'win-win' solution for Internet cafes

Congress, CICT mull 'win-win' solution for Internet cafes

By Erwin Lemuel Oliva, INQ7.net



CONGRESS, the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) met this week to discuss ways to help local Internet cafes comply with a government drive to legitimize their software.

Representative Michael John "Jack" Duavit (Rizal, NPC) has met with a newly organized group of Internet café owners in the Philippines, the CICT, and the IPO to discuss possible solutions for Internet cafes amid the current government crackdown.

Duavit is chairman of the subcommittee on intellectual property and e-commerce at the House of Representatives.

Adoracion Monsanto, chief political affairs officer of Representative Duavit's office, confirmed the meeting with INQ7.net, indicating that the lawmaker has asked the Internet café owners' group to come up with a "formal position" that will likely be presented to the Business Software Alliance and law enforcement agencies that are currently engaged in a nationwide crackdown on local establishments using unlicensed software.

The alliance of Internet café owners is asking for a moratorium on the ongoing government crackdown, a member of the group who asked not to be identified, told INQ7.net in a separate interview.

The representative of the Internet café owners has asked the lawmaker and the CICT to help them lobby for "win-win" solutions for local Internet shop owners, while also protecting the intellectual property rights of software stakeholders. In a separate interview, CICT Commissioner Tim Diaz de Rivera told INQ7.net that the CICT is also weighing government policies specific to Internet café owners.

Diaz de Rivera acknowledged that government has yet to issue policies to protect small Internet café shop owners from being tied down to a specific software technology.

The agency deems the Internet cafe owners as partners in its separate activity that involves building community e-centers.

"It is not the CICT 's call to ask for a moratorium [on the crackdown]. It is Business Software Alliance's job. But admittedly, government is also calling for a moratorium because even government agencies cannot comply," Diaz de Rivera said.

The government official said that while government supports intellectual property rights of software companies, multinational firms like Microsoft also need to understand the basic issues of cost in buying new license software.

Similar to the fate of little Internet shop owners, Diaz de Rivera said government offices also have difficulty finding funds to buy new software licenses.

"You must understand that most of their annual budgets go to salary. Very little goes to capital outlay, which is usually used to buy software. Most agencies have not been given new capital outlay for the last three to four years," Diaz de Rivera said.

Meanwhile the representative of the Internet café owners stressed anew that many local establishments do want to comply with government requirements to use licensed software. But the current lack of supply of Microsoft software has forced small Internet shops in the country to close down.

"Just imagine how many employees of these Internet café shops are affected by this crackdown," the Internet shop owner said. "Just give us enough time for us to comply. We will have self-policing. We also want to coordinate with government agencies. We will be developing open source solutions for Internet cafes soon to encourage competition."

The Business Software Alliance was not available for comment as of posting time.

Computer shops under fire for violating city ordinance

By Michael Punongbayan, The Philippine Star

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay yesterday vowed to crack the whip on online Internet gaming shops in Makati City which allow elementary and high school students in their premises during school hours.

Binay issued the stern warning to all computer shop owners after 11 students were caught playing computer games during school hours recently.

A report sent by Barangay Sta. Cruz Chairman Victor del Prado informed Binay that Bantay Bayan personnel caught 11 high school students in school uniforms playing online games at the RPG World Internet computer shop.

The students were apprehended and were held in custody for hours at the barangay hall and were released only after their parents and teachers had been notified.

Concerned school authorities, Del Prado said, were also advised to come up with an incident report which can be used against the owner of the Internet shop.

Binay reiterated his warning to all concerned business owners and operators to strictly comply with City Ordinance No. 2002-122, which bans grade school and high school students from entering any leisure and gaming establishments during school hours.

RPG World Internet, which is located at No. 1077-C Pasong Tamo, Barangay Sta. Cruz, is reportedly owned by Yang-ja Kim, a Korean national. Kim had been penalized and reprimanded twice already for failing to comply with the ordinance. RPG World Internet is now facing permanent closure, the penalty for third time offenders.

The ordinance was passed in 2002 to address serious concerns raised by parents and teachers on the increasing incidence of cutting classes, tardiness and absenteeism among grade school and high school students.

The local law, Binay noted, prohibits the owners or operators of all billiard halls, video shops, computer arcades, movie houses or malls located in the city from allowing grade school and high school students in school uniforms to enter their establishments.

The ordinance also provides that students may only be allowed entry in computer shops to do research and other academic-related activities, and in malls and movie houses if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

On the first offense, violators are given a warning and fined P1,000. For the second office, the penalty is P3,000. But for the third offense, the business permit of the establishment may be revoked, on top of the penalty of P5,000.

ACTING AREA COORDINATORS...

RIZAL AVENUE AREA
CONTACT #
Mam Carmela Luisa Domingo - PCHAN
Sir Vernani Obero -ROBOTECH
Mam Florence Co - EMSON- "


E.B.B. AND W.B.B. AREA

Mam Maneth Magcale -GAMELAND- "
Sir Jes Jacildo - CnRR - "



E.B.B. AND W.B.B. Marshals and D`action men

Noel Baluyot - CIPHERNET- "
Arvin Fabian/Arthur Fabian - ELIC@ADS- "
Albert Gaa -GAMEWARF- "
Elmer Fajardo - SWG- "
Ayn Caballero -CnRR- "

Robbery Commitee

Sir Edd Garcia -WINSKIE- "



MAGSAYSAY AVENUE AREA

Sir Remus Mari Escoto -KBPS/MANAGER- "
Mam Dolly E. Vibar -IBYTE- "



GORDON AVENUE AREA
Our colleage JO BAJOG -HYPERSYTE- "
Mam Precy Mateo -PRENDYNETCAFE- "
(Need the help of Sir Ike of Melaike) "



EAST TAPINAC AREA
Madam LEONOR B. DIZON -SKYCOM@NET "


WEST TAPINAC AREA
Sir Ian Ventura -Gio.net- "
Sir Gerald Allan de la Cruz -G-SPOT- "
Sir Enrico G. Ibanez -WEBSITE- "



GORDON HEIGHTS AREA
EDD GARCIA -WINSKIE- "


OLD AND NEW CABALAN AREA

Mam Cristy V. Camacho -KATE INTERNET- "

Marshal :

Sir Jeffrey S. Quintana -CYBERGAPO- "


STA. RITA AREA

Mam Rhallie Calalang -RIVERNET CAFE- "



BARRETO AREA
Sir Garry Mallari - GMG@NET - "



prepared by:

>>>GAMELAND Internet and Computer Services
>>>Mam Maneth Magcale

Crackdown forces computer shops to close

ILLEGAL SOFTWARE USE
Crackdown forces computer shops to close
Inquirer News Service

AT LEAST 50 operators of Internet cafés in Cotabato City were forced to close shop on Friday in the face of a directive from the Optical Media Board (OMB) requiring the use of licensed software.

The same thing happened in the cities of Malaybalay, General Santos, Puerto Princesa and Baguio.

In Puerto Princesa City, panic struck some employees of government and private offices and businesses as the OMB, the police and the National Bureau of Investigation started raiding establishments suspected of using unlicensed software.

About two weeks ago, word spread that the OMB, led by its chair, actor Edu Manzano, would raid Internet cafés without licensed Microsoft software.

As a result, many closed for days to replace their unlicensed software with open systems like Linux.

Also starting Sept. 12, local government offices in Puerto Princesa stopped using some of their computers, except for those with licensed software.

Appeal

Joseph Coloso, president of the Cotabato City Internet Café Association, said the closure was temporary while they waited for the board's action on their resolution appealing for a moratorium.

Under the government's anti-piracy law, Internet café owners are required to have their operating system licensed at the price of almost P7,000 per unit, said Coloso, who felt that the amount is too big a burden for them.

Coloso said the OMB's focus on Internet cafés is discriminatory since many government and nongovernment offices and homes have computers that use the same operating system as theirs.

The group, Coloso said, planned to ask the mayor and city councilors to help alleviate their plight through legislation.

In Malaybalay City, Manny Cudal, president of the Bukidnon Internet Operators Society, told the Inquirer that almost all Internet cafés closed shop on Friday to avoid the risk of being raided.

Cudal said they would ask the authorities to give them enough time to comply with the requirements on the licensing of these software and to appeal for the reduction of the payments for the licensing into the academic rates since their clients are mostly students.

In General Santos City, Internet cafés closed shop for two days after the NBI conducted a raid early morning Tuesday and confiscated computer units which were illegally using unlicensed Microsoft software.

But some cafés resumed operations on Saturday, this time with the Microsoft software already deleted from their computer units.

Puerto Princesa

Provincial information officer Rolando Bonoan Jr. said in a radio interview that the provincial government was negotiating with the OMB and the software company to facilitate the licensing.

On Sept. 16, the day the authorities were supposed to start their raids, most Internet cafés were closed.

Some put signs like "temporarily closed," or "under renovation."

An Internet café owner said because of the crackdown, he has lost a lot of customers.

The government, he said, should help the small entrepreneurs like him because they are barely surviving these days.

He said they were willing to pay the license provided the cost is not too high.

Most software being used by Internet cafés is Microsoft, which is reportedly asking P8,000 per unit for license.

This, he said, is too much. They would rather close their business as they will not be able to recoup the cost even if they increased their Internet fees.

In an interview with the dyPR radio, Manzano said they didn't mean to strip the Internet owners of their business.

Manzano, who was in Palawan two weeks ago to brief local authorities, said they were doing this because the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has already lost millions of dollars to piracy.

He denied that there was pressure from the United States government and big software companies for the sudden crackdown.

"We are not favoring one country [because even] Filipino-registered software [are included]," he said.

There were also exemptions on the raid. Computer games were still allowed as well as those software used for educational purposes.

Those caught using unlicensed software will be fined, closed or criminally liable, depending on the situation, Manzano said.

Hypocrisy

In Baguio City, owners of computer shops have accused officials of the OMB and the government of hypocrisy following a national crackdown on commercial firms using unlicensed software.

In letters addressed to Manzano and NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco, the businessmen said law enforcers refused to include government agencies using unlicensed software in their operations.

Manzano's nationwide crackdown complies with the demands of international anti-piracy groups, which have kept the Philippines in its world blacklist of countries violating intellectual property rights (IPR).

But Gerry Mayona, who initiated the petition among computer shop owners, said various government agencies should also be cited for violating provisions of the law governing IPR.

Mayona said Baguio businessmen, in letters sent out by facsimile on Sept. 15, were asking the government to stop the crackdown until it also complied with the IPR law.

He said all of the city's computer-service and retail enterprises stopped operations on Sept. 15, after news about an NBI crackdown requested by the BSA leaked out.

Mayona said Manzano's Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team gave computer owners a 30-day reprieve on Aug. 16 to secure licenses before it penalizes IPR violators.

In their letters, the businessmen acknowledged that the raids would correct the country's reputation "as one of the piracy centers of Asia."

Complaints

But they complained that computer retailers who have sold millions of personal computers to residents and companies rarely install licensed software.

"In Baguio City alone, there are more than 100 computer shops and thousands of computer owners, but... most of these computers being used by private or government agencies do not have licensed software installed [in their hard disks]," the letters said.

Mayona said a certain software firm still retailed its most popular software from P8,500 to P10,800 for each computer unit, when the demand should have resulted in lower prices.

"We are being blackmailed into buying licensed software at this high cost, and we are now told that there isn't even enough supply to cover each computer that is being rented out by computer shops," he said.

He said NBI agents refused to heed the demands of businessmen who challenged the coverage of their operations.

"One agent said government agencies which use unlicensed software are covered by some kind of amnesty," Mayona said.

Instead of scaring commercial firms into abiding by IPR laws, the businessmen asked OMB to help them secure cheaper software supply.

Mayona said his computer shop has started replacing its computers' unlicensed software with those that can be downloaded from the Internet.

"Most clients are not familiar with the free software, but I have no recourse because I can't afford the licensed brand software. Unfortunately, even the free software cannot be used to interface with many Internet services such as online games, so I may lose clients," he said. Charlie C. Señase, Grace Cantal-Albasin and Aquiles Z. Zonio, PDI Mindanao Bureau; Jofelle P. Tesorio, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau; Vincent Cabreza, PDI Northern Luzon Bureau

Solon weighs policies on gov't use of open source software

By Erwin Lemuel Oliva, INQ7.net

WILL Congress enact a law that will require Philippine government agencies to opt for open source software rather than proprietary software?

"I would be willing to consider a policy on open source [use in government]," Representative Simeon Kintanar told reporters last week in an interview, following a brief talk on open source software at a local Linux conference at the Dusit Nikko Hotel in Manila.

Kintanar said a stronger policy on open source software use in government will encourage more competition, which would likely lead to pressure vendors to lower the cost of proprietary software, as in the case in Thailand.

The lawmaker acknowledged that government is one of the biggest customers of software in the Philippines.

"We need to make e-governance happen so [government] needs to buy software," Kintanar added, stressing that the policy would also require proprietary software to be interoperable with open source software.

"So with such a policy, nobody is in control," the lawmaker said, noting that he is currently gathering more inputs from various sectors.

Kintanar is chairman of the House committee on information and communications technology.

During the Philippine Summit on Information Society at Manila Hotel last week, open source software advocate Robert Verzola suggested to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology that it come out with a policy that would make open source software the "default" software loaded onto computers purchased by government.

"This will save Philippine government millions," he added, noting that such a policy would not totally bar proprietary software from use by government agencies.

"On a case to case basis, government offices will need to justify their preference for commercial software," he said.

Reacting to Verzola's proposal, CICT Commissioner Emmanuel Lallana said that Philippine government should first develop its capability with open source software "before we mandate it."

Lallana said a government project known as "PC ng Bayan" is currently offering the Bayanihan Linux operating system, an open source package developed by the Advance Science and Technology Institute, to government agencies.

"I personally believe that it's not a viable alternative for us right now [to mandate open source software use in government]. For now, we will allow each agency to decide on this," he added.

In a separate interview, Microsoft officials told INQ7.net that it has a "government security program" that allows governments access to the source code of its software.

"We share code in different levels. It is indeed important to have a number of options, although we still don't share 100 percent of our source code," said Martin Gregory, Microsoft Australia platform value manager.

"We don't compete with open source. We compete with other commercial software," the Microsoft executive stressed.

 

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for latest developments in Olongapo Freeport City, GawangGapo, Sanggunian, BagumbayanVolunteers, InterGapo Wow Wow Win Subik edPiano

Microsoft preaches 'interoperability' in local Linux confab

By Erwin Lemuel Oliva, INQ7.net

HAS Microsoft gone soft on the open source community in the Philippines?

The Philippine subsidiary of this software giant is hoping to convince the local community of open source advocates that Windows and the rest of the open source system can co-exist.

"We acknowledge that companies have mixed environments. So we recognize the need for interoperability," said Dominic Eala, Microsoft Philippine product manager for Windows server, in an interview.

Eala said that Microsoft has been offering the "services for Unix" to organizations looking for ways to make Windows and the open source world interoperate.

Services for Unix are a three-year old initiative, he added.

Microsoft Philippines indicated that many local organizations today are looking for ways to move out of their legacy Unix systems to a
Windows-based environment, partly because it could reduce the cost of maintaining older systems.

"We want to help people leverage on existing IT systems. We do understand that cost (of migration) is an issue. But they have to make a decision on which route to take," Eala added.

Bakbone Software KK, a Linux application developer based in Malaysia, has said that it welcomes Microsoft to the open source community.

However, it posed this question: "When are you opening your source code to the community?" said Kim Low, BakBone Software territory manager for Southeast Asia and India.

Having been to other Linux conferences in the region, Microsoft has apparently been going around trying to preach the message of co-existence and interoperability. And yet, it allows limited access to its software source code.

"I think they now acknowledge the credibility of Linux. That's why they’re here attending this Linux conference," Low added.

Bakbone has been developing Linux-based applications since 1996, and has 10 to 20 clients in the Philippines. Worldwide, its top customers include Yahoo and AT&T.

Microsoft licensing POC

By gallen0676

To those Interested parties who has technical question & comments about Microsoft licensing try to contact Mr. Marlo Parong cell no. 09164617700 E-mail: v-marlop@microsoft.com, and for more information about the registered distributors of Microsoft Softwares try to contact this nos.E PLDT 8850000, NORTHGATE 8846477, MICROBASE 8137603.

Interested parties who wants to buy a licensed software pls. contact the technical support members of our Org. so we can avail big discount
thank you...

Hi-Level Meeting Update

By Remus Mari Escoto

The meeting started at about 4:30 pm with reps from Level-up, Mobius, Abs-Cbn, PPN. Ms. Josine B., Microsoft Product Manager of Widows Client clarified things about the MS Rental Rights Agreement. She then reiterated that the upcoming crackdown was not their initiative but of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy (OMB, BSA, IPR, CIDG AND NBI) Team, that they have no control of since it has it's own mandate.

To put it in the right perspective, Microsoft Phils, is in-charge of promoting their various products in coordination with the local distributors. Their approach more on cooperation, promotion, education on the use of their products. They are not so much into forcing and intimidation tactics since they themselves are already facing, losing, and paying in a lot of antitrust cases worldwide. They themselves are not encouraged by Redmond to create negative
postures since they are concerned about their personal and corporate security. She promised to work with the group to come up with better programs for the internet café industry. A financing option was offered via Banco de Oro with a 1 week wait time for approval.

This puts the upcoming crack down in a different perspective knowing the fact that Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team has it's own mandate of cracking down on IPR violation. We understand that with or without Microsoft's prodding (or even other companies with IPR interests) this group has their duty to enforce the LAW.

Faced with this situation, PPN's next move is towards protecting the industry as a whole. It just opens our eyes to the global reality we are facing much the same with our regional neighbors like China, Taiwan, Malaysia and others. Thus the need to be more united and proactive in pushing for various programs and activities that will help protect our members against abusive policies from all forces affecting our industry's growth, sustainability and existence. To reiterate our stand. We are not going against Microsoft or any IPR (intellectual property rights). We are against the immediate and untimely Crackdown of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy group without discussing the issues with people within our industry. Our objective is to work out a harmonious, cooperative working relationship with all the parties involved.

After knowing the whole situation we are now one step forward. We have already now enlisted the help of Microsoft and the gaming companies in seeking audiences with the parties that are involved in the crackdown. We've garnered the cooperation of Microsoft in our common goal for the future. And rest assured the talks and the meetings are not over, we've already started talks with the other players directly and indirectly involved in this industry to strengthen our cause.

We encourage you to continuously keep your ideas, suggestions and support coming in as PPN evolves into a strong national organization that will be your voice and helping hand in the industry. The work has just begun!

With the help of our media liason. Our statement is reaching the public. Read Manila Bulletin September 9th Friday for more details, it'll be posted here as soon as the article is scanned.

Open Source Conference

There is a LINUX WORLD conference and expo Sept 14 - 16, 2005 at dusit hotel, makati.
This will provide SMEs with information to implement Linux and other Open-Source (free) solutions.

here's d link
http://www.mediag8way.com/linuxworld/

OCCSA or at least somebody from this group specially the technical group should attend this (P5,500 per delegate). Expenses must be reimburseable to the group in fairness to our official delegate.

Its going to be on wednesday so we must act now!

Microsoft gives $1.2-M grant to TESDA for IT skills training

By melvin G. calimag , Mb


Shelling out its biggest donation to date in the Philippines, software giant Microsoft has given a $1.2 million worth of grant to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to train 1,000 non-government organizations (NGOs) around the country.


TESDA, the government agency in charge of upgrading the skills development of the country’s human resources, will use the software to train NGO trainors who will then transfer their skills to beneficiary communities.

The training project, dubbed "Kapit-Bisig," is part of Microsoft Unlimited Potential (UP), a global initiative of focused on providing technology skills for underserved individuals. Recipients of UP grants are public centers where people can gain IT skills and training to help themselves and their communities.

The $1.2-million grant to Tesda is part of the $15 million fund allotted for UP initiatives in the Asia Pacific this year, according to Lori Forman, regional director for community affairs for Asia Pacific of Microsoft.

The Microsoft donation is actually composed of more than $90,000 in cash and $1 million in software for the installation of computer training laboratories in 44 Tesda centers nationwide. The software firm also provided a curriculum for UP implementation, a project management module, and $93,800 for operational expenses.

Antonio "TJ" Javier, managing director of Microsoft Philippines, said the project is also aimed at involving community stakeholders, particularly the NGOs, to address local needs. "That’s why we also chose an agency like Tesda who can work with other agencies as well."

The "Kapit-Bisig" project is expected to train a total 20,000 Filipinos coming from underserved communities in the Philippines. The Tesda centers can be used by beneficiaries as community e-centers after they have acquired the needed IT skills, a Tesda official said.

The program will provide technology training ranging from basic computer literacy skills to the usage of advanced business productivity applications.

Augusto Syjuco, Tesda director general, said the agency expects to implement the program over a five-year period and plans to tap other resources to augment the project.

Aside from the Tesda centers, Syjuco said they will try persuade congressmen to allot a small space near the town plazas in the provinces that Tesda can use as Learning Resource Centers.

Also, Syjuco disclosed that the agency has also started to use public schools buildings in the countryside to train underserved communities during weekends when there are no classes.

Alternative solutions

"cinergy888"
Date: Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:45 pm
Subject: Alternative solutions "Maybe"

first things first......
i maybe not that kind of a computer wizard yet but i have a question:

is there anybody really and actually conducting a PILOT TESTING regarding the nearest OS alternative "THE LINUX WAY" and done all sorts of thing that we are doing with XP's?

for what we have heard to some technicals of today meeting they have their opinions that it will be a big ADJUSTMENT but what for i know that the latest LINUX that can be downloaded for free, The invironment is the same with of XP....

so i may say yes "if the ORGANIZATION" will create a group of technicals to conduct a test for "LINUX"....

Hope that this posting will not be taken for granted and i hope this suggestion of mine could lead us to a brighter way of hope..........

go bebe

Amending Ordinance 14, series of 2001

"einc dormagen"
Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 05:53:36 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: [intergapo] Amending Ordinance 14, series of 2001


sir.. totoo pong masakit talaga para saming mga operators ang ordinance no. 14 series of 2001 po na yan alam naming may responsibilidad din po kami as part of this community.. pero masyadong malawak ang naging saklaw ng batas na iyan.. sir we really need to modify or totally remove this city ordinance..

1. napipigil namin ang mga bata ng pumunta kung saan saan.. lalo na sa mga pagsama sa mga illegal fraternity na sad to say ay isa sa mga problema ng mga public schools dito sa olongapo..

2. Sinasakop din po ng batas na iyan ang mga out of school youth natin.. alam naman natin na ang mga batang ito ang madalas na napapabilang or napapasama sa mga masamang bisyo.. Kung ang mga bata pong iyan ay nasa loob ng mga computer shops.. at least po naiiwasan natin ang pagsama nila sa mga ibang bata na may masamang hangarin.. isa pa.. mas advance silang maituturing kumpara sa mga batang hindi gumagamit ng computers..

3. at ang isa sa mga pinaka importante.. Ang mga computer GAMES lamang po talaga ang madalas na inerereklamo ng mga magulang at mga school officials..

paano naman po yung mga batang kailngan talagang mag Research para sa kanilang mga project.. lalo na yung mga assignment nila na madalian..


Pati po sila sir ay apektado ng mga batas na ito.. which is kailangan naman po talagang mapababa yung naturang batas.

ang mga solutions ko po na nais kong mai contribute..

1. irequire po lahat ng school officials na palagyan ng schedule ang ID ng mga bata.. para at least alam namin kung totoong may pasok pa sila.. (Dito po papasok yung sinasabi ni sir Gary na Moral and Social Obligation namin as stakeholders..) nasa sa amin na lang po kung tatangapn namin sila.. hindi lamang po para sa mga computer shops ito kung hindi para na rin sa mga mall na nahihirapan na itrace kung totoo ang sinasabi ng ibang mga bata pinsan na wala silang PASOK..

sa pamamagitan po nito madali namin ma momonitor kung may pasok ang mga bata.. at kung ang isang computer shop po ay mapatunayang tumanggap ng bata sa oras ng kanyang klase ay maari po nating parusahan sa legal na paraan..

2. mag umpisa po sa 11am ang pagtanggap namin sa mga bata.. kasi yung ibang students na may pasok ng 1PM minsan may mga research work din po silang kailangang tapusin..


Kung sakaling hindi po talaga kakayanin ang mga ito..

sir.. yung gamings na lang po muna siguro ang hindi pwede sa mga estudyante during school hours pero sa case po ng internet.. tatanggapin po namin sila.. maging open po sana ang oras para sa internet sa lahat ng estudyante...


--- Ed Piano wrote:

> Just to remind everyone to give your input on:
>
> 1. why we need to amend the ordinance
> 2. what is your proposed revision
>
> here's the link of the ordinance for your perusal
>
http://sangunian.blogspot.com/2001/02/licensing-and-supervision-of-all.html

CONSULTATION with the school principals & PTA

From: gary mallari
To: edPiano@SubicBay.Ph
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 3:24 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Questions n Suggestions


hi, gud pm sir..... i would like to suggest that computer shop owner and operators to have a CONSULTATION with the school principals, PTA president and have an agreement that once a student is free from school class (because other schools have different schedule for their students), is free to go to computer shops if they wish to play, research and for other activities. This can be implemented only if the computer owner-operator would follow the school schedule of which they cater. This consultation would become later on an agreement with the school, PTA and the computer shop owner. sa pamamagitan din nito makikilala ng shop operator ang mga students kung anong year na nila at maprevent na sila ay maglaro kung sila ay umabsent sa knilang school. Ndi papayagan ng computer operator na magpalaro kung ito ay oras pa ng kanyang klase... maraming salamat po... more power sa mga taga-Olongapo.


GMG Internet Shop Barretto
Download/Upload Internet Shop Gordon Heights

President Arroyo lauds Microsoft donation to gov�t ICT programs

By joel d. pinaroc

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently commended the efforts of Microsoft Corp. to bridge the ‘digital divide’ in the Philippines through the company’s various academic and social responsibility programs in the country.

The President, who was guest of honor at the tenth anniversary celebration of the US-based software giant here in the Philippines, mentioned particularly the R300 million in donation and grants from Microsoft to various government IT programs.

"The R300 million that Microsoft has given to the Philippines, in grants and donation of software and computers, has gone a long way in providing basic IT skills to Filipinos," Arroyo, in a speech, said.

Microsoft Corp., through its Philippine office has pledged more than $2 million for various poverty alleviation programs through the mass use of IT.

The programs being implemented by the Philippine office includes grants to rural schools and donations to areas that are having difficulties getting basic computer services such as Internet connection.

Another key program that Microsoft Philippines has initiated is the "No Teacher Left Behind" program which seeks to train teachers basic computer skills. These teachers in turn can share the skills to other teachers and students.

Microsoft has also initiated various programs with other multinational IT firms, particularly computers and software donation to schools in depressed areas, and has been working with government agencies to roll out the programs.

The President meanwhile added that IT plays a major role in ‘unifying’ the Philippines, when it comes to technology.

And the benefits go beyond computers she said, adding that Filipinos with basic computer skills now have a better chance of landing jobs with IT and IT-enabled sectors, particularly business process outsourcing.

"The call center industry is just one example of how IT has helped Filipinos get more jobs and become globally competitive," she said, adding that IT continues to be one of the ‘brighter’ spots in the country’s economy.

---

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Emergency Meeting

RESOLUTION REQUESTING BSA TO DEFER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “OPLAN CRACKDOWN”

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN COMPUTER SERVICES, SALES AND RENTALS IN THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF OLONGAPO CITY, HELD ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2005, AT THE 5TH FLOOR, KT TOWER, ULO NG APO ROTUNDA, OLONGAPO CITY.


PRESENT:

Hon. Edwin J. Piano
City Councilor and
Chairman, Telecom and Information Technology Board

Mr. Gary Marasigan
OCCSA President

Officers and Members of Olongapo City Computer Services Association

Owners, Managers and Representatives of Establishments Engaged In Computer Services, Sales And Rentals (Please see attached list)

RESOLUTION NO. 01(Series of 2005)
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BUSINESS SOFTWARE ALLIANCE (BSA) TO DEFER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “OPLAN CRACKDOWN” TO DECEMBER 31, 2005

WHEREAS, the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy campaign ads stated that 71% of PC software being used in the Philippines in 2004 was illegal and that piracy deprives the country of additional revenues and new job opportunities;

WHEREAS, the advertisement goes on to say that various government and private sector representatives have joined hands to stop the prevalence of software piracy among businesses and that nationwide crackdown will start on September 16;

WHEREAS, while the Members of the Olongapo City Computer Services Association, and Owners, Managers and Representatives of Establishments Engaged in Computer Services, Sales And Rentals in the territorial jurisdiction of Olongapo City recognizes the essence of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy campaign, we would like to request the Business Software Alliance (BSA) to defer implementation of the “oplan crackdown” since times are hard and its immediate implementation will surely result to business closure;

NOW, THEREFORE, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Olongapo City Computer Services Association, and Owners, Managers and Representatives of Establishments Engaged In Computer Services, Sales And Rentals present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Members of the Olongapo City Computer Services Association, and Owners, Managers and Representatives of Establishments Engaged In Computer Services, Sales And Rentals in a meeting assembled to request the Business Software Alliance (BSA) to defer implementation of the “oplan crackdown” to December 31, 2005.

RESOLVED FURTHER, AS IT IS HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be furnished to Business Software Alliance (BSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Optical Media Board (OMB), Philippine National Police (PNP), Office of Mayor James Gordon, Jr., and Sangguniang Panlungsod of Olongapo City for their information and appropriate action.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, September 8, 2005



GARY MARASIGAN
OCCSA President

Officers and Members of Olongapo City Computer Services Association

Owners, Managers and Representatives of Establishments Engaged In Computer Services, Sales And Rentals (Please see attached)


ATTEST:

EDWIN J. PIANO
City Councilor and
Chairman, Telecom and Information Technology Board

Transcript of PhoneCon Bet. BSA & OCCSA

Phone Conversation between Gary H. Marasigan representing OCCSA and Atty. Bien Marquez, BSA Chief Legal Counsel

1. BSA is an alliance of business software like Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, McAffee. etc.

2. BSA is the legal enforcer of the said software alliance.

3. Quisumbing Torres law firm is the legal counsel of BSA.

4. The BSA set a scheduled countdown/crackdown of 30 days for a chance to legalize software use. Deadline of which is Sept. 16, 2005

5. Method of verification will be utilized to check authenticity of licenses.

6. BSA will be empowered by search warrant from the court to take action.

7. In cases of a search warrant, this should be accompanied by Quisumbing, Torres Law Firm representative.

8. If any of the above procedure is not met, it will be presumed an unscrupulous act and must be reported to proper authorities.


For local setting in Olongapo City, I would suggest that we create a volunteer team that will represent OCCSA whenever any individual or group claiming to be from Anti-Piracy Task Force enters the territorial jurisdiction of Olongapo City.

Our Team must have a lawyer and LGU representatives.