DTI Unveils Top 5 Startup Finalists of ADVanCE for Creatives Program

03 April 2024, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially announced the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program on March 21, 2024, at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City.

Selected from an initial pool of eight growth-stage startups, the top five finalists underwent assessments focused on organizational capacity, business maturity, and readiness levels. In these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage evaluated each startup based on its product status, team dynamics, future objectives, and challenges, concentrating on how the program could support its growth. This ensured that the chosen finalists were not only well-prepared to navigate forthcoming challenges but were also positioned to make a significant impact on the creative sector through their innovative and scalable solutions.

The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.

The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups, emphasizing DTI's dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”

The finalists will benefit from comprehensive training through a series of learning workshops, mentorship from industry experts, and customized business matching and acceleration programs. The program will culminate in a demo day in April, providing an opportunity for the startups to showcase their progress and attract potential partners and investors.

In addition to ADVanCE, DTI previously unveiled ten select creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program, further bolstering the Philippine Creative Industries.The selected startups for IDEA are Wika, 7x7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.

Eastern Communications Marks 30 Years of Philippine Internet, Leading Innovations and Inclusive Connectivity

Manila, Philippines — As the Philippines marks the 30th anniversary of the Internet in the country, Eastern Communications, a pioneering telecommunications company with a rich 145-year history, proudly celebrates this significant milestone alongside the nation. With a long-standing commitment to providing inclusive and reliable internet connectivity and ICT solutions, Eastern Communications reaffirms its dedication to being a Partner in Progress for every Filipino.

The internet's journey in the Philippines began on March 29, 1994. This significant step into the digital age was made possible through the collaborative efforts of private and government institutions. This groundbreaking achievement laid the groundwork for the Philippines to join the global internet community that transformed communication, education, and businesses across the nation.

Since the internet's inception in the Philippines, Eastern Communications has been at the forefront of technological innovation, ensuring that communities across the nation have access to the tools and resources needed to thrive in a digital age. As we celebrate three decades of internet connectivity, Eastern Communications is more committed than ever to delivering groundbreaking solutions that meet its customers' evolving needs.

"In a world where the internet has become a cornerstone of daily life, Eastern Communications is honored to have played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of the Philippines," said Edsel Paglinawan, Vice President and Head of Product and Innovation of Eastern Communications. 

"Our journey over the last 145 years has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we are excited to continue our mission of connecting Filipinos and empowering communities through advanced and reliable ICT solutions,” he added. 

Testament to this is the company’s continued expansion efforts and the completion of its latest Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) Express Route, a joint venture project of Eastern Communications, Globe Telecom, and Infinivan Inc., aimed to bridge the digital divide and foster a more connected society. 

Bolstering innovative solutions and sustainable digital transformation nationwide, Eastern has maintained longstanding partnerships with the Philippine Network Operators Group (PHNOG), alongside other digital and carrier organizations. 

Additionally, the telco actively engaged with Filipino communities, offering free internet access through the MNLKonek kiosks in Manila, and donating routers to universities and Mayon Volcano evacuees in Albay, Bicol, thus expanding support and connectivity to underserved areas.

"Eastern Communications’ vision extends beyond providing superior internet services. We are deeply committed to being an integral part of the nation’s progress, ensuring that every Filipino has the opportunity to benefit from the digital revolution," added Paglinawan

As Eastern Communications looks to the future, the company is excited to unveil new technologies and partnerships that will continue to shape the digital landscape of the Philippines. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and reliability, Eastern Communications is poised to lead the way in creating a more connected and digital Philippines for generations to come.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ products and services, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph. 

PNP, GCash Nab 4 Police Officers for Robbery and Extortion

Four uniformed personnel from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) were recently arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP), aided by the popular finance app GCash,  following complaints reported by detainees of alleged robbery and extortion in exchange for their release without charges.

The complaint included unauthorized GCash money transfer from the detainees’  smartphone while in the custody of the said police officers.

According to the first complainant alias 'Gabi', the five of them were apprehended by the suspects for illegal gambling. They were taken to their barracks after confiscating gambling funds which reportedly amounted to P75,000. He was then released without charges with his confiscated phone returned to him. The latter soon discovered that there was an unauthorized transfer from his GCash account of P11,929 to another GCash account, allegedly while his phone was in the custody of the suspected police officers.

Meanwhile, Gabi's son under the alias of 'Maglasang', paid the police officers P5,000 cash in exchange for his release without charges.

As part of its ongoing initiative to educate the public on safety while engaging in online transactions, GCash continues to remind its users to practice extra vigilance and awareness of the various modes of scams, fraud, and cybercrime and to report to the authorities in case of possible unauthorized access of their smartphones while under the custody of others.

For help and assistance, contact the PNP-ACG via their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type, “I want to report a scam.”

GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and One-Time Pin (OTP). Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline 2882 for queries and other concerns.