DULDULAO DOT NET This Day & Beyond

Author: WILMAR NICOLAS DULDULAO

  • Holcim further strengthens protections against Covid-19 ahead of ECQ lift

    Holcim further strengthens protections against Covid-19 ahead of ECQ lift

    Cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. continues to improve health and safety controls against Covid-19 at its sites to protect the well-being of people, partners, and the community as the company prepares to resume operations following the government’s easing of enhanced community quarantines.

    The company closed sites and facilities in Luzon in compliance with the national government directive of an enhanced community quarantine on 16 March 2020. The company also shut down its plant in Davao City following a similar action by the local government on 2 April 2020.

    Holcim Philippines President and CEO John Stull expressed confidence that the company’s strong health and safety culture and well-thought-out plans enable it to protect people from Covid-19 when operations resume. Initiatives will draw from best practices across the LafargeHolcim Group and focus on social distancing, personal hygiene and health checks.

    “In Lugait, Misamis Oriental our plant continues to run without any Covid-related incident further proving that our strength in Health and Safety enables us to properly manage these risks. Lugait also provides a model on how we can protect the well-being of people when we restart operations of our other sites,” Stull added.

    The company’s skeleton teams in all its sites have installed markers to guide people in staying two meters apart as prescribed for social distancing and built hand washing stations. Holcim Philippines also continues to share information to employees and partners on Covid-19 to help them be more aware and mindful on protecting themselves against the disease.

    The company has installed additional hand washing stations in all its sites to further strengthen protections of workers against Covid-19.

    Stull said the company welcomes the government’s measured efforts to ensure business activities can resume safely. He added that Holcim Philippines will continue to strictly adhere to the guidance of health authorities on this matter and be ready to share such best practices to partners, industry groups, and government agencies to help in the safe resumption of building activity in the country.

    Holcim has also shifted its corporate citizenship budget to provide medical supplies to hospitals treating coronavirus patients and food and hygiene products to communities hosting its facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Manila, Batangas, Iloilo, Misamis Oriental and Davao City. Approximately 1,500 families and government front line workers have benefited from the first batch of relief operations completed as of April 14.

    About Holcim Philippines, Inc.

    Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.

    With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.

    Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

    Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 80,000 employees.

    *LafargeHolcim has signed an agreement with San Miguel Corporation for the divestment of its entire 85.7 percent shareholding in Holcim Philippines Inc. The process is still ongoing. You may get more information on this development at this link:

    Reference & Contact:

    Alvin A. Marayan

    External & Media Relations

    PRC, Inc. 

    Unit 206 State Condominium IV, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan M.M.

    CP # 0998-9613729 Telefax#  02-7250237 * 02-4708535

    Email: alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph 

             alvin.marayanprc@gmail.com 

  • Jollibee, McCann World Group Philippines pay tribute to mothers through our COVID-19 heroes

    Jollibee, McCann World Group Philippines pay tribute to mothers through our COVID-19 heroes

    A mother’s nurturing love indeed leaves a lasting impact on her children’s lives. From teaching them their first lessons at home, instilling values that help shape their attitude and personality, to providing unending support and encouragement, the heroes of today have learned how to draw their character from the example of their mothers.

    This May, Jollibee and creative agency, McCann World Group Philippines, pay tribute to strong and brave mothers as they release a touching Kwentong Jollibee Mother’s Day special that shows how a mother’s earnest parenting can determine how far a child can go in life.

    Inspired by true stories, the special Mother’s Day tribute presents the realities in the lives of front-liners who are helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows the stories of front-liners and volunteers who, even in these trying times, continue to fulfill a higher purpose by carrying out their duties to those they serve. Despite their own circumstances, they set their heart on bringing joy to people, with a love that’s deeply anchored on the nurturing care they received from their moms.

    “Our front-liners go out every day, braving different challenges that help flatten the curve and provide aid to those in need. As a brand that is one with the nation in recognizing our front-liners, our Mother’s Day tribute pays homage to their dear mothers — the first person who molded them to be the kind-hearted and noble people they are today, said Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand CMO, JFC Philippines Country Business Group and concurrent PH Marketing Head.

