by admin | Aug 15, 2014 | Local News / Bohol Balita
STATEMENT ON THE POWER SUPPLY SITUATION
The serious concern about power supply shortfall in Luzon in 2015-2016, a similar potential shortfall in the Visayas and the ongoing shortage in Mindanao is definitely a deafening sound for action, a deliberate one that does not need to raise the panic button among the public.
This challenge we face now does not come as a surprise. Over the last four to five years, the power supply and demand situation has been extensively presented and discussed in several consumers, business and government fora both, separately and jointly.
With the supply shortfall escalating into brownouts in Luzon and finally putting everyone on the same page, we are calling for all stakeholders to act in unison in addressing the issue on hand.
From the combined economic, industry, investment and even political view, there appears to be two (2) basic distinct critical periods or challenges to address – the 2015-16 period and post-2016 and forward.
The first has to be confronted with basic “stop-gap” or “band-aiding” measures. This situation is like a golf ball lying 6 inches from the hole. It is a “give” situation and there is no need to tap it in, meaning any steps taken to cure, to bridge or aid the gap would be acceptable to all. There is no need to declare a national emergency.
The second is different because it must be addressed by way of a well-laid out plan that is shared with all stakeholders and which government could smoothly and competently implement through the grant of emergency powers to the President, if the plan would warrant the declaration of a state of emergency. Without such a well-laid plan behind it, declaring a state of emergency would be dangerous and could eventually be counter-productive as we have experienced before.
The private sector has submitted several proposals to entice investments and improve generation adequacy including aggregating the demand of distribution utilities, opening the generation market to competitive bidding and streamlining the business permitting and licensing system.
We urge the National Government to earnestly consider these proposals and develop them into a roadmap consistent with the goals of adequate and reliable power supply and competitive power rate.
The situation can be solved without need for amending the EPIRA, which would create unnecessary restlessness and uncertainties and slow down the present market and investment momentum. The same situation may be expected should a national emergency that is not founded on any solid plan is declared.
With the exercise of strong and reasonable political leadership and will, both issues can be effectively overcome and thereby provide assurance of better power supply and price competitiveness ahead.
by admin | Aug 9, 2014 | Local News / Bohol Balita
Auza.Net is now accepting applications for software developer positions to support its expanding operations with a European software company supplying highly specialized software for the semiconductor industry. Applicants must have actual software development experience in PHP or C/C++. Actual experience in databases like MySQL and MSSQL would be an advantage. Skills in CSS, HTML and Javascript are an advantage.
Auza.Net Technology Consultant Jerome Auza said that the company’s major client in Europe is about to expand operations in Taiwan, US and Israel. Auza.Net provides 100% of the technical support and software development manpower and therefore is making the necessary preparations to absorb the additional demand.
The company’s software development team wrote more than 90% of the software code currently used in product engineering departments in various semiconductor companies. The team is currently developing a real time monitoring module which will allow semiconductor test facilities to monitor production rate and test failures in real time anywhere in the world from any computer with authorized network connection.
Applicants should send soft copies of their application letter, resume, transcript of records and police clearance to jobs@auza.net.
by admin | Jul 26, 2014 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
Local technology firm Auza.Net officially launched the Bohol.Info mobile app on July 22, 2014 at the Bohol Cultural Center during the Province of Bohol Night. Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto, his wife Balilihan Vice-Mayor Pureza Chatto, 1st District Board Member Abel Damalerio and Provincial Administrator Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio witnessed the launching.
It was followed by a second launching activity on July 23, 2014, this time at the Bohol Sandugo Trade Fair at the Island City Mall at the Auza.Net booth. Just before the cocktails of the trade fair opening program, Auza.Net staff spent some time to show the Bohol.Info app to Gov. Chatto, Vice-Mayor Chatto, BM Abel Damalerio, DTI-7 Regional Director Aster Caberte and DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Nanette Arbon.
Auza.Net Operations and Sales Supervisor Jovie Cabais discussing with Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and his wife Balilihan Vice-Mayor Pureza Chatto while Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante looks on. Photo courtesy of Kenny June Requeron.
Bohol.Info is an online business directory for legitimate businesses in Bohol. Aside from the www.bohol.info website, Auza.Net also developed the mobile app version on both iOS and Android. The mobile app is capable of being used even if the device is not connected to the Internet because the updated directory data is downloaded to the device periodically.
The Miss Bohol 2014 winners, Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante, 2nd Runner up Geraldine Topsnik and 4th Runner-up Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas also came by the Auza.Net booth and spent some time discussing with the staff. Auza.Net was part of the organizing committee of the Miss Bohol 2014.
Auza.Net Technology Consultant Jerome Auza discussed with the provincial and DTI officials the potential impact of the Bohol.Info app to Bohol businesses, especially with the ASEAN Integration happening in 2015. Auza said that with a wider market place as well as increased competition, the businesses that are more visible and reachable online as well as on mobile applications will have an advantage.
