‘Step Up sa Pangarap’ movement for working students launched

Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), together with IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and McDonald’s, has launched Step Up sa Pangarap – a pioneering movement that brings together the academe and industries to celebrate, support, and empower working students across the country.

Formally unveiled at a media event held at 205 Coffee and Cocktails in Bonifacio Global City on February 16, 2023, Step Up sa Pangarap kicks off with a series of stories of working students to inspire the community.

The main highlight of the campaign will gather working students from across the country for a three-day virtual summit to be held on May 1012, 2023. Featuring a roster of speakers composed of industry leaders, influencers, and former working students who found success in their respective careers, the event will empower the working student community on how to achieve their goals and provide them with access to coaches and mentors who can help further prepare attendees for the real world.

The online summit will particularly discuss three key areas where our working students can be successful:

· Step Up sa Career – A deep discussion on the skills to acquire and steps to be taken towards further career development

· Step Up sa Buhay – A comprehensive talk that tackles the importance of work-schoollife balance and how to achieve it

· Step Up sa Pera – An indepth session that covers all the bases of how individuals can stay on top of their finances and make smart investments towards their future

Watch out for the full lineup of inspiring and noteworthy speakers.

Following the summit, the movement challenges working students on how they can best apply their learnings. Participants will be encouraged to join the “Step Up sa Tagumpay” Awards by submitting entries on how they plan to apply their learnings from the virtual summit and“Step Up” in their careers, lives, and finances. The most compelling stories stand to win MMDC scholarships and other awards at the awards night to be held online on May 25, 2023.

The Challenges of Today’s Working Students

According to a report from the World Economic Forum, data analytics, information security, software development, and business development are among the top industries where the demand for professionals will grow significantly by 2025. While these statistics are indicative of emerging workforce trends brought on by rapid digitalization across the world, many real-world challenges stand in the way of today’s learners hoping to begin or advance their careers. Skills gaps exist between industry needs and the technical skills that graduates have, and in the case of non-graduate undergrad employees, options for career advancement remain limited due to the lack of a college diploma.

In a survey conducted by MMDC through TheNerve on what students looked for in a college, career opportunities emerged as the top reason for potential returnees to enroll. While many working adults may express the desire to finish their college education, factors such as the inability to balance work, personal life, and school, the lack of time to commute to a physical campus, and the availability of funding prevent them from doing so.

“At McDonald’s, we are committed in fostering a working environment where everyone is supported, empowered, and enabled to reach their full potential. It starts with job security. As a company with close to 50,000 employees, and the first QSR that has practiced direct hiring (no contractualization) since we began operations in 1981, we have seen how this, together with development opportunities like the Step Up sa Pangarap Program, allows our crew to grow and develop to become future leaders. At McDonald’s, we believe that providing the best employee experience results in a better experience for all.” says McDonald’s Philippines Corporate Relations Director Adi Hernandez.

A Better College Experience for Future Working Students

For many Filipino working adults, getting a chance to finish a college degree to become more competitive in the workplace might seem like a goal that’s out of reach. With so many responsibilities to juggle and so little time to spare between them, going to a physical campus to sit in class and devoting the energy to study seems almost close to impossible.

Recognizing these and other considerations of working students, as well as the growing opportunities in today’s in-demand industries, MMDC leads the celebration of our working students across the country. Together with IBPAP and its employer partners, MMDC is rallying a community of employers and industry associations to ensure that working students become successful in the fields of Business Administration and Information Technology.

“The Philippines is a global leader in IT-BPM services for a reason—the Filipino talent,” said Celeste Ilagan, IBPAP Chief Policy & Regulatory Affairs Officer. “In turn, the sector has become one of their biggest champions and through the years, we’ve worked with the government and the academe to ensure that they are provided every opportunity to develop their skills and remain competitive. With our goal to grow Philippine IT-BPM into a US$59 billion industry with 2.5 million full-time employees (FTEs), the plan is to further accelerate our efforts in talent development through more initiatives like Step Up sa Pangarap and stronger collaborations with partners like MMDC.”

Grounded on the Mapúan brand of academic excellence, MMDC’s innovative Projects, Problems, and Cases educational model and digital-first approach to learning are designed for flexibility. This model also equips students with real-world experience as well as the technical and soft skills needed in the workforce. All these at a very affordable and competitive price to ensure that the majority of the working students will have access to this relevant and effective learning experience.

“Returning students need to understand, just getting a degree may not help you. Writing a paper about theories from 50 years ago isn’t going to open new career opportunities. Instead, getting a degree that delivers competencies in demand today and tomorrow will unlock opportunities to further one’s career. As an outcomes based and digital-first college, the MMDC educational model was designed to be flexible and accessible to address the factors keeping potential working students from coming back to school, said Derrick Latreille, Chief Learning Officer of MMDC and Co-founder of Ayala Education. “Since we opened our doors, almost 60% of our learners are currently working students. Through this campaign, we aim to empower more potential returnees across the country to pursue a college degree that will make a difference in their career, at an institution that supports their needs.”

To learn more about MMDC, visit mmdc.mcl.edu.ph or follow MMDC on Facebook, Twitter, Instag ram, and YouTube.

Power Mac Center treats music lovers to Valentine’s Day deals

Looking for a special gift for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Or a little something your music-loving heart has been wanting? Head on over to Power Mac Center stores and online to find “the one” you’re looking for. The Apple Premium Reseller is holding a special Valentine’s Day promo, including up to P1,500 off on AirPods, 30% discount on AirPods premium cases, and up to 50% off on participating premium earphones from partner brands Defunc, Marley, Sudio, and Urbanista.

“Like love, music is a universal language. This month, Power Mac Center is celebrating Filipinos’ passion for music by extending big discounts on premium audio accessories that pair perfectly with your favorite Apple devices. Upgrade or make the switch to experience the best quality of sound, so you can sing your heart out whatever mood or situation you’re in,” said Joey Alvarez, Power Mac Center Director of Product Management and Marketing.

Get the AirPods (3rd gen) at P1,000 off when you pay via non-installment modes at any Power Mac Center or The Loop branch nationwide, or online via the Viber Store, Lazada, Shopee, and SM Malls Online app. Promo runs until February 19, 2023 only. Meanwhile, you can cop the AirPods (2nd gen) at P1,500 off in the same channels until February 28, 2023. You can also snag 30% off on participating premium AirPods cases from Elago, Lab.C, and Laut when bought together with AirPods at any Power Mac Center, The Loop, and Mobile Care Service Centers nationwide and at <powermaccenter.com> until February 19, 2023.

Moreover, a wide selection of in-ear, wireless, and noise-cancelling earphones and earbuds in a variety of colors are slashed up to 50% off retail price. These are available via non-installment modes at all Power Mac Center, The Loop, and Mobile Care Service Centers nationwide, Web Store, and The Loop by Power Mac Center on Lazada and Shopee from February 11 to 19, 2023. Valid non-installment payment methods include cash, straight credit card, debit card, bank transfer, check, GCash, GrabPay, WeChat, AliPay, Maya, Hello

Money, UnionPay, BDO Pay, ShopeePay, QRPH, Power Mac Center eGift Certificate, Home Credit with interest, UpTrade trade-in value/ voucher, BillEase, 1 Infinite Access points, and Power Mac Center Gift Certificate.

Two-for-one on training and services

Basecamp, Power Mac Center’s official training arm, is also joining the Valentine’s celebration. Customers can avail of any course at the regular price and bring a companion for FREE! That’s right, it’s two for the price of one, and you can choose from a wide range of creative and technical courses.

Select training courses are also discounted at 20% off. These include macOS Fundamentals, Technical Troubleshooting, Apple Device Support, Apple Deployment and Management, iOS/ iPadOS Fundamentals and Troubleshooting, Mac and Windows Integration Basics, Pages, Num- bers, and Keynote, and App Development with Swift. Sessions are conducted by Apple Certified Trainers every Monday to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for declared holidays.

These promos are available from February 11 to 19, 2023 only, but the training itself can be scheduled with a Basecamp authorized representative until March this year.

Meanwhile, Power Mac Center’s service arm, Mobile Care, is extending discounts on diagnosis and software fees if you bring with you someone who also needs a repair or software fix for their Apple device. The two devices are entitled to a discount of 14% from February 11 to 19, 2023.

Terms and conditions apply. Shop now at https://bit.ly/ PMCValentinesDay2023. Find other ongoing promotions at Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

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the logistics hub alternate to Singapore.

The big ticket projects that shall be implemented to boost integration are Sasa Wharf Rehabilitation Project, Davao International Airport Modernization Proj-

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pamaagi nga makahatag ta og assistance sa ilaha maskin food packs lang man (These people are part of the list we submitted to CSWDO for the Batch 12 of those who will receive financial assistance last year and since the agency did not release additional fund, they were unable to receive the financial assistance. So, with that we looked for ways that they’d be assisted even through food packs only),” she said.

Aquino said that they coordinated with the City Mayor’s Office for the food packs. The same type of food packs was distributed to other sectors, so this time, taxi drivers and PUJ drivers received their share.

During the February 16 distribution, a total of 464 drivers received food packs. Each food pack contains 20 canned goods and five kilos of rice. Each driver received two bags.

HPBS Registration “Gawas ana ni-take advantage na lang pud mi sa atoang registration drive nga atong gipahigayon sa atong High Priority Bus System unya nindot pud sya og turn out kay as per

foreign trips of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“The increase in investments proves that the government’s promotional visit abroad, led by no less than the President himself, are working as a growing number of investors from around the globe – from Southeast Asia, the US, Belgium, China, and most recently Japan – have shown strong interest in putting in more investments into the country,” he said.

The trade chief noted that approved investments

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paya Service Contract 38.

“While major regular maintenance works have been carried out over the last two decades, this is the first time under an all-Filipino owned consortium,” the DOE said.

Prime Infra completed the acqusition of the 45% stake last November, and renamed the SPEX to Prime Energy Resources Development B.V.

Prime Infra in July announced that its unit Prime Exploration Pte. Ltd. inked a share purchase agreement to acquire Malampaya Energy from from Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp.

Uy’s Malampaya Ener- ect, Davao City Coastal Road Project, Davao City Bypass Road Project, Davao City Expressway Project, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project, and Mindanao Railway Project: Tagum-DavaoDigos segment. gahapon nga ihap nato nikabat siya og murag 100 plus ka drivers atong napa-register so naklaro na or nasecure na ang ilang registration didto sa atong HPBS project. (Aside from handing out food packs, we also took advantage of the distribution and conducted the registration drive for the HPBS. The turnout is also good because as per yesterday’s data, around 100 were able to register, so their registration for the project was secured),” she said.

She said that the 100 drivers will add to the 9,072 drivers and operators earlier listed for the HPBS social package. The registration for the drivers and operators for the social packages remains open.

Aquino said that drivers included in Batch 12 who were entitled to receive food packs are listed in their February 15 post on https://www. facebook. com/cswdodavaocity.

While the initial schedule of distribution is set for February 16 and 17, they plan to extend it to next week until all the drivers on the list are given food packs. CIO in less than two months of 2023 surged to PHP163 billion, from PHP249 million in the same period in 2022.

“BOI-approved foreign capital for barely the first months of 2023 has already reached 56 percent of the total figure for all IPAs (investment promotion agencies) last year. So, this year looks very promising with heightened prospects and through our collective efforts, we are on course to surpass the 2022 figure way ahead of time,” Pascual said. (PNA)

One can contract HFMD by touching contaminated objects or surfaces; coughing or sneezing of a person

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Lemuel Manalo, program coordinator of IDIS, said they conducted demographic profiling, interview, and log sheets with the farmers, and basically, skin diseases and irritation are the common cases and complaints that they profiled.

“The samples we gathered particularly from Baguio District in Barangay Tawan-Tawan have puroks amd settlements nearby and directly adjacent to plantations, The plantations subject for this study are pineapple plantations. For this research alone yung subject for the pesticides are coming from the pineapple plantations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the groups emphasized that the fight against aerial spraying continues.

This year, the city is commemorating the Ban Aerial Spray Ordinance

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in various sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy, transportation, healthcare, renewable energy and business expansion.

The investment pledges from Japanese business leaders are expected to generate around 24,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Marcos expressed optimism that the latest development would make the Philippine economy more robust.

‘New Philippines’

He said his foreign travels are aimed at fulfilling his administration’s desire for a “new Philippines.”

“Itong ginagawa nating pagbibisita sa iba’t ibang bansa gaya ng Japan with HFMD; touching the water from the blisters; and touching the feces of a person with HFMD. that was passed 16 years ago and proposed by the late Councilor Leo Avila, who was then the chair of the environment committee of the City Council.

“Dabawenyos and farmer partners padayon gihapon in fighting for their rights, specially on their fight against aerial spray ordinance to keep ang mga measures in terms of agricultural management and to keep in place and reduce pesticide use. Our farmers na nakapuyo sa rural districts are affected by nearby agricultural plantations that still pose risks and hazards coming from chemicals and toxins being released by these agricultural plantations specifically mono-crop plantations in Baguio District, particularly in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed area,” Manalo said.

By Maya M. Padillo

para manghikayat ng mga investment ay malaking bahagi ng ating roadmap kumbaga tungo sa isang bagong Pilipinas (Our overseas trips, including Japan, to encourage more investments is a big part of our roadmap toward a new Philippines),” Marcos said. “Ang mga ugnayan at pagsasamahang kinakailangan sa ating mga mithiin ay lalo pang aarugain. Hindi lang ang pagbangon, kung hindi ang kaunlaran, iyan ang bagong Pilipinas (We will nurture our connections and partnerships we need to achieve our goals. A new Philippines shows not just our recovery but also development).”

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2008, to allow 100-percent foreign equity for a lot of RE sources including wind, solar and tidal.

for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the 74th staging of the event is supported by platinum sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Asian Journal, Airbus, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino.

Gold sponsors include Radio Mindanao Network, Mastercard, Primax, University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network, PLDT/Smart, and Konsul-

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He finished with 13 points, and said a chasedown block in the first half led to him getting a finger caught in the rim.

“Precautionary reasons,” James said.

James played a half. The game’s other captain didn’t play a half-minute.

Antetokoumpo drafted his team before the game, went through warmups (such as they were) and started the game as planned.

But his right wrist was wrapped, and that was an ominous sign. The injury kept him out of All-Star Saturday’s skills event, limited him to 20 seconds in this one. He got an uncontested dunk to open the game, then took a foul and headed to the bench.

“Whatever I have, I’m going to give,” Antetokounmpo said. “That’s who I am. That’s never going to change.”

As in past years, the teams played for charity, with Team LeBron raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and Team Giannis for Raise the Future, which connects youth waiting

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his first dunk – Alvarado “stealing” the ball and throwing an alley-oop pass off the backboard to Murphy for a 360 dunk. Murphy placed third with his dunk.

ta MD.

Joining the event as silver sponsors are Philippine National Bank (PNB), Biocostech, and VISA.

Minor sponsors are Bollore Logistics, Manila Standard, Tanduay Brands International, and Asia Brewery while donors are Department of Tourism, Ogawa, Newport World Resorts, Rolls Royce, and Boeing.

in foster care with stable adults. Each team started with $150,000, with the first three quarters worth another $100,000 apiece and the All-Star Game winner getting another $150,000.

The teams were tied at 46-46 in the first quarter, and Team Giannis took the second quarter 53-46.

Team Giannis also won the third quarter 59-49, and the cumulative score to that point — 158-141, Team Giannis — meant 182 would be the score to reach in the untimed fourth quarter with a target-score ending.

Team Giannis won $700,000 for its charity, and Team LeBron won $200,000.

TIP-INS gy inked a share purchase deal with Shell Petroleum N.V. to acquire SPEX in May 2021, but this did not push through after the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration (PNOC-EC) withdrew its consent.

Team Giannis: Antetokounmpo’s two points kept him the all-time All-Star scoring average leader. He’s now averaging 25.1 points in All-Star Games, just ahead of Kevin Durant (25.0). Without that basket, he’d average 24.9. ... Jrue Holiday took Antetokounmpo’s spot in the starting lineup for the second half.

Prior to Uy’s acquisition of Chevron’s participating stake and the Razon Group’s buyout of SPEX, Malampaya Consortium was composed of SPEX, Chevron, and the PNOC-EC — which still holds 10% interest in the gas field.

Prime infra also earlier committed to expand gas production and look into developing nearby gas fields.

She said the government also allows 100-percent foreign equity for geothermal and biomass, a move that encouraged more foreign and local investors to venture into RE.

“In fact, for the BOI-approved projects last year, RE projects accounted for a huge portion of our investment approvals,” she

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high,” the group said.

Fitch Solutions said it has also raised its inflation forecast for the year to 6.5 percent from its initial estimate of 5.4 percent. It expects inflation to remain above target for the entire 2023.

The BSP also earlier revised its inflation fore- said. “For this year, we already registered more than PHP400 billion worth of investments and a large chunk of these investment approvals are also into renewable energy.” cast for 2023 to 6.1 percent from its initial outlook of 4.3 percent.

Just six weeks into 2023, the total investment projects approved by the BOI already reached PHP414.3 billion, a 142.9-percent increase compared to the PHP170.5 billion recorded in the same period last year, according to data released on Saturday.

In terms of economic growth, Fitch Solutions said it expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 5.9 percent this year compared to the 7.6 percent recorded in 2022.

The Knicks’ Jericho Sims showed off his vertical as he put his arms through the hoop. He received the second-highest score.

Kenyon Martin Jr. required a few attempts, but eventually put down a nice dunk. Still, he received the lowest score on the first pass.

McClung posted the best score of the first round, recording 50s across the board for his dunk. He took the ball out of the hands of a man who was sitting on another squatting man’s shoulders, leaping over both to stuff the ball home after touching it off the backboard.

“That’s (what) I was banking on, the slow-motion video. I knew (touching the backboard) would be hard to see, but I’m glad everybody saw it after the slo-mo,” McClung said. Martin brought out his father, longtime NBA standout and former first overall pick Kenyon Martin, for his second dunk that involved a unique ball. He required a few attempts but eventually had another nice dunk.

Murphy showed off his athleticism with extreme ball movement on his second dunk.

Sims’ second dunk involved a prop envelope he attached to the net. When he opened it, it revealed the No. 50 (Sims was given a 47.8 by the judges).

McClung nearly recorded another perfect score on his second dunk, getting 50s from all but one judge.

Final Murphy kicked things off by throwing a windmill down after throwing the ball to himself.

McClung answered by jumping over someone and dunking after a double-pump, earning another round of 50s from the judges.