Day 3

Today, I went to a company visit to ASTI or the Advanced Science and Technology Institute located inside UP Diliman campus in Quezon City in the morning and in the afternoon we went to SSS or the Social Security System of the Philippines also located at Quezon City in East Avenue.

ASTI Embedded Technologies is the result of an initial test bed of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) to accommodate the increasing demand for dynamic software and embedded hardware designs for ASTI projects. Today, we have evolved as a significant arm in developing innovative solutions and providing services on embedded space.

 

Its mission is to seek to become the leader in research and development in the areas of embedded systems, wireless communication, and advanced networking technologies and applications by creating simple, cost-effective, and value service solutions for today's embedded challenges and taking responsibility with uplifting local enterprise by providing innovative solutions using ICT and electronics technology. We had speakers from different projects that the ASTI had made, namely the Embedded Systems, Bayanihan Linux OS and Tsunami Alarm.

 

 SSS or the Social Security System (SSS) is an agency which is created to establish a social security protection to workers in the private sector, wage earners as well as self-employed persons. It is implemented in accordance with the Republic Act 1161, better known as Social Security Act of 1954.

Of all the companies, SSS gave us the warmest welcome compared to the previous we have visited. We had a lecture about their system that was almost like a seminar held in the Magsaysay hall, if I’m not mistaken, a large hall. We were also given pamphlets and snacks. After the lecture we had a tour on their building. Our first stop was at the SSS Museum and Library. The staff and the people there are very friendly. The next stop was at the SSS ID Card production Center. We really had a close encounter with the machines that they used. Our last stop with the tour on SSS was the building where they entertain SSS potential and existing members. They oriented us on the processes a member should follow to be accommodated for the services they needed.

What I learned?

I learned about their project that involves development of an Open Source based desktop solution called Byanihan Linux (BL) with the end goal of providing the best alternative desktop solutions to the Filipinos. About the typhoon warning device they discussed to us that the PAGASA Interactive Climate and Weather Information Network (PICWIN) project aims to modernize the communications network of PAGASA, expedite the delivery of weather advisory services to the concerned public officials as well as the general public, and provide a platform for Philippine meteorological researchers to develop and adapt various numerical models. In SSS, social security benefits includes sickness, disability, retirement, maternity, and death funeral. Those benefits mentioned were a big help in our lives. We are pretty lucky if we are a member of this system. Pension is a big help, really a big help. Like my grandfather, also my parents.

 What I liked ?

I liked the  Social Security System’s warm welcome to us. The place was comfortable. The hall is so big. The facilities especially some guards were very hospitable and some of them came from in Davao City. As we passed by in the corridor, we heard saying a visayan words, I can't remember what the guard told. 

 What I didn’t like?

I don't like the traffic which consumed our time.