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Launching The Streaming Platform of Education: Mapúa X’s Impact on Lifelong Learning

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Education across the world has been democratized exponentially over the years. With the dawn of the Information Age and Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s not hard to see why. Students now have access to millions of Youtube videos, short courses, and other tools that were otherwise inaccessible without the internet.

Yet another challenge presents itself with such democratization. Given the influx of information online partnered with course curriculums offered in universities, students face bombardment and the inability to filter out all this information into relevant knowledge that lead to measurable skills and competencies applicable to real-world jobs and workplaces.

Not only that. Students, with their diverse learning styles, interests, and career aspirations, are hard pressed to find a learning program or platform that is hyper-personalized to address their educational needs. 

“In the era of digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, workplaces are searching for agile, entrepreneurial professionals who can quickly adapt and pivot in a very competitive and dynamic economy,” says Mapúa University President Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo. “To meet that demand, we had to move beyond traditional learning methods and adopt new approaches that will better prepare students for these volatile work environments.”

Flexible and inclusive learning

Apart from diverse learning styles and educational goals, students in the Philippines also face other impediments to higher education. A universal story for many is their lack of financial means, geographical challenges, and limited access to technology that pushes them to stop pursuing their college education.

This is the prime inspiration for creating Mapúa X.

An innovative online learning marketplace, Mapúa X is rooted in a vision to expand access to quality education and meet the evolving needs of learners in the modern world. This initiative also reflects a broader trend in higher education many universities are responding to.

“The education system must prioritize flexibility, inclusivity, and alignment with various industry demands,” Maestrecampo explains. ‘Our goal is not only to provide learners from diverse backgrounds with access to education but also to ensure their success by acquiring competencies and skills that are highly sought after in the global job market. To accomplish this, we require a platform that enables learning beyond the constraints of traditional campus-based programs.”

Just like streaming movies

Imagine a video streaming platform, but instead of movies, you’re immersing yourself in interactive courses, programs, microcredentials, and training. 

Mapúa X, described as a catalog or streaming platform for education, brings a fresh and innovative approach to learning, mirroring the ease of access and variety we’ve come to expect from streaming services.

From technology and engineering to business and creative arts, the platform offers a diverse selection of educational content. This includes interactive and multimedia-rich courses with video lectures, interactive simulations, and real-time feedback which all make the learning process more engaging and effective compared to traditional text-based content.

Building such a platform involves Mapúa University’s partnership with Anthology, an education technology company with a suite of solutions for higher education institutions. Anthology provides a comprehensive ecosystem of tech solutions designed to enhance learning experiences, streamline administrative processes, and ensure educational content is engaging and effective like Mapúa X.

“Through Anthology’s LMS, we’re able to make Mapúa X user-friendly while delivering high-quality educational content,” Samuel Tang, Anthology’s Country Manager for the Philippines, says. “Students can now easily navigate their courses, access resources, submit assignments, and talk to their professors throughout their individualized learning journeys.”

For the love of learning

From traditional students to lifelong learners, Mapúa X is created not just to serve as a digital commonplace within campus but to be every student’s go-to streaming platform for learning beyond university.

“Our collaboration with Anthology allows us to use a training and development manager (TDM) approach built within a robust LMS platform,” Maestrecampo explains. “This means Mapúa X will enable you to continue your education, professional development, and community enrichment without enrolling on campus. You can self-enroll in courses, earn credentials, and access all your previous, present, and future courses from anywhere at any time.”

About Anthology

Anthology offers the largest EdTech ecosystem on a global scale for education, supporting more than 150 million users in 80 countries. With a mission to provide dynamic, data-informed experiences to the global education community through Anthology Intelligent Experiences™, we help learners, leaders and educators achieve their goals by offering over 60 SaaS products and services designed to advance learning. Discover more about how we are fulfilling our mission for education, business and government institutions at www.anthology.com.

Two Lucky Motorists Win Brand New SUV From MPTC Happy Holideals Raffle Promo

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Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and Chevrolet Philippines turned the heat up as it marked the successful conclusion of the ‘MPTC Happy Holideals’ promo and brought joy to the luckiest motorists across the nation.

During the awarding ceremony held on Monday, May 20, at Chevrolet San Fernando Pampanga, the spotlight shone on two lucky raffle winners all the way from Cebu and Manila, who each drove home a brand-new Chevrolet Tracker LS. The celebration extended further with 10 motorists winning P100,000 each, while 40 additional winners rejoiced with P50,000 each.

