The Israeli Embassy in Manila dedicated an improv show featuring the Israeli improv group Duda to honor the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and to commemorate Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.

“Secretary Ople’s life was dedicated to advocating for OFWs. In my close collaboration with her, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership. Her unique blend of pragmatism and empathy made her a formidable advocate for OFWs. Together, we faced numerous challenges, driven by our shared commitment to enhance the lives of these unsung heroes. Her legacy of compassion, justice, and solidarity continues to inspire us all,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss expressed.

Ambassador Fluss also highlighted the OFWs in Israel who are hardworking, compassionate, and notable for their world-class care.

There are around 30,000 Filipinos working as caregivers and hotel workers in Israel. The Israeli government is working closely with the Philippine government, especially with the Department of Migrant Workers, to ensure that their rights are protected and respected. They are provided with medical insurance, pension fund, yearly leave with pay, and all of the social rights given under Israeli labor rules. The labor market in Israel is regulated by the rights of the employees.

In attendance to the improv show held on the evening of the 6th of September were family and friends of then Sec. Ople, officials from the DMW, members of the diplomatic community, government officials, relatives of the OFWs in Israel, and friends of the embassy. Duda presented a show based on the stories of some OFWs in Israel that the group interviewed prior to their performance in Manila.

Improvisation or improv is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters, and dialogue of a story are unscripted and created spontaneously by the performers.

Duda is one of the groups performing at the Manila Improv Festival which is the biggest improv festival in Asia. The group will be the opening act of the festival on September 8 at 7:30PM in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. This is the second time for Duda to join the improv fest in Manila, the first one was way back in 2019. In addition to the performances, the group is expected to do a workshop on applied improv with Filipino medical practitioners and an outreach event in an orphanage.

Wawiwa Tech, an innovative Israeli tech training provider, and Tsuneishi Technical Services Philippines (TTSP), a pioneering Filipino company entered into a strategic private partnership to bridge the skills gap and harness the country’s digital outlook. The signing ceremony took place recently and a new Data Analyst upskilling program has kicked off in Cebu.”

Wawiwa Tech, a trailblazer in tech upskilling and reskilling programs, brings to the table a wealth of expertise honed in Israel, renowned worldwide as the Startup Nation. TTSP, a prominent technical service provider, brings in-depth understanding of the local market and its unique needs. The synergy of these two firms, thus, creates a potent force capable of addressing the current skills shortage in the Philippines.

This partnership, committed to digital transformation and addressing the current skills shortage, will open a new era of tech upskilling and reskilling in the Philippines. The companies integrate Wawiwa’s advanced training methodologies and TTSP’s local presence and business relationships.

Israel’s success story as a technological powerhouse has largely been driven by its ability to adapt to and shape the evolving digital world. This alliance represents a significant step in replicating the Israeli tech and economic success in the Philippines. Wawiwa’s mission to ‘reskill the world to tech’ aligns seamlessly with TTSP’s commitment to help the Filipino community advance in the tech-driven global landscape.

TTSP and Wawiwa strongly believe that this partnership will not only help individuals enhance their tech competencies but also contribute substantially to the broader digital economy of the Philippines. Together, Wawiwa and TTSP will create value, equip Filipinos for various tech jobs in the workforce, and ultimately foster a more resilient, innovative, and digitally adept Philippines.

The first venture, a Data Analyst upskilling program, is a testament to this alignment, given the role of data as a precious gem in today’s digital age. The Data Analyst program, established by Wawiwa Tech and TTSP, caters specifically to the growing need for data-savvy professionals within businesses, as organizations are inundated with vast amounts of digital data. Spanning 6 to 9 months and involving 250 hours of immersive learning, the program covers essential aspects such as data processing, analysis, and insight extraction, leveraging the latest tools and methodologies. Designed for accessibility and relevance to company employees considering upskilling, the program fosters a hands-on understanding of practical data applications. Through this initiative, employees can augment their existing roles and contribute significantly to their organizations by harnessing the power of data to drive strategic decision-making. Consequently, companies can benefit immensely from these upskilled employees, whose newfound capabilities in data analysis can facilitate informed decision-making, optimize operations, and stimulate business growth in an increasingly data-driven landscape.

20 students are already enrolled in the first cohort of the Data Analyst program at TTSP Tech Center, with additional ones registered for the next cohort, planned to open in October 2023. Additional cohorts for this program and reskilling programs to other tech job roles open about once every quarter.

