Cayetano bids for more cyber security experts to join government

 

PRESS RELEASE

OCT. 25, 2023

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to hire more cybersecurity experts amid the growing threat of hacking and data breaches in the country.

 This after the DICT and a number of government websites such as that of PhilHealth, the House of Representatives, and the Philippine Statistics Authority were defaced back to back by hackers within the month of October.

“Are there enough cyber security experts in the DICT and in government? Baka kasi may fund na ibinibigay for counter attacks, but there are not enough experts in government.” Cayetano posed this question to resource persons during Wednesday’s hearing (October 25, 2023) on cybersecurity and e-governance under the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, which he chairs.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Deputy Executive Director Mary Rose Magsaysay told Cayetano that they currently have 55 experts among their personnel, mostly cyber technologists, who are the best of the best people they know. She however admits that this is not enough manpower.

 “In general, kulang pa rin hindi ba? At kahit may mga ICT expert, it’s another issue of getting them into government dahil maraming nagpupunta abroad at sa private sector,” Cayetano said.

DICT Spokesperson Renato Paraiso responded that such is the case because of a big disparity in pay between government employees and of private sectors.

Cayetano acknowledged that this is a very legitimate concern since there are people who will be pirated for better pay.

“We can’t blame them for wanting to provide for their family. It's not for everyone, but there are really hot career choices na kung hindi tayo makipag agawan sa gobyerno ay mapupunta sila sa private sector o abroad,” he said.

In asking the Philippine National Police about their cybersecurity personnel, Cayetano also discovered that their program budget is far from ideal since their 2024 budget for the Information System Strategic Plan (ISSP) for 2023 to 2025 is at least P100,000 per region only.

 “It’s a good start… pero mas kumplikado rin pala [ang hiring] sa PNP. Ang sweldo kasi nila ay parallel to the rank. Kung may cyber expert sila pero major, hindi naman pwedeng mas mataas ang sweldo niya sa general. That would be a complication for both. Let’s have a separate discussion on this,” the senator said.

Cayetano however emphasized the government’s urgency to look into this investment for PNP and military since “future wars will be fought in cyberspace.”

Wrapping up the discussion, the senator offered the DICT and government agencies to submit their plans, which include hiring more cyber experts in government to address these concerns, before the Senate 2024 budget deliberations in November.

“We can include in our committee report these other resources that you need,” he offered. ###

How do I pass Goethe Institute's B1 German level?

 

Akshay Nayyar

553 followers

67 following

Knows a thing or two about studienkolleg

And how do I come to enjoy and learn German more quickly?

Originally Answered: How do I pass Goethe Institut's B1 German level? And how to enjoy and learn German faster?

Finally, a question to which I may have a suitable answer as I went through the process, myself.
German is a beautiful language. I had my reasons to start learning the language. I wanted to do my Bachelor's in Germany and I was fresh out of 12th standard. I started leaning German in the beginning of May'15. I had no prior knowledge of the language. How I wish I had German instead of French in school! So when I started, I was skeptical if I could pass the exam which was on 25th June'15. Not a lot of time. And keep in mind, it was directly the B1 exam. Not A1 or A2, because I had a very limited time frame and I required B1 for my Studienkolleg course. I had less than 2 months. Nevertheless, I went on with it. Day after day, a little bit of German. Things which we get easily are really not worth it. What requires hard work, actually gives the real joy of having earned something. I was being tutored in a group class for 2 hours, 5 days a week all this while. Then, the exam date came. I went for it. And a few days later the result came out. Their are 4 modules of B1 - Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen and Hören. I cleared only Schreiben and Sprechen. It was a a major drawback as I missed out on one entire semester i.e. Winter Semester 2015. I had no idea what to do now. It was all very traumatizing. Somehow, I put myself together and searched online for more exam dates in different cities. I found two and they were very close so I couldn't know the result of any one before knowing that I would be required to give the other one as well. So I registered for both for Lesen and Hören. I had about a month and a half. Learning from my past mistakes, I didn't waste much time. I studied everyday, making it a point to learn something useful everyday. Vocabulary is everything. Every single word means a lot in getting where you want to be. It's not difficult but it is not a cake walk either. Work a little everyday. When the two exams came, I went for both. And I cleared Lesen in the first one and Hören in the second. After so much patience, I finally had what I wanted, the complete B1 Certificate by the end of August.

Moral of the story is, you can do whatever you want. Everything takes its good time to happen. People believe clearing the B1 exam starting from scratch is very difficult and that it takes one whole year. I did it in 3 months. This is what I achieved after working my a** off and investing a lot of money with time constraints.

