Talk

Cloud is game-changer in rural banking, says Oradian

More than 500 executives and professionals from the rural banking sector gathered at the 65th Annual National Convention and General Membership Meeting of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) held at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City. Revolving around the current trends and challenges faced by rural banks today with an aim to address them for the industry's advancement, the event was graced by several people from the public sector. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte welcomed the attendees at the opening, whereas Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., and Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol shared their insights about the industry. Key sponsors from the private sector, such as Landbank, Country Bankers Insurance Group, and cloud technology provider Oradian, were also present during the conference. Providing a glimpse of what could be a game-changer in the rural banking indu

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Cyber attacks can cost over USD 3B in PH, says Microsoft

In a Frost & Sullivan study commissioned by Microsoft titled Understanding the Cybersecurity Threat Landcape in Asia Pacific: Securing the Modern Enterprise in a Digital World, it was revealed that the potential economic loss in the Philippines due to cybersecurity incidents can hit USD 3.5 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of the country's total gross domestic product of USD 305 billion. The study involved a survey of 1,300 business and IT decision makers spanning from mid-sized organizations (250-499 employees) to large organizations (over 500 employees). The study aims to provide the respondents with insights on the economic cost of cybersecurity breaches in the region and identify the lapses in organizations' cybersecurity strategies. “As companies embrace the opportunities presented by cloud and mobile computing to connect with customers and optimize operations, they take on new risks,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines. “With traditional IT boundaries di

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Globe to bring commercial 5G by 2nd quarter next year

Globe Telecom officially announced its adoption of fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology in the Philippines, which will be commercially available in the form of 5G Globe At Home by the second quarter of 2019. Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu revealed that the 5G technology would allow the telco giant to use Air Fiber technology in connection with the deployment of fixed wireless broadband at fiber speeds that would benefit both individual customers and business clients. "Air Fiber Internet, which makes use of fixed location wireless radios instead of fiber, could provide speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 100Mbps," Cu added. "We have been preparing our network for some time now with our existing vendor partners, including Huawei Technologies. We are happy to bring the Philippines in line with other countries that are early adopters of 5G. Once again, we stay true to our commitment to bring first-world Internet to the country," Cu shared. Air Fiber Internet will allow Globe to bypass

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Heroes of Marawi honored through Senate Resolution

Honoring the bravery, gallantry, heroism, and sacrifice of the men and women on uniform under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Marawi, especially those killed and wounded, the Philippine Senate recently passed Resolution No. 109, designating them as Heroes of Marawi. JTF Marawi worked hard to counter the forces of the ISI-Maute terrorist group which held Marawi City for May 23 to October 17 last year. The group sought to make the Islamic city the base of its operations in the Southeast Asian region. JTF Marawi consisted of troops from various branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Senator Richard Gordon, the sponsor of the said Resolution which was signed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, declared on the Senate floor that it is "but fitting that at the commemoration, we remember our brave, valiant, and gallant soldiers for their heroic task that prevented the takeover of a part of the Philippine te

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Blockchain's impact on PH economy explored in forum

In recent years, blockchain has been a buzzword not only as an Internet subject, but also as a matter of discussion among various industries. While it started as a technological concept, it is now penetrating the consciousness of businessmen and company executives around the globe, including the Philippines. Thus, many questions have started to stimulate the minds of today's business leaders. How can blockchain help improve the way we do business? Will the blockchain technology benefit the local commerce landscape? Is the Philippines ready for it? Embarking on the theme Transforming Businesses and Industries with Blockchain Technology, the three-day event titled Blockchain Applications and Economics Forum 2018 gathered together leaders and thinkers from various circles of specializations, led by blockchain and fintech experts from different countries, to answer the many questions surrounding blockchain technology. The forum was held from May 28 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center of SM

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Maximize life with the right motor oil

Continuing its 90-year legacy of providing trusted car care products, Prestone introduced its new Prestone Motor Oil during a huge event held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City. Prestone's latest product is designed to give motorists better mileage from their vehicles, allowing them to ensure safe driving experience whether they are in an urban or off-road environment. Amplifying the launch's festivity, Prestone introduced Paolo Abrera as its latest brand ambassador. Chosen by Prestone as an epitome of someone who knows how to live life amplified, Abrera is known for his 90s adventure TV show Game Plan, and most recently, the motor show Rev which airs on ANC. He is also one of the celebrity members of The Brap Pack, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts. Being a motor head, the TV personality ensures that he makes use of products that are proven in maintaining his vehicles in top condition and keeping his loved ones safe while driving. “Once your vehicle is outside the cas

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Self-directed learning beyond the classroom

Dr. Amable C. Aguiluz IX, Vice Chairman and CEO of AMA Education System, the group which introduced the first information and communications technology (ICT) university in the Philippines through AMA Computer University, shared his insight on self-directed learning that can be achieved through today's technologies. “Effective utilization of technology is important to develop an independent approach to learning," Aguiluz said. "Through our platform, we want to give students the power to determine areas they want to learn, identify the extent of learning they want, and independently measure their understanding of a topic," he added. Fortunately, self-directed learning is no longer confined within the four walls of a physical classroom. Through the Internet and the devices that support Internet connectivity, learning through online schools is now possible regardless of time and place. In addition, the flexibility of self-directed learning online allows people to earn a degree, extra uni

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