Latest news with #PITC
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Apna Meter Apni Reading' App unveiled
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif has approved phasing out the role of meter readers in power Distribution Companies (Discos) across the country except KE's service area with initiation of new mechanism 'Apna meter Apni Reading' App, to be launched soon, well informed sources told Business Recorder. Currently, Meter Readers take a snap of consumers' electricity meters which are sent to Discos to Power Information Technology Company (PITC), on the basis of which bills are generated, however, there are numerous complaints of this mechanism as consumers receive inflated bills. In this regard, Prime Minister presided over a meeting on June 17, 2025 wherein issues related to the launching of new scheme and eliminating the menace of overbilling and resolving complains through an automated system came under discussion. Policy for installing more than one electricity meter unchanged, says Power Division amid social media reports According to sources, Prime Minister directed the Power Division to install a Power Smart Mobile App with instructions for use, in both National and four regional languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu and Balochi) for easy use / application and understanding of common people. Power Division has been directed to conduct a soft launch of Power Smart Mobile App immediately in order to fix/ streamline any teething issues before the nationwide launch / inauguration by the Prime Minister. The sources said, Prime Minister has given one month to the Power Division to chalk a plan for phasing out the Meter Readers from the power metering system. Power Division in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is tasked to prepare a comprehensive and engaging media campaign clearly spelling out the objectives of this initiative for the review/ approval of Prime Minister this week. Prime Minister has also directed Power Division that savings on account of reduced administrative charges for meter reading shall be passed on to the consumers . To support the initiative, the Power Information Technology Company has also instructed all Discos to prepare comprehensive media campaigns to inform consumers about the benefits of self-reading. This move aims to eliminate the role of meter readers—many of whom have been implicated in over billing and malpractice. The government has allocated Rs. 316 million for the national media campaign. A detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) has been formulated, outlining the scope, objectives, and methodology for the campaign. Additionally, a clear responsibility matrix has been developed to define the roles and responsibilities of PITC and MEPCO—covering aspects such as media planning, vendor engagement, field activation, monitoring, and reporting. Discos have sought guidance from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PITC with respect to their due contribution in media campaign. Clarification have also been sought on whether this amount should be deducted from the total payment and borne by individual Discos or whether PITC will facilitate the provision of promotional materials (e.g., boards, standees, banners). Discos have also urged PITC to explore the possibility of securing complimentary airtime for public service announcements through electronic media. Discos highlight the importance of PITC's support in providing the necessary documentation to ensure the success of this public awareness initiative. Furthermore, Discos have stressed the need for thorough testing and validation of applications such as the Power Smart App, Apna Meter Apni Reading, CCMS+, and the Lineman Mobile Solution prior to launch. This is vital to prevent technical issues, ensure a smooth user experience, and build consumer trust. The sources told this correspondent that PITC will ensure high performance, reliability, and a seamless user experience across all platforms during the campaign rollout. All relevant details are to be shared with full transparency to meet the codal formalities required for such government initiatives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
GMA Network
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Ara Mina explains the reason behind her different screen names
Before Ara Mina became a household name, there was a time when she used four different screen names. Born Hazel Pascual Reyes, the award-winning actress shared the reason behind her screen name in "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda" on Monday. According to Ara, her screen name was derived from her sister Cristine Reyes' first name and their other sister. "Inintroduce ako sa 'That's Entertainment,' Ara Mina 'yung name ko. And 'yung Ara Mina, 'yon iyong name ni Cristine [which is] Ara Cristine and Mina name ng isa kong sister Mina Princess," Ara shared, adding that it was her mom who chose that screen name for her. After using the screen name Ara Mina for some time, she changed it to Ara Mina-Reyes for the 1995 movie "Si Mario at Si Goko." "Nilagyan naman ng Mommy ko ng Reyes kasi parang ang dating daw kasi ng Ara Mina is parang first name lang. Parang walang apelyido, parang Ara Mina, Carmina ganoon. So nilagyan niya ng Reyes," she said. The third screen name she used was Dara Mina, and according to Ara it was because of Donna Cruz. "Ang story po diyan ay 'Nako, sikat na sikat sila Donna Cruz, sikat na sikat sila ganyan.' 'Yung mga initials ng mga sikat, so parang lagyan natin ng ano, gawin nating ano, alisin na natin 'yung Reyes, masyado raw mahaba," she recalled. "So ginawa niya [mom] para ano, Dara Mina doon sa pelikulang 'Flor Contemplacion," Ara added. The fourth screen name she had was Danica Gomez, which she used at the height of Charlene Gonzales' popularity. "Sumikat si Charlene Gonzalez, so 'yung G, may letter G si Gonzalez. Sabi ni mommy, 'Nako masyadong maikli ang Dara. Gawin nating Danica. Tapos sikat sila ano Richard Gomez, gawin nating Gomez," she said. Despite using different screen names, people knew her as Ara Mina, which ultimately led her to officially use the name. In 2021, Ara Mina got married to Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) President and CEO Dave Almarinez. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Philippine Pavilion opens at INDEX Dubai 2025, showcasing modern furniture and home décor
The Philippine Pavilion officially opened today at INDEX Dubai 2025, one of the largest international trade fairs for interior design in the Middle East. From May 27 to 29, the pavilion will showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of various Philippine brands under the DesignPhilippines banner at Stand AR-F211, Trade Centre Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre. Trade Commissioner Vichael Roaring of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PITC) in Dubai said that the Philippine Pavilion currently hosts 10 companies with 25 delegates in total. 'We really want to develop the market for these Philippine design-driven products. Kasi tayo, we do great handcrafts, manlilikha, and the second is knowledge products. So it's really about creativity. It's really about innovation and design,' Mr. Roaring told The Filipino Times. 'It's actually reflected in this pavilion, how we're trying to excel, where we want to showcase our excellence, in the designing of products,' he added. Participating companies are presenting innovative, sustainable, and design-forward furniture and home décor products to global buyers and industry professionals. The initiative is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the PITC in Dubai, under the Department of Trade and Industry. Philippine officials Hon. Marford M. Angeles, Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, and Mr. Arvic V. Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, also graced the opening of the pavilion. INDEX Dubai aims to gather global brands and designers to highlight the latest trends and products in the interiors industry.
