Monde Nissin hosts introduce "Shaping a Heart to Serve" Program

MCCID Director represents the school.

In a special Christmas Thanksgiving Party for institutional partners held last December 14, MCCID College was introduced together with other well-known universities in the country. Monde Nissin hosts informed the rest of the participants about the successful program they conducted in partnership with MCCID like sign language training and the hiring of deaf graduates in their production units. MCCID is the only institutional partner which caters to Persons With Disabilities.

From left: Monde Nissin HR Officer Nilda Villa, MCCID Deaf Student Moises Libot, Pastor LA Mumar and MCCID Director Jojo Esposa

Also in this event, Monde Nissin launched its “Shaping a Heart to Serve: Thanksgiving and Learning Session” program. Well-known Christian Pastor and motivator LA Mumar gave an encouraging lecture on the importance of using your God-given talent to serve other people. Under the program, Monde Nissin will conduct whole-day Work Behavioral program to partner schools. MCCID plans to avail of this service this school year. Monde Nissin also disclosed that after upgrading three MCCID deaf into regular positions in 2011, they will again hire 2nd batch of deaf workers this 2012.

The newly-built home of MCCID College of Technology got the first taste of media mileage when it was used as a scene for GMA-7′s TV Documentary “I Juander”.

Sir Jojo being interviewed.

Sir Jojo being interviewed.

GMA-7′s GMANews TV 11 news crew was able to visit the school last July 22 to interview MCCID deaf students and their experiences using the Internet. Among those interviewed were MCCID Students Moises Libot and Kathrina Mae Gonzales and Training Director Jojo Esposa Jr.

Kathrina Mae Gonzales fingerspells I Juander.

Kathrina Mae Gonzales fingerspells I Juander.

The TV-documentary entitled “Why are Filipinos addicted to Facebook?” was aired on Monday, July 27. I Juander was hosted by Cesar Apolinario and Susan Enriquez.

First Board Members of PNASLI

First Board Members of PNASLI

A General Assembly of both hearing and deaf sign language interpreters was successfully held last Saturday, May 21 at CAP Development Center in Makati City and attended by more than 100 interpreters and supporters.

This momentous activity was brought about by the inclusion of World Association of Sign Language Interpreters Asia Forum (WASLI) during the Asia Pacific Conference of World Federation of the Deaf held in the Tagaytay City, Philippines last November 2010 which was sponsored by Philippine Federation of the Deaf. During the forum, a group of Filipino sign language interpreter attendees brainstormed and decided to form a national sign language interpreters association in order to address the concerns raised. After that, a general get-together discussion was held at the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) on January 24 to introduce the idea of forming a said group.

Score Card Displayed on the Board

Score Card Displayed on the Board

Board Members from NCR: Alfredo D. Celada Jr., May G. Andrada, Febe S. Sevilla, Marie Therese Bustos, Joy L. Cristal, Maria Veronica T. Perez, Natividad P. Natividad and Remberto I. Esposa Jr.

Board Members from Outside NCR: Arturo V. Abrena Jr. (Baguio), Annabelle S. Catimbang (Camarines Sur), John Paul E. Maunes (Cebu), Fr. Peter Miles S. Sollesta, PMS (Cebu), Rossana Villanueva (Zamboanga)

Deaf Representatives: Julius G. Andrada, Leonides D. Sulse, Rey Alfred Lee (Ex-Officio- Phil.Federation of the Deaf President)

MCCID Training Director Esposa was not present during the election due to prior appointment.

Suggested names for the association was also voted upon. Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters won as the official name. Visit PNASLI’s official website here.

Note: Photos courtesy of PNASLI Official Website.

bethsaidagraduation

Sir Jerome in a Graduation March together with Bethsaida's Executive Director Ptr. Ben Hugo

Deaf elementary students gave their Opening Prayer in Sign Language.

School Coordinator Loida Alvarez calls on each graduate.

Sir Jojo gives his impromptu thank you speach.

Sir Jerome Marzan gives his inspirational message in sign language.

Graduating Class and their Parents

Sir Jojo reverse interprets for Sir Jerome.

Sir Jerome together with other guests in the Presidential Table

Sir Jerome receives a plaque of appreciation from Mr. James Bico, Bethsaida Board Chairman.

Sir Jojo and Sir Jerome pose together with Tiaong Mayor Roderick Umali.