And it doesn't matter if you do it from goethe or a private tutor. What matters is, if you're up for it. And the most enjoyable way of learning the language is working in a group. You learn from not only your teacher but also your fellow students. Then the activities and stuff your teacher makes you do, goes a long way in helping you acquire that knowledge.
German is a very enjoyable and fruitful language. It doesn't require all day, even 1 hour with full concentration every day is enough.
And I highly suggest you go for a group tuition, be it Goethe or anywhere else.

P.S. Till this date nothing makes me happier than my B1 Certificate, not even my university acceptances.

Edit - Read as much as you can everyday. Try to understand the logic, the sentence structuring, the very basis of that sentence. And a very wise person once told me not to translate from German to your language but to start thinking in German itself.

Terrence Romeo moves on from aborted Gilas stint, eyes future call ups

 

By: Denison Rey A. Dalupang - Reporter / @sonrdINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 10:43 PM October 24, 2023

MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer playmaker Terrence Romeo has decided to stop wondering how a stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the Hangzhou Asian Games would have panned out.

“There’s a bit of regret, especially since we prepared—the four of us. That will always be the case. But for me, I am glad that we emerged as champions. I’m proud of our teammates because we sacrificed together, we practiced together,” he told reporters in Filipino during the PBA Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

“I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to play. But that ends there. I know that some things are not meant to happen in certain moments. For me, what’s important is staying ready so that whenever the day (you get called up) comes, you’re good to go,” he said.

Romeo, his teammate Mo Tautuaa, Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva, and Phoenix’s Jason Perkins were Tim Cone and the then-management’s original picks for the Asian Games, but a lapse in names submitted to the event organizers caused confusion that led to the ineligibility of the four veterans.

Taking that quartet’s place were CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino, Kevin Alas and Chris Ross.

“It would’ve been quite the comeback for me and Calvin. But I keep on putting in my mind that this is not the end,” said the crafty guard, who served various editions of Gilas Pilipinas in the past.

“We never know. Maybe in the next Gilas (campaign), we get called up again,” he added.

Romeo could do exactly just that with several Fiba events lined up for as early as the first quarter of next year.

The qualifying cycle for the next World Cup opens as early as Feb. 19, while the Olympic Qualifying Tournament is also set for July 2.

“I’ll make sure that I’ll be ready to compete for a spot and help out the Gilas program by then,” Romeo said.

Read more: https://sports.inquirer.net/535657/terrence-romeo-moves-on-from-aborted-gilas-stint-eyes-future-call-ups#ixzz8HCrTwUFh

Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Thousands of fans flocked 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' stars Coco and Ivana at Kapamilya Karavan in Bacolod

KD and Alexa share a sweet moment on stage at the Masskara Festival

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Oct 25, 2023 07:08 AM

  

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Coco Martin and Ivana Alawi

The stars of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” led by Coco Martin and Ivana Alawi, drew ten thousand fans during their Kapamilya Karavan mall show for the Masskara Festival 2023 last Saturday (Oct. 21).

Coco and Ivana, who were first time Masskara Festival attendees, expressed their excitement in joining the festivities in Bacolod.

The King of Primetime thanked the viewers for supporting “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” which is the number TV show nationwide. “Sulit yung paghihirap. Kapag nakikita mo gabi-gabi na nandyan sila, tinatangkilik nila yung pinaghihirapan niyo, at nararamdaman mo yung pagmamahal ng mga Pilipino, napakasarap sa pakiramdam,” he said in an interview with TV Patrol.

Ivana also addressed her recent viral action scenes in the series.  “Hindi siya madali pero I’m very thankful kasi I’m supported by such a strong team. Tsaka may training talaga. Hindi naman nila ako sinabak nang ganon lang,” she shared.

The cast of 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' in Bacolod

Coco entertained the audience with his song and dance performance of Pinoy medley hits, while Ivana serenaded the audience with her rendition of “Torete.”

Coco and Ivana were joined by their “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” co-actors Lorna Tolentino, Lito Lapid, Bassilyo, and Smugglaz. 

Meanwhile, “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” stars KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad charmed fans with their sweet performance of “Please Be Careful With My Heart.” Charlie Dizon and Joseph Marco also delighted the audience with their production numbers. 

Catch the action-packed scenes of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” and the thrilling plot twists of “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, TFC IPTV, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. 

The Masskara Festival Kapamilya Karavan is made possible by the efforts of ABS-CBN Regional, ABS-CBN Events, Kapamilya Channel Regional, MOR, and A2Z Regional.