“As we strive to share Israeli technological insights globally, we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with TTSP in the Philippines. This partnership allows us to make a positive impact by reskilling people in tech, fostering growth, and inspiring change in the digital landscape,” says Eran Lasser, Founder and CEO at Wawiwa Tech.

Dale Bontilao, Project Manager at TTSP, said: “The partnership between Wawiwa and TTSP signifies our shared commitment to harness the power of technology for societal advancement. We firmly believe that their combined efforts will create a transformative impact, enabling Filipinos to rise to the challenge of various tech jobs in the workforce, and fostering a resilient, innovative, and digitally adept Philippines. We eagerly anticipate the positive change this alliance will bring, and look forward to a brighter, technologically advanced future for the Philippines.”

“I am deeply encouraged by the growing business synergy between Israel and the Philippines, exemplified by the partnership between Wawiwa Tech and TTSP. This cross-border initiative not only strengthens our bilateral commercial ties but also creates a thriving platform for knowledge exchange and technological growth. I invite more enterprises to embrace such collaborations, fostering a future where innovation knows no borders,” states Ilan Fluss the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines. Further to this, Tomer Heyvi, the Economic Counselor and Head of Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines noted that “the partnership of Wawiwa Tech and TTSP will further support the growing needs of the Philippines in tech professionals. It is clear to many that technology is the way forward, and the Philippines as many other countries, need to prepare itself for the future job market. Embracing innovative technologies, as the one offered by Wawiwa Tech, is an important step forward.

For more information, please visit the companies’ websites:
https://wawiwa-tech.com/
https://ttsptechcenter.tsuneishi-tech.com/

By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF

Amid the disruption created by the pandemic that literally put the whole world at a standstill situation, it is interesting to note that the Philippines and Israel’s bilateral trade relations marked an outstanding performance as we deal in the post-pandemic world.

This year will mark the 65th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations of the State of Israel and the Republic of the Philippines, which was established back in 1958. Since then, both countries managed to develop and maintain strong and friendly relations, relaying on extensive cooperation in the areas of agriculture, defense, labor, tourism, technology & innovation as well as in trade and investments.

An evidence to the tightening of Israel-Philippines relations, is the growing volume of the bilateral trade, reaching its peak in 2022 with a total of 534 Million US Dollars’ worth of goods. This an impressive 70% Year-Over-Year growth rate, driven by the rebounding of both the Israeli and Philippine economies in 2022 following the Covid-19 crisis.

Tomer Heyvi, Economic Counselor and Head of the Israeli Economic Mission to the Philippines mentioned that “2022 was indeed a track record year of Israel-Philippines bilateral trade relations with a remarkable 70% YoY growth rate, but the potential is much higher and yet to be fulfilled. In recent few years, we see a growing demand in the Philippines for Israeli products and technologies in various sectors such as agriculture, water, homeland security, cybersecurity, ICT and connectivity, medical device and healthcare, among others. As a consequence, the Foreign Trade Administration within the Ministry of Economy and Industry of Israel, decided to establish an Economic Mission in the Philippines to further boost the commercial ties between Israeli and Filipino companies.

Tomer added that “at the same time, there is also a growing demand in Israel for products and services from the Philippines such as electronics, agriculture produce among other products, as well as to BPO services. This is represented in the consecutive growth of our imports from the Philippines in both 2021 and 2022.”

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel, the export of goods from Israel to the Philippines in 2022 grew by 94% compared to the previous year, and reached 340 Million US Dollars’ worth of goods.

Machinery and Electronic Equipment were the top exported category with a 54% share valued at 183 Million US Dollars. This category included semiconductors, telephone sets, electronic integrated circuits, automatic vending machines, valves and data processing equipment. The next category was Transportation Equipment with a 30% share, mainly including aerospace and maritime equipment for the Philippine defense industry. Base Metals accounted for 9% of the total Israeli exports while Optical Equipment, mainly referring to optical fiber, medical appliances and various industrial tools accounted for 5.6%. Chemical Products, mainly referring to fertilizers, organic chemicals, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products accounted for 2.6% while Rubber & Plastics, at 2.2% mainly refers to industrial agriculture products. Finally, Agriculture products and Foodstuff as fruit juice, sauces, sugar and edible vegetables, accounted for about 1.6% only.