Bethsaida/Bartimaeus Faculty and Staff

Bethsaida/Bartimaeus Center for Alternative Learning in Tiaong, Quezon held its Graduation and Recognition Program last April 5, 2011 with MCCID’s Sir Jerome Marzan as special guest and gave his inspirational message. MCCID is a partner of Bartimaeus Center since 2009.

A total of five high school graduates attended. Other graduates include elementary students and those from their Community Based Rehabilitation program in far-flung barangays and districts.

Sir Jerome emphasizes the importance of studying harder and aiming for success in life even if people cannot hear. He also reminded the deaf that if they put their mind into it, they can get their dreams.

Also included in the interview hosted by Suzie Abrera and Regine Tolentino was Deaf Indie Actor Romalito Mallari together with Ms. Joi Villareal as her sign language interpreter.

Here is the YouTube Video Interview:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxRu4lIcCPA

Congress Hearing

Students pose in front of HOR logo.

MCCID College students in full force showing their banner outside the House of Representatives gate.

MCCID College students were allowed to enter the congress lobby to appeal for the bill to be passed.

Ma'am Beth Villanueva interprets for the deaf.

Selected MCCID students were able to attend the congressional hearing.

Sir Jojo demonstrates to the congressmen the advantages of using the current cellular phones using the 3G technology.

MCCID represents the deaf sector assisting the government when it comes to information and communications technology.

MCCID Training Director attended the hearing as part of the government agency in charge of telecommunications group headed by National Computer Center's Mercy Nicolas and National Telecommunications Commission's Edgardo Cabarios.

Sir Jojo points out some loopholes in the bills and requests for the changes in their contents.

MCCID College Faculty pose with House Bill No. 2955 Author Cong. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr.- Party List Representative of Abante Mindanao.

The entire MCCID student population trooped to the House of Representatives building to attend the House Committee on Social Services last January 24, 2011 to support the two house bills on telecommunication services for the deaf.

MCCID was part of the government group which includes the National Computer Center, National Telecommunications Commission and the National Council on Disability Affairs.

The two house bills were discussed in the committee hearings. These are House Bill No. 1681 or “An Act Providing Telecommunications Systems Accessibility to the Hearing-Impaired and Speech-Impaired” authored by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and House Bill No. 2955 or “An Act Providing Hearing-Impaired and Speech-Impaired Persons Access to Telecommunication system” authored by Rep. Marcelino Teodoro.

For his part, MCCID Training Director Jojo Esposa proposed that instead of pushing for this bill, a study must be made to upgrade its content to include the latest technology. He demonstrated to the house the use of 3G technology in video calls. He only requests the congress to require major telecommunication companies to lower the cost of their services.

A Technical Working Group was put up in order to study the enhancement of the said two bills.

Danilo Torres, Website Assistant at World Deaf Information Resource Project of Gallaudet University contacted the school to verify the information from its official website. After a series of email exchanges, he recently included MCCID College of Technology in their list under the “Deaf Schools in Philippines” category. MCCID is listed together with MC-Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf and Bohol Deaf Academy.

According to them, their website is an initiative of the Gallaudet University Center for International Programs and Services (CIPS). CIPS created the web site to help people find deaf-related information resources around the world. As a first step in this evolving project, they have gathered contact information for hundreds of organizations and schools in more than 145 countries.

Their main goal is to add more countries when they obtain information for them. In the future, they hope to expand the website to include many more types of deaf-related information resources including links to reports on the living situation of deaf people around the world, links to resources related to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and links to toolkits and training manuals oriented at deaf people and people who work with them.

MCCID College of Technology is very much blessed for having one of the best crop of highly skilled Deaf trainors/faculty this school year. The school always stands by its mission of developing new deaf talents and harnessing their skills in order to produce qualified people who would then share their knowledge to the rest of the Filipino Deaf community.

Here are MCCID College Deaf Faculty:

Sir Ervin Reyes

Sir Ervin holds the position of Overall Deaf Coordinator in MCCID. He is also teaching all computer and design subjects. He is also one of the members of the Board of Trustees of MCCID College of Technology.

As a veteran in the field of computer education for the deaf, he has been with MCCID since its inception in 1993. He has won numerous awards and recognitions both locally and internationally including the bronze medal in Web Designing during 6th International Skills Competition held in New Delhi, India. He also represented the country in International Deaf Missions Conference in South Korea in 2009. He graduated as “one of those” during his high school at Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) and college at Cap College Foundation finishing Associate in Arts in Information Technology. He also took up Computer Hardware Technology in the then Manila Christian Computer and Technical Institute, a vocational school for hearing people. However, after his enough exposure in MCCID, he was able to achieve great successes. That’s why both PSD and CAP presented him with Outstanding Alumnus recognitions. He also received the Most Outstanding Teacher award given by City of Mandaluyong in 1998. Here is a link to an article about Sir Ervin. [ Facebook Profile ]

Sir Jerome Marzan

Sir Jerome is currently the Computer and Deaf Culture Trainor as well as physical education. He is also the Student Organization Adviser and currently the Officer In-charge with the activities of MCCID Campus in Pampanga and Tiaong, Quezon.

Sir Jerome already shown stellar marks during his high school days. He excelled in various subjects as well as in sports activities. He was awarded Valedictorian at San Lorenzo Ruiz Integrated SPED Center in Baguio City. He was then qualified as a full-scholar of MCCID when he took up Diploma in Business Technology. His leadership skills and persuasive personality made his peers vote for him as president in their student organization for two years. While juggling his time in extra-curricular and academic affairs, he also excelled in basketball and other sports activities. He was awarded Salutatorian by MCCID as well as Leadership and Best in Computer Assembly medals during their graduation rites 2009. He was one of the deaf who made a skills demonstration in Jobs and Trades Fair sponsored by various government agencies and attended computer workshops including the Australian Disability Forum. He also represented the country in International Deaf Missions Conference in South Korea in 2009. Sir Jerome designed the official website of his high school. [ Facebook Profile ]

Sir Ace Diaz

Sir Ace is currently assigned as Computer Trainor of MCCID College Tiaong, Quezon Campus. He is also given tutorial assignments to deaf elementary and high school students of Bethsaida Alternative Learning System of Quezon, an MCCID College partner school.

Sir Ace belonged to the top three of his graduating class at Philippines School for the Deaf. He also received some curricular awards in high school. At MCCID, he also exhibited leadership qualities by holding positions in the student organization. He received 1st Honorable Mention recognition when he graduated at MCCID in 2009. He was also the recipient of Best in Computer Operations and Web Designer of the Year award also in the same year. After six months of rigid training in supervising students, the school gave him a chance to become the computer trainor in Tiaong, Quezon Campus. Ace is also conducting computer workshops to Kasamaka CBR of Makati every Saturday. Sir Ace designed the official website of Deaf for Christ Church in Quezon City. [ Facebook Profile ]

Sir Lucky McGill Paltep

Sir Lucky is currently the Computer and Physical Education Trainor of MCCID College Pampanga Campus. He is also the Adviser of its student organization.

This good looking young man is a graduate of Bible Institute for the Deaf. In that school, his skill in designing and theater arts were developed. He has performed in countless programs and invitations from many occasions. But it is when he studied in MCCID where his talents were greatly utilized and harnessed. He won in several inter-school computer and visual arts competition. He also gave demonstrations in Jobs and Trade Fairs sponsored by the National Council on Disability Affairs. His leadership quality also earned trust from his schoolmates by voting him president in school year 2009-2010. He took up Diploma in Arts and Computer Design Technology and received the Leadership Award during their graduation rites. He also participated in various government sponsored conferences including the Philippine Human Rights Action Plan and the first CBR Congress. [ Facebook Profile ]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7ab8Sel-Ek

MCCID Deaf Students watch SONA.

From Left: Sir Jojo, DLS-CSB's Giselle Montero, GMA News Howie Severino, Deaf Myra Medrana and DLS-CSB's Nicky Templo-Perez (Photo Courtesy of DLS-CSB SDEAS)

Pres. Noy's SONA with Sign Language Inset

The first historical State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Benigno Aquino III also had another first, that of an inset sign language interpretation.

This is the first of its kind since SONA has ever been televised. It gives the Deaf people the right to participate in nation building, access to communication, access to be equal to people without disabilities. Educators and veteran interpreters from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), MCCID College of Technology, Philippine Deaf Resource Center, and the Philippine School for the Deaf together with Deaf leaders of the Philippine Federation for the Deaf (PFD) worked together to make the first inset-interpreting of the SONA possible.

GMA-7 staff and crew provided inset FSL interpreting through live streaming in gmanews.tv with Jojo Esposa and Nicky Templo-Perez as interpreters, Myra Medrana as Deaf representative and Giselle Montero as team leader. This was much appreciated by the Deaf Filipino community abroad.

Here is the Behind the Scenes Video of Sign Language Interpretation of SONA courtesy of Ms. Pia Faustino of gmanews.tv:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=17TduUTvGbI

For the Deaf community, this is a dream come true, and the realization not only came through one but through three communication channels. There is no boundary for inclusion or access. What a realization, that indeed, there is no monopoly of skill and intent to do good. There is no exclusivity of information.

For those with cable access, the ANC Channel aired interpreters John Baliza and Febe Sevilla with Raquel Estiller-Corpuz as Deaf representative and Joyce Dalawampu as team leader.
The Deaf students who were excused from their classes tuned in to TV5 with Junjun Sevilla and Therese Bustos as interpreters, Jay Sunico as Deaf representative and Techie dela Torre as team leader.

The Manila Bulletin Online wrote an article about how the deaf people understood the SONA.

Here is the entire video of SONA 2010.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjMeMHTtaC0

Video courtesy of Jaybee Bautista, 1st year deaf student of SF, Pampanga. The video was aired July 20 and simulcast at Radio Station RW 95.5 FM and interviewed by Reporter Zaira Fajardo. CL TV 36 reaches the whole of Central Luzon including parts of Northern Pangasinan and Baguio.

MCCID Pampanga Blessing

Welcome Invitation Poster

1st Year Students rendering Philippine National Anthem in Sign Language

IMMFI Chairman Dr. Vito Roa gives his welcome remarks.

IMMFI Board Member and LFP Mediator Antonita Gomez explains the CTED program inception.

MCCID Training Director Jojo Esposa expounds on computer education for the deaf.

LFP National Coordinator Sis. Agnetia Naval introduces Liliane Foundation Philippines as lead agency of the CTED Project.

Memorandum of Agreement Signing

Memorandum of Agreement Signing

MCCID College President Remberto C. Esposa receives certificate of membership from CTED Project Head Sis Agnetia Naval.

Msgr. Cenovio Lumanog blesses the new CTED computer lab.

Msgr. Lumanog officiates the blessing of CTED project.

MCCID Deaf Trainor Lucky McGill Paltep is being interviewed by the media.

Liliane Foundation Philippines (LFP), in partnership with MCCID College of Technology together with Inocencio Magtoto Memorial Foundation, Inc. officially launched a computer project for the deaf in City of San Fernando, Pampanga last July 19.

Dubbed, “Computer Trainers Education for the Deaf (CTED)”, this special project aims to train deaf high school graduates from nearby provinces with the latest in computer application softwares and programs. After they complete the three-year program, they are required to impart their skill to other deaf youth from other Liliane who would also want to learn computers.

IMMFI President Dr. Vito B. Roa gave his welcome speech congratulating all those who worked hard in making this project a reality. For her part, LFP National Coordinator Sis. Agnetia Naval introduced CTED as one of the projects being undertaken by the foundation nationwide. She also hoped that this activity will be replicated in other partner organizations already numbering more than 140 in the Philippines.

Ma’am Antonita Gomez, LFP Regional Mediator gave a brief history on how this project was able to realized through brainstorming sessions which started in 2008. Sir Jojo Esposa justified the computer program for the deaf by enumerating possible job opportunities and companies that already hire and are very much satisfied with their deaf employees.

Another important event was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement for all key stakeholders and partner organizations. Among those who signed includes a representative from Brothers of Charity, Mr. Ricky Ebbay of Archdiocese of Iba, Mr. Remberto Esposa of MCCID College of Technology, Ms. Zenaida Guevarra of Akapin, Dr. Vito Roa of IMMFI and Sis. Agnetia Naval of LFP. The project will be for implemented for three years.

The whole afternoon affair was capped by the blessing of the computer room officiated by Msgr. Cenovio Lumanog of Immaculate Conception Church in Guagua, Pampanga. A total of 14 new personal computers complete with network and Internet connections were installed.

Aside from MCCID, LFP and IMMFI, other partner groups involved in the project are Akbay Lingap, Inc (Bulacan), Brothers of Charity (Baguio City), CBR Foundation of the Diocese of Iba (Zambales) and the University of Assumption (Pampanga).

The CTED Project Launch coincides with the nationwide celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (July 17-23). Among those who attended were members of the local media, TESDA officials, representative of the Mayor of City of San Fernando and other LFP Partner Organizations in Region III.

MCCID College Pampanga Campus is located at Blk 1 Dolores Homesite, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Graduation2010

Ma'am Charmagne leads the opening prayer.

From Left: Arianne Jaine Peralta, Janssen Ang and Aliza Berondo signs Lord's Prayer

Sir Ervin Reyes enumerates the recent accomplishments of MCCID College.

Now MCCID Faculty Sir Jerome Marzan gives his salutatory address.

Now MCCID Tiaong Quezon Faculty Sir Ace Diaz gives his special message.

First honorable Hazel Ann Sy gives her special message.

Sir Jerome receives his Salutatorian (silver) medal together with his father.

Jerome and Eleazar receives special recognition for taking part in deaf missions conference in South Korea in 2009.

Multi-awarded MCCID Alumnus Aldrin Gabriel receives his certificate of recognition and a special PGMA Academic Excellence Medal for being an Outstanding Alumnus of the Decade.

Aldrin gives his inspirational message.

Selected students render the "Wind Beneath my Wings" song dedicating it to their parents.

Some parents receive special tokens and gifts from their children.

Batch 2009 - 2010 presents their special number.

Administration, Faculty and Batch 2010 Awardees

Batch 2009 - 2010 Graduates

A truly memorable occasion greeted the parents and relatives of the Batch 2010 and 2009 graduates when they celebrated MCCID’s Eleventh Commencement Exercises held at Town and Country Hotel and Restaurant last May 21, 2010.

Dubbed, “A Tribute to the Parents”, thirty seven students who finished the academic requirements marched on the stage accompanied by their proud parents. This year’s celebration was similar from the graduation program held in 2008. There were no invited special guest lecturers unlike before when the school invites politicians, church leaders and government officials. The stars of the show are the graduates’ parents who did a very difficult job of raising their child despite great odds in coping with their disabilities.

What’s unique in this program is recognizing the successes of MCCID Batch 2005 Alumnus Aldrin Gabriel. The school awarded him the Most Outstanding Alumnus of the Decade and the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Academic Excellence Award. He is the first recipient of such award in the school’s history. A tribute was also given to him.

Among Gabriel’s achievements include “Most Outstanding TESDA Scholar in 2004″, “Most Outstanding Employee of Malabon City Hall in 2007″, “4th Place – English Desktop Publishing Contest in International Skills Competition in Shizuoka, Japan”, “Gold Medal of Excellence during the 12th Philippine National Skills Competition” and “2005 Asia-Pacific Young Professional for Academic Excellence for the Disabled Sector given by National Consumer Affairs Foundation”. Aldrin was a high school Valedictorian of Bible Institute for the Deaf and a Salutatorian of Diploma in Arts and Computer Design Technology of MCCID in 2005.

Twenty one candidates from Batch 2009-2010 were joined by fifteen graduates of class 2008-2009 because there was no commencement exercises held in 2009.

This year’s top honorees are:

For Batch 2008-2009:

1. JEROME F. MARZAN – Salutatorian, Diploma in Business Technology Course
   Best in Computer Assembly and Leadership Awardee
2. ACE B. DIAZ – 1st Honorable Mention, Diploma in Arts and Computer Design Technology Course, Web Designer of the Year and Best in Computer Operations

For Batch 2009-2010:

1. HAZEL ANN C. SY – 1st Honorable Mention, Diploma in Arts and Computer Design Technology Course

The complete list of academic honorees and recipients of special awards are listed on the List of Honors link.

MCCID Training Director Remberto I. Esposa Jr., was one of the recipients of the 2nd Golden Hands Award given by the Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE) in a grand Filipiniana evening on May 2, Sunday at the Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City.

Sir Jojo receiving the award

The awards is given to professionals who have continuously served the deaf community with unselfish commitment for 15 years and more. These year’s batch of awardees had an arduous yet dedicated service to the deaf people and doing admirable contribution to uplifting the lives of the community. Most of the recipients belong to the educational institutions, their service to the deaf goes beyond the boundaries and duties in schools. All the awardees have been engaged in community and outreach activities where they share their skills and aptitudes even without remuneration.

Sir Jojo gives his congratulatory speech.

In his speech, Sir Jojo thanked the PAIDE group for recognizing the tireless and often unmentioned efforts of the sign language interpreters. Receiving this award is truly an honor especially coming from those who are his peers. He also thanked people who were instrumental in making him switch from the hearing world, to a deaf world. These are Ma’am Sonia Lodado, his first sign language teacher at the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (PRID), Ma’am Annie Blanca, one of his trainors, Ms. Joy Cristal, then director of CAP College for the Deaf who took gamble in accepting a neophyte like him as a computer instructor, his proud parents and MCCID College Board Members Mr and Mrs. Remberto and Remedios Esposa, Sir Ervin Reyes, MCCID Deaf Coordinator who is his constant companion and deaf teacher, Capitol City Baptist Church with Deaf Pastor Julius Andrada and his wife May Andrada (1st Golden Hands Awardee), Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf and his Saviour Jesus Christ.

Sir Jojo with Parents

Aside from Esposa, other awardees who came from different regions of the country include Arturo V. Abrena, Jr. (Baguio City SPED Center), Rhodora Pamaran-Brouillette (presently based in Rochester, New York), Annabelle Sabordo-Catimbang (Integrated Special School, Iriga City), Linda Villacorta Colindres (Barrio Obrero Elementary School), Macaria Punzalan-Ilao (Quirino High School), Olivia Marcellana-Lintag (Manila High School), Ma. Isabelita Valencia-Quebral (Miriam College), Ricardo B. De los Santos (Las Pinas North National High School), and the late Belen M. Herreros of the Philippine School for the Deaf who was given a posthumous award. Each awardee received a lovely trophy showing interpreting hands, a bouquet of flowers and an imported sign language book of phrases.

Sir Jojo with Sir Ervin

Deaf Pastor Julius Andrada was the special guest speaker. Mr. Ricardo B. De los Santos, PAIDE Sign Language Training Consultant, gave the closing remarks. They both underscored the pride for the Deaf identity saying that the “dumb” refers to the people who refuse to accept and recognize that sign language is a legitimate language.

Among the crop of awardees, Sir Jojo was the youngest who served for only eighteen years with the deaf community. The Golden Hands Award is the first of its kind in the Philippines and a brainchild of PAIDE Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alfredo D. Celada, Jr, one of the recipients of the first batch of awardees which was held in 2006.

For more of these, please visit the PAIDE News article.

From Left: Ms. Meikah Delid, Mr. Edward Ling, NCDA's Dandy Victa, MCCID's Jojo Esposa and Digital Filipino President Janette Toral

From Left: MCCID College of Technology Director Jojo Esposa Jr., NCDA Asst. Chief for TCD Dandy Victa and Bitstop Network Services Representative Maria Cristina Bayno

The Digital Filipino Web Awards were given last Friday, November 13 at the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City. It was part of the Digital E-Commerce Summit, which started in Thursday.

This is the first time that the NCDA site won the award given annually by the DigitalFilipino.com Club whose members judge the nominations from the public in over 40 categories. The official site was designed by MCCID College of Technology. See related story here.

The NCDA site award was received by Mr. Dandy Victa, Assistant Chief of Technical Cooperation Division. MCCID College of Technology Training Director Jojo Esposa Jr., gave the 5-minute overview of the website. He also focused on the promotion of web accessibility.

Find more videos like this on DigitalFilipino.com Social Network

The websites were reviewed and judged “for their ability to create a noticeable presence on the Internet—their ability to be seen and heard among all the noise and clutter of the Net,” said the award body.

“The DigitalFilipino.com Web Awards aims to advocate the use of Internet and e-commerce for business development, through the identification, promotion and highlighting of best e-commerce practices from various websites in the Philippines,” it said.

Nominations were open from Sept. 19 to Oct. 19.

4th Digital Filipino Web Awards Logo

The criteria for determining the winners were:

• Search engine readiness—title tags, keywords and page strengths.

• Content/organization—clear purpose, target audience clearly defined, citation of sources whenever used, freshness, originality and accuracy of information.

• Structure and navigation—opening page, content connection and transition, writing and conventions, ease of navigation and link usefulness.

• Design and functionality—overall layout, colors, background and text.

• Technical performance—page loading, browser flexibility and live links.

• Interactivity—audience involvement and overall experience

To view the complete list of awardees, visit the Digital Filipino Web Awards Official Website.