As the number of COVID-19 cases increases in the country, there is also an increasingly growing concern about the lack of personal protective equipment for our frontline workers. Thus, the Department of Trade and Industry – Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG), spearheaded by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, in collaboration with the Labspace for Innovation Knowledge-Honing and Application (LIKHA) FabLab of the Batangas State University (BatStateU), is producing face shields using 3D printed face bands and acetate films for health workers who are in the frontline against the dreaded pandemic virus.
“DTI is not only committed to ensure efficient delivery of business development services and to enforce consumer protection and education in the countryside, but also, is more devoted to be of help during this pandemic crisis. Kaya naman naisip namin na gamitin ang ilang mga ipinamahaging Shared Service Facilities (SSF) equipment sa bansa, katuwang ang mga MSMEs at ilang state universities and colleges, upang lumikha ng mas maraming face masks at face shields para sa ating mga kababayan, lalong na sa mga bayani natin ngayon na humaharap sa mapeligrosong epidemya,” said Usec. Lantayona.
The LIKHA FabLab is a Shared Service Facility funded by the DTI, where business enterprises engaged in top industries in the CALABARZON region, such as furniture-related processes and electronics, can converge with designers to create and develop models and make prototypes for mass production. It is a digital fabrication that enables collaboration and promotes transparency among designers and modellers aided by computer-controlled machines. Stored digital design using the sophisticated technology provides an array of services to make the whole furniture design. Moreover, the manufacturing team takes care of the detailed designs, analysis, documentation, and fabrication.
“The supply of additional protective face shields is our way of solving the problem in the lack of PPE for our frontliners,” said LIKHA FabLab Center Head Engr. Louie Villaverde.
According to Engr. Villaverde, they already donated 130 face shields to Batangas Medical Center. They are also planning to provide more by producing 30-40 face shields a day to different hospitals in Batangas, then later to to the hospitals in the entire CALABARZON and soon, to other frontline workers nationwide.
Engr. Villaverde noted that for now, they are in need of additional materials. Any donations or supplies of raw materials will be of great help. “We are in the position to help others. Kahit maliit o malaki, ito ay tulong pa rin,” said Engr. Villaverde.
The Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation of the Batangas State University is accepting raw materials for fabrication of face shields:
- Acetate or PVC Sheets, Size A4
- Rubber Bands (natura)
- 3D Printer Filament (PLA-type fro Ultimaker)
- ABS Sheet and Acetate for Vacuum Forming Machine
Here are some suppliers that you can contact directly as it will be difficult for the FabLab to accept monetary donations:
- Puzzlebox (3D Printer Supplier, Mr. Clark Merano, 09663383175
- ES Print Media, Inc. (ABS and Acetate), Mr. Ron Mariano, 09177129190
Donations may be sent to Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City.
“We are strongly supporting the effort and initiative of LIKHA in developing innovative and effective solutions to help in combatting COVID-19. As we, in the DTI, work alongside with LIKHA, we are urging everyone, especially in the CALABARZON, to support their very important work,” DTI 4-A Director Marilou Toledo said.
PHILIPPINES, March 31, 2020 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues its efforts to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines with its latest initiative Shopee Bayanihan. Together with the Office of Senator Bong Go, Shopee donates 100,000 surgical masks and 3,000 FDA approved COVID-19 test kits to support public hospitals and front-liners in their battle against COVID-19. The 100,000 masks were distributed to over 40 hospitals across Luzon including public and private hospitals from Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, Quezon City, Rizal, and Batangas.
Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines said, “It is important for us to tide through this fight against the COVID-19 outbreak as one community. Our medical front liners and hospitals in the Philippines are working around the clock to contain the outbreak and we applaud them for their hard work and dedication. We are committed to doing what we can to support these medical front liners, the government, and the wider community during this period.”
Senator Bong Go said, “We laud Shopee for their generous donation and for stepping up their social responsibility efforts to help fight COVID-19. Shopee, as an e-commerce platform, helps support our government’s efforts to promote social distancing by ensuring that consumers can get their goods safely and conveniently straight to their own homes. Both the government and the private sector must work together and do what we can to address and respond to the growing threats of COVID-19. Magbayanihan po tayo. Tulungan nating bumangon ang bawat Pilipino bilang isang nagkakaisang bansa. Together, we can heal as one.”
