Michael Ortega Ligalig

Category: Writings

The writings of former print and broadcast journalist Michael Ortega Ligalig.

  • Lessons from Kodak’s Death

    Lessons from Kodak’s Death

    By Anonymous / Source Unknown

    Remember the Kodak company? In 1997, Kodak had about 160,000 employees.
    And about 85% of the world’s photography was done with Kodak cameras. With the rise of mobile cameras over the past few years, Kodak Camera Company is out of the market. Even Kodak went completely bankrupt and all his employees were fired.

    At the same time many more famous companies had to stop themselves. Like

    HMT (clock)
    BAJAJ (स्कूटर)
    DYANORA (TV)
    MURPHY (RADIO)
    NOKIA (Mobile)
    RAJDOOT (Bike)
    Ambassador (car)

    None of the above companies had bad quality. Why are these companies out yet? Because they could not change themselves over time.

    Standing in the present moment you probably don’t think how much the world could change in the next 10 years! And today’s 70%-90% jobs will be completely over in the next 10 years. We are slowly entering the era of “Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

    Check out today’s famous companies-

    UBER is just a software name. No, they have no cars of their own. Yet today the world’s largest taxi-fair company is UBER.

    Airbnb is the largest hotel company in the world today. But funny thing is they don’t own a single hotel in the world.

    Similarly, examples of countless companies like Paytm, Ola Cab, Oyo rooms etc can be given.

    There is no work for new lawyers in America today, because a legal software called IBM Watson can advocate much better than any new lawyer. Thus, almost 90% of Americans will not have any jobs in the next 10 years. The remaining 10% will be saved. These will be 10% experts.

    The new doctor is also sitting down to work. Watson software can detect cancer and other diseases 4 times more accurately than humans. Computer intelligence will surpass human intelligence by 2030.

    90% of today’s cars will not be seen on the roads in the next 20 years. Leftover cars will either run by electricity or hybrid cars. The roads will slowly become empty. Gasoline consumption will decrease and oil producing Arab countries will slowly become bankrupt.

    If you want a car you have to ask for a car from a software like Uber. And as soon as you ask for a car, a completely driverless car will come and park in front of your door. If you travel with several people in the same car, the rent of a car per person will be less than a bike.

    Driving without driver will reduce the number of accidents by 99%. And this is why car insurance will stop and car insurance companies will be out.

    Things like driving on earth will no longer survive. Traffic police and parking staff won’t be required when 90% of vehicles disappear from the road.

    Just think, there used to be STD booths in the streets even 10 years ago. All these STD booths were forced to close after the mobile revolution came in the country. Those who survived have become mobile recharge shops. Again online revolution in mobile recharge. People started recharging their mobile online sitting at home. Had to replace these recharge shops again. Now these are just mobile phones to buy and sell and repair shops. But this will also change very soon. Mobile phone sales are increasing directly from Amazon, Flipkart.

    The definition of money is also changing. There used to be cash but in today’s age it has become “plastic money”. Credit card and debit card round was a few days ago. Now that too is changing and the era of mobile wallet is coming. Growing market of Paytm, one click of mobile money.

    Those who cannot change with age, age removes them from the earth. So keep changing with the times.

    Keep creating great content, keep moving with time.

    copied

  • PAGASA Planetarium Reopens After Renovation

    PAGASA Planetarium Reopens After Renovation

    The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced today that its planetarium at the PAGASA Central Office in Quezon City has completed renovations and is now open to the public.

    The renovated planetarium, with a 90-seat capacity, will continue to offer educational and entertaining shows about basic astronomy and the night sky. The venue will also host lectures on the basics of astronomy and celestial navigation for students and the general public.

    For more information, contact Engr. Ma. Rosario C. Ramos, chief of the Space Science and Astronomy Section, at (02) 8284-0800, ext. 3015, 3016, or 3017.

  • PNP Chief Urges Quiboloy Supporters to Respect Rule of Law

    PNP Chief Urges Quiboloy Supporters to Respect Rule of Law

    Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil on Monday urged political backers and supporters of fugitive religious leader Apollo C. Quiboloy to advise him to face the accusations against him through legal channels.

    In a statement, Marbil emphasized that all citizens, regardless of status, are bound by the rule of law. He warned that obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive are serious offenses.

    The police chief called on Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church and its members to align their actions with biblical teachings on respecting authority.

    Marbil also addressed a fatality during recent operations related to KOJC, describing it as an isolated incident not directly connected to the operation. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.

    “The law applies equally to all, and any attempt to evade justice undermines the very foundation of our society,” Marbil said.

    Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “appointed son of God,” is wanted on charges including sex trafficking. He has been in hiding since authorities attempted to serve arrest warrants at his church compound in Davao City last month.

    The PNP chief reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to enforcing the law fairly and ensuring justice is served for all.

  • NBI Arrests Man for Impersonating Presidential Secretary

    NBI Arrests Man for Impersonating Presidential Secretary

    The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a man for impersonating a secretary in the Office of the President, the agency announced Tuesday.

    Juanito Tan De Veyra was apprehended on August 16, 2024 while applying for a special license plate at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Quezon City.

    He allegedly introduced himself as a secretary under the Office of the President and presented a business card identifying him as “Secretary” of the Presidential Committee on Flagship Programs and Projects.

    NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said the arrest followed a tip-off from the Office of the President about De Veyra’s fraudulent claims. An entrapment operation was set up at the LTO office, where De Veyra reportedly boasted about his ability to award infrastructure projects to government contractors.

