by | Nov 27, 2024 | Business
27 November 2024, San Juan, La Union — As United Nations member states continue talks this week in Busan, South Korea for the fifth and most critical session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5)[1] to develop a Global Plastics Treaty, Greenpeace Philippines, together with Young Earth Savers, Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union, Dalumpinas Oeste Eco Rangers, San Juan Resort Restaurant Hotel Association Inc., and communities in La Union, unfurled a giant banner on the shorelines of Urbiztondo, with a bold message to world leaders to “END PLASTIC NOW.”
The creative action sends a strong reminder to governments, especially the Philippine delegation led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to maintain and strengthen its position at INC-5 in Busan, South Korea.
“The INC-5 is our last stand in ending plastic pollution on a global scale,” said Marian Ledesma, Greenpeace Philippines Zero Waste Campaigner, speaking from the INC5 meeting in Busan.
“Governments must create a strong and ambitious Plastics Treaty that reduces plastic production and advances reuse in order to safeguard people’s health, secure economic opportunities, and protect the environment. Anything less will only allow the plastic crisis to spiral further out of control.”
The participants held a banner spelling out “END PLASTIC NOW!” Tuesday morning, pushing for a strong Plastics Treaty that mandates a cut in plastic production and supports a just transition to slow, circular, reuse-based economy.
Various community members participated in the creative action including fisherfolk, progressive businesses, civil society groups, and tourists, among others.
“Ang Global Plastics Treaty na ginagawa ngayon sa Busan, Korea ay malaki ang maitutulong kasi ang pag-iingay natin dito ay maririnig ng buong daigdig. Ang treaty ay makakatulong para maitigil na ang pagprodukto lalung-lalo na ng mga single-use plastic,” said Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union president Cris Palabay.
(The Global Plastics Treaty being discussed in Busan, Korea would help us greatly because it’s an opportunity for the whole world to hear our demand. This treaty could potentially stop the production of single-use plastics.)
Tina Antonio-Schmitz, Secretary of San Juan Resort Restaurant Hotel Association Inc. echoed this call, saying that it could possibly shift the burden of accountability from grassroots communities and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards the major producers of problematic plastics — large corporations.
“The INC-5 road to plastic reduction treaty will help target the actual manufacturers who make billions of money in production because it will have the guidelines. [That’s where it usually begins], a treaty and then actual guidelines [that governments must follow]. And it might even go to the point where it can be litigated,” explained Antonio-Schmitz.