During the Bohol.Info Launching at the Auza.Net booth during the Sandugo Trade Fair. (L-R) DTI Region 7 Director Aster Caberte, Balilihan Vice Mayor Pureza Chatto, Gov. Edgar Chatto, Auza.Net Operations and Sales Supervisor Jovie Cabais, PROCESS-Bohol Executive Director Emilia M. Roslinda, Auza.Net Technology Consultant Jerome Auza and DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Nanette Arbon. Photo courtesy of Kenny June Requeron
“Also, Boholanos around the world will be celebrating the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan or TBTK in July 2015 and we can expect hundreds, if not thousands, who would come home to join the festivities. Businesses who expect to sell products and services to them should get themselves listed in Bohol.Info. It is one of the ways to reach out to them.”, Auza added.
Auza.Net Operations and Sales Supervisor Jovie Cabais also said, “By mid-August, the Bohol.Info mobile app will include a Promos section where users can view promo listings. Businesses may also request posting of promo listings so that users can see the latest promos very quickly.” The promos listing will be a paid service but trial listings will be available when the new version is released.
1st District Board Member Abellion Damalerio (left) and Auza.Net Technology Consultant Jerome Auza at the Auza.Net booth after discussing the potential impact of Bohol.Info to the business environment in Bohol. Photo courtesy of Fiel Angeli Espejo Araoarao-Gabin.
Listing a business in Bohol.Info is free of charge. If the business owner wants to be featured on the website and be highlighted on the mobile app, then he should subscribe to the paid advertising service where the business listing is prominently displayed.
After the Sandugo Trade Fair, Auza.Net will conduct consultations with business groups, government agencies and possibly non-government organizations or NGO’s to discuss partnerships to further make Bohol.Info useful and relevant to use.
Auza.Net staff pose with Miss Bohol 2014 winners at the company’s booth at the Sandugo Trade Fair Launching of Bohol.Info. (L-R) Content Specialist Jane Alcantara, Operations and Sales Supervisor Jovie Cabais, 4th Runner Up Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas, Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante, 2nd Runner Up Geraldine Topsnik, Technology Consultant Jerome Auza, Android Development Trainee Jason Tiro and Software Developer Vince Gunday.
by admin | Jul 22, 2014 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
(Live Updates)
Boholanos celebrate today, July 22, 2014, the 160th Foundation Day. The provincial officials and the representatives from the different sectors of the community holds the commemorative program honoring Boholano heroes who fought for the freedom not only of the province, but also of the country.
Framed paintings of Sikatuna, Tamblot, Salazar, Dagohoy and Garcia were ceremonially installed on their place of honor near the stage.
Vice Governor Concepcion O. Lim, M.D., welcomed the guests that included dignitaries from China led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, representatives of various local government units and the private sector.
The Bohol Children’s Choir rendered a medley of Boholano folk songs.
The Loboc Children’s Choir singing crowd favorite Boholano folk songs.
1st Congressional District-Bohol Representative Rene L. Relampagos delivered an inspiring message highlighting the achievements of our Boholano heros.
1st Congressional District-Bohol Representative Rene L. Relampagos delivering his message to Boholanos.
Provincial Administrator of Bohol, Mr. Alfonso R. Damalerio II, introduced the guest speaker, President and CEO of PLDT Mr. Napoleon L. Nazareno.
Nazareno, a Boholano himself, formally launched the Php700M fiber optic network in Bohol, a 300 km of fiber optic running from Cebu to Misamis Oriental. This fiber optic network connects Bohol to the PLDT nationwide digital fiber optic network.
Nareno, together with provincial and city officials, as well as PLDT and SMART executives, launched Bohol’s Fiber Optic Network connecting the province to PLDT’s domestic fiber optic network.
PLDT executives and Boholano provincial officials symbolically turns on the fiber optic network of Bohol connecting the province to Cebu and Misamis Oriental and to PLDT’s domestic fiber optic network.
Gov. Edgar Chatto awards the Governor’s Award to the oldest living public official Pedro Samuya. The “Father of Bohol’s Tourism Development” was awarded to Atty. Anos J. Fonacier who was represented by his son. The award for Business/Enterprise was given to Mr. Richard T. Uy, the Chairman of FCB.
Recipients of the Governor’s Award pose with the provincial and city officials.
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto delivered his commemorative message and highlighted the Boholano’s resilience amidst calamity, emphasizing how the Boholanos positively worked together to recover from the October 15, 2013 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Bohol and damaging major infrastructure. The governor also mentioned the various initiatives of the province for the development for Bohol. He cheered the Boholanos with the recently quoted call to action “Padayon Bohol, Padayon Pilipinas”.