    “The Office of the President has confirmed that De Veyra is not appointed by the President as Secretary of any Presidential Committee,” Santiago said. “Furthermore, there is no such office as the Presidential Committee on Flagship Programs & Projects.”

    De Veyra faces charges of usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code. He has been presented for inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice in Quezon City.

  • Sam SV Verzosa Reflects on Humble Beginnings in Sampaloc, Manila

    Sam SV Verzosa Reflects on Humble Beginnings in Sampaloc, Manila

    Prominent Filipino entrepreneur Sam SV Verzosa recently shared a poignant account of his journey from poverty to prosperity, highlighting his roots in Sampaloc, Manila.

    In a heartfelt Facebook post, Verzosa offered a glimpse into his challenging childhood and the valuable life lessons that shaped his success.

    Verzosa’s story begins in a modest three-unit apartment building in Sampaloc, where his family initially rented the middle unit.

    “Dati nirerent lang namin yung gitnang apartment dyan sa 3 unit na yan, 5 kami mgkakapatid mgkakatabi sa isang kama sa lapag kasama parents ko para tipid sa kuryente,” he recounted, describing the cramped living conditions that necessitated all seven family members sharing a single bed on the floor to save on electricity costs.

    Despite facing numerous hardships, Verzosa credits his family’s resilience and faith for overcoming their struggles.

    “Sobrang daming pagsubok na pinagdaanan pero nilaban lang namin at kinaya lahat ng problemang dumating samin, sa tulong ng Panginoon nalagpasan namin lahat ng pagsubok sa buhay namin dati,” he wrote.

    Over time, the family’s fortunes improved, allowing them to acquire the adjacent units. This expansion provided much-needed space for the siblings to have their own rooms, marking a significant improvement in their living conditions.

    Verzosa fondly remembers the streets of Sampaloc as his training ground, both in life skills and basketball.

    “Sa mga KALYE ng SAMPALOC ko natutunan karamihan ng Diskarte ko sa buhay,” he reminisced, adding that daily basketball games with stakes of ice water or soda honed his skills in the sport.

    Education played a crucial role in Verzosa’s journey. He recalls his parents’ emphasis on studying, quoting them: “Sammyboy mag aral ka mabuti kse yan lang maipapamana namin syo.” This motivation drove him to secure a scholarship at the University of the Philippines Diliman and later excel in business.

    Verzosa’s entrepreneurial success came early, as he notes, “I made my first Million nung 22 palang ako.” He attributes his achievements to hard work, business acumen, and divine guidance, often recalling his late father’s advice: “Anak, wag na wag ka makaka limot sa Kanya.”

    Now in a position to give back, Verzosa expresses joy in helping his former community.

    “Ngayon masaya ako na nasa position ako para maka tulong sa mga kalugar ko sa Sampaloc at buong Maynila,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith in overcoming life’s challenges.

    Verzosa’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating how determination, hard work, and community support can lead to significant personal and professional growth. His journey from a crowded apartment in Sampaloc to becoming a successful businessman underscores the potential for upward mobility in Filipino society, while also highlighting the persistent challenges faced by many urban families in the Philippines.

    As Verzosa contemplates, “Sa Sipag at Diskarte at sa tulong ni God dadating dn panahon malalagpasan mo mga problema at makakatulong kadin hindi lang sa pamilya mo kundi pati nadin sa kapwa mo,” encapsulating his belief in the power of hard work, ingenuity, and faith to overcome adversity and ultimately help others.

  • BSP Statement on Medium-Term Inflation Path

    BSP Statement on Medium-Term Inflation Path

    The March 2024 inflation rate of 3.7 percent falls within the BSP’s projected range of 3.4 to 4.2 percent.

    The outcome aligns with the BSP’s expectations that inflation will likely remain within the target range during Q1 2024, primarily due to negative base effects.

    However, there is a possibility that inflation could temporarily exceed the target range in the next two quarters due to adverse weather conditions affecting domestic agricultural output and positive base effects.

    The inflation outlook carries upside risks. These risks may arise from increased transport charges, higher prices for food commodities facing supply constraints, elevated electricity rates, global oil price fluctuations, and the implementation of a legislated minimum wage increase.

    Looking forward, the Monetary Board will take the latest inflation data into account during its upcoming monetary policy meeting on April 8, 2024.

    Additionally, the BSP continues to support non-monetary measures by the National Government to address supply-side pressures on prices and maintain the disinflation process.

  • DOST Launches Bluer and Smarter Eastern Visayas

    DOST Launches Bluer and Smarter Eastern Visayas

    TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology’s Region VIII office launched its Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week, aiming to promote a “Bluer and Smarter Eastern Visayas” through sustainable development initiatives.

    The event, scheduled for July 25-27, 2024, at the People’s Center & Library in Tacloban City, will showcase collaborative efforts between DOST VIII and its partners.

    DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang emphasized the week’s importance in reshaping the region’s socioeconomic landscape.

    “By leveraging science, technology, and innovation, Eastern Visayas can unlock new potentials, foster innovations, and promote a more dynamic and progressive society,” Mabborang said.

    DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. outlined initiatives aligned with the department’s strategic pillars: wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being, and sustainability.

    The event will feature forums on technology investment, blue economy, and smart communities. A Research and Development Symposium will focus on building resilient communities and protecting marine resources.

    DOST VIII plans to unveil a modernized Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory and launch innovation centers to support regional growth.

    The week-long observance aims to elevate awareness about sustainability and responsible innovation while driving positive change in Eastern Visayas.