The winners shared their heartfelt gratitude and emphasized their use of the MPT DriveHub app to join the raffle promo.

“We’re thankful for the blessing na nabigay. We are thankful to MPTC for giving us this brand-new car and making travel really easy for us. The EASYTRIP RFID is a big help as it makes trip more convenient,” said Mr. Jonathan Paroli, one of the two winners of the promo.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa MPTC at Chevrolet for this wonderful opportunity and prize. Thank you to CCLEX for making this happen,” added raffle winner Mr. Rommel Tejeno, who flew all the way from Cebu.

Qualifying for the promo was effortless for participants. By simply linking their Easytrip RFID to the MPT DriveHub app, reloading through the app, and making at least four transactions on any MPTC expressway, motorists secured their chance to win these fantastic prizes. This marks the second year that MPTC has run this promotional campaign, aimed at giving back to its valued motorists during the festive holiday season.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” remarked the President and CEO of MPTC, Mr. Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singon. “As we dive into the summer season, these SUVs offer our winners the perfect companions for exploring exciting summer destinations. Also, the cash prizes serve as bonuses to enhance their summer experiences. We hope this promo has added an extra layer of joy and excitement to our motorists’ journeys and inspired them to create unforgettable memories along the way. Plus, we encourage them to use the MPT DriveHub app and discover its conveniences.”

MPTC, the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investment Corporation (MPIC), stands as the largest toll road developer and operator in the Philippines, overseeing key projects such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector Road, Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

For the latest updates and more details, please visit website, www.mptdrivehub.com.ph, or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metropacifictollways, https://www.facebook.com/MPTDriveHubPH,

https://www.facebook.com/easytripPH, https://www.facebook.com/NLEXexpressways, https://www.facebook.com/cavitexpressway, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCALAX,

https://www.facebook.com/CCLEXexpressway.

SSS files charges against 4 employers for P15-M unpaid workers’ contributions; set to file cases vs 655 others

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Social Security System (SSS) Mindanao North Legal Department Attorney 1 Jhon Edgar L. Ipan (middle) files charges against a car spare parts importer at the Prosecutor’s Office in Cagayan de Oro City for non-remittance of SSS contributions.

The Social Security System (SSS) today announced that it has filed separate criminal charges at the Prosecutor’s Office against four business establishments for P15 million unremitted employees’ contributions and penalties as a result of the nationwide Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaigns.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said SSS is poised to charge another 655 delinquent employers soon for not remitting P257 million workers’ contributions.

Macasaet said that a restaurant business under the name Juanito Galvez, fire extinguisher’s retail-refilling supplier Chedda General Merchandise, BPO service provider e-Telecare, and car spare parts importer Cinwha Trading Corporation deprived their 140 employees of availing SSS benefits or applying for loan programs because of their non-remittance of contributions.

“SSS previously visited the four employers during RACE operations to remind them to pay the contributions of their workers. However, they failed to settle their contribution delinquencies despite receiving violation notices from SSS,” Macasaet said.

Macasaet added the legal actions taken by SSS against these delinquent employers among others only proved that SSS was serious and determined to penalize business establishments who failed to deduct and remit the monthly contributions of their workers.

SSS Vice President for Operations Legal Services Division and RACE Team Coordinator Renato Jacinto S. Cuisia said that SSS has beefed up its RACE campaigns around the country.

Cuisia said that it issued notices of violation and show cause orders to erring employers compelling them to settle their contribution delinquencies and comply with their obligations under Republic Act No. 11199.

Cuisia added that under the law, employers are mandated to register their businesses with the SSS and report all their employees within 30 days from the actual employment date.

“It is not just a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility of employers to deduct from the employee’s salary the employee’s share in the monthly SSS contribution and, together with the employer’s share, remit it to the SSS,” Cuisia stressed.

Based on the SSS assessment, Cuisia said restaurant owner Juanito Galvez had the highest contribution delinquency among the four delinquent employers, with P11.1 million composed of P4.8 million unpaid workers’ contributions and P6.4 million penalties.

Cuisia noted that SSS records showed that the establishment still needed to remit the SSS contributions of its 35 employees from June 2007 to August 2023.