    Through the guidance and example that mothers have set, many COVID-19 front-liners are able to fulfill their duties not only in their respective families, but also in the communities they lend a hand to. The material brings to light a powerful truth about how a mother’s love can enkindle a hero out in all of us.

    Watch the special Mother’s Day tribute on Jollibee’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, and on Jollibee Studios’ YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/jollibeedigital1.

    REFERENCE:

    JEAN RICELLE A. AQUINO

    Sr. Media Relations Officer

    StratWorks, Inc.

    0927 027 8975

  • NASA, partners launch virtual hackathon to develop COVID-19 solutions

    NASA, partners launch virtual hackathon to develop COVID-19 solutions

    The U.S. space agency National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are inviting coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists to participate in a virtual hackathon May 30-31 dedicated to putting open data to work in developing solutions to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    During the global Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge, participants from around the world will create virtual teams that – during a 48-hour period – will use Earth observation data to propose solutions to COVID-19-related challenges ranging from studying the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and its spread to the impact the disease is having on the Earth system. Registration for this challenge opens in mid-May.

    “There’s a tremendous need for our collective ingenuity right now,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “I can’t imagine a more worthy focus than COVID-19 on which to direct the energy and enthusiasm from around the world with the Space Apps Challenge that always generates such amazing solutions.”

    The unique capabilities of NASA and its partner space agencies in the areas of science and technology enable them to lend a hand during this global crisis. Since the start of the global outbreak, Earth science specialists from each agency have been exploring ways to use unique Earth observation data to aid understanding of the interplay of the Earth system – on global to local scales – with aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including, potentially, our ability to combat it. The hackathon will also examine the human and economic response to the virus.

    ESA will contribute data from the Sentinel missions (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-5P) in the context of the European Copernicus program, led by the European Commission, along with data from Third Party contributing Missions, with a focus on assessing the impact on climate change and greenhouse gases, as well as impacts on the economic sector. ESA also is contributing Earth observation experts for the selection of the competition winners and the artificial-intelligence-powered EuroDataCube.

    “EuroDatacube will enable the best ideas to be scaled up to a global level,” said Josef Aschbacher, director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA. “The pandemic crisis has a worldwide impact, therefore international cooperation and sharing of data and expertise with partners like NASA and JAXA seems the most suitable approach.”

    JAXA is making Earth observing data available from its satellite missions, including ALOS-2, GOSAT, GOSAT-2, GCOM-C, GCOM-W, and GPM/DPR.

    “JAXA welcomes the opportunity to be part of the hackathon,” said JAXA Vice President Terada Koji. “I believe the trilateral cooperation among ESA, NASA and JAXA is important to demonstrate how Earth observation can support global efforts in combating this unprecedented challenge.”

    Space Apps is an international hackathon that takes place in cities around the world. Since 2012, teams have engaged with NASA’s free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space. The COVID-19 Challenge will be the program’s first global virtual hackathon. Space Apps 2019 included more than 29,000 participants at 225 events in 71 countries, developing more than 2,000 hackathon solutions over the course of one weekend.

    Many Filipinos participated in this annual hackathon since 2016. Recently, a dengue mapping forecasting system was developed by data scientists from CirroLytix using satellite and climate data with the goal of addressing the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. This web application, called Project AEDES won globally for the best use of data. “Earth observation data has the potential to be used in fighting epidemics and outbreaks threatening humanity nowadays, as well as to analyze its socio-economic impact,” according to software developer Michael Lance M. Domagas, who led the Philippine hackathon in collaboration with De La Salle University, PLDT, Department of Science and Technology, United Nations Development Programme, and the U.S. embassy. The very first Philippine winner used citizen science and environmental data to develop a smartphone application informing fishermen the right time to catch fish. ISDApp is currently being incubated at Animo Labs.

    Space Apps is a NASA-led initiative organized globally in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub and SecondMuse. The next annual Space Apps Challenge is scheduled for October 2-4.

    Registration opens May 12. https://covid19.spaceappschallenge.org/
    #SpaceApps #SpaceAppsPH

    REFERENCE:

    Michael Lance M. Domagas

    Software Developer

  • She Didn’t Give Up on Mayor Isko

    She Didn’t Give Up on Mayor Isko

    Happy Mother’s Day! The’re are different ways we can do or show our respect or honor to our mother or mom in the family not just during Mother’s day celebration but in every activities, spending the days with her amidst of the situation of our daily living.

    As the old adage goes, “Behind every great man there’s a great woman.” Mayor Francisco Domagoso or simply YORME, shares his heartwarming Mother’s Day message to a great woman behind his great success and to all the Filipino MOMS – the Real VIPs!

    Watch the full video at https://bit.ly/35O5F3S

    As the elected City Mayor of Manila, endearingly called by most Filipinos as Yorme, he never wavered amidst adversities hurled at him for taking several steps in making a better version of the city he fondly calls his home and crowning glory.

    On this special occasion, Yorme encourages all Filipino moms to be stronger for their families while consciously maintaining a healthy work-life balance and to continue their selfless dedication amidst the uncertainties of this pandemic war – “Believe in yourself! You’ve got nothing to lose.”

    How about making your mom feel that she’s the real VIP today? Discover a natural female hair loss treatment at https://bit.ly/2SjZ9wc

    Formulated with 19 of nature’s finest ingredients, NOVUHAIR® offers a natural hair loss solution that helps address the early warning signs especially for those in search of a natural alopecia treatment – nothing doubtful compared to home remedies for hair loss, nothing worrisome versus chemical-based treatments and nothing disadvantageous unlike most instant fiber hair loss solutions that provide temporary baldness cures. Find out more at www.novuhair.com

    #NothingToLoseNovuhair #ChooseNatural #NovuhairCares #NovuhairVIPmoms

    REFERENCE:

    Ralf Huertas

  • Robinsons Bank assures service amid crisis, enhances digital services for better banking experience

    Robinsons Bank assures service amid crisis, enhances digital services for better banking experience

    While the entirety of the Philippines is under a State of Calamity due to the COVID-19 virus, Robinsons Bank (RBank) has taken immediate adequate steps to ensure that it maintains its excellent banking services for its various customers and stakeholders amid the COVID-19 crisis.

    RBankers: A resilient workforce offering their dedication to serve amidst crisis

    As the first two (2) weeks of the quarantine’s implementation became a handful for the majority of businesses, RBank strived to deliver the same quality of services that it has provided since.

    In the beginning of the ECQ, 62% of RBank’s branch network nationwide continued to operate to ensure that there is an easily accessible bank that can cater to clients’ needs. Furthermore, 92% of RBank ATMs replenished consistently to serve various communities across the nation. Customers can also find RBank’s “24R Hub” – the bank’s 24/7 digital bank hubs in strategic locations, which will allow them to withdraw and deposit cash, and pay bills via RBank Digital (online banking).

    RBank’s Cash Management Services remain in the service of its corporate clients.  The Bank’s corporate online banking platform, e2Banking, continues to service corporate and SME customers enabling clients to have online access to their balances and transaction history. They can remotely facilitate their fund transfer requests not only to Robinsons Bank accounts but to other accounts with any local bank.

    In support of the “Bayanihan To Heal as One Act,” RBank has expanded coverage of the grace period for all corporate loans, consumer loans, and credit card payments with due dates from March 16 to May 15, 2020.  The loan grace period has nationwide coverage and provides various concessions to ease clients with the burden brought about by the crisis, such as waived penalties and fees on returned checks and the suspension of auto-debit and PDC payments during the ECQ period. 

    Moreover, the Bank has continued to lower its transaction fees from Php 25.00 to now only one-peso, providing customers with a “Piso-fee promo” for online fund transfers of PesoNet and InstaPay.

