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Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
Increasing demand for electric vehicles
The Department of Energy (DOE) in Mindanao has observed a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Engr. Adrian Mel B. Delola, a Science Research Specialist II at DOE Mindanao Field Office, discussed this trend during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on January 15, 2024. He highlighted the impact of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida Law), implemented on April 15, 2022, which has contributed to the increasing interest in EVs. Delola acknowledged that the current cost of EVs is a concern but expressed optimism that as demand rises, the number of charging stations will increase and the cost of units will subsequently decrease. He also addressed the presence of hybrid models in key cities in Mindanao and the challenge of limited car dealerships facilitating their distribution. Additionally, Delola touched on the use of e-trikes, classified as light EVs under RA 11697, and the regulations regarding their weight and use on national highways. The DOE is working with various agencies to address issues related to the registration and use of e-trikes. Sellers are also advising consumers on the proper use of e-trikes for private purposes and cautioning against their use on national highways......»»
OpenAI introduces AI model that turns text into video
(Reuters) – Microsoft-backed OpenAI is working on a software that can generate minute-long videos based on text prompts, the company said on Thursday. The software, called Sora, is currently available for red teaming, which helps identify flaws in the AI system, as well as for use by visual artists, designers and filmmakers to gain feedback.....»»
Kaspersky Report: 1 in 3 Filipinos Face Threats from USBs, Removable Devices
Global cybersecurity company Kaspersky is urging Filipinos to be wary of careless plugging of USBs into their computers unless they have been scanned following the release of data that 36.80% of users in the Philippines were attacked by local threats from January to December 2023. Local threats are malware spread through removable media such as […].....»»
Kaspersky Predicts Key Cybersecurity Threats Targeting Children in 2024
With most children able to access or own a smartphone or tablet, the age at which they begin their acquaintance with the digital world and technology keeps decreasing. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats targeting kids to better protect them from potential harm. In this post, Kaspersky experts explore […].....»»
Kaspersky Suggests to Add Sorting Your Digital Clutter to Your New Year’s Resolutions
This new year, you could have resolved to quit a vice, learn something new, manage your finances better, and maybe check a couple off your bucket list of places to visit. Cybersecurity company Kaspersky suggests adding another practical and smart resolution to your 2024 list: to protect your precious data by clearing your digital clutter! […].....»»
LGUs, agencies urged to use geohazard maps
Former environment secretary Lito Atienza has urged concerned agencies and local government units to use geohazard maps prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to mitigate impacts of natural disasters on human life......»»
A near-miss cyberattack puts US officials and the tech industry on edge
German software developer Andres Freund has uncovered a potential cybersecurity threat in the widely used open source software program XZ Utils. The discovery of a.....»»
A near-miss cyberattack puts US officials and the tech industry on edge
German software developer Andres Freund has uncovered a potential cybersecurity threat in the widely used open source software program XZ Utils. The discovery of a.....»»
Tesla App Adds Ultra Wideband Support for Enhanced Phone Keys – The Daily Guardian
Tesla Enhances Vehicle Security with New Software Update In a bid to further revolutionize the automotive industry, Tesla has recently announced a groundbreaking software update.....»»
PRO-7 warns against use of marijuana-flavored vapes
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) has issued a stern warning against the use and proliferation of marijuana-flavored vape products. Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, the PRO-7 spokesperson, said that they will arrest individuals who sell vapes mixed with marijuana oil. The sale and use of marijuana remains.....»»
Hold agency heads accountable for Gov website, email hacking
A network of digital advocates urged the government to hold accountable the heads of the agencies affected by the hacking of government sites and emails. Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the heads of agencies affected by the hacking on government email and websites should be dealt with swiftly as the attacks came […].....»»
Cybercrime AI Experimentation in the Dark Web
Kaspersky’s Digital Footprint Intelligence service has found nearly 3,000 dark web posts mainly discussing the use of ChatGPT and other LLMs for illegal activities. Threat actors are exploring schemes, from creating nefarious alternatives of the chatbot to jailbreaking the original and beyond. Stolen ChatGPT accounts and services offering their automated creation en masse are also […].....»»
China warns Philippines not to play with fire on Taiwan question
BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China warns the Philippines not to play with fire on the Taiwan question and to stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos' message of congratulations to Lai.....»»
China blocks use of Intel and AMD chips in government computers – report
The procurement guidance also seeks to sideline Microsoft Windows and foreign-made database software in favor of domestic options, a Financial Times report says.....»»
DHSUD affirms support to local government, agencies
Firm support of local government units and bolstered coordination with other agencies has been committed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development after the signing of a joint memorandum circular on public financial management......»»
SEC to share data with more government agencies
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is teaming up with more government agencies to boost efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing......»»
House panel probes PUVMP agencies
Claiming that the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program is going nowhere, House of Representatives transportation committee chair Rep. Romeo Acop has launched an investigation into the financial statements of the government agencies implementing the PUVMP......»»
President Marcos orders government agencies: Consolidate tourism services
To lure more foreign visitors to the Philippines, President Marcos has ordered government agencies to consolidate all tourism services, from flight and hotel booking to arranging drivers and tour guides. .....»»
Keep an Eye on Your Subscriptions
Subscriptions have become an ingrained part of everyone’s lives as digitalization moves forward. From streaming services, fitness apps, to meal kits, and software that people use everyday, these recurring charges offer convenience and access to a variety of services. However, the ease of signing up often leads to a subscription creep, which no one wants. […].....»»