Around 300 representatives from around 90 local government units (LGUs) across the country learned more about the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and opportunities on how to apply AI to improve the delivery of public services in an AI 101 for LGUs webinar spearheaded by PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc.

John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Distribution at Smart, opened the program and welcomed the participants. Speakers included Elijah Mendoza, Digital Communications Senior Manager at PLDT and Smart; Carlo Valencia, founder of Startup PH Training; and Cedrick Zabala, faculty at Western Mindanao State University.

Participants also learned more about AI tools, the current landscape of AI use in the Philippines and the challenges and opportunities being faced by LGUs in implementing AI in governance, and how to mitigate AI risks by being #CyberSmart in the AI world.

This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart's broader support for the government's overall digitalization thrust.

In my insightful presentation, we will explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines. As we delve into the current state of AI adoption, we uncover both the nascent enthusiasm and the significant hurdles faced by LGUs. The talk highlights the challenges such as limited technical expertise, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints that hinder broader AI implementation.

Despite these obstacles, the opportunities AI presents for enhancing local governance are profound. We will discuss how AI can streamline administrative processes, enhance decision-making with data-driven insights, and improve citizen engagement through automated services. The presentation not only outlines the potential benefits but also sheds light on the tangible improvements AI has already begun to foster in pilot regions like the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Addressing policymakers and stakeholders, we will give strategic recommendations to overcome the challenges. These include investing in human capital, upgrading infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and crafting clear regulatory frameworks to support ethical AI use. The talk emphasizes the importance of collaboration across various sectors to realize the full potential of AI in local governance.

Concluding on a visionary note, we call for a unified approach to navigate the complexities of AI integration, suggesting that such advancements could lead to smarter, more responsive, and more inclusive community governance. This presentation not only maps out the challenges and opportunities of AI but also serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved to help build a #CyberSmart community in the AI world.

Check out the complete presentation here:



Watch the complete webinar here:

I may not have much material things but i'm rich in memories exploring one of the best places to travel in the world, our very own country, the Philippines!🇵🇭🛫

It was not the best time for touring northeast Luzon. Three typhoons are falling in line to enter the country. We decided to book our tickets during the New Year's promo coz particularly in this date for the long weekend. But, the show must go on and all we can do is enjoy one's company, and appreciate the fact that we have the time to spend for one another. Together with my college buddies, Carla, Jervin and Coline, we flew to Laoag on the 16th of July.

Upon arriving Laoag, we headed straight to Vigan City on a 3-hour bus ride. We arrived at the city and the rain welcomed us. We checked in at RF Aniceto Mansion right at the end of Calle Crisologo, the famous cobble-stoned street at the heart of the city. We spent the night at the cozy room and just felt thankful that we arrived safe, and felt excited for the days to come. He're a photo story of Day 1 of our Ilocos Tour.


Such beautiful interior! Bricked arches, wooden furniture, and a window view of the garden outside. A perfect ambiance to have breakfasts everyday!


Our breakfast together after a long time.


Time for the city tour! We hired a tricycle (Kuya JR) to take us around the city. It cost us 800 for a day tour, and could fit 4 persons. It's smaller than our tricycle here in Zamboanga. I went for the backseat so I can see the surroundings. Lots of lovely old houses!


First stop, the St. Agustine Parish Church, also known as Bantay Church.


At the right side of the church, there's a garden chapel with the beautiful ruins as a background. As per tradition, we lit candles and offered our prayers.


Just nearby, we went the iconic belfry of Vigan, the Bantay Bell Tower, which sits on top of a hill. Before entering the complex, we gave a donation, and a guide assisted us in taking our photos. It's his idea for us to do this cheesy pose.hahaha Heart heart!


Some wiki facts: The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name - bantay (meaning to guard).


We went inside the tower and here's what it looked like. There are wooden staircase and the big windows offered us a view of the church and the nearby community.