Oil-producing states and plastic industry lobbyists are increasing pressure on countries into adopting a watered down treaty, as 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.[2] The plastic lifecycle not only generates emissions that drive climate change, but it is also linked to millions of deaths worldwide.[3]
The Philippines earlier took a progressive stance earlier this year at the INC-4, calling for global reduction targets based on scientific evidence.[4] Greenpeace is calling for a 75% reduction in plastic reduction by 2040[5] in order to maintain a “livable planet and an equitable future.”
With 94% of Filipinos[6] in favor of a cap on plastic production to mitigate pollution, biodiversity loss, and global warming, advocates believe that the Philippine government must listen to the sentiments of the people and protect them and the environment by championing a strong Plastics Treaty. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is representing the Philippines in the talks.
Ledesma said, “INC-5 will be remembered for the choices our leaders make today. We are calling on the DENR to help ensure that the talks conclude with an outcome that is pro-people and planet. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pave the way for a healthier, plastic-free future. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option. The world is watching, and it demands action.”
###
PHOTO CREDIT: © Noel Celis / Greenpeace
Notes to editors:
[1] Fifth Session (INC-5)
[2] A New Plastics Economy is Needed to Protect the Climate
[3] Fossil Fuels & Health
[4] Philippine government position in requiring global plastic production targets
[5] Why Greenpeace is calling on governments to cut plastic production by at least 75% by 2040
[6] Survey: Filipinos most in favor of global cut in plastic production
by | Nov 27, 2024 | Business
The FlutterFlow HackFest: Impact Challenge, hosted by FlutterFlow Developer Group (FFDG) Manila, showcased the talents of Filipino developers during a 24-hour hackathon aimed at addressing global challenges. Held from November 22-23, 2024, in Taguig City and Makati City, the event saw 13 teams creating apps aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on health, education, and sustainable communities.
Grand prize winner Team Null developed Sustancia, an AI-powered nutrition app, while Team Flux’s Inspectrum utilized eye-gaze tracking for ADHD and ASD detection, earning second place. Team Neosolve’s gamified productivity app Procrash secured third.
The event benefited from mentorship and guidance from industry experts, and the innovative apps tackled real-world problems with solutions like waste management, accessibility, and mental health support. Demonstrating the power of FlutterFlow to accelerate development, the hackathon reinforced FFDG Manila’s mission to inspire Filipino tech talent and drive positive social change.
FlutterFlow played a pivotal role in the hackathon, empowering participants to rapidly develop their ideas into functional apps through its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and powerful features. The platform enabled teams to focus on innovation and problem-solving without getting bogged down in complex coding.
Filipino Developers Create 13
Apps for Social Good at FlutterFlow HackFest: Impact Challenge
Manila, Philippines (November 23-24, 2024) – The FlutterFlow HackFest:
Impact Challenge, hosted by the FlutterFlow Developer Group (FFDG) Manila,
celebrated the creativity and ingenuity of Filipino developers as they raced
against the clock to build solutions for global challenges. Over an exhilarating
24-hour hackathon, 13 teams crafted innovative applications with the power to
drive social impact and advance sustainable development.
Turning Ideas into Impact in 24
Hours
The HackFest kicked off on November
22 at the Google Philippines office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
City, where participants drew inspiration from keynote speakers. Jan Michael
Jaudian, Head of Customer Engineering for the Philippines and Vietnam at
Google, highlighted how technology serves as both a catalyst and toolkit for
solving real-world problems. Elmerei Cuevas, Social Innovation Analyst
at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), offered a compelling
overview of the Philippines’ progress on the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), motivating participants to develop meaningful apps for social good and sustainable
development.

On November 23, the action
culminated at Common Ground Rockwell in Makati City with an electrifying
Demo Day. Teams presented apps developed entirely in 24 hours using
FlutterFlow’s intuitive platform.

·
Team Null clinched the ₱50,000 grand
prize with Sustancia, an AI-powered app designed to foster balanced
eating habits and provide city-wide nutrition insights.
·
Team Flux took second place and a ₱30,000
prize with Inspectrum, an innovative app utilizing eye gaze tracking
technology to aid in the early detection of ADHD and ASD.
·
Team Neosolve earned the ₱20,000
third-place prize for Procrash, a gamified productivity app that
transforms habit-building into an engaging adventure.
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/public-201" alt="A group photo of Team
” />

Mentors and Judges:
Participants received guidance from
an exceptional lineup of mentors and judges, including industry luminaries like
Steve Ng (FlutterFlow), Allan Tan (Predictive Systems Inc), Miguel
Fermin (White Cloak Technologies), Vince Rocha (Mylo Speech Buddy), Jeff
Mendoza (MyCondoPal), Myles Delfin (BikeScout), Joshua de Guzman
(Dub), Jake Go (Springboard), Albert Padin (mWell), Atty.
Hazel Manaog-Mendoza, and Michie Ang (Women Who Code). Their
expertise was pivotal in shaping the participants’ ideas into impactful
solutions. Special appreciation is also extended to Dominic Medenilla
(Google), whose efforts ensured the hackathon’s success.

Apps Driving Social Good Aligned
with SDGs
The 13 innovative apps developed at
the HackFest addressed challenges across three key Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs):
·
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Apps
like Sustancia, Inspectrum, Optimai, and AI Rescue addressed nutrition,
early disease detection, providing mental health support, and improving emergency
response.
·
SDG 4: Quality Education – Solutions such
as Ipaglaban Mo, ElevatEd, Procrash, and A11y focused on delivering
legal education, supporting learners with dyscalculia, enhancing productivity,
and creating a web accessibility platform.
·
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– Apps like ECO Learn, SureBin, Scrapify, Repari, and Rent ‘n Lend
offered innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, efficient waste
management, recycling, household repairs, and community resource-sharing.
Paving the Way for Social Good
Through Technology
With FlutterFlow, developers,
designers and tech enthusiasts can now bring ideas to life in just 24 hours, as
demonstrated by FlutterFlow HackFest: Impact Challenge. This accelerated
development process empowers everyone to experiment and iterate quickly. The
event showcased the overall potential of FlutterFlow to drive innovation and
social impact.
FlutterFlow Developer Group (FFDG)
Manila is committed to inspiring a new generation of Filipino tech talent. By
fostering a community of passionate developers, we aim to drive positive change
and build a brighter future for the Philippines.
For more information, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/ffdgmanila/
by | Nov 27, 2024 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 27 November 2024 – Nusantara Global Network, a leading company in providing innovative business solutions in Southeast Asia, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Broker FBS, one of the global leaders in forex trading services. This collaboration aims to offer better opportunities for Introducing Brokers (IB) and traders across Malaysia and the Southeast Asia region.
Through this partnership, Broker FBS introduces several attractive advantages, including the removal of the 5.9 pip requirement to qualify for affiliate status, providing greater opportunities for IBs specializing in scalping trading strategies within their network. This is great news for traders using fast-paced trading techniques, as they can now enjoy more flexible and competitive trading conditions. Additionally, 24/7 live customer support is available, ensuring that customers receive assistance whenever needed.
“We are excited about this collaboration because it provides an opportunity for Introducing Brokers and traders in the region to enjoy more flexible trading conditions,” said a spokesperson for Nusantara Global Network. “With Broker FBS commitment to continuous support and improved affiliate conditions, we are confident that this partnership will empower the local and regional trading community.”
Benefits and Impact of This Collaboration
This collaboration offers several key benefits for Introducing Brokers and traders, including:
-The removal of the 5.9 pip requirement for affiliates under Broker FBS, making the affiliate program more accessible, especially for those using scalping strategies
-24/7 live customer support, ensuring traders and IBs receive immediate assistance at any time
-The ability to focus on fast-paced trading strategies without tight restrictions, making Broker FBS an attractive choice for scalping traders
A representative from Broker FBS also stated, “We are proud to collaborate with Nusantara Global Network to offer better trading opportunities to traders and IBs in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. With improved affiliate conditions and round-the-clock customer support, we believe this partnership will have a positive impact on all parties involved.”
Industry Growth and Future Prospects
The forex industry in Southeast Asia is rapidly growing, and this partnership is an important step in meeting the increasing demand for more flexible and customer-friendly trading platforms. Nusantara Global Network and Broker FBS are committed to providing the best solutions for the trading community as the industry continues to evolve.
About FBS
FBS Broker is one of the leading forex brokers in the world, offering a wide range of account types, exceptional customer support, and competitive trading conditions. With a strong global presence, FBS Broker continues to provide high-quality services to traders around the world.
by | Nov 26, 2024 | Business
Discover how biometric e-signatures in the Philippines enhance security, streamline transactions, and protect against fraud with SignSecure.
The Philippines is rapidly embracing digital
transformation, with e-signatures in the Philippines becoming a cornerstone of
efficient and secure digital transactions. At the heart of this transformation
lies biometric authentication, a cutting-edge solution that has redefined how
businesses and individuals use biometric e-signatures in the Philippines. These
innovations enhance security, ensure compliance, and bolster trust across
various industries.
What Are E-Signatures and Biometric Authentication?
E-signatures in the Philippines, or electronic
signatures, are the digital equivalents of traditional handwritten signatures.
They enable individuals and organizations to sign documents electronically,
ensuring convenience, speed, and reliability. In the Philippines, e-signatures
have been legally recognized since the enactment of the Electronic Commerce Act
of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792). This law ensures that electronic documents and
signatures hold the same legal weight as their physical counterparts when they
meet established standards of authenticity and integrity.
Biometric authentication, meanwhile, leverages
unique biological characteristics—such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and
voice patterns—to verify a person’s identity. Combining this technology with e-signatures
results in biometric e-signatures Philippines, a robust solution that offers
unparalleled security and trust in digital interactions.
A Strong Legal Framework for E-Signatures in the Philippines
The Philippines’ Electronic Commerce Act
provides a solid legal framework for adopting e-signatures in the Philippines.
This legislation validates electronic documents and signatures in business and
government transactions, paving the way for greater digital adoption.
Industries requiring stringent security
measures and regulatory compliance, such as finance, healthcare, real estate,
and government services, particularly benefit from biometric e-signatures in
the Philippines. By integrating biometric technologies into electronic signing
processes, organizations enhance security and user confidence, reducing the
risks of fraud and identity theft risks.