    RBank is also enhancing RBank Digital, its online banking platform to provide users with a mobile banking experience that’s like no other.

    “While we urge the country to limit face-to-face interactions to mitigate the spread of the virus, RBank has made it easier for you to enjoy your banking experience in the safety of your homes.  More than ever, we strive to enhance your personal online banking experience with our RBank Digital, our online banking platform to offer you accessible and convenient banking that’s just at your fingertips.” Robinsons Bank’s statement reads

    Expanding digital efforts to cater to your needs

    Last April 23, RBank has introduced RBank Sign Up – the mobile app that allows you to open a new bank account online.  The new app proves that banking is all about ease and convenience. It only requires one government ID, and it uses facial recognition and real time ID detection for a fast, easy, and secure experience.

    With RBank Sign Up, clients can apply for an RBank account wherever and whenever – free of charge! Bank details can be received within minutes of signing up, and yes— there’s no need to go to the branch.

    Clients can also expect that there’s more to come with the new feature in RBank Digital. They’ll be able to view their credit card transactions in real-time, transfer funds using a QR code making it the “QuickR way” to send money, and make payments to participating online stores.

     “We will navigate through these uncertain times and find new ways to deepen our relationship with you by providing services that will help strengthen your financial position in the coming months.  In all our endeavors, we are determined to put you, our valued customer, at the heart of our service.” Robinsons Bank assures that even with the new norm that the COVID-19 situation created, it will remain committed to providing unwavering service.

    Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country in terms of assets amounting to Php 110.555 Bn as of September 2019.

    For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank/ and follow them on Twitter @RBankCorp for the latest promo.

    REFERENCE:

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M.+63 919 005 2173

    M2COMMS | M2SOCIAL | M2LIVE | PROI

  • Samsung QLED TVs Receive Safety Verification from Leading Safety Certification Institutes

    Samsung QLED TVs Receive Safety Verification from Leading Safety Certification Institutes

    SEOUL, Korea – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced recently its QLED 8K and 4K TVs have received “no photobiological LED hazard” verifications from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading safety science company in the U.S., and “eye safety” certification from Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) in Germany. Samsung becomes the first in the TV industry to receive verifications proving that various types of lights emitted by its QLED TVs pose no photobiological LED hazard, based on classifications under the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)’s standards for photobiological safety and eye. 

    Both safety certification institutions, UL and VDE, tested the 65Q900T 8K model and 65Q90T 4K models – both of which emit the brightest light among Samsung’s 2020 QLED TV lineup – for their blue light, ultraviolet rays and infrared rays.

    “While Samsung QLED TVs emit high luminance and brightness, our TVs are designed to protect the eyesight without losing the truly immersive viewing experience,” said Yong Hoon Choi, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are pleased to be recognized by UL and VDE for these efforts and will continue to make the safety of our customers a top priority as we develop our products.”

    For more information on Samsung’s QLED 8K and 4K TV lineup, please visit www.samsung.com

    About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

    For questions or clarifications, you may reach out to:

    Marlene Cinco   

    Samsung Philippines

    +632 214 7777 / m.cinco@samsung.com

    Alex Pastor

    Stratworks, Inc.

    +63 920 968 0241 / alex.pastor@stratworks.ph

    REFERENCE:

    JEAN RICELLE A. AQUINO

    Sr. Media Relations Officer

    StratWorks, Inc.

    0927 027 8975

  • Six Considerations for Business Continuity in the Age of Telecommuting

    Six Considerations for Business Continuity in the Age of Telecommuting

    Across industries, organizations are now relying on telecommuting more than ever. While it has its short-term benefits, business leaders must also leverage the technology in a way that will lead to new opportunities and advancements down the line. In the world of cybersecurity, telecommuting is not considered to be a catalyst for revolutionary change in how organizations architect the security of their networks. Instead, it is seen as a catalyst for evolutionary change that could lead organizations and security leaders to an advanced position. In other words, the security decisions intended to support telecommuting could also help to build resiliency to defend against future cyberattacks.

