Delegates of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC), scheduled on January 24 to 31, get a handy guide to the biggest ecclesiastical gathering in Cebu with the InnoPub-powered IEC 2016 mobile app, made available for free by Smart Communications (Smart), in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cebu.
“We are pleased to introduce to the pilgrims and participants of the 51st IEC this digital communications angel to safely guide and respond to the needs of all who are here during these days of the congress. For this reason, we thank our communications partners PLDT, Smart and InnoPub Media for helping make your stay in Cebu pleasant and safe,” said Msgr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocesan spokesperson and 51st IEC media liaison officer.
“Smart is happy to support the Archdiocese of Cebu in helping enhance the experience of the IEC delegates while they are in Cebu. Aside from IEC-related information, the IEC app also includes a directory of important contact numbers, as well as listings of restaurants, hotels, and other destinations in the province that they can visit,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.
IEC overview, updates and live streaming
IEC 2016 app, which can be downloaded for free via Google Play Store, provides a background on the congress as an international gathering that aims to re-establish awareness on the central role of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
The mobile guide has sections devoted to the theological and pastoral reflections scheduled all throughout the conference week in January and event speakers as well as carry day-to-day updates of the different activities.
The app also has a live stream feed of the IEC activities to enable more people around the world to participate in the congress for free.
Virtual concierge
The IEC 2016 app comes with a virtual concierge where delegates, especially those from outside Cebu City or the Philippines, can seek assistance or address questions about schedule, transport, and other issues.
“The virtual concierge is a new feature in our mobile apps and was thoroughly tested during the recent Sinulog 2016 celebration in Cebu. It allowed festival revellers who downloaded our Sinulog 2016 Guide to ask about the traffic situation and other updates. One even wanted to know if the Grand Parade contingents were already in General Maxilom Avenue,” said InnoPub Media co-founder Marlen D. Limpag.
Cebu’s top attractions and destinations
A Cebu Guide section within the IEC 2016 mobile app introduces delegates to the host province of Cebu and its top attractions and destinations. It lists the things to do in the metro and nearby towns, top dining areas, and provides them with a directory of useful contacts, from hospitals and emergency services to tour guides.
“Smart supports the development of IEC app as part of our partnership with InnoPub for our Digital Tourism Program, which aims to make use of mobile technology and Internet to deliver tourism, cultural, and historical information,” said Isberto.
The Digital Tourism Program was given an Anvil Award of Merit in February 2013 and commended by the Cebu City Council, in a resolution passed on mass motion in January 2012, as an ingenious way to deliver tourism information.