The Security Advantages of Biometric E-Signatures
The uniqueness of biometric traits provides biometric
e-signatures in the Philippines with unmatched security. Unlike traditional
methods, such as passwords or PINs, biometrics are inherently tied to an
individual and are virtually impossible to replicate. This reliability
minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, ensuring the integrity of digital
transactions. Key technologies include:
Facial recognition: Real-time identity verification ensures only
authorized individuals can sign documents. This technology is instrumental
in remote transactions.
Fingerprint scanning: Quick and precise, fingerprint-based
biometric e-signatures are widely used in industries requiring
high-security measures.
Voice recognition: This method adds another layer of verification by analyzing unique vocal patterns, making it ideal for virtual or voice-assisted
environments.
Using biometric data ensures that e-signatures
Philippines meet and exceed global security and reliability standards.
Addressing Modern Threats
While biometric e-signatures Philippines offer
advanced security, they are not immune to emerging cyber threats such as
deepfakes and synthetic identity fraud. Deepfakes, which use artificial
intelligence to create hyper-realistic but false representations of
individuals, pose significant challenges to traditional facial recognition
systems.
To counter these threats, platforms offering biometric
e-signatures Philippines employ sophisticated technologies like liveness
detection. Liveness detection analyzes micro-expressions, eye movements, and
other subtle physical cues to determine whether the user is a live person or a
digital imitation. These measures ensure that e-signatures Philippines remain
resilient against even the most advanced cyberattacks.
SignSecure: A Leader in Biometric E-Signatures
SignSecure has positioned itself as a pioneer
in biometric e-signatures in the Philippines. The platform combines
cutting-edge facial recognition technology, UFR (Unique Facial Recognition),
and advanced liveness detection to deliver secure and seamless digital signing
experiences. With SignSecure, businesses and individuals can confidently adopt e-signatures
in the Philippines, knowing their transactions are safeguarded against fraud.
SignSecure’s innovative features reduce
document turnaround times, enhance compliance with local and international
regulations, and lower risks associated with digital fraud. By prioritizing
security and user experience, SignSecure empowers organizations to embrace the
future of digital transactions.
Applications of Biometric E-Signatures in the Philippines
The versatility of biometric e-signatures in
the Philippines makes them indispensable across various sectors. Key
applications include:
Finance: Banks and financial institutions rely on e-signatures
Philippines to authenticate transactions, such as loan applications and
account openings. Biometric integration ensures compliance with anti-money
laundering regulations while enhancing customer trust.
Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics leverage biometric e-signatures
Philippines to manage patient consent forms, medical records, and
sensitive data. These systems streamline administrative processes while
protecting privacy.
Real Estate: Property transactions, including leases and sales,
benefit from biometric e-signatures Philippines, which ensure document
authenticity and accelerate transaction times.
Government: Public sector agencies adopt e-signatures Philippines
to improve procurement, contracts, and official documentation transparency.
Biometric authentication strengthens the integrity of these processes.
Future Prospects for Biometric E-Signatures in the Philippines
As digital adoption accelerates, the role of biometric
e-signatures Philippines will continue to grow. Advances in artificial
intelligence, blockchain, and biometric technologies will refine these systems
further, making them even more secure and efficient. Businesses that adopt e-signatures
Philippines will benefit from streamlined operations, reduced fraud, and
enhanced customer experiences.
Platforms like SignSecure are set to lead this
transformation. By integrating the latest innovations and ensuring compliance
with Philippine regulations, SignSecure provides organizations with tools to
thrive in a digital-first economy.
Conclusion
Integrating biometric authentication into e-signatures
Philippines marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s digital evolution. By
leveraging unique biological traits, biometric e-signatures Philippines offer
unmatched security, efficiency, and trust in digital transactions. With
platforms like SignSecure paving the way, the future of electronic signatures
in the Philippines is brighter than ever, enabling businesses and individuals
to engage in secure, seamless digital interactions.
by | Nov 26, 2024 | Business
CANDY is a fun mini electric car from DFSK. It is small, cute, and has a range of 220km, making it a great choice for urban transportation.
CANDY is a fun mini electric car from DFSK. It is small, cute, and has a range of 220km, making it a great choice for urban transportation. Today, let’s take a look at the charm of this mini electric car CANDY.
Stylish Exterior
DFSK CANDY continues the cute appearance of the previous generation MINI EV, with a round and cute body shape, beautiful colors, and full appearance. The front of the car adopts a unique design, LED star ring lens headlights, front grille LED surround light bar, and lighting E mark more light gathering and penetration, fashionable and pious, safer!