The Israeli imports from Philippines in 2022 grew by 39% comparing to last year, reaching 193 Million US Dollars’ worth of goods. The top category was Machinery and Electronic Equipment, accounting for 83% of the total imports, including electronic integrated circuits, printing machinery, engine and motors, telephone sets, vacuum cleaners and water heaters. Next was the Agriculture products and Foodstuff with a 6.1% share, mainly including edible fruits and nuts (mainly coconut), fruit juice, baked goods, tapioca and fish products. Textile and Footwear accounted for 5.3%, mainly included footwear, bags, clothing and clothing accessories, while Optical & Medical accounted for 3.7% mainly referring to gas and water meters, optical fibers measuring instruments and medical instruments and appliances.

The above trade statistics are limited to trade in goods and do not include trade in business services such as cybersecurity services and enterprise solutions exported from Israel versus BPO services imported from the Philippines. Therefore, the estimated bilateral trade of Israel and the Philippines in both goods and services in expected to be higher than 534 Million US Dollars.

The growing bilateral trade relations of Israel and the Philippines are also reflected in the closer economic dialogue between the two countries.

In June 2022, few important agreements and MOUs were signed during the visit of former DTI Secretary Mr. Ramon Lopez to Israel. Among them was the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, expected to enter into force within this year. Another one is the MOU between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry on Economic Cooperation and the establishment of a Joint Economic Commission. The first JEC is expected to take place this year and further promote the bilateral trade relations of Israel and the Philippines.

“Muranów” tells the story of the neighborhood of the same name, a once vibrant and flourishing community of Jewish life that was eventually turned into the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. The documentary brings to focus the current residents of the neighborhood, who are being haunted by Muranów’s dark past, and its ghosts who serve as a metaphor for the life, culture, and memories of the Jewish people who were systematically killed under the Nazi regime.

“The Holocaust was an unprecedented genocide, perpetrated by Nazi Germany. Six million Jews – one third of the Jewish population – were murdered just because they were Jewish. Today, we are witnessing voices of denial of the holocaust and increasing antisemitism. This cannot be ignored; we can never let it happen again,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in his remarks. “That is why it is important that the United Nations designated January 27 as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust,” he added.

“I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the German Embassy headed by Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel for working together with us to make this intimate film screening happen. I believe that this joint event brings a very strong message,” Ambassador Fluss expressed.

“After the darkest days in German history, today Germany remains committed to and lives up to its international responsibility to prevent the resurgence of dictatorial regimes that violate human rights and destroy human lives,” Ambassador Reiffenstuel says, highlighting that: “This annual commemorative day was introduced upon the initiative of German Federal President Roman Herzog on January 27th, 1996.“

Both embassies thank all the members of like-minded embassies and organizations who graced the event, especially UN Senior Human Rights Adviser Signe Poulsen.

#muranów #InternationalHolocaustRemembranceDay #HolocaustRemembranceDay #holocausthistory #neveragain #jewish #jews #antisemitism

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, together with his wife Gila, personally visited Marinduque on December 7 and 8 to visit the recipients in the barangays of Cawit, Tabigue, and Laylay in Boac, Marinduque. Fifty-three (53) families affected by Typhoon Paeng in the said province benefited from the Israeli Embassy’s emergency response assistance.

“This is the first time we have a partnership between the Embassy and Caritas – a very symbolic partnership between the Jewish State of Israel and the Catholic Church of the Philippines,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.

“Israel invested in technology to support the growing demand and urbanization in the country. The technologies were introduced together with good policies and regulations that made Israel the leading country in the world in managing the water sector. From desalination to reuse of sewage, minimum loss of water and more,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss shared. “Through this seminar, we hope that the Philippines’ key implementing agencies will gain insights from the Israeli experience and adapt them to local conditions,” he added. Like all countries in the region, Israel faced a variety of challenges in the water sector. The Middle East is a dry area and more than 50% of Israel is actually desert.

Director Susan Abano of National Water Resources Board (NWRB) shared the challenges of the Philippines as water availability continues to fall as demand expands. Engr. Rodel Rik Tumanda of Maynilad, Engr. Jon Michael Esteban of Manila Water, and MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty presented their perspectives on managing water scarcity in the Philippines. These were analyzed by the Israeli water delegation and presented advanced solutions to better manage the water sector of the country.

The Israeli companies highlighted Israel’s innovation and technology to inspire and encourage the Philippine water sector, businesses, and LGUs to invest in technologies that will help manage water sustainably. Among the Israeli companies who presented their water technologies were ARAD Group, Atlantium, Okiana, and Watergen. This water delegation offers cutting-edge Israeli technologies in the areas of advanced metering infrastructure, water and wastewater management and treatment solutions, water control solutions, and turnkey projects.