Groufie of a lifetime :)


Next stop is the Syquia Mansion at Quirino Street. We paid 50 pesos each for the entrance.


Goofing around the house. Beautiful design of the exterior, a carriage which was used by President Elipidio Quirino, and a garden at the center of the complex.


Just outside the house, we spotted Irene's Empanada. Vigan holds an Empanada festival so we have to try their famous dish. I ordered the empanda with Vigan longganisa and egg, dipped in vinegar. I must admit, it didn't impress us much. Zamboanga has better versions but i guess we haven't tried the best they could offer.


Then, our guide brought us to the famous Baluarte of Governor Chavit Singson. It's a zoo famous for Singson's Tigers.


A must-do when you visit Baluarte is to take a picture with a Tiger. I had the privilege to hold the milk bottle to keep him steady. He's so cute!


Rawr! First time to see huge dino sculptures. Amazing!


Photo op :)


There were miniature horses, tropical birds, geese and deers, too.


At last, time for lunch! Kuya JR brought us to Hidden Garden, a beautiful garden resto.


Food was great! Place was nice!


It's almost 3 o'clock and we're very excited to see the main attraction of Vigan. So we skipped the Pottery factory and headed to Calle Crisologo. En route, we spotted St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral.


And there we were, at Calle Crisologo. We hired a calesa, a horse carriage, which was the primary mode of transportation back in the days. This particular street is paved with cobble stone, which can only be used by calesas. No tricycles and cars allowed here. FYI, this loveley creature is named Sabrina.


It was a surreal experience! We we're like kids, very estatic and giddy for our first calesa ride. We were overwhelmed by the beautiful view. Old hispanic buildings, red bricks peeping from the cracks, vintage lamps, capiz windows, handmade signages; just like in the movies.


Just me and Vigan <3 a="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPp9ELiPK7bnGXbym_Sl3NIR6wDlPdahzqEJ7Nt2uqfdGGVgID1SZ0cNUv9bbO-2Yvm_NZVsRDfK-T2HyM_1Kybqhva-8u8vrBoq2FDl6vElmnkx-KsKLzzkynLVvrFqw0lCIWAPorg/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1">

After the one-hour tour, we decided to extend an hour. We haven't had the full experience of Calle Crisologo yet, so we decided to walk around and waited for night time to come. We bought some souvenirs, too.


Manong said we should see Calle Crisologo at night when the buildings fade away, and only the facade and cobble stone are lit by the yellow light of the lamps. We waited, but time was running out, we have to get our bags back and head to the bus station.


It wasn't the best time to tour but we made it our best tour! Thanks to my crazy fun buddies who can make me have the best time in my life. Always learn to appreciate! On my next post, we're going back to Laoag for the city tour. Click here.

Synopsis: Based on a Pampangan myth, “Mayari” tells a story of the epic battle of the son and daughter of the supreme god Bathala. Mayari, the goddess of the moon, and Apolaki, the guardian of the sun, fought over who would rule the earth after Bathala’s death. The once friendly battle stopped when a tragic incident happened. (Zamboanga City/ 2008 / Cut Out Animation / 04:31 min.)


Mayari - A Cut-out Animation from Cedrick Zabala on Vimeo.

Finalist, Animated Short (Student Category), Animahenasyon 2009
Produced by: Cedrick Zabala, Joanne Atilano, Bryne Brillantes
Who is Mayari? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayari

Tangina This is a series of posts, rather reposts, gathered all over the net to share sentiments, rants, protests and more importantly, the messed up reality of life. This is written by Mike Portes.

Tingin ng mga bobong kapitbahay ko, puta daw ako. Nagpapagamit, binabayaran. Sabi nila, ako daw ang pinakamaganda at pinakasikat sa aming lugar noon. Di ko nga alam kung sumpa ito, dahil dito naletse ang kinabukasan ko.

Tara, makinig ka muna sa kwento ko, yosi muna tayo.

Alam mo, maraming lumapit sa akin. Nagkagusto at naakit. Ang hirap pag lahat sa iyo, virgin eh. Tinanggap ko naman silang tao, bakit kaya nila ako ginago? Hindi ko maintindihan ang mga nangyari sa akin. Bukas palad ko naman silang pinakitunguhan, ni hindi ko nga itinuring na iba. Iniisip ko na nga lang na kasi di sila taga rito kaya siguro talagang ganoon.

Tatlong malilibog na foreigners ang nagpyesta sa katawan ko. Sabi nila na-rape daw ako.

Sa tatlong beses akong nagahasa, ang pinakahuli ang di ko makakalimutan.

Parang maski di ko ginusto ang mga nangyari, hinahanap-hanap ko siya. Kasi, ibang-iba ang hagod niya. Umiikot ang mundo ko sa tuwing ginagamit niya ako. May mga pagkakaton na nasusuka na ko sa mga nangyayari sa aming dalawa. Parang ‘pag humahalinghing siya, nararamdaman ko na nalalason ako.. Gusto ko mang umayaw, hindi ko makuhang humindi. Hindi ko din alam kung bakit. Ibang klase din kasi siya mag-sorry eh, lalo pa at inalagaan niya ako at ang mga naging anak ko.

Alam mo, parating ang dami naming regalo – may chocolates, yosi at ano ka! May datung pa! Nakakabaliw siya! Alam kong ginagamit niya lang ako pero pagamit naman ako nang pagamit. Sa kanya namin natutunan mag-inggles, di lang magsulat ha! Magbasa pa!

Nung kinasama ko siya, guminhawa buhay namin. Sosyal na sosyal kami! Ewan ko nga ba, akala ko napapamahal na ako sa kanya. Akala ko tuloy-tuloy na kaligayahan namin, yun pala unti-unti niya akong pinapatay.

Punyetang buhay! Sa dami ng lason na sinaksak niya sa katawan ko, muntik na akong malaspag. Ang daming nagsabi na ang tanga tanga ko. Palayasin ko na daw. Taon ang binilang bago ako natauhang makining sa payo. Iniisip ko kasi na parang di ko kakayanin na mawala siya sa akin… Sa amin! .

Sa tulong ng ilan sa mga anak ko, napalayas ko ang demonyo pero ang hirap magsimula. Hindi nga ako sigurado kung nabunutan ako ng tinik o nadagdagan pa. Masyado na kasi kaming nasanay sa sarap ng buhay na naranasan namin sa kanya, kaya eto nabaon kami sa utang. Lubog na lubog kami sa pagkakautang, kulang yata pati kaluluwa namin para ibayad sa mga inutang namin.

Nakakahiya man aminin pero hanggang ngayon, sa tuwing mabigat ang problema ko, siya ang tinatakbuhan ko. ‘Yun nga lang, kapit sa patalim sabi nga nila. Para akong isang aso na nangagat ng amo, na bumabahag ang buntot at umaamo kapag nangangailangan.

Usap-usapan ako ng mga kapitbahay ko. May nanghihinayang, namumuhi at naaawa. Puta na kasi ang isang magandang katulad ko. Ang dating hinahangaan at humahalina ay nabibili sa murang halaga. Alam mo maski ganun ang mga nangyari sa akin, nilakasan ko pa rin ang loob ko. Kailangan makita ng mga anak ko, na masasandalan nila ako maski ano pang mangyari.

Maski ano pa ang sabihin ng iba, sinisikap namin na maging maganda ang buhay namin. Nag-aambisyon kami at nangangarap. Ayun, may mga anak ako na nasa Japan, Hong Kong, Saudi. Yung iba nag-US, Canada, Europe. ‘Yung iba ayaw umalis sa akin. Halos lahat, wala naman silbi. Masaya daw sa piling ko, maski amoy pusali ako.

Sa dami ng mga anak ko na nagsisikap na tulungan ang kalagayan namin, siya din ang dami ng mga anak ko na nanamantala sa kabuhayan at kayaman na itinatabi ko para sa punyetang kinabukasan naming lahat. Eto na nga ang panahon na halos di na kami makaahon sa hirap ng buhay. Napakahirap dahil nasanay na kami sa ginhawa at sarap.

Alam mo, gusto ko na sanang tumigil sa pagpuputa kaso ang laki talaga ng letseng utang ko eh. Palaki pa ng palaki! Paano na lang ang mga anak kong naiwan sa aking puder? At paano na lang ang mga anak kong nasa abroad? Baka di na nila ako balikan o bisitahin man lang? Hindi na importante kung laspagin man ang ganda ko, madama lang ng mga anak ko ang pagmamahal ko. Malaman nila na ibibigay ko ang lahat para sa kanila.

Sa tuwing titingin ako sa salamin, alam ko maganda pa rin ako. Meron pa din ang bilib sa akin. Napapag-usapan pa din. Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mukha ko sa salamin, nakikita ko ang mga anak ko. Tutulo na lang ang mga luha ko ng di ko namamalayan. Ang gagaling nga ng mga anak ko eh, namamayagpag kahit saan sila pumunta. Mahusay sa kahit anong gawain. Tama man o mali.

Sa dami ng mga anak ko, iilan lang ang may malasakit sa akin. May malasakit man, nahihilaw pa.

Mabigat dalahin para sa akin, ang katotohanan na ni minsan ay di kami naging isang pamilya. Halos lahat ng mga anak ko, galit sa isa’t isa. IIlan ang gusto magtulungan, naghihilahan pa. Madalas kong itinatanong sa sarili ko kung naging masama ba akong nanay para magturingan ng ganito ang mga anak ko?

Kanino bang similya ng demonyo nanggaling ang mga anak kong maituturing mong may mga pinag-aralan pero nakakadama ng saya at sarap sa paghihirap ng kapatid nila? Di ko lubos maisip kung saan impiyerno nanggaling ang kasikiman ng ilan sa mga anak kong ito. Sila pa naman ang inaasahan kong magbabangon sa amin. Nakakabaliw isipin na natitiis nila ang kalagayan ng kanilang mga kapatid na halos mamatay sa hirap ng buhay. Parang di sila magkakapatid sa tindi ng pagkaganid at walang pagmamalasakit.

Ang di ko akalain ay mismong mga anak ko, ang tuluyang sisira sa akin. Kinapital ang laspag na ganda ko. Masaya sila sa mga nabibili nila mula sa pinagputahan ko. Buong angas nilang pinagyayabang ang mga pansamantalang yaman at ang kanilang hilaw na pagkatao sa mga makakakita at makikinig. Talaga bang nakakalula ang materyal na kayamanan at mga titulong ikinakabit sa pangalan? Hindi ko maintindihan.

Minsan sa pagtingin ko sa salamin, ni hindi ko na nga kilala sarili ko.

Dadating na naman ang pasko, sana maalala naman ako ng mga anak ko. Ilang linggo pa, magbabagong taon na. Natatakot ako sa taong darating. Ngayon pa lang usap-usapan na ang susunod na pangbubugaw sa akin. Gagamitin pa nila ang kahinaan ng mga kapatid nilang alipin sa kalam ng tiyan. Sa tagal ng panahong ganito ang sitwasyon namin parang eto lang ang sulok na gagalawan ko. Sana may magtanggol naman sa akin. Ipaglaban naman nila ako. Gusto kong isigaw: “Ina ninyo ako! Pagmamahal nyo lang ang kailangan ko!”

Sensya na, ang haba na ng drama ko. Masisira na ang make up ko nito eh. Salamat ha, pinakinggan mo ako. Malaking bagay sa akin na nakausap kita. Ang tagal nating nag-usap, di man lang ako nagpapakilala.

Ay sorry, di ko nasabi pangalan ko.

Pilipinas nga pala.

~end.

Photo: From the movie “Ganap na Babae”

Just discovered this awesome site where you can track which part of the Philippines you have been. You can grade/score the different regions/places on how often you visited them. It has five levels: "never set foot here"; "just passing through"; "been here once to a few times"; "I often go here"; and "I live/have lived here". After scoring, they will produce a map with diffent shades of blue according to your input. The darker the shade, the more often you have been in the place. They will also give you a grade. Mine is C which means i am far behind from being a certified Filipino traveller. So here's my Lakbayan status as of January 2012.


My Lakbayan grade is C!
How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!
Created by Eugene Villar.

Sorry for the foul language. This is a new series of posts that I'm sharing. Unlike my other series which is filled with positive and heart-warming stories, TANGINA THIS! is let's me see the uglier side of reality. Here are my rants, frustrations, and dismay on the things that just make me unhappy. I got the title from a series of Youtube videos.

This video left me struck, teary and speechless. I feel sad for the kids in the short-scale mining industry. They are exposing themselves in danger and they are risking their health in doing strenous things like this. Instead of playing and studying, they are laboring just to have money to sustain their living. What made me more sad is the old woman who is dedicated to do the hard work just to earn...

Iligan Bloggers Society (IBS) is inviting you to the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011(MBS5) on October 29-30, 2011 at Iligan City.

After detailed planning and numerous meetings, Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 will banner the theme “One Green Mindanao: Mobilizing Bloggers to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle”. This year’s summit will not only be a venue to converge Mindanao-based bloggers but also discuss issues on environment and to help formulate a better Mindanao through the promotion and the adaptation of a sustainable lifestyle.

“With the prevalent issues on climate change, the Summit aims to promote natural balance and respect for the human symbiotic relationship with the Earth”, IBS Executive Director, Ms. Yape stated. She also wishes to invite all bloggers who are interested to attend the event and experience the vibrant Mindanao blogging community, and to share ideas and explore the potential impact of blogging and sustainable lifestyle.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR JOINING?

Mindanao- based bloggers are top priority.
Bloggers from Luzon and Visayas are also welcome to join.
Complete the registration and wait for the confirmation email.

IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?

There is 200PHp registration fee and we have only 100 slots available, register now, and don’t miss out on the much-awaited convergence of bloggers in Mindanao.

HOW TO REGISTER:

Register here: REGISTRATION FORM
We will then send an email to facilitate you with your registration fee payment

Once accepted as a REGISTERED PARTICIPANT, you are entitled to the following:

Summit Kit
3 Meal Coupons
Raffle Ticket
Certificate of Attendance
Evening Social and City Tour Passes
More More More Freebies!!!

THERE’S MORE!!

For Pre-Event Posting, post the link of the blog post at the 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit Facebook Fanpage. A Mindanao-Wide Blogging Contest and it’s details will soon be posted on this site, sign up for email updates, so as to not miss out on it!

Blogging 101 Seminar has kick started the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 lasts September 22, 2011 at Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital Conference Hall. Among the topics discussed were the basics of blogging, web designing, online article writing, travel blogging and photography. With participants from Iligan City and it’s neighboring towns and cities (Marawi City), Blogging 101 has indeed spurred up blogging interest within the area!

The keynote speaker for the MBS5 is Commissioner Naderev Saño of the National Climate Change Commission to talk about the pressing matter of climate change and it’s over all impact. The line up for speakers include Aileen Apollo – de Jesus of Google Inc. , professor/researcher Dr. Marilou Siton -Nanaman, environmental advocate Anna Oposa, Ali Bari from DENR 10, and social media specialist Janette Toral.

Iligan City has many tourist destinations that the guest and participants can visit and enjoy. IBS invites you to join the City Tour and the David DiMuzio Concert on October 30, 2011. One of the destinations to be visited will be the NPC Nature’s Park that houses the famous Maria Cristina Falls. Please prepare extra budget for the service fees for adventure rides that you may want to take and experience. A detailed post of the itinerary of the City Tour is posted at THE TOUR PAGE.