    Leveraging Available Technology to Enable Telecommuting
    Below are six considerations for business leaders as they work to execute workforce-enabling goals, allowing their organizations to flourish securely when outside of traditional headquarters while avoiding substantial capital costs for new buildings.

    Enable Snoop-Resistant Connectivity

    Teleworkers can connect to their organizations remotely with virtual private network (VPN) software. This software, which is likely already included on the employee’s endpoint computer, will enable snoop-resistant connectivity to remote company applications and data, ensuring maximum protection of assets.

    Employ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

    Considering the lack of security controls in place when employees are working remotely, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is critical to protecting data. MFA could come in the form of combining something the remote user possesses – like a “token” on a cell phone – with something this person knows – like a password. This strategy will provide an extra level of security that ensures the user is the authorized employee he or she claims to be.

    Leverage Wireless Access Points and Firewalls

    Business leaders looking to enhance their telecommuting strategies further should consider leveraging easy-to-deploy wireless access points and firewalls to remote worksites. Pre-configured before they are shipped, these solutions can be automatically set up on-site via zero-touch deployment functionality, ensuring business continuity and support for those remote workers who need additional performance and functionality.

    Increase Agility of Communication Paths

    Centralized offices typically feature always-on, dedicated communication links at their headquarters to accommodate the large number of users seated there. With SD-WAN, companies can agilely and securely choose the best communication path for their users at any given time. This strategy supports the changing communications patterns of remote workers, especially as telecommuting becomes more commonplace.

    Get the Most Out of the Cloud

    Teams that no longer have access to their headquarters’ desktop computers can deploy software applications in the cloud that look and perform like those on their computers in the office. The addition of cybersecurity solutions, such as the ability to support secure SSL connections from any browser to the cloud, enable users to securely access these applications and related data stored in the cloud without increasing complexity for the users or the security operations team.

    Focus on Self-Improvement

    One benefit of telecommuting is the extra time that comes from not having to drive into the office every day. Business leaders and their employees should take the time to learn something new or simply refresh their knowledge – one example is taking an online cybersecurity training course to get ahead of the game. By taking the time typically spent commuting to expand their knowledge, individuals can build skills that could be extremely useful down the line.

    Final Thoughts

    By focusing on the six considerations noted above, organizations can achieve a more effective and secure remote workforce model. These evolutionary steps toward the future combine core networks with the agility of the cloud and other connectivity solutions to extend the network’s edge beyond the traditional office environment. When combined with appropriate cybersecurity strategies across the edge, core network, and cloud, organizations can ensure business continuity from remote locations while laying the foundation for people and architectures of the future.

    About Fortinet

    Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) secures the largest enterprise, service provider, and government organizations around the world. Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack surface and the power to take on ever-increasing performance requirements of the borderless network – today and into the future. Only the Fortinet Security Fabric architecture can deliver security without compromise to address the most critical security challenges, whether in networked, application, cloud or mobile environments. Fortinet ranks #1 in the most security appliances shipped worldwide and more than 400,000 customers trust Fortinet to protect their businesses. Learn more at http://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, or FortiGuard Labs.

    FTNT-O

    Copyright © 2019 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, FortiGate, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiOS, FortiADC, FortiAP, FortiAppMonitor, FortiASIC, FortiAuthenticator, FortiBridge, FortiCache, FortiCamera, FortiCASB, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFone, FortiCarrier, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiMail, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiPlanner, FortiPortal, FortiPresence , FortiProxy, FortiRecorder, FortiSandbox, FortiSIEM, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLCOS and FortiWLM.

    Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments. This news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve uncertainties and assumptions, such as statements regarding technology releases among others. Changes of circumstances, product release delays, or other risks as stated in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, located at www.sec.gov, may cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release. If the uncertainties materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Fortinet assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    REFERENCE:

    Alvin A. Marayan

    External & Media Relations

    PRC, Inc.

    Unit 206 State Condominium IV, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan M.M.

    CP # 0998-9613729 Telefax# 02-7250237 * 02-4708535

    Email: alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph