Mama Miah!

In a move to advance disaster resilience and sustainable development in the Philippines, the B2B arm of the largest telco in the country, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDT’s wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have announced their latest collaboration with the global humanitarian organization People in Need (PIN). This partnership underlines a shared commitment to harnessing innovative technology to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Mindanao, focusing on the Strengthening Resilience Through Early Action and Impact Mitigation (STREAM) Project.

The STREAM Project, funded by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Anticipatory Humanitarian Action and supported by the UK International Development from the UK government, aims to revolutionize local impact forecasting and early warning systems in 12 municipalities across the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. These areas, identified as high-risk for flooding, will benefit from the integration of PLDT and Smart's advanced Smart Internet of Things (IoT) SIM and Smart Messaging Suite.

Roberto W. Suzon, PLDT Enterprise Corporate Relationship Business Head for Northern Mindanao, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:

“Our partnership with People in Need is more than just a technological endeavor; it's a commitment to safeguarding communities and empowering them with the tools they need to mitigate the impact of natural calamities. By leveraging PLDT's reliable fiber connectivity and Smart's cutting-edge solutions, we are setting a new standard in disaster preparedness and resilience.”

The Smart IoT SIMs will be instrumental in remotely monitoring water levels in flood-prone areas, ensuring timely data transmission to PIN's servers for accurate forecasting. Meanwhile, the Smart Messaging Suite will play a crucial role in disseminating vital information and evacuation alerts to vulnerable communities, enhancing their capacity to respond effectively to imminent threats.

Alfred Mark Rosete, Early Warning Systems (EWS) Program Manager for People in Need, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's potential:

“With the support of PLDT Enterprise and Smart, we are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those in the most at-risk communities in Mindanao. The STREAM Project embodies our vision of a world where technology and innovation go hand in hand with humanitarian efforts to build a safer, more resilient future for all.”

Additionally, under its disaster resilience advocacy, Smart also recently engaged with PIN during the GSMA's Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC) Asia-Pacific workshops held in Clark, Pampanga, attended by ASEAN delegates. Smart was among the first operators in the world to adopt the principles of the HCC, when it was launched in 2015. The HCC is a set of principles and best practices reached collaboratively between mobile network operators (MNOs) on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a sudden onset emergency.

These engagements underscore the PLDT Group's longstanding #SafeandSmart advocacy, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. Through initiatives like the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit program, which has already equipped 10 Mindanao provinces with comprehensive emergency communications packages, the telco group reaffirms their commitment to a disaster-resilient Mindanao.

As PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to explore new frontiers in the role of technology in disaster resilience and climate action, their collaboration with PIN sets a precedent for how the private sector and the humanitarian community can come together to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time and contribute towards achieving UNSDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and UNSDG No. 13: Climate Action. Recognizing climate as one of the top risks in the Philippines and across the PLDT Group, PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to integrate climate risk management into their network architecture, operations, and customer solutions. The Group leverages its leading technology and digital solutions to help boost adaptation, and resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

“Always moving further, together with our partners, PLDT Enterprise remains steadfast in its vision to not only advance the business landscape but to foster a community where progress and resilience go hand in hand. Our partnership with People in Need is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good, ensuring businesses and communities alike are better equipped, more connected, and infinitely stronger. With every step, we aim to redefine the boundaries of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every advancement we make is better for business and transformative for society. Together, we journey towards a future where every challenge is met with a smart, sustainable solution, furthering our collective impact, and driving us towards a brighter, more resilient tomorrow,” concluded Suzon.

Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable, and inclusive digital lending services. 

Learning to write is a fundamental skill that opens up a world of possibilities for children. The ability to put pen to paper not only aids in academic success but also plays a crucial role in cognitive and motor skill development. Here are some key benefits of practicing writing in kids:

• Fine Motor Skills Development: Writing involves precise movements of the fingers and hands, promoting the development of fine motor skills. This is essential for tasks such as buttoning clothes, tying shoelaces, and more.
• Cognitive Development: Writing enhances cognitive skills by promoting focus, concentration, and memory. The process of forming letters and numbers stimulates the brain and strengthens neural connections.
• Language Skills: Writing reinforces language skills by helping children recognize and understand the shapes and sounds of letters. It lays the groundwork for improved reading and communication skills.
• Creativity and Self-Expression: Writing allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas creatively. It fosters imagination and helps them communicate effectively.

Customized Name Tracing Worksheets are one such resource. These worksheets feature the child's name and provide a guided path for practicing letter formation. Here's why Customized Name-Tracing Worksheets are a valuable tool:

• Personalized Learning: Customized worksheets make learning more personal by incorporating the child's name. This not only captures their attention but also adds a sense of ownership to the learning process.
• Repetition and Reinforcement: The worksheets offer a structured way to practice writing through repetition. Consistent practice reinforces letter recognition and helps children commit the shapes to memory.
• Progress Tracking: With customized worksheets, parents and educators can track a child's progress over time. This allows for targeted support and adjustments to meet the child's evolving needs.
• Engaging and Fun: Designed with vibrant colors and appealing fonts, these worksheets turn learning into a fun and enjoyable activity. Children are more likely to stay motivated when the process is enjoyable.

Learning to write is a significant milestone in a child's educational journey, and the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. The introduction of customized name-tracing worksheets adds a modern and personalized touch to this essential skill-building process. As parents and educators, let's embrace the joy of learning and provide our children with the tools they need to succeed in their writing adventures.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make learning to write a joyful and personalized experience for your little one! Shop Now!.

Eating healthy and keeping our bodies fit isn't just a New Year's resolution; it's a lifestyle choice that can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. Since last year, I've been more mindful of what I eat and have stopped consuming soft drinks and junk food, as well as processed foods. 

As much as possible, I make a conscious effort to consume a healthy diet. Most of my diet consists of oats, various nuts (I'm a huge fan of almonds and nilagang mani), fish, chicken, tofu, veggies, and fruits. I've been able to maintain this healthy eating habit for several months now, although there are moments when I feel tempted to indulge in fast food snacks and eat just a few bites. Hopefully, I can keep it up and totally refrain from eating junk foods.

So, I was happy when I saw these guilt-free snacks as I was doing our grocery shopping! I checked the nutrition facts and they looked fine and passed my inspection. Lol.

Here are the Guilt-Free Hearty and Healthy Snacks that I've recently discovered and loved:

1.Choco+  Bitter Sweet Zen-Sation. It is made of Dark Chocolate + Pure Cocoa. I've also tried other variants; the Choco+ Yum at Heart which is made of Dark Milk Chocolate + Whole Hazelnuts and Choco-Crazy Nutrition which is made of Dark Milk Chocolate + Roasted California Almonds + Flax Seeds & Chia Seeds. Both of these are a little sweet for my taste, so I go for the Choco+ Bitter Sweet Zen-Sation.

Nag-hoard ako guys, coz super layo ng Abreeza sa Mintal, mga 1 hour plus din ang biyahe. Hahaha! Yup, I first saw this chocolate at Robinsons Abreeza Mall grocery, it's priced at 28 pesos lang for 33g. I saw this at SM's grocery too but its price is a little higher than the ones in Abreeza Mall.

2. Emco Musli Oat Biscuits come in chocolate, hazelnut, and blueberry flavors. All of them are good, but my favorites are the hazelnut and blueberry. I purchased this at the NCCC Mall's Victoria Plaza grocery, although I can't recall the exact price.

3. MAYA ThinkHeart Whole Wheat Pancake Mix. Not only is this pancake mix delicious, but it's also quite simple to make. It's also nutrient and vitamin-rich and healthy. My daughter liked it, which surprised me. 

I bought this at NCCC Mall's Victoria Plaza grocery, but you can also buy this at Gasiano Mall, SM and Robinsons Abreeza groceries. I think this is priced between 80 and 90 pesos or more, sorry I forgot the exact price. ;)

So far, these are my recently discovered Guilt-Free Hearty and Healthy Snacks that you can buy at the grocery stores. I'll update or make another blog post if ever I find other yummy, healthy, but also affordable snacks. :) 

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by gifting yourself or surprising your loved ones with a brand-new smartphone? It's a perfect gift to reward yourself for all the hard work, and sacrifices you've made this year. 

This Christmas, make your gift even more special by taking advantage of Home Credit's 0% interest that lets you spread the cost over 18 months on various phone installment plans. With cutting-edge features, improved cameras, and enhanced performance, the latest models are sure to delight and surprise. This means you can effortlessly bring home one of these best-selling smartphones without straining your budget. 

A smartphone is more than just a device; it's a gateway to communication, entertainment, and endless possibilities. Whether it's for yourself, a family member, or a special someone, a brand-new smartphone is a thoughtful and practical Christmas gift to give. Imagine the joy on their faces as they unwrap the latest technology, connecting them to the world in style with the latest smartphone models which are sure to delight and surprise.         

Check out these best-selling smartphone recommendations from Home Credit, the country's leading financial and lifestyle partner.

Realme 10 Pro 5G

If you're in search of a smartphone that strikes the perfect balance between performance and style, the Realme 10 Pro 5G is an excellent choice.

It offers a blend of power and elegance, making it an ideal companion for your daily life.

This Christmas, make sure to capture every special moment, as the 64MP main camera of the Realme 10 Pro 5G can take high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions. It also comes with a range of features that cater to photography enthusiasts, such as RAW shooting and manual mode.

Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G

The Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G is a smartphone designed to leave a lasting impression.

Its design is a work of art, and its performance is nothing short of remarkable. The powerful processor ensures you can handle any task with ease, and the 5G connectivity takes your online experience to the next level.

The 120Hz AMOLED display is another standout feature of the Oppo Reno 10 Pro 5G, offering a smooth and fluid viewing experience with vibrant and accurate colors. camera system is a marvel, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos, making your memories truly unforgettable.

Vivo V29 5G 512GB

Tired of constantly running out of storage space? Here's the perfect phone for you! The Vivo V29 5G 512GB is a smartphone that stands out with its massive storage capacity and impressive 5G capabilities.

Whether you're into gaming and photography or simply need ample space for your files and apps, this phone has you covered. Its sleek design and vibrant display make it a joy to use, and the camera system ensures you can capture and share your life's moments with ease.

 

Honor 90 5G