 2022, research collaborations and technologies related to food and nutrition innovations were showcased.  

Entitled “DOST-CRADLE’s Science Kusina - Innovative breakthroughs in food technology, health and nutrition: Sarap at Sustansya, mula sa agham at teknolohiya ng DOST CRADLE”, the event presented breakthrough technologies such as longer-shelf life for lechon, deriving additional nutrients from pineapples, locally formulated vegan sausages, and potential health and nutrition benefits from marine species.  

“DOST-CRADLE enables industry members to pandemic-proof their business by solving the problem through R&D,” says DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “Innovation is the key for our private companies to sustain their business performance, despite the challenges brought about by restrictions in health and travel.”

The Tacloban City Litson Industry Association (TACLIYA), a group of twenty-four (24) micro entrepreneurs, experiences an average excess of 30 kg of lechon produced every day, which even surges up to 200 kg during off peak season. Through the DOST-CRADLE Program, TACLIYA partnered with the Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EVFIC) and the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU).  The EVFIC works to reprocess the excess lechon into shelf-stable products such as "Lechon Paksiw de Leyte" that can provide potential for expansion of their existing market. The products will be processed through acidification and retort technology which is available at the EVFIC. These are also seen to serve as emergency food in times of calamities in the region. 

Another breakthrough is the partnership between the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Banawe Soybean Corporation. In view of the company’s commitment for environmental protection and waste management, they used R&D to address food waste generated from soymilk and tofu processing called okara.  This product contains high amounts of protein and fiber that can help prevent diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. It is also known to have high antioxidant content and prebiotic benefits. The study will develop gluten-free, vegan sausages from okara.  

Del Monte Philippines and the University of San Agustin will also address agricultural waste from pineapples.  Del Monte faces the problem of waste amounting to 1 million metric tons a year, from pineapple stems and core which are brimming with nutrients. These nutrients are in the form of pineapple metabolites that have bromelain-like properties which include hypocholesterolemic effects and lipase activities that can be extracted through metabolomics. Extracted compounds from waste plant parts will be developed into high-value products such as functional food ingredients and dietary supplements in foods and beverages which produce desired health benefits.

The partnership of Pascual Pharma Corporation and University of the Philippines-Visayas will address generating better foods for better survival and therapy, particularly to those who are afflicted with disease (especially chronic or terminal diseases). The project will create foods that are easy to digest, appropriate for recovery and will increase immune system responses.  The project will use bioavailable proteins and bioactive peptides from low-cost fish species. These peptides can be used as a component of low-cost adjunct therapies for post-surgery patients and other persons with health dysfunctions. There will also be commercial value as this study explores mixing the extracted fish proteins and peptides in beverages. 

For companies who are also seeking to explore the benefits of the DOST CRADLE Program, you may contact the DOST-Science for Change Project Management Office at 2/F ADMATEL Bldg., DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, with telephone numbers (02) 8837-2943/ 8837-2930.  You may also send an email s4c.ousecrd@dost.gov.ph.

BSP Talks Episode 2 highlights Balik Scientist and Host Institution Matching

 

The DOST’s Balik Scientist Program, in collaboration with Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), released the second episode of the BSP Talks titled “Match Tayo!” on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 11 AM via Facebook Live.

BSP Talks Episode 2 highlighted the different ways a Balik Scientist can match with a Host Institution. To demonstrate these, prospective applicants to the Program were shown as they interacted with select reputable R&D institutions.

In its first segment, an aspiring Balik Scientist identified a potential Host Institution they can partner with in pursuing R&D activities that matched their expertise. It shows how an expert can discover the appropriate Host Institution for them by looking at the potential host’s R&D priority areas and aligning this with their research interest.

The UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) was featured as an established research institute for the advancement of its four thematic areas for R&D: marine biodiversity and ecosystems, archipelagic oceanography, marine biotechnology, and coastal and marine climate change. The Institute takes pride in research spanning from the molecular level to ecosystem scale, which has brought on opportunities for more research endeavors.

In fact, MSI hosted 8 Balik Scientists from 2016 to 2019 alone and had several researches funded by the DOST. It has been home to Balik Puso experts such as Dr. Michael Roleda, Dr. Zenith Gaye Orozco, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, Dr. Charissa Ferrera, Dr. Janelli Lea Soria, Dr. Wilfred John Santiañez, Dr. Irene Rodriguez, and Dr. Charina Lyn Repollo.

Showcased in the second segment is Caraga State University (CSU), which demonstrated how a Host Institution can also reach out and tap a prospective Balik Scientist depending on their needs.

“In reaching the University’s vision and goals, we need more Balik Scientists,” Dr. Mark Anthony Lavapiez stressed, after acknowledging that Balik Scientist engagements in CSU empowered their capacity and capability to implement research.

With its 12 Research Centers, CSU is a Higher Education Institute (HEI) partner of the DOST in strengthening R&D in the region. It has recently hosted 4 Balik Scientists, namely, Dr. Anthony Halog, Dr. Julian Cacho, Dr. Engielle Mae Paguican, and Dr. Christian Mark Salvador.

The last segment showed how in some cases, the Program’s Secretariat may also assist in matching a prospective Balik Scientist with a potential Host Institution. This was illustrated with the matching of the BSP applicant with the DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).

As one of DOST’s R&D institutes, ITDI has been developing relevant technologies and is continuously contributing its R&D innovations to DOST’s efforts, most especially in the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

The VIP has been gaining ground with the support and expertise of Balik Scientists namely, Dr. Teodoro Fajardo, Dr. Myra Hosmillo, Dr. Elpidio Cesar Nadala, Dr. Lourdes Nadala, Dr. Christina Leyson, Dr. Leodevico Ilag and Dr. Homer Pantua.

ITDI also hosted and collaborated with Dr. Eufemio Barcelon, Dr. Mario Castillo, Dr. Arnold Lubguban, Dr. Dexter Rasonabe and Dr. Cynthia Goh under its major research areas.

Indeed, more and more S&T experts are taking interest in the Balik Scientist Program. Along with this, we also recognize the important part that Host Institutions play and why Balik Scientist and Host Institution matching is needed.

The Balik Scientist Act determines that Host Institutions may be public or private academic institutions, government agencies or locally registered industries who are undertaking research and development initiatives. More importantly, Host Institutions must be committed to ensure that Balik Scientists could accomplish their R&D activities for greater advancement of science, technology, and innovation.

Upon matching of the Balik Scientist and the Host Institution, viewers were left with a teaser for the third episode which focuses on the next step of the application process—how to accomplish the BSP Terms of Reference.

Watch the BSP Episode 2 here: https://www.facebook.com/balikscientist/videos/941813909794145 

Visit: https://bsp.dost.gov.ph/ for furher information about the program

Kyline Alcantara a social media influencer as brand endorser for SKIN MAGICAL

 

 

Social Media influencer with 4.1 Million followers on Instagram, Singer and Actress, kyline Alcantara is now part of the rising tiger in skin care and cosmetics, Skin Magical with the press launch recently held with the Co founder and COO of Skin Magical herself, Ghie Pangilinan. 

“On behalf of the whole Skin Magical, our distributors and resellers, we are very grateful and honored as a brand and as a company to have Kyline Alcantara as one of our celebrity endorsers. I first saw Kyline on a news sa facebook two years ago and nacurious talaga ako sa kanya. I discovered na she has a lot of followers and super pretty and talented star sa GMA 7. Aside from that, napanood ko din yung vlogs niya with her family and friends. Gustong-gusto ko yung personality niya. She is sweet and strong at the same time. Maganda and Palaban rolled into one! Kaya when I had the opportunity to meet with GMA Artist, isa si Kyline 

sa aming only choice to help us in the promotion of Hola Glowwier! Ito yung glutathione capsule and glutahione lotion combo. With Skin Magical, we realized na hindi naman lahat ngayon 

ang goal is pumuti lang. Most of our users want to achieve that naturally glowing skin from the inside. With the positive influence ni Kyline, for sure she can help us share this message of beauty and self-care to our audience and of course to her young followers.”- Ghie Pangilinan

Success of Skin Magical 

Ms. Ghie Pangilinan, a young serial entrepreneur who is in her own skincare business for more than 7 years already, bagged the Woman of the Year Award in the field of Health & Wellness recently. She was co-founder and COO of Skin Magical and Founder of Speaks G along with her husband, Jerry Pangilinan. She empowers Filipino women by providing livelihood and high-quality skin care and beauty products for all. Unstoppable, she is also known now in the Food and Franchise Business. She was the one who brought the famous international milk tea brand “Tea Talk” in the Philippines and establishing more new companies to serve the need of the Filipino people. 

All the billboards nationwide with the big celebrity names alongside Ghie is a testament of success. Heart Evangelista, Vice Ganda, Karla Estrada, Dimples Romana, Maja Salvador and Angel Locsin among so many superstars as brand endorses of her food and beauty empire. 

Ghie Pangilinan is also part of Top 50 Rising Tigers in Asia Pacific under Tag Media Group that will be launched this March 22, 2022 at Grand Hyatt Hotel. 

Check the world class products of Skin Magical here https://www.facebook.com/skinmagical/

Young CEO with 28 branches nationwide, Rodolfo Medina of Medical Depot PH for Rising Tigers: Nation Builders 2022

Mr. Rodolfo Medina Jr., from the Medical Supply Business joins the roster of the Top 50 Rising Tigers of the Asia Pacific to be featured at the newest business magazine, Rising Tigers: Nation Builders launching in March, 2022.

 

Mr. Medina Jr. is the CEO of Medical Depot, a one stop shop chain of stores for all your medical supplies needs. It currently has 28 branches in strategic areas in Metro Manila. Medical Depot is highly recognized in the medical equipment and supplies industry with over 150 employees

Rodolfo Jr. grew up exposed to their family’s medical supply business since he was a young boy. At 8, he started to help in the family business, from sweeping the floors, stocking the shelves, taking orders and cashiering and even cleaning out the toilets. At 14, he was given his first store to manage.

 “I was running my store operations successfully and it wasn’t long before that I managed to land a deal with big private and public institutions. I was 16 years old then. By then I wasn’t only handling local business deals but international ones as well. I learned how to place import orders from China, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, India, Spain, etc.” – shared Medina

 Medical Depot has now 28 branches nationwide. They are gearing for 100 stores by the end of 2023. They also have an official store in Lazada, for a wider reach and more convenient buying experience.

 “Now at 28, I now interact and work with the top executives from the industry such as Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, Omron, 7/11, etc. Together, I encourage and try to lead the initiative for a collective support for the mission in innovating the healthcare industry in the Philippines. “ he added.

 Medina acknowledges that the key factor to their success is the heritage branch in Bambang, with their noble mission of making these medical equipments, tools and supplies affordable to the Filipino people.

 For more information about Medina’s company, visit https://medicaldepot.com.ph/ ; https://www.facebook.com/medicaldepotph/ 

 

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow

 “With 2022—The Year of the Water Tiger promising 365 days of positive changes, business must be stable, and finances will flow smoothly throughout the year with grit on its side.” – shared Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Founder and CEO of Tag Media Group.

 Asia Leaders Awards take the opportunity to recognize this young hard-working CEO from the medical supplies business, Mr. Rodolfo Medina Jr.,  among the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific through the launching of the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Magazine.

 

Rising Tigers: Nation Builders

 Launching on March 22, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the BGC in Taguig, “Rising Tigers: Nation Builders” is another brainchild of Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Committee.

 This new publication will feature the best and the brightest individuals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.

 Billionaire Robert Laurel Yupangco, one of the ALA board said, “Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that despite all the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,”

 To know more about Rising Tigers: Nation Builders and Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards. 

FInancial Expert Ms. Gigi Pio De Roda, to be featured on Rising Tigers : Nation Builders magazine

Ms. Gigi Pio De Roda is the President and CEO of FPG Insurance. Before joining FPG, she has over 30 years of financial services expertise, specifically in the banking and insurance industries. She experienced working in both local and foreign banks from which she held various executive positions, the longest being that with HSBC, from 1999 to 2016. Her expertise has been in leading strategic transformational initiatives that turn businesses and companies into profitable and sustainable enterprises.

 

Rising Tigers: Nation Builders, a new business publication to be launch on March 22, 2022,  at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the BGC in Taguig will feature the Top 50 Rising Tigers of the Asia Pacific. They are the best and the brightest individuals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.

 

Leadership Highlights

 

“When I was invited to join FPG Insurance, the mandate given to me was to turn-around the company and transform it to a profitable business. Within two years and in the middle of a global pandemic, our financial results have significantly improved, and our digital transformation have gained traction.” – she shared.

 

Under her management, FPG launched a 1st in the industry APP they called “SIMONE”. It’s a powerful tool that automates and organizes insurance agent tasks, aimed towards efficiency and productivity, enabling agents to do everything even with their mobile phones, anytime, anywhere.

 

Also, FPG inked a partnership with GCash to offer retail insurance products within the mobile wallet, under Ginsure. Vehicle owners can now get CTPL hassle free using Gcash. "This timely partnership is a testament to our steadfast commitment to making insurance available and accessible to all. The key to bringing insurance products closer to more people is to tap the potent digital community of GCash, and this is only the beginning of many exciting things to watch out for," Ms. Gigi said.

 

There are many other improvements introduced by Ms. Pio De Roda in the effort to adapt efficiently to the new normal set by the pandemic.

 

“Pivoting to digital was the only way we could continue servicing our partners and customers. In the middle of the varying lockdown restrictions, we took the initiative to develop tools and programs that will enable more efficient ways of doing business. It was challenging for all but it needed to be done and the opportunity presented itself,” she added.

 

 

Blessed and Thankful

 

Blessed to be given overflowing opportunities, Ms. Gigi makes sure to pay it forward. She initiated various charity programs like reading programs for Grade School children in public schools, team activities for orphanages and street children communities, and supporting communities affected by devastating calamities, to name a few.

 

“Being recognized as one of the Top Leaders and a Rising Tiger:Nation Builder, is a humbling experience and the recognition really goes to my previous (and current) bosses and teams that I have had the pleasure of working with. This is not only a prestigious recognition for me as a professional, but it also speaks volumes of what I represent and FPG Insurance’s commitment to its stakeholders, partners and customers.” – she concluded.

 

 

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow with the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Publication

 

For her innovativeness and passion to do better, Asia Leaders Awards take the opportunity to recognize and honor Ms. Gigi Pio De Roda as among the Top 50 Nation Builders in the Asia Pacific through the launching of the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Magazine.

 

Successful Entrepreneur and grandson of former President of the Philippines,  Robert Laurel Yupangco, one of the ALA board said, “Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that despite all the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now.”

To know more about Rising Tigers: Nation Builders and Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.

 

 

a new business publication to be launched on March 22, 2022