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STRADCOM's Clarifications on LTO-RFID Issues

This is an e-mail I received from the office with regards to our LTO-RFID project, which has become more familiar to the people in a variety of ways. The statements below were e-mailed to us to further give everyone correct knowledge and information pertaining to STRADCOM, it's contract with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the currently heating issue about the RFID project. Read on!

Mga Paglilinaw mula sa Stradcom

Nitong nakaraang buwan, maraming lumalabas na mga balita at mga isyu sa radio, telebisyon, internet at dyaryo hinggil sa bagong proyekto ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) na tinatawag na RFID o Radio Frequency Identification project, ngunit karamihan sa kanila ay nag-uugat sa kakulangan ng impormasyon o pawang haka-haka lamang. Marami ding negatibong nasulat laban sa Stradcom dahil sa kasalukuyang kontrata nito sa Land Tranportation Office. Marami sa mga nasulat at naibalita ay walang basehan at paninira lamang. Upang mabigyang linaw at mapaliwanag ang katotohanan sa publiko, naririto ang mga kasagutan sa mga isyung nailahad.

Mga isyung binabato laban sa RFID:

1. Magagamit ba ang RFID tag bilang spy chips para malaman ang lokasyon ng bawat sasakyan at iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa may-ari?

Hindi. Ang RFID tag ay walang Global Posititioning System (GPS), isang application na kailangan upang malaman ang kinaroroonan ng bawat sasakyan. Bukod pa rito, ang kaya lang i-trace ng RFID reader ay mga sasakyan na napapaloob sa 10-meter radius kung saan nakatayo ang enforcer na may hawak ng reader. Limitado din ang impormasyon na maaring makuha ng RFID reader. Pawang mga impormasyon na makikita lamang sa Certificate of Registration at Official Receipt ang maaring makuha. Hindi maaring makuha ang impormasyon tungkol sa address, telepono at iba pang personal na impormasyon tungkol sa motorista.

2. Ano ang mga benepisyong makukuha ng mga tao sa pagpapalagay ng RFID tags?

· Maiiwasan nito ang non-appearance o di pagpapakita ng sasakyan sa smoke emission testing.

· Makakapagbigay ng karagdagang seguridad laban sa carnapping.

· Gagawing mas maayos at epektibo ang pagpapatupad ng batas trapiko sa mga lansangan.

· Agad na natutukoy at nalalaman ang mga sasakyang di sumusunod sa mga batas at kautusan ng LTO at iba pang mga ahensya ng gobyerno.

· Nakikitang solusyon sa mga problema sa polusyon at trapik.

· Maaring tumulong sa pagpigil ng pagnanakaw ng sasakyan or pagpuslit ng mga kontrabandong sasakyan o spare parts.

· Makakapagbigay rin ng karagdagang proteksyon sa mga pasahero dahil mas mabilis nang matutukoy ang mga kolorum sa kalsada.

· Mapapabilis ang pagpapa-rehistro ng mga sasakyan at maaari nang magkaroon ng drive-thru registration sa darating na panahon.

Mga Isyung binabato laban sa Stradcom:

1. Kontrata ng Stradcom sa LTO para sa LTO-IT project

Walang katotohanan ang sinasabi ng iba na nagtapos na ang kontrata ng Stradcom sa Computerization ng LTO noong 2007. Pagkatapos manalo ng Stradcom sa bidding ng LTO noong December 1997 at matanggap ang Notice to Proceed on May 1998, nagkaroon ng bagong administrasyon at nagkaroon ng direktiba mula sa dating Pangulong Estrada upang pag-aralan ang mga flagship projects ng bagong administrasyon. Dahil dito, hindi nakapag-simula ng proyekto noong 1998, naantala [ang proyekto] ng higit isang taon bago nakapagsimula.

Nagkaroon ng bagong kasunduan ang Stradcom at LTO noong June 11, 2001 kung saan nasasaad na ang opisyal na pagsisimula ng Concession agreement ay mangyayari lamang pag natanggap ng Stradcom ang Final Certification of Acceptance of the IT facility (CAIF). Napagkaloob sa Stradcom ang Final CAIF noong February 10, 2003 kaya noon nagsimula ang sampung taon na concession agreement. Sa madaling salita, hindi nagtapos ang kontrata noong 2007 at magtatapos pa lamang ito sa 2013.

2. Build Own and Operate (BOO) Contract ng Stradcom

Sa ilalim ng kontratang Build Own and Operate (BOO) ng Stradcom at LTO, nakapagpatupad ng computerization ang LTO ng walang nilabas na pera ang gobyerno. Sinagot ng Stradcom bilang Kontraktor ng proyekto ang development, operation, maintenance at upgrade ng sistema. Pati ang kuryente na ginagamit ng mga LTO offices para sa computerization system ay binabayran din ng STRADCOM. Mas minabuti ng Land Transportation Office na magkaroon ng BOO agreement sa isang pribadong kumpanya dahil napakalaki ng puhunang kailangan upang bumili ng mga hardware at software applications na kailangan sa computerization ng LTO operations para sa buong bansa. Ayon sa Build Operate and Transfer Law, maaring magpatong ng karampatang singil ang kontraktor upang mabawi ang investment na nilagay sa proyekto ngunit dapat itong aprubahan ng Land Transportation Office.

3. Paninigil ng Interconnectivity Fees

Dapat maunawaan ng publiko na ang interconnectivity fees ay sinisingil ng Stradcom sa mga IT providers ng Insurance Companies, Private Emission Testing Centers at hindi direkta mula sa publiko. Kinailangan ng interconnection facility na maguugnay sa mga insurance companies at private emission testing centers upang matugunan ang problema tungkol sa pagkalat ng mga pekeng insurance policies tulad ng Comprehensive Third Party Liability (CTPL) at mga Certification of Emission Compliance (CECs).

Ang pagkakaroon ng interconnectivity fees ay naayon sa mga iba’t ibang department orders at memorandum circular na pinalabas ng Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) at Land Transportation Office (LTO). Sa kasalukuyan, P30 (vat inclusive) lamang ang kinukuha ng Stradcom bilang interconnectivity fee sa mga PETC IT providers group bilang kabayaran sa pagkonekta sa LTO-IT system.

Makakaasa po ang ating mga motorista na tuluyang pagbubutihin ng STRADCOM ang serbisyong ibinibigay nito. Kitang-kita naman ng ating mga motorista ang ginanda ng serbisyo sa LTO dahil sa computerization project. Napakalaki na ng binilis ng transaksyon sa LTO dahil sa computerization. Ang dating anim na buwan na pagkuha ng lisensiya ay isang oras na lamang at ang dating isang araw na pagpaparehistro ng sasakyan ay ilang oras na lamang.

Sana’y supportahan po ng ating mga mahal na motorista ang higit pang pagpapaganda at pagsasaayos ng sistema sa LTO sa mga darating [pang] panahon.

Para rin sa inyong karadagang kaalaman, may nakalakip na dalawang mahalagang artikulong nalathala sa dyaryo tungkol sa mga naitulong ng LTO-IT Project at ang mga benepisyo ng LTO RFID.

1. Beat the Red Tape - Phil. Star Article, 28Oct2009 by Marichu A. Villanueva

2. Facts and Figures on RFID Car Tags - Phil. Star Article, 20Oct2009 by Federico D. Pascual Jr.


Maraming Salamat po.


Sumasainyo,

STRADCOM Corporation
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Adidas KOTR 2009 - Expo, Event, and Race Result

It was yesterday, October 25, 2009 here in Manila. My first run for Adidas. I've been feeling lazy in blogging this event for no reason, I just really feel lazy, lol! But after googling the King of the Road, I came across several websites and blogs about this same event, Adidas King of the Road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which was held last August 3, 2009. This is a very tragic incident that made me wonder about a runner, and race organizer's responsibilities before, during, and after running. You can read the full story of this incident by visiting Justice For Gary family website. A video when Gary first collapsed on the finish line was also posted in youtube.

This news also made me remember my experience on the first day of Adidas expo in Megamall last October 17, 2009. The first day of the expo was really a disaster for a lot of runners, for my colleague, and for me. I was on the line to claim our group's race packet from 3:00 PM up to 6:30 PM. I was able to claim two out of three (2 of 3) race singlets/packets that I have registered. It was really amazing how could the other race packet be left out since these were all registered at the same time, same date, and same registration outlet (Adidas Trinoma). After the expo though, I just went on without complaining about how well or how "not" well the expo was organized. Come race day, I could say that the race was a big success. No injuries, death, or tragic incidents after the event. There are enough hydration booths along the 10k route. A cup of three to four slices of banana was also given at the 4km mark for potassium supply.

The only thing that I noticed is the lack of self-discipline of one of their volunteers who was giving out the turn-over ribbons. This volunteer yelled and swore ("hoy P*****ina mo, wag kang mang-hatak, adik ka ba?!") to one of the runners who was taking the ribbon, which, as we know running his lungs out to reach his goal. I was not able to look back to see the face of the volunteer. I kept my running pace then after a while I realized that the volunteer should not have yelled and swore like that to the runner. Instead, he should just give out the ribbons politely. One more thing, the runner doesn't have to wait for him, he must have the ribbons ready on his hands or fingers to be given to the thousands of runners who will be pulling it on their turns.

Anyway, for the better part as I have mentioned a while ago, the race is still a success all-in-all. And for my personal record, this race is my 2nd personal best run. My first personal best run was way back in Baguio for the Rotary Club's Invitational Run.

(I ran for 10k route, posing for 21k map)

Event: Adidas King of the Road 2009
Date: October 25, 2009
Place: Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig
Unofficial Time: 00:53:32
Official Time: 00:56:37
Official Rank: 235th

According to my official result, I placed at 235th with finish time of 56:37, my personal timing though from the gun start until I reached the finish line was 53:35. That's an additional 3:02 minutes padded time due to the slow pace of the timers on the finish line getting the bar codes from our bib. :D

For the list of Official results, click here.
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Abs with Torso Workout

If I sum up the total years since I started hitting the gym, it already took me 2 years and 6 months as of this writing. And comparing my body structure from before and now, there's only slight difference. I was able to build up only a few cuts, and the muscles couldn't show that I have been a gym member for this long already if I don't flex hard in front of a mirror (lol!).

My abs-workout program for these past two years has always been the greatest challenge of my workout. Whenever it's time for abs crunching, sit-ups, and toe-raise, I mostly get the lazy feeling of doing the program, hence, my abs has not developed yet that much too. Unless I try hard to flex every strand of my ab-muscles, hahaha!

The abdomen workouts outlined by Chris Fanning below are very different from my program though. It engages not just your abs, but also your torso. I am planning to incorporate some of the workouts in this program on my next ab-routine by third week of October.

Sideshow

Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart. Bend forward and place hands on floor near feet. With hands planted, bend left knee as you slide right leg across body (as shown). Return to start; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, shoulders, butt, legs



Dolphin pull

Start in plank position supported on forearms with hands clasped and heels raised. Bend left knee and pull left leg into chest as you lift hips toward ceiling (as shown). Return to start; repeat on right side for one rep. Do 10 reps.

* Works abs, shoulders, arms, back, butt




Bridge plus

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat. Squeeze butt to lift hips off floor as high as you can. Lower hips to floor, then lift them off floor, bringing knees toward chest (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, back, butt




Krav maga kick

Sit with knees pulled into chest, hands on shins, feet flexed and slightly off floor. Roll onto right hip, bracing yourself with both hands, as you extend legs to left (as shown). Return to start; repeat on left side for one rep. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, arms, butt, legs




Bow Wow

Kneel with hands behind head, elbows out. Keeping hips stable, contract abs as you curl upper body toward navel without pulling on neck (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, back, hips




Chair Roll up

Lie faceup with heels resting on the edge of a sturdy chair, legs straight, holding the ends of a rolled towel taut, arms overhead. Sit up, reaching arms toward toes, then twist to right and to left, keeping towel taut (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, arms, back



Waist Whittler

Lie on right side, legs stacked with right knee bent, left leg straight, head on floor and elbows bent in front with left hand cupped over right fist. Keeping arms stiff, push off right arm as you lift torso, left elbow and left leg as high as you can (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

* Works abs, arms, hips, legs


Oblique X

Lie faceup with arms and legs outstretched, forming an X. Lift upper back off floor, cross left leg over right and lift legs straight up as you reach arms, palms together, past left knee (as shown). Return to start; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs



Tense/Relax

Lie faceup with arms extended overhead, palms up. Contract abs and draw knees toward chest as you lift upper back off floor and grab soles of feet with both hands (as shown). Hold for 10 seconds. Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs



Chair Lift

Lie faceup with heels resting on the edge of a sturdy chair, legs straight. Squeeze butt and lift hips off floor as high as you can, bringing arms straight up over chest, palms in (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, butt, hamstrings




Swan Dive

Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees soft. Bring left knee toward chest, hands around shin. Reach arms forward, palms together, as you extend left leg behind you without arching back (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

* Works abs, arms, back, butt, legs



Side Slimmer

Kneel with right leg extended to side, toes forward and hands behind head, elbows out. Keeping lower body and neck stable, bend torso to right (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

* Works abs
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A Nation's Call

This video has been aired in ANC last two years ago, but I was just able to see it this year. As you can observe from Aga Muhlach's interview and his answers, it is clear that even someone who have good social living status, who is being looked up by a lot of people, is also frustrated already with how the Philippine government administers its nation.

I have not yet seen any interview from local celebrities with much good points about their political opinions. And Aga is not running for any political positions (yet as of this writing), though his concern is like as the local people.

The following music video below (by Gloc9) is dedicated to everyone holding a very much important role in the Philippine government. Wake up and STAND UP ELECTED people!
"...you have been elected to fix and put the Country in order...." - Aga Muhlach
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Typhoon Survival Kit

This is a repost from Puzzle Piece. I just wanted to spread the word to let others be aware of it; we don't know, this might save lives. God Bless Everyone!

Being prepared is always one step towards survival. Here are some things that we think is important to have during times like these. Prepare them beforehand and keep them in a safe place at all times. Better yet, keep them with you, or in an area that is easy to reach and won’t get in the way of raging floods, etc.
YOUR TYPHOON SURVIVAL KIT

1. Clean drinking water. Good enough for a week. Consider having at least 1 gallon per person.
2. Other drinks. Consider: juices in packs, carbonated drinks, coffee.
3. Food. Also good enough for a week. Consider:
* Snacks that are easy to store and carry (biscuits, cookies)
* Non-perishable canned food (corned beef, tuna, pork and beans, vienna sausage, etc.)
* Candies to maintain sugar in body and keep acidity at bay
* Bread that will last for a few days, for carbo load
* Instant noodles, if you have the means to cook
* IMPORTANT: food for babies and the elderly if you have some staying with you
4. Food utensils.
* Spoons, forks, knives, paper plates, drinking cups
* Non-electric can opener
* Cooking stove and fuel, if possible
* Plastic bags
5. Medicines. Consider having medicines for the following:
* Fever and nausea
* Coughs and colds
* Hypertension
* Diabetes
* Diarrhea
* Anti-tetanus
* Anti-leptospirosis
* Other prescription drugs that you need to take
* Also include asthma inhalers
6. First Aid kit. Must contain band-aids, gauze, tweezers, alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, bandage scissors, absorbent dressings, antiseptic wipe packets, cold compress, gloves and thermometer.
7. Sanitation kit. Make sure that you have tissue wipes, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, diapers.
8. Toiletries. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap.
9. Blankets, towels, comforters, pillows. You can put them in large garbage bags to keep from getting wet.
10. Extra clothes and underwear. Put them in plastic bags to avoid from getting wet. If you can, pack something that will last you for a few days.
11. Jackets, sweaters, socks, caps. And anything else that will keep you warm and dry.
12. Emergency lights and flashlights.
13. Fresh batteries. Have reserves for batteries of different sizes, especially for radios and flashlights. “ideally batteries should be advanced lithium or lithium so they have a longer shelf life….but the new energizer advanced is good enough to last a lot of long usage compared to energizer max batteries….” – doc joby [via Comments]
14. Radio. Must be portable, battery operated, has functional AM station.
15. Mobile phone. Make sure the battery is fully charge, and that you have a spare one, too, in case of emergency. Also consider walkie-talkies.
16. Cash. Banks and ATMs might not be available so make sure that you have cash with you.
17. Keys. Have copies of keys to the front door, back door, garage, car keys, etc.
18. Items for pets. Consider also having a leash, muzzle, cage and food for your pets.
19. Umbrellas and tents
20. Water pails and dippers
21. Floatation devices like life jackets, styrofoams, old tires, etc.
22. Rope. “i advice against tying family members together on a rope…if one member is swept away then the others will be pulled as well unless one person has super human strength….the rope should be attached as a guy line to guide members or as an escape line from high structures..” – doc joby [via Comments]
23. Plastic whistles. “fox 40 whistle is available here in the RP…definitely loud…” – doc joby [via Comments]

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PROTECT

Many people have died trying to go back for these things, so it’s important that you are well-prepared already at this point in time. Keep these documents in a water-proof container:

1. Birth certificates
2. Insurance records
3. Medical records
4. SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth records
5. Identification cards
6. Passports
7. Bank account numbers and records
8. Emergency contact numbers (i.e. NDCC hotline numbers, PNP, etc.)
9. Contact numbers of family, friends and loved ones

It is important that you have an ID with you wherever you go. Also, a list of people to contact in case something happens to you. If you can, put your emergency contacts on speed dial.

If you have more suggestions, please leave them in the comments section.

Updated as of 2 October 2009, 9:14 AM.

For updates, click HERE.
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