Schools shift online as DOH monitors spike in flu-like cases

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 24, 2023 02:16 PM 

Noting the rise of flu-like cases in the Philippines, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday, Oct. 24, said some schools have shifted to online or blended learning to stop the spread of the virus among their students.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa replies to questions from the media during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (RTVM screenshot)

In a Palace press briefing, the official confirmed that the Department of Health’s (DOH) epidemiology bureau is currently monitoring the increasing cases of “influenza-like illness.” 

“Parang tumaas nga (It looked like it really increased). There are some schools that converted to online blended learning because of the number of students,” he told reporters.

The rainy season has contributed to the spike on respiratory illnesses because people are in “closed spaces” and they can really get infected.

Herbosa reminded the general public to remember “self-protection” or the “things we learn(ed) during Covid,” which were to wear a mask if “you have a cough, colds or respiratory illness.”

He also asked the public, especially those in the “high-risk” category, such as the elderly or the senior citizens, to get their flu shot at the health office. 

“And then, kung kayo ay may sakit, respiratory illness, ubo, sipon (if you are sick with respiratory illness, cough, colds), sore throat, it’s better to stay at home than infect all other colleagues in the office or in the school,” Herbosa said.

Last week, DOH data showed that there were 151,375 cases of influenza-like illness cases reported so far this year.

This was 45 percent higher compared to 104,613 cases reported during the same period last year.

From Sept. 3 to 16, 2023 alone, ILI cases increased by 26 percent compared to the reported cases two weeks prior, the DOH added.

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much”

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

CHRIST clearly said this. In that gospel parable where he told his disciples to be always prepared for judgment, (cfr. Lk 12,39-48) Christ clearly admonished his disciples to be ready to face the Lord, able to account for all the things that have been entrusted to them. If they are given much, much will also be expected from them.

The lesson Christ wanted to impart to his disciples, and to us, is that whatever blessing, gift or privilege given to us should never lead us to feel entitled. Rather, we should feel that a greater responsibility is actually given to us, for which we have to do some accounting on Judgment Day.

That gospel parable somehow reminds us that we are just stewards, not owners, of the things of this world. Thus, we have to be responsible and accountable for how we use the things of this world. In this regard, we have to see to it that we be as fruitful and generous in the use of the things of this world, not wasteful and prodigal. We need to distinguish between generosity and prodigality.

We have to learn to distinguish between the two since both can look the same and can involve more or less the same amount of money, time, effort, etc. Generosity is, of course, not prodigality, though it is never sparing of the resources that may be needed to pursue a real good. 

Prodigality is simply a matter of wastefulness, oftentimes of the thoughtless and selfish kind, as dramatized in that parable of the prodigal son. (cfr. Lk 15,11-32) It is an irresponsible way of using one’s resources, endowments and blessings that are made to respond simply to one’s whims and caprices.

It’s always good that whatever service we do for others, we should be as generous as possible without spoiling them. And whatever attention we give to ourselves, we should try to be as sparing as possible without, of course, harming us or jeopardizing our health, etc.

Pertinent to this point, Christ said: “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Lk 6,38)

In other words, the more we give, the more we actually will receive. Christ promised as much when he said: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children of fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19,29)

We have to realize then that any privilege, honor or praise given to us is a call for us to be more generous in our self-giving to such an extent that we would not run away from making the supreme sacrifice of giving our life for God and the others, just like what Christ did. Our attitude should be to sharpen even more our desire to serve and not to be served. 

We should never feel entitled. Christ himself was the first one to live by this principle. Being God, he emptied himself to become man and to bear all the sins of men by dying on the cross, all for the purpose of saving mankind. (cfr. Phil 2,7)

He reiterated this point when he lamented about the domineering sense of entitlement of some of the leading Jews of his time while praising the poor widow who put all that she had into the temple treasury. (cfr. Mk 12,38-44)

Mati City formally opens fish port

BY IVY TEJANO

Oct 23, 2023 10:56 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The Mati city government formally opened on Monday, October 23, the fish port complex in Purok Calagundian in Barangay Central.

MATI City fish port. (FB)  

According to the City Information Office (CIO), the first phase of the port provided various facilities such as reclamation, concreting, drainage and sewerage systems, water and electrical distribution networks, fencing, administrative offices, and a trading or market hall.

In her message, Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said the fish port will meet the needs of about 200 commercial fishing vessels and improve the fishing industry in Mati City and bordering cities.

The establishment is estimated to handle and process 4,000 tons of fish yearly, exceeding the required seafood demand for Davao Oriental. The fish port is also expected to be a self-operating economic enterprise, generating a P5 million annual income in the next five years.

Rabat thanked the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and other officials who became instrumental in funding and completing the fish port. 

