#MINDANAO
John Tria
For this week’s column, I would like to focus on some online trends worth noting. It is important that we see trends, as they allow us to explore new business models that can help us navigate the new normal economy, which is increasingly digital, allowing even rural businesses to expand their horizons.
The news of the new 88,000 new online business registrations among the higher number of new businesses last year represents a shift in the way many businesses are done.(https://mb.com.ph/2021/01/20/dti-business-registration-jumps-41-in-pandemic-year-2020/).
Search your social media timeline and you will find many of these online businesses. Some are shifts from traditional business models. As I have written before a good number are delivery-only restaurants, "homepreneur" businesses baking items, and online services using various delivery platforms, including a few that were locally developed. Let us continue to support local businesses. These trends deserve a deeper look.
What school will be like in the new normal
I attended online research forums in various universities over the last 10 months. Unlike in the past where such activities were restricted to those in the small community with advanced degrees, the trend is to make them open activities to invite the business sector.
Reflecting on such activities, it is nice to see how universities are able to share their research with a wider community. This enables more, especially in the business community, to take stock of new knowledge that can help them innovate.
Apart from that, we note that there are more schools exploring online education options, possible blended learning, and continuous education programs offered online. Using online learning management systems, these bring lifelong learning through digital devices. This also enables the school to gain enrollees from around the world.
The key here is improved internet especially in rural areas in Mindanao. Their access to online education can spur more learning. It looks like online learning options will be offered, as they have been even before the pandemic.
Thank you PAG-ASA
We bid goodbye to PAGASA, the first Philippine Eagle born and bred in captivity which passed away last January 6, to an infection. We have learned a lot from its life and the efforts to breed and care for it. The learnings form part of the good work of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao City, caring for and breeding other eagles and raptors. Kudos to their groundbreaking research and the other work they are doing.
Agri Agra Law IRR
We look with interest at the announcement of the amended IRR of the Republic Act 10000, the Agri Agra Law, which mandates banks and financial institutions to allocate end 25 percent of their funds to the agriculture sector More on this next week.
Thanks to all of you
I am writing this simple yet meaningful message of thanks to all who sent flowers and mass cards, offered prayers and masses for the eternal repose of the soul of my father, Atty. Antonio S. Tria, who passed away peacefully last January 8 at the age of 77. He was the last commissioner of the National Pollution Control Commission and served as assistant and undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from 1987 to 1993.
On behalf of my family, I would like to thank friends and relatives, along with the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals and the Sigma Rho fraternity in UP, and the Rotary Club of University District Manila he was a member of.
His greatest and most consistent legacy will be his strong faith that transformed his last months into a loving time shared online with family and friends where he would post encouraging spiritual messages to uplift many. This we will continue.