NEWS
GoClark returns to New Clark City
July 13, 2022 2:42 p.m.
Pursuing their shared vision of positioning Clark as the premier destination for cycling and running, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and GoClark Sports and Events will be hosting the first New Clark City (NCC) Duathlon race this July 17.
Around 650 professional and amateur duathletes are expected to participate in a test of strength and endurance, with New Clark City’s iconic sports facilities and extensive road network as backdrop.
The event signals GoClark’s return to New Clark City after two and a half years, following the hosting of the New Clark City Triathlon back in October 2019.
It is the first of three GoClark-organized events lined up in New Clark City this year, to be followed by the Clark Cycling Classic on August 27 to 28, and the New Clark City Multisport Weekend on September 24 to 25.
“The New Clark City Duathlon will be our inaugural duathlon race with New Clark City as the venue partner. It will also be the third leg of Clark’s Duathlete of the Year Race Series,” said Jumbo Tayag, GoClark race director.
“The series is aimed at supporting and highlighting Duathlon Elites and is part of GoClark’s program of developing and finding grassroots talents in the sport. Through the series, we also aim to highlight Clark and New Clark City as premier training and racing destinations for cycling, running, duathlon and triathlon,” he added.
BCDA Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Arrey Perez welcomed GoClark’s return to New Clark City, as well as the hundreds of athletes who will compete during the event.
“We hope this exposure will stir up more interest in the sport and expand the talent pool to choose from for decades to come. Our country abounds in talent; and that talent just needs to be nurtured. And what better place for this to happen than here in New Clark City–the home of future champions,” Perez said.
The New Clark City Duathlon will have three categories: NCC Long, a 12 kilometer (km) run-50 km bike-six km run race; NCC Short, a six km run- 25 km bike- 3k run course; and the NCC Long Two-Person Relay.
Duathletes will compete in different age groups. All finishers will receive a four-inch Finisher’s medal, while the top three of each group will receive additional plaques. The event will be highlighted by the ELITE races, to be joined by members of the National Team training pool.
The run course will take participants around the whole National Government Administrative Center compound and will feature the River Park and the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. The bike course, meanwhile, will cover the New Clark City to Clark International Airport and the New Clark City to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway access roads, which were constructed even amid challenges brought about by the pandemic.
“Since New Clark City played host to the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the facilities are world-class. The BCDA also built a massive network of roads that can be used for cycling, duathlon and triathlons,” Tayag said.
Comeback of multisport events in Clark
GoClark Sports and Events aims to promote an active lifestyle by organizing a series of endurance and multisport events in Clark, which is now dubbed as the “Duathlon Capital of the Philippines.”
This year, GoClark has already organized three events at the Clark Freeport Zone–Clark Duathlon Classic, Clark Triathlon Classic and TriFactor Philippines Duathlon–all of which got strong participation from duathletes and triathletes.
“All three prior races have been well-participated and this is a good sign that people are starting to get comfortable with these events. Nevertheless, the virus is not going anywhere, and we still have the responsibility to wear our masks when necessary. Of course, one of our advocacies is getting into an active lifestyle, and this helps combat any virus if we are strong and healthy,” Tayag said.
To keep this momentum going, GoClark will be holding more events in Clark and New Clark City this year.
The Clark Cycling Classic to be held on August 27 to 28 will feature individual and team trial cycling courses and a Gravel race. The New Clark City Multisport Weekend, which will take place on September 24 to 25, will be highlighted by the return of the New Clark City Triathlon.
“We hope that through this race and upcoming sporting events, more homegrown athletes will emerge as stronger individuals who can serve as examples to their families, communities, and the Filipino nation,” Perez said.
NEWS
TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives
7:01 p.m. July 16, 2023
TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video platform, is taking further steps to ensure a safer and more transparent platform for its Filipino community. In response to the evolving digital landscape and the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), these initiatives are designed to maintain a secure environment, uphold community guidelines, and ensure users can trust the content they encounter on the platform.
Strengthening Community Guidelines Enforcement
As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard its community, TikTok recently published its Q1 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report. During this period from January 1 to March 31, 2024, TikTok removed 4.26 million videos in the Philippines for violations of its Community Guidelines. Of these, 99.7% were removed proactively, and 95% were taken down within 24 hours.
To further enhance transparency, TikTok updated its Community Guidelines in April to provide clearer rules and introduce new features that help creators understand and comply with policies. Available in English and Filipino, these guidelines include detailed definitions and outline moderation practices for features like Search, LIVE, and the For You feed, ensuring policies are clear and accessible to all users.
Advancing AI-Generated Content Transparency
In response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content, TikTok has implemented new measures for transparency. Since May, TikTok has automatically labeled AI-generated content uploaded from specific platforms. This initiative is part of a collaboration with MediaWise, a program of the Poynter Institute, and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), making TikTok the first video-sharing platform to adopt C2PA’s Content Credentials technology. These labels aim to provide users with clear context about the nature of the content they consume.
Educating the Community with Media Literacy Tools
To support its community in navigating AI-generated content and combating misinformation, TikTok is launching new media literacy resources. Developed in collaboration with experts, these resources are integral to TikTok’s broader strategy to enhance user understanding and foster a more informed community. As part of this initiative, TikTok has partnered with MediaWise to release 12 educational videos throughout the year. These videos aim to teach universal media literacy skills and explain how TikTok’s AI-generated content labels can help contextualize content. This partnership underscores TikTok’s commitment to educating its community and fostering a more informed user base.
Expanding AIGC Labeling Through Partnerships
Building on its efforts to ensure content transparency, TikTok has extended its auto-labeling capabilities for AI-generated content created on other platforms. By integrating the ability to read Content Credentials from C2PA, TikTok automatically recognizes and labels AI-generated content, with plans to expand this to audio-only content soon.
In the coming months, TikTok plans to attach Content Credentials to its content, ensuring transparency even when content is downloaded, allowing users to utilize C2PA’s Verify tool to identify AI-generated content and understand its creation details.
Driving Industry-Wide Adoption
In its mission to promote industry-wide adoption of Content Credentials, TikTok has joined the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). As the first video-sharing platform to implement Content Credentials, TikTok is at the forefront of encouraging transparent content practices across the industry. The gradual increase in auto-labeled AI-generated content on TikTok is expected to grow as more platforms adopt this technology, fostering a more transparent digital landscape.
For You Feed and Creator Code of Conduct
To further enhance safety, TikTok has introduced new standards that will temporarily restrict accounts that repeatedly violate content standards. These accounts and their content will be harder to find in search, with creators being notified and given the option to appeal.
Additionally, TikTok published a Creator Code of Conduct outlining the standards expected from creators involved in TikTok programs, features, events, and campaigns. This code reinforces TikTok’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive platform.
Through these measures, TikTok continues to focus on helping its community, especially creators, understand its rules and enforcement methods to ensure a safer experience for its users. By embracing continuous innovation and collaboration, TikTok strives to create a secure and inclusive space for creativity and connection.
NEWS
SM Prime, DTI empower MSMEs with 83 SM mall spaces, training, mentorship
9:15 p.m. July 12, 2024
Good news for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)! SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) solidified a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on July 1 at the SM Prime Headquarters.
This collaboration empowers MSMEs with prime mall space in 83 SM Malls nationwide, aligning with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines program. Besides providing space, SM Prime offers MSMEs discounted booth rentals, training programs on product development, marketing, financial management, and mentorship opportunities with experienced business leaders.
NEWS
DTI National Food Fair celebrates local flavors at SM Megamall
8:26 p.m. July 11, 2024
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully concluded the 10th National Food Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1-3, held from July 3-7, 2024. This premier event showcased the rich flavors of the Philippines and empowered over 200 Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
Food enthusiasts enjoyed a bounty of fresh produce, regional specialties, and delectable treats from all corners of the country. Attendees had the opportunity to stock up on pantry staples, explore health-conscious options, and discover unique ingredients to elevate their cooking skills.
(L-R): Megatrade Hall’s Maite Quiogue, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Operations Royston Cabunag, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, SM Megamall Assistant Vice President for Operations Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan, and SM Megamall Assistant Mall Manager Isabella Manjon
(L-R): Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, and DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan
The 2024 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair brings together the best food and flavors from all 16 regions.
Fresh pomelos and other local fruits take center stage at the National Food Fair in Megatrade Hall.
A potential buyer gets ready to take home bottled Bicol Express and Laing at the 10th National Food Fair in SM Megamall.
Crispy, salty, and packed with nutrients —these water spinach chips are the perfect healthy snack.
Bottled honey and baked fruit crisps, all made with local ingredients.
Davao del Sur and Misamis Oriental’s chocolate products are crafted from premium cacao beans.
Quality golden salted eggs from Rizal.
A variety of coconut products from San Pablo, Laguna.
TECHSHAKE announces strategic business alliance with Mirai Works
Exclusive for Smart Subscribers: Unlock Lionsgate Play for free starting July 18
TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives
