MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA—Eligible voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can register or update their voter records with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) starting March 5.

Comelec Resolution 9338 identified the period between March 5 and October 13 for voters’ registration in ARMM, which would “give the Commission sufficient time for the conduct of pre-election activities and other preparations in connection with the May 13, 2013 elections.”

Registration in other parts of the country began on October last year pursuant to Comelec Resolution 9271, some five years earlier than the scheduled registration in ARMM.

Comelec, as of September last year, deferred the voters list up in ARMM which was originally set to start on October 2011 “pending the legality of Republic Act 10153 on the synchronization of the ARMM elections with the 2013 polls,” said spokesman James Jimenez.

The move was also in anticipation of the conduct of the ARMM elections at a later date,” the official added.

Now that the  Supreme Court has ruled on the legality of the synchronized ARMM elections and 2013 midterm polls, Comelec deemed it fit to start the continuing registration in the region, added Jimenez.

Eligible voters are those who will turn 18 by May 13, 2013 or earlier and is a resident for at least six months in the municipality where he plans to vote.

Original and certified true copies of government IDs are required to accomplish the registration form. The voter applicant should also appear before the election officer to register his biometrics information consisting of digital mug photo, fingerprint and signature.

Jimenez urges first-time voters to register early to avoid long queues during the deadline.

Related stories:

Comelec urges newbie voters to register for 2013 polls

Comelec implements total gun ban for SK, barangay polls

Comelec urges newbie voters to register for 2013 polls

Comelec: Failure of elections in some areas expected

Comelec sets special registration for PWDs from July 18 to 23

MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA— While most city dwellers won’t be able to function a day without electricity, there are still a number of remote communities in the Philippines that are left doing chores or studying in the dark save perhaps for a lit candle or a gas lamp.

For the Solar Energy Foundation, providing these areas a reliable source of light would mean providing them hope for a much brighter future aside from simply making their lives easier.

“When you talk of light, you also talk about hope by giving people in far-flung areas access to it. To go from no light to one light is crucial and makes such a huge difference for them,” Solar Energy Foundation chairman Jim Ayala says.

This is the advocacy behind launching the “Hike for Light”, which taps on some 200 volunteer climbers who will attempt to bring 500 solar-powered lanterns to off-grid communities in some of our countries highest peaks.

Leading the project are veteran climbers from the First Philippine Expedition to Mount Everest and the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation. Art Valdez and Team Everest will help navigate the climbers, dubbed “solar ambassadors”, to remote towns in Mounts Apo, Pulag, Dulang Dulang, Canlaon, Majaas and Guiting-Guiting.

“The fulfillment comes in using what we love to do, which is to climb, in helping others. This will also be the first time that the team will attempt to trek on six mountains so it’s really something special for us,” Valdez says.

Local partner organizations will then educate the beneficiaries on how to maximize the solar lanterns and train them on its proper technical support to sustain the equipment even after the foundation has left.

The group also aims to highlight the beautiful sights seen on our mountains as well as the true Pinoy spirit of kabayanihan that is best exemplified through the Hike for Light project.

For more information on the campaign, visit the Solar Energy Foundation website.

Related Stories:

Bikers to distribute solar panels in remote communities

TREK mountaineers bring aid to schoolchildren in remote provinces

Filipino students aim to produce electricity in Rizal town using wind energy

MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN – In an effort to reduce the incidence of youth problems at night, the local government has put up a “drop-in” center wherein young people caught outside beyond curfew hours could stay for the night until they are allowed to leave in the morning.

But instead of having detention-like facilities, the Balagtas Kanlungan Drop-in Center would have apartment-like facilities such as a comfort room, dining area, social hall, and a basketball court. The rooms for men and women are also segregated.

The facility would only be available for youths who are still found loitering in the streets between 10p.m. and 4a.m., which are the curfew hours set by the city government.

Out-of-school youths who roam the streets have been a problem in the city, most of whom are from poor families. While some of these juveniles are forced to work for meager money by their parents or guardians, others cause problems such as theft and other petty crimes.

Balagtas Kanlungan Information Officer Rolly Dañes said that the new youth center would conduct counseling for those who are taken in, in addition to having their family backgrounds checked. Their parents will also be informed of their location.

Part of the activities is to also inform parents about the how to ensure their children do not stray late at night and to keep them in school.

The youth center was put up to ensure that admitted juveniles do not feel threatened or imprisoned. By providing them with a clean place to stay for the night, they would feel more comfortable especially when given counseling.

Related stories:

Early registration for out-of-school youth, disabled students

NGO helps out-of-school youths create their own ‘capiz’ business

QC eyes e-learning program for dropouts, out-of-school youth

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – After nearly a decade, the Senate has finally approved the Cybercrime Bill on its third and final reading. But is the bill updated enough to accommodate the latest developments on the Internet?

The Cybercrime Bill underwent some changes due in part to the change in government as well as its supporters. The Senate version of the bill is actually combines several proposals. Nevertheless, the original format and content remains the same.

And therein lies the problem; this version of the bill practically has not been updated long enough to include up and coming concerns in cyberspace. Perhaps to compensate for this, the Cybercrime Bill is given a broad, sweeping, and sometimes vague mandate.

It does not describe what cybercrime is, instead signifying a number of generally accepted “digital crimes.” Normally, these types of violations would be stated in technical terms but the Senate’s version of the Cybercrime Bill lacks these.

For instance, the concept of hacking is broadly described as “illegal access.” Data capture is described in the Senate’s Cybercrime Bill as “illegal interception” and “data interference.”

Spam is missing though a provision in the proposal called “unsolicited commercial communications” is included. Even the words “virus,” “malicious software” (malware), “Trojan,” “denial-of-service (DDOS) attack,” “software piracy” do not make an appearance.

Noteworthy in the Cybercrime Bill is the inclusion of child pornography. It would have been acceptable if it wasn’t late; Republic Act 9775, the Child Pornography Law, was enacted in 2009 and already has provisions against online exploitation. The latest version of the Cybercrime Bill does refer to RA 9775, but such an inclusion is already moot given the existence of another law.

One aspect of the proposal that could have potentially troublesome effects is the perceived process by which a government agency can conduct its investigation.

In Section 11, “Disclosure of Computer Data”, the issuance of a court order would force a service provider (a telecommunications firm or a data center, for example) to release all information related to specific users who are being investigated. It essentially supersedes the privacy agreement between the service provider and the user, if there are any prior arrangements.

In Section 12, “Search, Seizure, and Examination of Computer Data,” the organization that is conducting the investigation can procure data “either directly, through access and use of computer system, or indirectly, through the use of electronic eavesdropping or tapping devices.”

These two sections would still require a court order for the acting agency to conduct their investigation. But whatever factors that could lead a judge to issue a warrant to allow for electronic eavesdropping remain unknown; the proposed bill does not have those provisions on what would justify an investigation.

If it becomes law what would be the appropriate and competent government agencies to enforce the Cybercrime Bill?

According to the bill’s main proponent, Senator Edgardo Angara, it would be the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO).

Two agencies called the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) and the National Cybersecurity Coordinating Council (NCCC) would be formed to augment the government’s enforcement capacity on ICT.

But note that there have been several attempts to put up a cybersecurity office in the Philippines. The DOST-ICTO used to be the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), which was already getting a lot of promotion to become a full department until it was absorbed into the DOST. In 2004, there was the Task Force for the Security of Critical Infrastructure (TFSCI) but was later dissolved.

Even the DOJ does not have a full complement of cybersecurity experts to enforce these laws. At least the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have the technical, logistical, and manpower capacity to conduct cybercrime investigations. Even so, the number of people prosecuted for cybercrime-related violations remain low.

Having a cybercrime law in the Philippines is by no means a necessity, especially with the mushrooming information and communications technology sector in the country, as indicated by the presence of outsourcing firms.

The current Cybercrime Bill already has its supporters especially among ICT-related industries. However, there is still a need to review some of the outdated segments of the proposal and also it needs an appropriate set of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that would define what constitutes cybercrime and what factors are needed for an agency to peak into someone’s ICT infrastructure.

Most importantly, the government has to finally agree to a specific ICT direction and follow it to the letter. Only an agency that invokes its legal mandate to enforce other agencies to follow is needed and such an agency could not just be a bureau or a commission.

Unless these are addressed, a cybercrime law would only go so far as putting a hobbyist hacker in jail and not entirely protect the country’s ICT infrastructure.

Related stories:

Long overdue ‘cybercrime’ bill finally gets Senate nod

‘Cybercrime’ in the Philippines on the rise, warns Symantec

Proponents renew call for Philippine cybercrime bill

How SOPA, PIPA could affect Pinoy Web users

Contact number: (32) 418 7234

Website: http://www.rafi.org.ph

Short description of business: Nonprofit organization

Short description of products and services: The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation’s vision, in its 44 years of existence in development work in the Visayas and Mindanao, takes a comprehensive approach that champions best practices in community development.

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA – The Cybercrime Bill, which has taken over 10 years being deliberated on, is just a few steps away from becoming law as the Senate finally passed on its third and final reading the Senate Bill 2796, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The proposal, filed by Senator Edgardo Angara, aims to provide stronger enforcement capabilities to go after individuals committing Internet-related crimes in the Philippines.

The bill covers illegal access (hacking) and interception of information, data and system interference, misuse of devices, and digital forgery and fraud. Cybersex and child pornography are also covered in the proposal.

An annual budget of P50 million would be given to the appropriate agency for implementation if SB 2796 is passed into law. The proposal states that the lead agency is the Department of Justice (DOJ), followed by the defunct Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT).

However, the latter was reorganized and transferred to become the sub-agency Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Nevertheless, the proposed law also aims to have the ICTO to put up the National Cybersecurity Coordinating Council (NCCC) that would formulate and implement the national cyber security plan.

Violators could be penalized with imprisonment and be fined between P50,000 to P1 million.

Citing a report from security software firm Kaspersky, Angara stressed that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable Southeast Asian countries to cybercrime.

He also stressed that the country’s growing information and communications technology industry (ICT) would depend on the cybercrime bill against illegal activities that could lead to information and identity theft, which could prove detrimental to doing business with international firms.

A similar proposal in the House of Representatives is already being deliberated. A version by Angara’s son, Representative Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (lone district of Aurora), was filed in 2009 and is just awaiting its third reading.

Related stories:

Proponents renew call for Philippine cybercrime bill

How SOPA, PIPA could affect Pinoy Web users

Pirated software slows down PCs, study showsAgencies vow to step up

pursuit of software pirates in RP

‘Cybercrime’ in the Philippines on the rise, warns Symantec

MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA— Ten local government units or LGUs were recently recognized in a national search for innovative programs on people empowerment and public service delivery.

This year’s recipients of the Galing Pook Foundation are Albay in Bicol; Real, Gen. Nakar, Infanta and Panukulan in Quezon Province; Limasawa in Southern Leyte; Alimodian in Iloilo; Maribojoc in Bohol; Sarangani Province in Misamis Oriental, Upi in Maguindanao; and Zamboanga del Norte.

President Benigno Aquino III awarded the winning municipalities in ceremonies held in Malacañang Palace.

Winning entries to the Galing Pook touched on various platforms including justice enhancement program, empowerment of indigenous people and mental health management.

About 137 local governance programs were reviewed for this year – 55 from Luzon, 33 from Visayas and 49 from Mindanao.

These were evaluated based on positive impact to society, promotion of people’s participation and empowerment, transferability and sustainability, and efficiency of program service delivery.

Winning programs are established as models of good governance for other communities as it provides useful insights towards innovative solutions and successful reforms.

(Photos from Galing Pook Foundation)

Related Stories:

Galing Pook 2011 recognizes 17 outstanding LGUs

NGO advocates empowering LGUs through decentralization

RP climate change strategy hinges on action by LGUs

LGUs urged to conduct clean-up activities to fight dengue spread

TAGUIG CITY, METRO MANILA – The recently launched flood warning system by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) will integrate high-tech equipment for its atmospheric and geospatial data gathering needs.

The National Flood Monitoring, Forecasting and Mitigation Program is an integrated, comprehensive flood warning system which covers major rivers and watersheds nationwide.

The main components of the flood management program include Disaster Risk Exposure, Assessment, and Mitigation (DREAM); FLOODNET; Sensors Development and Weather Media.

The P1.6-billion DREAM program will be used by the agency to acquire state-of-the-art weather and geographic data-gathering technologies which can produce detailed topographic information for more accurate flood inundation maps.

These equipment can also be used for forestry applications, environmental monitoring and producing rapid, accurate height data required for updating hazard maps.

“Disaster preparedness will entail a team effort, so that together we will be able to achieve goals and end-results mutually beneficial for all,” DoST Secretary Mario Montejo said.

With the locally developed flood warning system, the agency aims to extend a more responsive disaster preparedness mechanism for the country.

The national government has earlier directed all concerned government agencies to intensify efforts for a more intensive disaster risk reduction and management procedures following the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao.

Related Stories:

PAGASA gets P150M to buy flood sensors

PAGASA trains students to become weather forecasters

PAGASA begins mass installation of rainfall gauges

Volunteers help provide therapy for ‘Sendong’ survivors

Iligan residents remain resilient and positive after ‘Sendong’

MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – An application that focuses on providing crucial information and reporting system for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was developed by technology entrepreneur Myrna Padilla.

As part of her advocacy to assist OFWs, this free mobile application is currently available on devices using Google’s Android mobile operating system.

It contains a directory of around 4,000 telephone numbers and addresses of government and private agencies servicing OFWs.

These include numbers of the Department of Foreign affairs, its Philippine embassies and consulates, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), among others.

The application can be updated to include information such as OFW rights, news, and advisories. It also as several nifty features a currency converter and a language translator.

The application can be downloaded from Padilla’s OFW Watch website. Essentially, the mobile application is an extension of the OFW Watch website that Padilla is maintaining.

Padilla, herself a former OFW, said the application aims to get more OFWs to be connected to their family members via mobile phones, even without the aid of a computer.

Among OFWs, mobile phones are the few personal belongings that are allowed to be used by their employers, thereby giving them an opportunity to be connected to their families and even fellow.

Padilla stressed that many OFWs experience problems with their employers. These could vary from confiscation of their passports, holding of their salaries, to verbal or physical abuse.

“There are many unreported cases of these abuses. What you only know are those that you find in the media. By allowing these OFWs to connect to the Internet, they will be able to get someone to know what they are going through,” she said.

Padilla heads a software development firm called Mynd Consulting that does outsourced social media management and analytics, as well as some back-end office services.

Related stories:
Technology inspired this Davao software entrepreneur to help OFWs

Former OFW now offers woven products from Samar

OFW wishes for more job opportunities for Pinoy musicians

Fil-Canadian kid becomes Youtube sensation after Lady Gaga cover

OFW remittances to fund dev’t projects in Taguig, Ilocos Norte

STA. FE, NUEVA VIZCAYA—A bill has been filed in Congress that seeks to rename the historic Dalton Pass in Nueva Vizcaya to “Balete Pass” to set the record straight and let the site earn its mark from the National Historical Institute.

Nueva Vizcaya Representative Carlos Padilla said that renaming the site to Balete Pass will better capture its significance as the battle site of the allied American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese forces during World War II.

“By renaming it into Balete Pass, it will become a reminder and recognition on the bravery, courage and identity of those involved in fighting their own side of history, whether they be foreigners or Filipinos,” Padilla said.

The said landmark is located at the boundary of the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya and is seen by foreign and local tourists who pass through the Cagayan Valley region.

The mountain top features a view deck with cottages, a Japanese Shrine and an obelisk with a marker narrating the historical information about the site.

The “Battle of Balete Pass” is said to be one of the fiercest battles between the combined Filipino-American troops and Japanese forces.

General James Leo Dalton II, who was assistant commander of the 25th Infantry Division fought alongside Filipinos during the battle. He was killed by a Japanese sniper on May 16, 1945 while pursuing the retreating troop of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita toward the Cordillera mountain range.

Meanwhile, bird watcher Mark Villa, urges the local government and the community to take an active role in developing the ecotourism potential of the area. During his visit at Dalton Pass a few years back, he said he saw rare birds such as the Luzon rail and Worcester’s button quail.

“It is a major highway for migrating birds and it is a good place to observe the practice of akik wherein locals catch the birds at night using strong light and net. It is an old practice and might be very difficult to stop them,” Villa said.

Villa said that it would be more beneficial for the community to train the akik hunters as guides to birdwatchers and scientists who wanted to study the wildlife in the area. By highlighting the importance of protecting the birds and their habitats, which would help improve the forest population.

He added that making the area a scientific and bird banding site to make accurate counts of birds that pass by the area to migrate will also be more beneficial to stop the practice of akik and preserve the local bird population in the area, maybe even save endangered species that can be found in the area.

The bill renaming Dalton Pass is now in the Senate, pending approval. Once approved by the Senate, the bill will reinforce the resolution passed by the local government of Sta. Fe town to formally revert the name of the site to Balete Pass.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Villa)

Related Stories:

Pay tribute to unsung Filipino heroes at the ‘Libingan ng mga Bayani’

Photos at Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban recount stories of World War II

Military jeep enthusiasts reenact Battle of Bataan

History lingers within the walls of Baler church