They were former President Rodrigo R. Duterte,  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Davao City Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno.

Rabat said the significant opening of the fish port complex only underscores the local government's abundant plans, projects, and programs for the city.

The construction of the multi-million fish port was initiated and funded by the PFDA, with a budget of P75 million, in 2021. The structure is still in its initial phase and the second phase will soon commence with an additional P150 million solely from the PFDA.

Rabat said that the fish port would serve as a hub for systematic activities in commercial fishing in the province and function as a terminal point for unloading, loading, and selling fish and other aquatic products.

“All will be done with sanitary methods to prevent harm to the ocean and preserve the quality of seafood products,” Rabat said, adding that the operation of the port is anchored on City Ordinance No. 561, the City of Mati Fishport Operation and Management Ordinance of 2023.

She said registered fishing boats in the city through the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) Fish-R and Boat-R would be allowed to use the facilities and unload fish without charge.

The opening of the facility was graced by Rabat, Mati Vice Mayor Lorenzo Leon G. Rabat, City Administrator Allan Andrada, city councilors, the PFDA led by General Manager Glen A. Pangapalan, and Davao Fish Port Complex Port Manager Albert Aguinaldo. 

A fusion of art and design

Dexterton and Kohler celebrate creativity, innovation, and style

BY JANE KINGSU-CHENG

Oct 23, 2023 09:41 PM 

Dong Ronquillo, Arlene Sipat-Sutton, Ana Amigo-Antonio, Audrey Go, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Chat Fores, Stephanie Zubiri

Home and design enthusiasts, as well as architects and interior designers, gathered at Dexterton in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last Oct. 13, 2023. This was to celebrate Kohler’s 150th anniversary and their new showroom at Dexterton. 

Mary Ann Rabonza, Leo Leong, Ivy Almaria, Bee Hong Tan, Cynthia Almario, Audrey Go, Yolanda Bernardo, Noel Bernardo

The theme, “Come All Creators,” invited everyone to see up close the new innovations of Kohler, one of the global leaders in kitchen and design. The venue also featured limited-edition collections of the Kohler artist edition collection, celebrating the fusion of art and innovation. 

Apples Aberin, Marie Lozano, Dong Rongquillo, Pie Alvarez, Stephanie Zubiri,
Phoemela Baranda, and 

Justin Pitt, Miles Roces, Apples Aberin, Cristalle Belo-Pitt, Jeff Saez, Scott Woodward

Guests were also invited to bid on two limited K150 artist edition pieces, which included the "Falling Gently Collection" by renowned street and graffiti artist ELLE, and  “A World on Strings” by Chinese artist Ziling Wang. The Gynecologic Oncology Department of the Philippine General Hospital is the chosen beneficiary.  

Leolino Almeria, Dominic Galicia, Tina Periquet-Galicia, Arlen de Guzman

"We take immense pride in being part of Kohler’s 150th anniversary celebration, and our primary goal is to share with our clients the same artistic fulfillment and creativity that Kohler exemplifies," shares Dexterton Vice President and Creative Director Audrey Go. 

Kat Clemente, Alessandro Trinidad, Audrey Go, Garlic Garcia, Camille Diego

What German words do not exist in English?

 

Micha Boettiger

Freelance Copywriter, Transcriber, Translator

Originally Answered: What German word does not exist in other languages?

There are a lot of them, but the long compound words are boring, and kind of a cheat. After all, they’re ideas that can easily be translated, just into multiple words in other languages.

Let’s look specifically at a lexeme that doesn’t translate.

Let’s talk about “doch”

“Doch”, functionally, is a word that is used to refute something in a positive sense. That means, it’s the opposite of “not”.

To translate it, you have to select from an entire list of words in English, and in other languages that I’m familiar with so far. Depending on its usage, it can mean “anyway”, “after all”, “but”, or “ya-huh!”(in the immortal sense of children arguing on a playground). It can also be used as an amorphous mood (in the linguistic sense of mood) marker. Examples as follows.

Examples: (doch-words in bold)

Er wollte ein Haus kaufen, doch er hatte kein Geld. - He wanted to buy a house, but he didn’t have money.

Zuerst wollte er die Stelle nicht, dann hat er sie aber doch angenommen. - At first he didn’t want the position, but then he accepted it after all.

Sie war krankgeschrieben, aber sie ist doch zur Arbeit gegangen. - She was sick, but went to work anyway.

Das ist doch blöd - Well this sucks. (Just like with “well” in English with this usage, the word doch doesn’t carry explicit meaning here, it just adds tone)

Doch, ich war dabei. - Yes, I was there! (as a response to someone claiming you weren’t)