He said that the restaurant owner and the three other erring employers were given multiple opportunities to settle their contribution delinquencies. “However, they did not cooperate with the SSS and comply with the Social Security Law, leaving SSS with no other recourse but to file a case in court against them,” he explained.

Earlier, SSS issued violation notices to more than 1,200 delinquent employers across the country in a synchronous RACE operation to remind them of the legal consequences of not remitting their employees’ contributions

VRITIMES and Slvrdlphn Partner to Amplify Press Release Reach in the Philippines

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Manila, May 22, 2024– VRITIMES, a leading media technology platform for crafting and distributing press releases, today announced a strategic partnership with Slvrdlphn, a popular Filipina-owned website known for its diverse content encompassing lifestyle, recipes, advocacy, and more. This collaboration aims to empower businesses and organizations across the Philippines to expand the reach of their press releases and connect with a wider audience.

VRITIMES offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies the press release creation and distribution process. Businesses can utilize VRITIMES to craft compelling press releases, target relevant media outlets, and gain valuable insights into the performance of their campaigns. Through this partnership, VRITIMES press releases will be distributed to Slvrdlphn’s engaged audience, fostering greater brand awareness and exposure for VRITIMES’ clients.

“We are thrilled to partner with Slvrdlphn, a trusted platform that resonates with a diverse Filipino audience,” said Ferry Bayu, CEO at VRITIMES. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing businesses with efficient and targeted press release distribution solutions. By leveraging Slvrdlphn’s reach, we empower our clients to effectively communicate their stories and connect with a wider segment of the Filipino market.”

This partnership allows Slvrdlphn to offer its readers valuable and timely news updates while supporting businesses in effectively reaching their target audience. The collaboration is believed to be mutually beneficial for both organizations and their respective communities.

About VRITIMES Inc.

VRITIMES is a media technology startup established in Tokyo in August 2022. The company functions as both a press release creation platform and a distributor to its media partners. VRITIMES empowers users to create, distribute, and analyze the performance of their press releases, all within a single, user-friendly solution. By simplifying and streamlining press release distribution, VRITIMES aims to facilitate a more efficient flow of information, ensuring valuable news reaches media outlets and consumers effectively. About Slvrdlphn Slvrdlphn is a Filipino website with the motto “living, loving, learning.” The platform features diverse content covering lifestyle, recipes and kitchen hacks, advocacy, art and science, technology, education, sports, and many more. Slvrdlphn strives to provide its audience with informative and engaging content that caters to their various interests.

2 workers face raps over market collector’s murder

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BOCAUE, Bulacan—Two market workers were arrested and charged of murder for the killing of a stall rental collector in this town last week.

Bocaue police chief Col. Manuel De Vera Jr. on Friday, May 17 filed murder complaints against Aliodin Maruhom Ali, 30, a native of Sultan Naga Dimapuro and Allimin Alando Cadal, 24, of Bauan both of Lanao del Norte who are both current residents of Saint Martha relocation site in Barangay Batia this town.

De Vera said Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage and several witnesses pointed to Ali and Cadal and led to their arrest as the gunmen who shot dead Alona Oliveros, 39, Batia Market Collector from Barangay Caingin.

Oliveros was on board a tricycle bound home at about 2:15 on May 15 after a day’s work collecting payments from vendors in Batia Market when two armed suspects wearing black jacket and black helmet on board Suzuki Burghman motorcycle without plate number suddenly blocked her path and fired successive shots on her.

The victim suffered gun-shot wounds on her head.

According to De Vera, the victim who was collecting stall rentals in Batia market got the ire of a group of businessmen who have yet to pay the due payments.

The two suspects reportedly work for some of the stall owners, the police said.

Three other suspects including the mastermind are now being hunted by the police.

IMPULSES: Double-edged legacy of political dynasties

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By Herman M. Lagon

Disputes over political dynasties have raged since immemorial, sparking discussions about fairness, democracy, and leadership. The truth is more complex than that which is sometimes presented when all political families are criticized at once. There are many good public officials and many folds more corrupt ones in politics, so there is plenty of room for passionate debate about the real effects of dynastic politics.

The political and economic fortunes are subject to the ebb and flow of dynasties, which have become an integral part of our society. It would be easy to look at them with cynicism; after all, they do tend to consolidate power, restrict democratic options, and maintain an elite grip on political issues. These families have the power to limit competition, creating an environment in which new ideas and innovations have a hard time taking hold.