Around 50 officials from the Philippine national government agencies, local government units, private sector, and academe attended the seminar on November 17. Notable government officials who participated were Usec. JV Llamas of DILG, Asec. Roderick Planta of NEDA, Atty. Patrick Ty of MWSS, and Mayor Glenn Flores of Alaminos, Laguna. Also in attendance was Mr. Rene Meily, President of PDRF.

Text and photos by Monsi A. Serrano

There is no denying that since the pandemic disrupted the world, the cases of cybersecurity breaches have unprecedentedly risen. Despite this alarming incident, there are still many people who are not mindful of the risks it may bring to their business.

But for prudent business leaders and owners, cybersecurity has been on the top agenda of companies across all industries as the pandemic forced everyone to digitally transform. With multiple cyberattack reports uncovered throughout the years, there is no doubt that these attacks, due to the impact of accelerated progression to digitalization, will continue to advance and leave many companies vulnerable. It is pivotal for businesses to identify the countermeasures they must take to navigate the new normal in the longer term.

CybersCool Defcon is founded by Messrs.Edison Abella and Tatoo Amsili, and retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno as the chairman of the board. It is the first globally-accredited cyber school in the country and will provide an opportunity not just to address the escalating cyber security threats in the country but also to help in the capacity building of the Filipino people from Israel, and the world’s number one cyber security provider and cyber security education.

The CybersCool Defcon’s modules are developed by Tel Aviv-based ThriveDX Saas, a company founded by Roy Zur, who previously spearheaded the design and training of elite Israeli Cyber and Intelligence Units.

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Tatoo Amsili, CybersCool Defcon founder said, “The (cyber) security threats are real. Any organization that is slow to recognize this will realize why they neglected the threats. That is why we are here. We thank Ambassador Fluss for working hard to pave this partnership and this goes beyond providing cybersecurity to the country because our idea is really to bring the skill of the Filipino people. To find out how they will address cybersecurity issues that are just peculiar to your country. Admit it or not, everything at the end of the day is related to cybersecurity,”

“We will be here to support various government agencies for possible training programs of the government personnel, he continued. Not to undermine the capability of the government, Amsili underscored that government agencies must not solely rely on a third-party service provider.

“Any department actually goes online today and (they) really need to have their own people they cannot be depending on the third party in the software hardware. It’s not enough we need later on people to take over and to manage it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Rami Efrati, the founding member and former head of the Israel National Cyber Bureau-Civilian Sector, said, “Israel is ready to share its knowledge in cybersecurity”.

“You have to understand that Cybersecurity is not only about cyber attacks. There’s a terrorism aspect to cybercrime. Because if somebody’s trying to affect the population and the government by doing illegal things, we have to stop it immediately,” he said.

For his part, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss lauds the opening of CybersCool Defcon in the Philippines and also highlights the role of (Israel) embassy in the country.

“This is what the embassy is about and (by) bringing these two flags together, and two peoples together in any possible way,” Ambassador Fluss said.

“What we’re doing here is what I call building bridges between countries. In this case building bridges of technology, innovation, and cyber security. It’s not just about sharing technologies. The beauty of what we’re seeing today is really sharing best practices. It is training it is human capacity building. This is what we’re talking about”. he added.

Fluss also pointed out that whatever best practices and technologies Israel is sharing are not a “copy, paste, do it”. But taken from certain best practices between people to people, between nations, and between friends.

While admitting how Israeli technology can enhance the country’s capability in addressing cyber security, Ambassador Fluss emphasized that the country has to adjust to the local challenges to find our own solutions for those challenges.

“Here we are Israel, the Israeli private sector, and the Israeli government to share and work with you into creating your own local solutions,” he said.

In photo from left: Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, ICCP President Yoray Ofek, and Israel’s Honorary Consul to Cebu Ms. Emily Chioson turnovers the sacks of rice to Talisay Mayor Samsam Gullas

Israeli diplomats personally extended assistance to residents affected by Typhoon Odette that wreaked havoc to the Philippines. Initial donations were turned over to Cebu and Bohol. 

Ambassador Ilan Fluss flew to Cebu to donate four solar energy systems, food packs, and hygiene kits to the typhoon-hit residents. The Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines headed by Mr. Yoray Ofek also shared sacks of rice for Talisay, Cebu. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam went to Bohol to turnover one unit of NUF portable water purifier, four solar energy systems, food packs, and hygiene kits. The turnover of donations in these areas were held on December 22.