See you all in Iligan – the City of Majestic Waterfalls!

My favorite part of Animahenasyon is the screening of the animation entries that will be competing for the grand prize. The screening were held at the Arrupe Auditiorium of Ateneo de Naga University from November 23-25, between 4:30 to 8:30 PM. The screening were divided into 8 competition programs. Here's the list of the competition programs and the categories.

Competition Program - Categories
1 - A (1-5 minutes, Professional); E (Music Videos, Professional); F (Title Sequences, OBB, Infomercials, TVC's, Demo Reels 30 seconds to 1minute, Professional)
2 - B (6-20 minutes, Professional)
3 - D (full-length, Professional)
4 - H part 1 (1-5 minutes, Student); K (Music Videos, Student)
5 - H part 2 (1-5 minutes, Student); L (Title Sequences, OBB, Infomercials, TVC's, Demo Reels 30 seconds to 1minute, Student)
6 - D (full-length, Professional)
7 - I part 1 (6-20 minutes, Student)
8 - I part 2 (6-20 minutes, Student)

Aside from the competition entries, there were also 3 special screenings that were shown before the competition programs. The first is an exhibition program titled "Persistence of Vision", a panorama of selected animation from 2006-2010. The next special program are selected works from the Gobelins, L'ecole De L'image's Animation Department. You can watch some of their works in their Youtube page here. And the last is a special program that showcased the award-winning entries from the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival.

I really loved the works of the students from Gobelins which are really professionally done. Gobelins is truly a high-standard school for animation and their works are simply the best. Anyways, as we were watching the entries, i have a list in hand and i marked my favorites. Here are my faves:

When Alma Died (H)
Mystery of the 24th (I)
Mga Damgo (Dreams) (B)
Kaligayahan (A)
Smog (A)
Sulundon (Hero) (B)
Impeng Negro (B)
A Day in the Life of Inday (A)
Sabong (H)
Bizarre Love Triangle (K)
Swan Song (F)
Pasintabi Opening title sequence (F)
First (H)
Toy Bully (H)
Cogwheel (H)
Bleek (I)
Eskeyp da Peyt (I)
Nestle Smarties (L)
Leftover teaser (L)
A Tower: Techy Boy (L)
Close-Up TVC (L)

I missed competition program 6 and 7 so i can't say which are my faves on that program. But i heard that Kapitan Torpe was hilarious. Above all the entries i really salute the makers of the first seven that i listed from above. They were really exceptional in terms of aesthetics and storytelling. And finally here are the winners according to their categories:

A - Smog by Jerome Alcordo
B - Mga Damgo (Dreams) by Remton Zuasola
D - Kapitan Torpe by Antonio Jose Cadiz
H - When Alma Died by Richmond Wesley Ruiz Tan
L - Close-Up TVC by Macelo Munoz
I - The Mystery of the 24th by Julian Santiago
K - Upuan by Maureen Romero

Special Awards:

Hero TV - Mga Damgo (Dreams) by Remton Zuasola
Audience Choice - Close-Up TVC by Macelo Munoz
Lifetime Achievement Award - Roxlee (see photo above)

Grand Prize:

When Alma Died by Richmond Wesley Ruiz Tan (DLSU-CSB)


Aside from the animation competition, there was also a Poster making competition for Animahenasyon 2011. It was open to all and had an earlier deadline. I gave it a shot and I won! :D Here's my poster design titled "AnimaDreams" and a photo of me giving my speech!


Congratulations to all winners and all the organizers for a successful year of Animahenasyon. We are truly on the way to achieve the goals of the Philippine Animation Industry. By encourging filipinos to develop their own content, we are harvesting the best of the talents that we are really proud of. Next year will be another great year. I hope that there will be more entries, not only in quantity but also in terms of quality. Thanks to Sir Mike and Ate Jzel for keeping in touch with me. See you in Animahenasyon 2011!

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Credits to Gerard Asay for the photos!