Comfortable Interiors
Open the door to the curved wraparound cabin, one-piece environmentally friendly fabric seats, four-way adjustment, comfortable and breathable ride, and excellent texture! All are equipped with main driver airbags and optional dual airbags, when a collision occurs, in order to reduce the degree of injury to the occupants and avoid secondary collisions!

Compact Yet Spacious
Although the DFSK CANDY is small in size, with a length of only 2995mm, a width of only 1495mm, and a height of only 1640mm, its riding space cannot be underestimated, with a front row space of 881mm and a rear row space of 854mm. Moreover, it also has a speaker, which can communicate with passengers at any time, breaking the closedness of traditional car space and bringing a more free feeling.
Powerful Performance
In terms of power, the DFSK CANDY is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor provided by SAIC Group, with a maximum total power of 30 KW and a total torque of 100Nm, strong acceleration and climbing capabilities, single pedal function and creep mode, making the use of the CANDY easier and more comfortable. The battery uses GOTION, an international first-class battery supplier, to provide batteries for all models, with a pure electric range of 180-220 kilometers, making the journey worry-free.
Advanced Features
CANDY is not backward in terms of configuration. Through the buttons on the steering wheel, functions such as cruise control and volume level can be quickly controlled; the 7-inch color LCD instrument information display is comprehensive and clear, with a clear appearance, and the integrated reversing camera function makes reversing safer. 8.8-inch HD MP5, rear backup radar, GPS navigation, reversing camera, reversing radar, more convenient and safer when driving. One-button start function avoids the trouble of losing and finding keys, making travel more convenient and advanced; the touch-sensitive air-conditioning switch fully matches the parameterized vents, bid farewell to traditional knob switches, touch can more accurately adjust the temperature in the car, and the parameterized vents are perfectly matched; cruise control, effectively reduces fatigue from long-term driving, accurately controls power output, and reduces the energy consumption of the entire vehicle. Sporty and economical driving modes, easy to adjust the sport mode is a more powerful eco mode with smooth power output.

In general, DFSK CANDY targets the psychology of young users who are particular about fashion and usability. Not only can we see many trendy elements specially designed for young users in many details, but it is also equipped with more driving assistance functions to improve safety during daily driving. Let us look forward to meeting CANDY on the road. I believe it will be an interesting driving experience!
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