“The State of Israel and the people of Israel are saddened to see the damage caused to human life, property, and resources caused by Typhoon Odette. We would like to express our sympathies and we would want the Filipinos to know that we stand by them. We are here to assist in every way that we can,” Ambassador Fluss said. The Israeli Ambassador also extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the casualties of the typhoon.

“The solar panels will be useful for areas which don’t have power supply yet. This technology is ready to use and low-maintenance,” Ambassador Fluss mentioned.

“Aside from the issues on power supply, we noticed that typhoon-hit areas also experience shortage in potable water. This Israeli-made portable water purifier will give them access to clean drinking water,” Mr. Balzam explained.

Cebu and Bohol are two of the areas frequently visited by Israeli tourists in the Philippines. “I hope that they will recover soon and continue to feature the beauty and rich culture of these places,” Ambassador Fluss said. “It is important for a foreign diplomat like me to personally deliver this assistance to reach out to the communities and let them know that we are always ready to offer a helping hand,” he added.

Around 2,000 families received the food packs and hygiene kits. The embassy is also donating one unit of NUF portable water purifier, four solar energy systems, food packs, and hygiene kits to Siargao. 

MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for international development cooperation and the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines co-sponsored Hospital-in-Bike Project of Makati Medical Center Foundation, Inc. The project aims to save lives or prevent further injuries by giving urgent medical attention and intervention to remote areas across the Philippines.

The PHP 500,000.00 grant will be allocated for a basic Trauma Kit that will include medical supplies and equipment such as nasal tracheostomy tube, surgical tools, and portable oxygen. Specialized communications equipment will also be included.

“Part of the embassy and MASHAV’s vision is to share with the Philippines the know-how technologies which provided the basis for Israel’s own rapid development,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said. “The embassy gives importance to reaching out to remote communities and supporting them with innovative but simple approach to deal with their needs such as responding to medical emergencies,” he added.

A total of 100 cycle responders will benefit from the said project: 25 Tausug Heroes based in Sulu Province, 25 cycle responders based in Luzon, 25 cycle responders based in Visayas, and 25 cycle responders based in Mindanao.

“We hope that more communities, especially the far-flung areas, will benefit from this project in the future,” Ambassador Fluss said.

Ambassador Fluss and Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam personally turned over the grant to Dr. Victor Gisbert, President of MakatiMed Foundation and MASHAV alumna and Executive Director of MakatMed Foundation Ms. Mary Margaret M. Barro. Present virtually was the board of trustees of Makati Medical Center Foundation, Inc. chaired by Mr. Manny Pangilinan.

Photo shows IP community leaders and members welcome Ambassador Ilan Fluss during his visit at Bulwagan ng mga Katutubo in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija

Photos courtesy of srael Embassy Manila

The season of gift-giving is in the air as the Embassy of Israel, together with the Shalom Club-Nueva Ecija, donated a portable water purifier and food packs to the indigenous peoples of the Bulwagan ng mga Katutubo in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss personally handed over the Israeli-made portable water purifier to the Samahan ng mga Makakalikasang Katutubong Ayta (SaMaKa) officers.

“We hope that the indigenous peoples will have access to clean and potable water with the use of this Israeli technology,” Ambassador Fluss said. “The embassy continues to look for ways on how Israeli technology and innovation will reach and benefit more Filipino people,” he added.

Ambassador Fluss, Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam, and MASHAV Officer Gladys Baniqued-Turiano made a product demo of the portable water purifier showing how the water in the Bacao River is filtered to drinkable water. 

Ngayong Pasko, Salo Tayo is an annual Christmas outreach project of the Shalom Club-Nueva Ecija headed by Ms. Lorna Mae Vero in partnership with the Israeli embassy.

The turnover activity was held on December 9 and was participated by Usec. Mr. Rolando M. Rivera; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Nueva Ecija Provincial Office (NCIP-NEPO) Provincial Officer Dr. Donato Bumacas; Barangay Chairman of Doña Josefa, Palayan City; Chieftain Lando Belmonte of Domagats; Bgy. IPMR Carling Baclay of Aytas; Provincial IPMR/Board Member of NE Hon. Emmanuel Domingo; Fr. Jacinto Beltran, Exec. Director, BESTI (Diocese of Cab. NGO; and Ms. Eugene Baltazar, director for extension services of the Central Luzon State University.