Gov. Chatto delivers his commemorative message.
Yeng Cartajenas-Arellano sang the traditional song “Sa Kabukiran” which was well applauded by the crowd.
Yeng Arellano did her rendition of traditional Boholano song “Sa Kabukiran”
Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap II introduced the guest speaker, His Excellency Zhao Jianhua.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Zhao Jianhua delivered his message to the Boholanos. The ambassador mentioned that the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River and of course the province itself, is popular among Chines people. He also extended his condolences to those who lost friends and relatives during the October 13, 2015 earthquake. And then he congratulated the Boholanos for their resilience after the disaster last year and the progress so far.
The ambassador is optimistic that more Chinese tourists will go to Bohol in the near future. He also expects that more projects in agriculture will be implemented by China and Bohol. He also mentioned that the Chinese government will continue to support the sisterhood relationship between Bohol and a province in China.
by admin | Jul 21, 2014 | Entertainment, Local News / Bohol Balita
A new award was given this year for the “Social Media Darling”, the candidate who is most popular on the official Facebook pages for each candidate and the official web page on the Bohol Sandugo Festival website. The selection of the winner was facilitated by Auza.Net’s social media specialists.
Miss Anda Allyson Mycee Escobia.
Miss Anda, Allyson Mycee Escobia, was the most popular candidate on the social media with the most number of likes, shares and views. The final count was taken at 12:01PM on July 19, 2014. Hon. Antonio Ouano, Jr. and Jerome Auza of Auza.Net, gave the award to Miss Anda.
The criteria agreed by the Miss Bohol 2014 committee for judging the award is 60% web page views and 40% Facebook likes and shares. The likes and shares are weighted as 20% each. The criterial details are as follows:
60% – unique views of the candidate’s page in the official Bohol Sandugo Festival website (www.boholsandugofestival.com)
20%- LIKES in Miss Bohol 2014 official FB pages Miss Bohol 2014 Candidates album
20%- SHARES in Miss Bohol 2014 official FB pages Miss Bohol 2014 Candidates album
The criteria is unique among other similar contests where only the likes are counted because it looks at three areas of “popularity” on the social media space instead of just likes. Page views was given a higher weight because it means that people are really viewing the candidate’s page on the Sandugo website. However, since the social media award is only a minor award, it had no bearing on the selection of the finalists.
The results were interesting because there were three different candidates that topped each criteria. Miss Loon topped the likes criteria, Miss Tubigon topped the shares criteria while Miss Anda topped the views criteria. The number of unique views of the candidate’s page on the official Bohol Sandugo Festival website were tallied using Google Analytics.
In the final calculation, Miss Anda emerged on top. The supporters of the Miss Anda candidates were viewing her web page which was a good thing for her because the page views criteria has 60% weight.
Screenshots of each of the candidate’s pictures on the official Miss Bohol 2014 album were taken at noon on July 19, 2014 in order to preserve the numbers of likes and shares counts. Screenshots of the Google Analytics report of the Bohol Sandugo Festival website was also taken.
This year’s Miss Bohol is Miss Dauis Queenie Melody Fullante.
by admin | Jul 21, 2014 | Local News / Bohol Balita
Bohol tour guides receive training on Russian language and culture
Bohol tour guides and some Bohol tourism officers will be receiving training on Russian language and culture this month of July as part of a joint project between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Russian Business Assembly (PRBA).
The 16-day training on Russian language and culture began on June 30, 2014. Over 15 tour guides and tourism officers from all over Bohol attended the sessions.
The training includes topics on the Russian alphabet, phonetics, and word usage, glimpses of life in Russia and major Russian cities, Russian holidays and seasons of the year, Russian customs and traditions, and Russian hobbies and entertainment.
“This effort began with the idea that more cultural exchange and familiarity between the Philippines and Russia is the best starting point for the growth of tourism and eventually the expansion trade relations and then investments from Russia,” said Honorary Russian Consul and PRBA President Armi Lopez-Garcia.
The lesson plan for the 2-week training was prepared by Ms. Zinaida Putapurchenko, the PRBA’s resident Russian language instructor. The same training on Russian language and culture has been given earlier this year to 11 tourism officers and 4 tour guides who are based in Cebu.
The Honorary Russian Consul noted that there has been a steadily increasing awareness of the Philippines by Russian tourists. The Philippines is the closest tropical destination to Russia’s eastern part, which is only five hours away by airplane.
Russian tourists, described as some of the top high-spenders among different nationalities visiting the Philippines, have been billed as an emerging tourist market in the country. Chartered flights between Moscow and Cebu City are presently available.
The Philippine Russian Business Assembly is the main intermediary and networking body for Philippine and Russian business which aims to promote tourism, trade relations and investment between the two countries