Gerard Ho, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines said, “I commend Shopee in their efforts to support the Filipino community during this Enhanced Community Quarantine period in the country. Their donation will help medical front liners battle the crisis caused by COVID-19. This is a great example of a private enterprise contributing to the community.
Shopee Bayanihan demonstrates its commitment to provide support to those most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Shopee will continue to work closely with the government and step up its efforts to support them to prevent, detect and manage COVID-19.
For more information, please visit: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
Benguet MSMEs produce facemasks for COVID-19! The municipality of Itogon, Benguet, through the initiative of LARNS Hills Association of Ampucao tailors, has already placed a bulk order of washable facemasks for the local community. LARNS is a recipient of the DTI's Shared Service Facility program.
Considered as the backbone of the country’s economy, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are well distributed in every place that you find them in food manufacturing, retailing, and distribution among others. In the Cordillera provinces, MSMEs are trying to cope up with the downturn of business resulting from the imposed enhanced community quarantine as a measure of protection and overcoming adversities brought by the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to the needs of the people and inadequacy of suppliers, MSMEs took initiative in producing face masks and face shields for the community, frontliners and health workers.
In Kalinga, more than 3,000 pieces of facemasks are produced in a week while entrepreneurs from other provinces are also sewing masks to augment shortage in the area. Kalinga’s Carol Lines Ethnic Fashion, Balik-Tribo Fashion Accessories, Kinwa Etnika Handicrafts, Jajie's Native Fashion & Ifka's Weaving and other members of the Chamber of Kalinga Producers Inc. are also donating their resources, time and effort to frontliners doing extra work to contain the spread of the dreaded COVID-19.
In Mountain Province, members of the Montañosa Weavers Association (MWA), a provincial wide weaver’s organization, Guinzadan Weavers and recipient of sewing machines and looms under DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program wanted to give back to the community by donating facemasks to Sagada local government. Other SSF Cooperators, such as Guinzadan Weavers Association and Tribeline Cordi, are making washable facemasks available at affordable prices.
For Benguet province, DTI-initiated rolling stores for prime and basic commodities were scheduled in Tuba in coordination with the local government unit reaching Nangalisan in March 24, Camp-4 in March 25, Twin Peaks in March 26 and Taloy in March 27. Items sold in the four-rolling-store activity were provided by Tiong San La Trinidad through the coordination of DTI Baguio-Benguet.
Criminal charges would be filed against those suspected of overpricing and hoarding medical devices and products like alcohol, medicines, and face masks.
DTI-CAR has already coordinated with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to look into the reported scams and online selling of said medical devices at high prices.
All LGUs activated their Local Price Coordinating Councils as a mechanism to prevent and curb the possibility of price manipulation. As a council, they conduct joint monitoring to cover all basic necessities and prime commodities and other critical products, regardless of agency jurisdiction provided in the Price Act.
The country’s Price Act also maintains that the State provides effective and sufficient protection to consumers against hoarding, profiteering and cartels with respect to the supply, distribution, marketing and pricing of said goods, especially during periods of calamity, emergency, widespread illegal price manipulation and other similar situations.
As defined under Section 3 of the Price Act, “Basic Necessities” include: rice; corn; bread; fresh dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef, and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; root crops; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is extending deadlines for payments due within the enhanced community quarantine and expanding insurance coverage related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“This is our way of helping our customers cope with the current situation. While on quarantine, we want them to stay in their homes, be healthy, and stay safe as much as possible,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer.
AXA is extending its payment grace period from 31 days to 60 days for policies due from February 15 to April 30, 2020 for all health and life insurance policies (individual and group).
In addition, AXA Global Health Access policies will cover treatments and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 until June 30, 2020 (subject to the customer’s plan coverage). Compulsory quarantine-related medical expenses will also be covered if the insured is eventually confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.
Moreover, benefits of select AXA insurance products will be paid out whether related to COVID-19 or not. These include Health Max, Health Exentials, and Health Start; Shield Rider, Critical Conditions Rider and Group Critical Illness policies and the Care Rider, Daily Hospital Income benefit under Health Exentials and Group Daily Hospital Income (DHI) policies.
For Smart Traveller, all travel insurance policies bought before March 11, 2020 will be covered for trip cancellation or postponement due to COVID-19. For all AXA policies with life insurance coverage (individual and group policies), death benefits resulting from COVID-19 will be covered.
AXA is also continuing the services which are done in partnership with its health partners. These services are made available to all of AXA’s life and health insurance policyholders for a limited time. With the risks that going to a hospital during the COVID-19 quarantine may entail, AXA customers may avail of medical consultations in the comfort of their own homes through accessing our health partner’s MyPocketDoctor app. With the app, policyholders have access to free 24/7 teleconsultation with a doctor for a limited period.
Through its other health partner, AIDE, customers may also have medical treatment at home and Php200 off on select healthcare servicesonce they download the AIDE app.
For customers who wish to still pay their premiums on time, payment can be made through various convenient AXA payment channels: credit card and bills payment through online banking or mobile apps (Bancnet, PSBank, Metrobank, BPI, BDO, PNB, Landbank, Union Bank, GCash, and Cliqq for individual life insurance policies and PSBank, Metrobank and Paymaya for general insurance policies).
For those who need to file for claims, customers may do so online. For life insurance policies, submit scanned copies of your documents for life claims and policy benefits to life.claims@axa.com.ph. To download forms and to check requirements, please visit www.axa.com.ph/self-service.
To keep updated on customer advisories, visit www.axa.com.ph or talk to an agent at (02) 8581 5292 from Monday to Friday at 8am to 5pm. Customers may also e-mail customer.service@axa.com.ph.
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need.
In a true bayanihan spirit, Shopee partners with various humanitarian organizations like Red Cross, Kaya Natin and World Vision to raise funds to support different communities most affected by COVID-19 outbreak. Among those in need are hospitals faced with limited medical equipment and low-income households who face difficulties in securing daily necessities. Under Shopee Bayanihan, users can make a direct donation to these organizations via Shopee from 26 March onwards. Additionally, Shopee donates 2,800 KFN4 respiratory masks to support the health workers in the Philippine Lung Center in their combat against the virus.
Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing of Shopee Philippines, said, “In the spirit of bayanihan, we need to come together and draw strength from one another as we tide through this COVID-19 outbreak as one community. We launched Shopee Bayanihan to provide Filipinos a platform to step forward and help those in need. The funds raised will channel much-needed resources to vulnerable individuals and families to help them cope with the situation. We urge everyone to stand together with us and help one another stay strong during this period.”
All Filipinos can make a donation to their partner organizations of choice in amounts of P50, P100, P500, and P1,000 via Shopee Bayanihan. Here’s how:
On March 31, users can tune in to Shopee Live to watch a special program on “Shopee Bayanihan Day”. During the program, popular local celebrities will put up a special performance to help raise funds under Shopee Bayanihan. Users can also find more information on what the partner organizations are doing to support the community.
All proceeds made through Shopee Bayanihan will go straight to their partner organizations. For
more information, please visit: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-bayanihan
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
---
About Shopee
Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It was launched in 7 markets in 2015 to connect consumers, sellers, and businesses in the region.
Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.
Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.
QUEZON CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar said they are working closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the proper implementation of the price freeze on basic necessities.
The two officials made this assurance after they found many sellers in violation of the price freeze, as mandated in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-01 issued last 18 March 2020. Secretaries Dar and Lopez went around Farmers Market in Cubao on 26 March 2020 for a price inspection.
Following the tripartite release of the JMC by DA, DTI, and the Department of Health, the prices of all agricultural and manufactured basic goods, essential medicines and medical supplies, were frozen at their prevailing prices for sixty (60) days from the declaration of the State of Calamity on 16 March 2020, unless sooner lifted by the President.
Sec. Lopez explained that the marked-up prices were due to the challenges faced during the first few days of implementation of checkpoints in different LGUs. He assured, however, that this has already been addressed in the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases meetings.
“We are continuously coordinating at the local level, with the help of Interior Secretary Año, to ensure the harmonized implementation of the IATF guidelines on the unhampered movement of cargo. Improvements have been reported since Friday of last week and we expect the continuation of this for the following days,” said the trade chief.
He added, “After talking to sellers and market masters, we have learned that there are suppliers who sell these goods at the current retail price. In effect, sellers are forced to increase the prices to still gain some profit. This is why we are calling on traders and suppliers to sell goods at a reasonable price in consideration to our local sellers.”
Secretary Dar noted that farmgate prices for products such as chicken are already below the cost of production, so suppliers should not sell them at such high prices. To address this, DA coordinated with market masters to provide them a list of suppliers that are providing reasonable prices.
Additionally, Secretary Dar urged city chiefs of public markets to implement the Local Price Coordinating Council mechanism, which allows local enforcement units to strictly ensure the price freeze in their respective areas.
During the inspection of nearby supermarkets, such as Wellcome Farmers Plaza and Puregold Araneta, Secretary Lopez was glad to see that these establishments were in compliance with the price freeze. He and Secretary Dar also observed that these supermarkets had sufficient supply on their shelves.
“With the improvements in the unimpeded movement of cargo, we can also see the improvements in the grocery stocks of essential food and non-food products. That’s why we reiterate our call for people not to panic buy because we see that supplies are slowly being replenished,” Sec. Lopez said.
Right now, people around the globe, are stuck at home in a bid to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic—glued to their mobile phones, consuming the rapid spread of news and information that has multiplied even more in the already fast-paced online platform.
With the need for credible real-time updates, the call for social media responsibility has also risen exponentially with fake news keeping pace with the spread of the virus.
With that, here are 5 easy steps to be a responsible mobile phone user by keeping the “fake news virus” at bay:
1. Don’t share posts and news stories immediately
Most headlines are crafted to give an enticing summary or lead-in to a story, but they aren’t always what they are, so it’s better to go through the entire story first. Oh, and make sure to check the date as well because some people tend to share news updates from even a few years back.
2. Read through for inconsistencies
Are you fond of reading stories actively or passively? By actively reading through articles, one could already deduce the credibility of the story. Fake news tends to include outrageous claims, biases, questionable facts and figures, and grammatical errors—one that a credible writer would seldom commit.
3. Be on the lookout for the source
We sometimes open shared articles or read news posts without checking who shared or posted these. To be sure, check the source of the story or post—it is usually located at the top or bottom of posts and images. For external links, scan through the website address located on top of the headline and verify it first before clicking—shady web addresses can lead to virus-infested websites.
4. Visit the supposed source
Does a source seem credible because of its name? Not entirely. News update templates can easily be retouched using readily available photo editing apps. To be sure, visit the official news sites or social media pages of the supposed source and verify if they did release the story. It would also be wise to check if other credible news sites released a similar story.
5. Reflect on actually posting or sharing
By the time you’ve finished verifying, and given that it is indeed a credible story from a bona fide source, you’ve probably had enough time to reflect on whether it is actually worth sharing in the first place. It would also be good to review your intentions in sharing the material.
Additional step: Download credible news apps
To get authentic news updates and stories on-the-dot, you could always download apps developed by top news sites in the country. These are readily available through the seamless Vivo app store, available in all Vivo smartphones
And there you go! There is power in staying in and keeping abreast with updates, and a seemingly little thing such as preventing the spread of fake news can go a long way.
About Vivo
Vivo is a leading global technology company committed to creating trendsetting smart mobile innovations and services. Vivo is devoted to forming a vibrant mobile internet ecosystem, and currently owns and operates an extensive network of research operations, with R&D centers focusing on the development of cutting-edge consumer technologies including 5G, AI, mobile photography and next-generation smartphone design.
In recent years, Vivo has taken frequent efforts in the sports field and is committed to promoting the mutual penetration of the brand’s diverse fields and diversifying its brand image.
Currently, Vivo has over two hundred million users enjoying its mobile products and services around the world. Vivo is present in 18 markets globally and features offline retail stores in over 1,000 cities worldwide. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide.
For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.
There’s no better time than now to be extra careful in keeping your smartphone clean, especially since this is our everyday driver that we can rely on that ends up getting a lot of exposure. Make sure to do your part in staying safe!
According to a study published in February 2020 under the Journal of Hospital Infection, viruses such as the COVID-19 are capable of surviving up to nine days on smooth surfaces, and that includes a smartphone screen.
“We touch our smartphones more than anything especially now that we try to stay connected to our loved ones who are away from us and keep updated on the latest news. But it can pose a health risk especially that dirt gets easily transferred into our phones. So, in light of the current COVID-19 situation, we strongly encourage our consumers to practice proper smartphone sanitation in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus,” says Zen Han, OPPO Philippines’ VP of National Sales.
Sanitation is key in keeping clean and safe, making it particularly relevant for Filipinos who are very active smartphone users. Aside from constantly washing your hands with soap and water as advised by the World Health Organization, make sure to practice these tips on properly and safely cleaning your phone, highly recommended by OPPO Philippines:
- Wash or sanitize your hands. To avoid transferring any harmful bacteria, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after you clean your phone.
- Ready a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths such as towels and paper towels. Using such may damage the surface of your screen.
- Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol is a highly effective disinfectant against viruses particularly the ones with 70% concentration. Anything beyond it may evaporate too quickly. When cleaning your phone with alcohol, make sure to use cotton balls or felt-tips swabs when cleaning harder to reach areas like ports and mics and to avoid liquid spilling on such parts that may cause damage to internal components.
- Use liquid hand soaps with alcohol content. If Isopropyl Alcohol is not readily available, you may use hand soaps with alcohol content. Add a few drops on the screen and gently wipe the whole phone with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to avoid getting moisture in any openings. Wipe off the soap with a damp microfiber cloth afterwards, and then dry your phone off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Avoid using harsh home cleaning products. Window and household cleaners with strong chemical components like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide may damage your smartphone screen.
- Use UV light sanitation. UV-C light in particular, also used in hospital-grade disinfecting procedures serve as a potent solution that targets certain bacteria. UV devices can be used as well to sanitize your smartphone.
These simple ways have been proven to significantly cut down the number of bacteria found on a smartphone’s surface, as demonstrated by Dr. Lena Ciric, a microbiologist from University College London in this study.
Stay smart in making sure you’re doing your part in keeping safe, and always make it a habit to sanitize your phones!
About OPPO
OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since launching its first smartphone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology, Today, OPPO provides customers with a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series, ColorOS operating system, as well as internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 research institutes and 4 R&D centers worldwide and an international design center in London, OPPO’s more than 40,000 employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.
Global design platform, Canva, has announced it is providing all public health organizations around the world free lifetime licenses for Canva Pro in an effort to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
To help spread accurate information across the globe, Canva has updated its Not For Profit (NFP) program which will now empower all public health organizations with premium design and publishing features such as access to more free diverse stock photos, illustrations, the ability to upload own font libraries and brand kits, as well as it’s productivity booster, the ‘Magic Resize’ button, which can automatically turn any design format into a collection optimized for sharing across more channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, posters, presentations, and more.
In its effort to educate the public on the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and supported, Canva also released #StopTheSpread graphics and templates which anyone can post and share online. These designs are available in Filipino which anyone can access by simply changing their language to Tagalog through the account settings. Find the step by step guide here.
Canva’s in-house design team has also committed to volunteering its services to local organizations in need of further assistance with delivering effective visual communications. Through its Enterprise team, Canva will aid in the design and graphic requirements of local government units, not for profit organizations, and hospitals who need to raise awareness about COVID-19. Interested individuals and groups can access this form to apply.
The move comes in response to the surge of misinformation surrounding the virus, as public health organizations struggle to fight back against myths and rumors gaining traction online.
Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla-Donato said sharing accurate information about the pandemic is crucial in helping the country #StopTheSpread.
“Canva’s mission is to always be a force for good. We’d like to champion our concept of bayanihan by tapping into our resources to help spread accurate information about COVID-19 and how people can protect themselves from it,” said Donato.
With a vast collection of new health-related templates including flyers, posters and social media posts designed with pre-populated content based on the information supplied by the World Health Organization (WHO) - Canva hopes its platform can be used as a force for good.
For further information or to apply for a free lifetime Canva Pro account, all public health organizations can contact health-assistance@canva.com.
ABOUT CANVA
Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.
Filipino rising star Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is one of the most explosive action heroes on the ONE Championship roster today. A ONE Warrior Series top product, Adiwang has captivated audiences each time he’s stepped through the ropes or entered the Circle.
The 26-year-old stalwart brings with him a unique adrenaline rush with his fan-friendly style, whenever he comes to compete. Under the guidance of legendary Filipino martial artist Mark Sangiao, and his brothers-in-arms at the famed Team Lakay, Adiwang is blazing a trail through ONE Championship’s strawweight division.
But he wasn’t always a martial arts action hero. Growing up in Baguio City, Adiwang had a rough upbringing.
“I was born the youngest in a family of seven children. Life was tough and we had to get through a lot of trials. My parents used to plant crops in an open lot so we would have food to eat, but it wasn’t enough,” Adiwang recounted.
“It really taught me a lot about overcoming adversity in life. I wanted to help my family, but I felt powerless. Then I lost my fourth sibling in a mining accident. My parents separated when I was a teenager. I just felt hopeless.”
Just when things were progressively getting tougher for the young Adiwang, he found hope in a Philippine sporting icon.
Like many children growing up in the Philippines, Adiwang was captivated by legendary boxer, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. The young “Thunder Kid” drew strength and inspiration from Pacquiao’s incredible career.
Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight division world champion, is arguably the greatest boxer of his generation. He’s captured multiple world titles, defeated legends, and achieved worldwide fame and fortune.
It soon became Adiwang’s dream to be just like his idol.
“Growing up watching the rise of Manny Pacquiao, I was motivated to become a boxer just like him. I wanted to represent my country and make my people proud too. I wanted to help bring my family out of hardship and poverty,” said Adiwang.
“There used to be an old church on the streets where I grew up, where I initially started to learn how to box. I was 12 years old at the time. I would shadowbox and imagine I was Manny Pacquiao, fighting against legends like Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. I loved his relentless style. His opponents couldn’t handle him.”
Today, there are similarities in Adiwang’s dynamite-laden strikes and Pacquiao’s ferociousness. Just like Pacquiao, Adiwang features a relentless attack. He throws punches with no caution, and everything he comes forward with is packed with bout-ending power.
The results have been absolutely stunning.
Adiwang is thus far unbeaten in his ONE Championship stint. Gaining his start on the uber popular ONE Warrior Series, Adiwang’s star has truly shined. He won his first three bouts under the watchful eye of mixed martial arts legend Rich Franklin.
Not long after, the 26-year-old earned a six-figure contract with ONE Championship, after Franklin saw immediate potential. He then strung together two incredible finishes as part of ONE’s main roster.
“I knew Lito [Adiwang] was something special the moment I saw him train, and eventually compete. He just has that finishing instinct that not everyone has. With some polish, I knew Lito would make a huge impact in ONE Championship,” said Franklin, ONE Warrior Series CEO.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete and I just see him powering through the division. He still has much to learn, but he’s also developing at such a rapid pace. I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished so far, and very excited for what the future holds for him.”
It’s still early in his career and the possibilities are endless. Whether Adiwang goes down the path of his idol, Manny Pacquiao, remains to be seen. But there’s no denying the “Thunder Kid” is traversing a similar road.
“To be even considered in the same breath as Manny, it’s such an honor. If I can accomplish even a fraction of what he has in his career, I can consider my career a success,” said Adiwang.
“Right now I’m just focused on being the best that I can be. I really want to prove myself against the best opponents, and I feel I am ready.”