But there is some good news. For some political families, the name “dynasty” has come to represent reliability, advancement, and widespread support. Few cities and towns have experienced dynastic leadership that has resulted in good government, with creative projects and accommodating policies being the rule rather than the exception. These rare breeds have proven that political families may, under the guidance of capable and principled leaders, spur development and elevate community standards.

But we must not ignore the risks of dynastic governance. The quality of government declines when family ties take priority over competence and when power becomes overly concentrated in the hands of a small number of families. Corruption and patronage politics might flourish unfettered under such an unjust and inefficient structure, endangering our democratic society as we know it.

What matters most is how these two aspects of a dynasty are balanced or not. For some families, holding public office is a birthright; for others, it is a means to an end, and they put their interests ahead of the public good. This contrast begs the critical question of how political dynasties have affected the country’s democracy and socioeconomic climate.

We must remember that the issue is not merely the presence of political dynasties but also the absence of rigorous oversight and controls that permit the maintenance of their less admirable characteristics. Even if it bans political dynasties, the Constitution is only valid with enabling laws and its actual implementation. Unchecked dynasty politics can flourish in this legislative vacuum, which is terrible for political pluralism and equity.

Economic inequality and social mobility are broader socioeconomic issues reflected in the debate about political dynasties. Ordinary Filipinos have difficulty climbing the socioeconomic ladder due to merit and hard work alone since these families control substantial political and economic resources, perpetuating current social structures.

We must recognize the very few dynasties that have done their best to improve the lives of their subjects and, in many cases, brought about revolutionary shifts in their communities. Many members of these families believe that the stability and consistency brought about by their long political careers are essential for the success of development initiatives spanning many years.

But there are many much more instances where dynasties have failed to deliver, becoming emblematic of the fundamental problems that afflict politics in every case. Therefore, it is necessary to cultivate a political climate that allows all citizens to serve in the public sector, choosing candidates based on their vision and abilities rather than their family tree.

For this problem, the best action would be to establish regulations that promote more openness and competition in politics so that no one family can gain too much power. With this method—

including the hope for a wiser, principled, discerning, and militant electorate—everyone would be on an equal footing, and politics would become more vibrant and representative.

Backed with the lessons of the past, we must never stop asking what part political dynasties play in our culture. We must work together to demand changes that are true to democracy and partial to human rights. We must ensure that government is a duty that belongs to the people and not a privilege enjoyed by a few.

Ultimately, political dynasties do not automatically harm a nation’s democracy, but, as much evidence suggests, they threaten and damage it without adequate checks and balances. Moving on, we must find this middle ground, ensuring that public servants constantly consider the country’s most significant interests and democratic principles. If we are serious about building an equitable, inclusive, and just society, we must take the difficult but necessary step of reform, if not total transformation.

Bulacan gov extends aids to 51 families of fire incident in Guiguinto

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AID FOR THE FIRE VICTIMS. Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz lead the distribution of aid to some of the 51 families displaced by the fire incident in Sitio Capin, Brgy. Ilang-Ilang, Guiguinto, Bulacan last Tuesday. With them are (from left) Barangay chief Jose Darsee Alvarez and Councilor Estrellita Aballa during the delivery of financial assistance and emergency relief items held at the Guiguinto Municipal Park in Rosaryville Subdivision Phase l, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Guiguinto, Bulacan last Wednesday.

CITY OF MALOLOS – Governor Daniel R. Fernando handed over cash assistance and emergency relief items to 51 families who were victims of a fire incident that occurred at Sitio Capin, Brgy. Ilang-Ilang, Guiguinto, Bulacan on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The distribution was held at Guiguinto Municipal Park in Rosaryville Subdivision Phase l, Brgy. Sta. Cruz wherein the 51 families each received P10,000 financial assistance from Fernando.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Bulacan provided each family with 50 kilos of rice and emergency kits including pillow, mosquito net, plastic mat and blanket. Owners of the fully damaged houses will have an additional assistance of P10,000 while P5,000 for the owners of partially damaged houses but subject to assessment of the damages.

In his message, Fernando said that the Provincial Government will continue to assist the needy and committed that one million pesos worth of construction materials for the victims’ recovery and rebuilding their homes will be allotted.

He also informed the beneficiaries that the PGB proposed a dredging project to solve the flooding problem in Guiguinto particularly in the said barangay’s heavily silted river area.

The governor together with Guiguinto Mayor Atty. Agatha Paula “Agay” Cruz also personally checked the condition of the victims at the evacuation center.

TAGUMPAY SA WEST PHILIPPINE SEA!

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ATIN ITO

We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of Atin Ito, second civilian supply mission to the West Philippine Sea.  

To reiterate, the mission has successfully achieved the following:

– Conducted a solidarity and peace regatta of 100 small fishing boats within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
– Placed symbolic markers within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) EEZ.
– Distributed essential supplies, including fuel and food packs, to Filipino fishers operating in the area. A total of 6,000 liters of fuel and a thousand food packs were distributed to 670 fishers.

Additionally, the mission achieved a major victory on May 15 when its advance team reached the vicinity of Panatag Shoal, despite facing a massive and unlawful blocking force by China. The advance team successfully delivered supplies to the fishers in the area.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), especially to the courageous captain and crew of PCG BRP Bagacay and PCG substations in Subic, Botolan, Masinloc and Iba, the Philippine Navy, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, the AFP Northern Luzon Command, the Matalvis port and its staff, captains (Captains Totoy, Junar, Jory, Maximo, and Jegger) and the various crew of our civilian boats, MARINA, the local government of Subic, Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, and to our countless donors and supporters for their unwavering support throughout the voyage. Their efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety and success of this mission.

We also want to thank the media, both foreign and local, for telling the story of this mission and spreading it to different audiences. Their coverage has been vital in raising awareness and garnering support for our cause.

Mabuhay po tayong lahat! West Philippine Sea, Atin ito! 

Statement of the Commission on Human Rights in support of the passage of the Magna Carta of Children Bill

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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urges for the swift passage of House Bill No. 10159, or the Magna Carta of Children Bill. We positively envision this to strengthen our monitoring mechanisms in ensuring the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child in the country.

During the first House Committee hearing headed by Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the Committee on the Welfare of Children, the CHR took part in the discussions through Commissioner Beda A. Epres as the Focal for Child Rights to highlight its role in the protection and promotion of all Filipino children. Once HB 10159 is passed into law, the CHR will be designated as the country’s Ombud for Children.

In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), it is incumbent upon the State to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the rights of all children are guaranteed. The Magna Carta incorporates the four basic principles of the UNCRC into the Philippine landscape: (a) non-discrimination, (b) to regard the best interests of the child as a primary consideration of the State, (c) right to survival and development, and (d) respecting the views of the child.

“A whole-of-society approach should be mobilised to ensure that the State is able to protect, respect, and fulfil the rights of every Filipino child. Once the bill is passed, the Commission’s efforts towards guaranteeing the children’s right to a safe and empowering environment will continue, and we hope that this will translate to additional financial and human resources to effectively carry out our role as the Ombud for Children,” according to Commissioner Epres.

The CHR, through its Child Rights Center, is a member of the Core Group of the Magna Carta of Children bill and is also involved in the advocacy and lobbying work for the passage of HB 10159.

The Commission anticipates full support of the Congress in the passage of the bill to demonstrate their commitment to recognising the vital role of children in nation-building through effective delivery of services targeted to promote and protect their overall well-being. For our part, CHR will continue to be open for consultation to ensure that the Magna Carta for Children fully responds to the rights of every Filipino child.

GSIS Touch now back on android phones

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The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced today that the GSIS Touch mobile app, its virtual frontline, is again available for Android phone users.

The app previously became unavailable for Android users with Android 14 operating system due to compatibility issues.

The GSIS advises Android users to update the app by downloading the latest version from the Google Play Store. The GSIS Touch has remained continuously available for iPhone users.

The GSIS Touch is designed to provide GSIS members with convenient access to various services such as loan applications, claims, and benefits status checks directly from their mobile devices. This app aims to enhance user experience by offering a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly interface that allows members to manage their GSIS accounts without the need to visit a physical office.

To date, more than 1.2 million GSIS members and pensioners are already registered in GSIS Touch.

For inquiries on GSIS Touch, members may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph), or its official Facebook page (@gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call hotline at 8847 4747 (for those in Metro Manila), 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers).