Manila Standard - 2024 September 28 - Saturday

Ex-PCSO chief tagged in murder of colleague

Quad Comm witness also implicates Napolcom chief

By Maricel V. Cruz

N ACTIVE police lieutenant colonel accused former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Officer general manager Royina Garma of ordering the murder of a fellow PCSO official in 2020.

TAGGED. Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza points to Police Lt. Col. (ret.) and former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma during the 7th QuadComm meeting at the House of Representatives.

In a sworn statement, Lt. Col. Santie Fuentes Mendoza—a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group—told the House Quad Committee that Garma ordered the killing of former police Gen. Wesley Barayuga, who was then PCSO board secretary. Garma, however, said she was shocked by the fresh accusation against her, adding that she had a cordial relationship with her late PCSO colleague. "We were okay. I don't recall ever having a conflict with him," Garma said during the interpellation of Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it successfully delivered much-needed supplies to and replace worn-out crew members of BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal despite the constant shadowing of Chinese vessels.

"[The] AFP was able to deliver supplies and rotate our personnel without interference," AFP spokesperson Colonel Margareth Padilla told reporters on Friday. She said the rotation and reprovisioning (RoRe) operation was carried out with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday.

However, the Chinese government insisted that not only did it not interfere with the Philippine resupply mission to the grounded ship’s crew but it actually “supervised” the operation.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) said the resupply operation was done "in accordance with the provisional agreement" between Manila and Beijing. Filipino personnel "delivered daily necessities to the illegally grounded warship on Ren'ai Reef," CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said, using the Chinese name for the shoal.

By Rachelle Tonelada

THE Supreme Court has ruled that demotion, verbal abuse, and indifferent behavior by an employer that forces employees to resign can constitute constructive illegal dismissal.

In a 20-page decision, the SC's Second Division found that an employee of a car company was constructively dismissed.It said that constructive dismissal occurs when an employee feels compelled

By Pot Chavez and Maricel V. Cruz

DETAINED ex-mayor Alice Guo pled not guilty to qualified human trafficking charges, her lawyer said on Friday. Guo participated in the arraignment proceedings via videoconference while her counsel, Nicole Jamilla, personally appeared before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 167.

"She has no participation in trafficking really. That is right, without going into further details, because we might be subjugated, but on the part of our client, she is firm that she is not guilty of the crime she is accused of," said Jamilla.

The case against Guo, which is nonbailable, stemmed from the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

already identified area coordinators for respective areas here in Lebanon. We've already identified

LONGEST MINDANAO BRIDGE.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration yesterday of the Panguil Bay bridge project, the longest waterspanning bridge in Mindanao connecting the municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. Inset shows part of the 3.169 kilometer structure. PPA Pool

Long wait over as Marcos opens Panguil Bay Bridge

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos led the inauguration of Panguil Bay Bridge, which connects Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte.

The inauguration of the 3.2-kilometer bridge, the longest of its kind in Mindanao, was held Friday, with key government officials and representatives from South Korea in attendance.

The project, which costs over P8 billion, reduces a commute that once took more than two hours to just seven minutes, benefiting over 10,000 travelers daily.

"We waited for this for such a long time," President Marcos said.

"If I had a peso for every time someone asked me, ‘When will we finish the Panguil Bay Bridge?’ I would already be able to fund a second bridge by now. But today, the waiting is over," he added.

SC sets PhilHealth hearing on Jan. 14

THE Supreme Court (SC) en banc has scheduled oral arguments for January 14, 2025, on the transfer of P89.9 billion in funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury.

The court noted the preliminary issue of whether a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order should be issued against the respondents. Before the oral arguments, the Su-

Ex-PCSO...

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"I am surprised I am being implicated in this. I did not expect this. I was never investigated or questioned after his death," she added.

Garma said it was the first tims she heard of Mendoza, but admitted she could not recall if the two of them met prior.

Earlier, Garma was also implicated by at least four Quad Comm resource persons as the one who reportedly relayed instructions to execute three suspected Chinese drug lords inside the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016 at the onset of the previous administration’s bloody drug war.

One of the resource persons also implicated former President Rodrigo Duterte, who allegedly congratulated Supt. Gerardo Padilla, the former war-

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Guo, also known as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, is accused of involvement with a company that dealt with Zun Yuan Technology Inc., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub located in Bamban town in Tarlac province, which was raided by authorities in March.

Aside from her human trafficking case, the dismissed Bamban mayor is also facing a graft case before a Valenzuela court as well as tax evasion and money laundering complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

During a closed-door session at

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shelters. In fact, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) has already identified and recommended a shelter in the event of a truly catastrophic mass evacuation,” Ambassador Raymond Balatbat said at a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) press briefing in Manila.

“And we've already been in contact with the Lebanese authorities, immigration authorities. We've been in discussions with them on how to facilitate the repatriation of OFWs, especially those who are undocumented. Actually, we're ready,” he added.

Currently, there are approximately 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon, although Balatbat noted that a number of them remain undocumented.

In the southern part of Lebanon, where the brunt of the conflict is being felt, at least 196 Filipinos have been fetched and relocated to the capital, Beirut.

Feedback from community leaders and area coordinators indicates that the majority of Filipinos prefer to stay in Lebanon.

Out of the initial 1,000 who applied for repatriation, at least half of them later withdrew their applications.

Balatbat explained that most Filipinos in Lebanon have not expressed serious concern about the escalating conflict, emphasizing that some of them have stated that they are accustomed to it due to the conflict's long-standing presence in the country.

He addressed that Filipinos “would rather take their chances” in Lebanon than go home, as they have survived most of the wars.

The envoy also pointed out that loyalty plays a significant role, with many Filipinos feeling a deep care

den of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, through a phone call following the killings of suspected Chinese drug lords Chu Kin Tung, Li Lan Yan and Wong Meng Pin.

Mendoza's affidavit detailed a chain of events that purportedly led to the execution of Barayuga, perpetrated in broad daylight in Mandaluyong City in 2020.

He said the plot began in October 2019 when police Col. Edilberto Leonardo contacted him about a "special project" involving the elimination of Barayuga, who was allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.

Mendoza said despite his initial hesitation, he was pressured into agreeing to the plan because the order reportedly came directly from Garma, then PCSO General Manager and a former PNP official.

“Colonel Leonardo said that undertaking this project would dictate

the Senate this week, Guo supposedly revealed the identity of the “most guilty” individual behind crimes linked to illegal POGOs.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives’ four-committee panel (Quad Comm) looking into extrajudicial killings, POGOs and illegal drugs, cited a National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioner for contempt and ordered his detention at the Batasan Complex premises in Quezon City.

Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano initiated the motion to declare Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in contempt for “evading and lying to the joint committee,” which was quickly approved

for their employers due to years of service.

Meanwhile, DFA Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo De Vega confirmed that the Philippine government remains on Alert Level 3 concerning Filipino nationals in Lebanon.

However, he admitted that they are “seriously considering” the declaration of Alert Level 4, which will call for mandatory evacuation of Filipinos amid Israel’s continued bombardment of Hezbollah targets in the Middle Eastern country.

“The Philippine government continually encourages nationals to take advantage of our voluntary repatriation program. This message has been communicated through regular advisories and town hall meetings held between the embassy and the Filipino community in Lebanon,” De Vega stated.

He explained that Alert Level 4 will be declared once the conflict spreads further across Lebanon, or if Israel launches a full-blown attack, which is not yet the case.

“We know that the conflict is centered between Israel and Hezbollah targets and not the entirety of Lebanon, certainly not the Lebanese government,” he said.

“[But] if Alert Level 4 is eventually declared, we will be ready to evacuate them. We are coordinating these preparations with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the DMW's office in Beirut,” he added.

De Vega assured that assistance, including financial aid, is guaranteed for repatriated Filipinos through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reintegration program.

“So far, still no Filipino has been reported injured due to the wake of attacks against Hezbollah targets in the past few days, you can sense that there is an escalation of the attacks against Hezbollah but they have not yet resulted in injury to a Filipino,” the DFA official noted.

were at least partially confirmed by the Philippine military spokesperson, who admitted that up to eight different Chinese vessels were spotted in the vicinity as the mission was being executed. "The presence [of the Chinese ships] posed no threat to our mission and our personnel were able to complete the mission and sustain our presence in the

preme Court will hold a preliminary conference on October 9 to be attended by counsels of the petitioners and respondents.

Two petitions have been filed against PhilHealth: one led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and another by the group of Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares.

The petitioners argued that the insertion of the provision on

the direction of my career as a police officer,” said Mendoza in his sworn statement.

“Colonel Leonardo also said that we will not have any difficulty in conducting the operation because Ma'am Garma has already issued a service vehicle for Wesley Barayuga to use, and gave me the description and plate number of the vehicle."

“He said that we can shoot Wesley Barayuga after he leaves the building," Mendoza added.

Following the successful assassination of Barayuga, Mendoza alleged that Garma authorized a payment of P300,000 to the operatives involved in the hit, with the money being distributed by a middleman named "Toks."

Mendoza claims he received P40,000 as his share of the payment, and further alleged that the operation was conducted under the supervision of both Garma and Leonardo.

by the panel.

Paduano, a former police colonel, was chastised for giving evasive answers when asked about a meeting he allegedly attended in Davao City in 2016, wherein the murders of three detained Chinese drug lords were planned.

The drug lords were allegedly killed upon then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders.

For his part, House Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the Quad Comm’s work on investigating various illegal activities, including serious human rights violations, during the Duterte administration.

“This investigation is a crucial step toward the creation of a blueprint for the formulation of legislative solu-

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The President highlighted the economic impact of the bridge, stressing its role in accelerating growth and connecting the dreams of people in both provinces.

He also acknowledged the critical role of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Eximbank in funding the project, calling their support instrumental. According to the president, 21 ongoing projects and two upcoming ventures under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of Korea are underway.

The President also praised the Department of Public Works and Highways for its perseverance, especially during setbacks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused delays.

Misamis Occidentla Governor Henry Oaminal echoed the President’s sentiments during his welcome address, reflecting on the province's transformation from a conflict zone into a hub for peace and development.

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The company's president publicly humiliated him for doing this. He was later transferred to another team, and many of his accounts were taken away without explanation. The SC said that his new boss also asked him if he planned on resigning.

Due to this, he resigned in 2016. He later filed a complaint with the Labor Arbiter against the company and its officials.

Although the Labor Arbiter ruled in the employee's favor, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the company, finding that the employee voluntarily resigned. This prompted the petition before the High Court.

In its ruling, the SC said that the employee had no intention of resigning from the company if not for the company's hos-

shoal," Padilla, however, noted.

She assured that Philippine forces remain “vigilant and prepared to respond to any challenges in protecting our personnel and operations.’

The mission took place amid the presence of some 251 Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

On June 17, Chinese personnel at-

unprogrammed appropriations exceeds Congress' power to appropriate funds under the Constitution. They also stressed that the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on unprogrammed appropriations cannot amend the provisions of the Universal Health Care Act on PhilHealth.

Acting as respondents in the petitions are the House of Representatives, Senate, Department of Finance, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and PhilHealth.

Leonardo, who is now Napolcom commissioner, denied the accusation. He said to his recollection, he only met Mendoza once and they never had any working relations.

"I cannot order him to do anything because I do not know him. I just know he is an underclass," Leonardo said.

Rep. Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur, for his part, said: “This was not just a random act of violence. This was a calculated murder ordered at the highest levels to protect individuals engaged in corrupt practices at the PCSO. It is clear that the murder of General Barayuga was intended to stop him from testifying against the corruption plaguing the agency."

“The timing of the murder shows the motive. Barayuga was about to expose PCSO corruption in its STL operations, and suddenly, he is gunned down. The killers knew they had to act fast to protect their racket,” Pimentel added.

tions to uphold the rule of law,” he told his colleagues Wednesday night before adjourning for their first recess since convening in July.

“Criminals have no place in our society and we are leaving no stone unturned to preserve the peace and security in our country,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez said apart from doing its principal task of passing laws, the House exercised its oversight function by conducting inquiries in aid of legislation on pressing national issues.

“We don't just make laws… we also have to watch out for the people’s well-being. Our investigations are ongoing to directly address the problems in Filipinos’ daily lives,” he said in Filipino.

Oaminal recalled the violence that plagued the province in past decades, citing personal experiences with insurgency-related tragedies during his tenure as Kabataang Barangay president in the 1970s.

Oaminal described the declaration of the province as insurgency-free as a moment of triumph and transformation, saying it symbolizes hope, unity, and progress.

"To my fellow Misamisnons, this celebration is not just a testament to the victory over insurgency but a restoration of our province and a symbol of hope, unity, and the bright future that now lies ahead for our province," the governor said.

Oaminal highlighted his administration’s focus on building infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to improve access to essential services and boost economic activities in conflict-affected areas. He noted that 95 percent of roads connecting to the hinterland barangays have been concretized, helping to end insurgency by fostering socioeconomic development.

tile and disdainful actions. Due to this, it ruled that the company president and various managers were liable.

"As such, they should be solidarily liable to the petitioner for the money claims, damages, and interest due him," the SC said.

The court directed them to pay the employee full backwages from April 2016 until the finality of the decision, as well as separation pay equivalent to one month's pay for every year of service, with a fraction of at least six months considered as one year from 2009 to the finality of the decision.

They were also directed to pay commissions in the amount of P83,000 as well as moral and exemplary damages in the amount of P70,000. Aside from this, the court also directed them to pay attorney's fees equivalent to 10% of the total monetary reward, with a legal interest rate of 6% per annum until the finality of the decision.

tacked Filipino sailors as they were attempting to carry out the same mission, preventing the delivery of muchneeded provisions to the crew of the marooned Philippine Navy (PN) ship. The thug-like assault on the high seas that went viral on the internet and drew international condemnation led to the serious injury of a PN personnel.

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier justified the fund transfer, stating that "billions in unused and idle funds of government corporations are being marshaled for projects in health, social services, and infrastructure that serve the public, finance growth, and cut poverty."

‘Julian’ could turn into a typhoon by Sunday–PAGASA

TROPICAL Depression "Julian" as of Friday afternoon, maintained its strength over the Philippine Sea east of Batanes and could develop into a typhoon on Sunday, according to the state weather bureau PAGASA. The tropical depression will intensify continuously throughout the forecast period and could reach the tropical storm category by Friday night or Saturday morning. The center of "Julian" was estimated to be 445 kilometers east-southeast of Itbayat, Batanes, or 425 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes. It was moving southwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Julian is forecast to follow a looping path over the waters east of Batanes and Cagayan in the next five days.

PAGASA said the tropical depression might come closer to extreme Northern Luzon: "Rapid intensification is increasingly likely." Rio Araja

Fuel prices likely to rise anew next week, says DOE

PUMP prices will likely go up for the second consecutive week of as much as P0.90 per liter due to the volatility in world oil prices. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates an increase next week of P0.30 to P0.60 per liter for gasoline, P0.65 to P0.90 per liter for diesel and P0.40 to P0.50 per liter for kerosene.

“Domestic pump prices are expected to increase next week based on the fourday trading in MOPS (Mean of Platts Singapore) The following are the estimated adjustments: gasoline - P0.30 to P0.60, diesel - P0.65 to P0.90, kerosene - P0.40 to P0.50 per liter,” DOE director Rodela Romero said Friday. Romero said world oil prices have increased week on week due to uncertainty in supply underpinned by an escalation in Middle East hostilities and the latest economic stimulus of China, offsetting weak demand growth from Europe.

She said the US crude inventory draw is also a “bullish signal indicating tightening global supplies.” Alena Mae Flores

Solons, LGU officials in full force at 3-day BPSF in Cavite

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez expressed his gratitude for the impressive turnout of solons and public officials at the three-day Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) being held in Cavite.

“I am deeply honored to be here with my fellow lawmakers who share our commitment to bringing efficient and fast government services to the people of Cavite and beyond,” Romualdez said.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring that government services reach every Filipino household.

Among the local hosts for the event were Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Cavite 1st District Rep. Jolo Revilla, 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla and AGIMAT Partylist Rep. Bryan Revilla. Other lawmakers from the province of Cavite were also present in the event, including Reps. Adrian Jay Advincula (3rd District), Roy Loyola (5th District), Antonio Ferrer, Crispin Diego Remulla (7th District), and Anniela Blanca Tolentino (8th District). Maricel Cruz

IN BRIEF

Local bets proclaimed in Imus political rally

IMUS City Mayor Alex Advincula and Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula were formally proclaimed as relectionist-candidates by Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla during a political rally held at the Imus City Grandstand in Malagasang 1-G. Remulla and Vice Gov. Athena Tolentino raised the hands of the Advinculas as their bets for the May 12, 2025 midterm and local elections, along with councilors Lloyd Jaro and Arnel Cantimbuhan.

Also in the rally were Imus Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan and 12 municipal councilors.

Some 10,000 beneficiaries of the CARD or Cash and Rice Program under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Speaker Martin Romualdez witnessed the event.

Mayor Advincula cited some of his accomplishments in more than two years of his first term. Dennis Abrina

SM, MESA sponsor Balanga food festival

SM CITY Bataan celebrated the richness of Filipino cuisine by hosting an exciting food festival in Balanga City in collaboration with MESA Philippines.

The event featured two exciting culinary creations; an oversize tinapa fried rice and a giant tinapa roll, both of which paid homage to Balanga’s famous smoked fish delicacy.

The centerpiece of the festival was the giant tinapa fried rice weighing 100 kilograms.

Prepared with steamed rice mixed with tinapa flakes, it was garnished with tomatoes, red salted eggs, and spring onions, creating a visually stunning and flavorful treat. Alongside this, the giant tinapa roll showcased a creative twist on traditional flavors, featuring smoky tinapang bangus combined with tomatoes, onions, and salted eggs, served with crispy kropecks.

The culinary event, led by executive chef John Rey Antonio of MESA Philippines, drew a crowd of 500 mall-goers who were treated to free taste tests of these unique dishes. Butch Gunio

59 school dropouts pass voc training in Navotas

EXACTLY 59 out-of-school and unemployed young Navoteños have successfully completed free skills training from the Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment (NAVOTAAS) Institute.

Twenty of the graduates earned national certification (NC II) in shielded metal arc welding, while 20 others passed the NC II assessment for barista. Additionally, 19 completed the bread and pastry production training, with 18 receiving their national certification.

Aside from the certifications, the participants also received toolkits and allowances to help them kick-start their careers.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco commended the graduates for their commitment and perseverance, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and skills development. He also encouraged the trainees to take advantage of other city programs, such as NegoSeminars offered by the NavotaAs Hanapbuhay Center, to further enhance their skills.

Trilateral tie-up forged on BARMM healthcare

IN a significant step toward strengthening healthcare in the Philippines, the development agencies of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States have signed on Sept. 27 a partnership committing P1.6 billion ($29 million) over five years to improve health outcomes and advance Universal Health Care in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

This funding is in addition to existing forms of assistance which the three development agencies have provided and will continue to extend to BARMM.

Under the Memorandum of Cooperation, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pledged to work closely with BARMM’s Ministry of Health (BARMM-MOH), the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH), local

Solon wants agri sector renamed as ‘agricoolture’

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LAWMAKER has proposed a new approach to “effectively raise public awareness over the indispensable role that agriculture plays in the planet’s survival,” and attract the youth to actively participate in this sector.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan termed his scheme as “agricoolture,” adding that present and future generations must come together to “create a brighter, greener, and bluer future” for farmers, fisherfolk, consumers, industry stakeholders, and the rest of the planet.

One way to realize this goal is to package agriculture and its related industries, such as fisheries and aquaculture, as “cool” endeavors to make people pay attention and take part in them, Yamsuan said.

communities, and other key stakeholders to improve health information systems; increase public health financing; promote good public health practices; expand quality healthcare services, and improve access to essential medicines, facilities, and equipment.

JICA, KOICA, and USAID have committed to share their expertise and resources to advance cross-cutting health system reforms and initiatives in the region effectively and innovatively.

“Together with our partners, we aim to promote a more resilient and

efficient regional healthcare system accessible to the community and the vulnerable groups within the region. Our efforts toward a more inclusive and responsive health system reflects Japan’s long-standing commitment to human security and peace-making efforts within the BARMM,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said at the signing ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

“Korea’s experience in rising from the ashes of war to prosperity drives our commitment to supporting peace and development, reflected in our 30-percent increase in official development assistance, and a 48-percent boost in KOICA’s budget for 2024. Through this unprecedented partnership, KOICA will play a crucial role in delivering vital maternal and child health services, strengthening health systems, and improving emergency readiness,” KOICA vice president Kim Dong Ho said.

Appointive execs running in 2025 polls are deemed resigned—Comelec

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections

(Comelec) reminds all appointive officials who will file their certificate of candidacy (COCs) on Oct. 1-8 for the May 2025 elections are deemed resigned.

For party-list groups, however, the nominees are considered resigned only on the first day of the campaign period, which is Feb. 11, since the Supreme Court has ruled that those running are not the nominees themselves, but rather the organizations or political parties they belong to.

Poll chairman George Garcia also reminded political aspirants to follow the guidelines set by the commission on the filing of COCs, saying the poll body will be strict in employing the number of companions that COC filers can take with them to the registration center.

“We will be strict on limiting who can. The commission’s rule will apply to all, and no one will be exempted regardless of their status or current position in the government,” Garcia said.

Based on the Comelec’s Resolution No. 11045 issued in August, senatorial aspirants will be allowed to bring a maximum of four companions, while those running for other elective offices in the national and local levels can have three companions.

Meanwhile, the Comelec will publish the COCs filed by electoral aspirants for next year’s polls.

“We will release it to the public so that the public can know who you are, if you are qualified and if you are a citizen of the country,” the poll chief said.

Candidates’ personal data will be redacted from the COCs prior to online publication.

Posting all COCs for the 2025 midterm elections online will allow the public to scrutinize candidates’ information and hold the aspirants accountable for the information they submit to the poll body.

“Two weeks after the filing of certificates of candidacy, we will post all COCs of all candidates on the Comelec website,” Garcia said.

PCG apprehends vessel in fuel pilferage attempt

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday apprehended a privately owned vessel with seven crewmembers at the Manila Bay on suspicion of fuel pilferage.

The PCG said in a statement that its patrol ship BRP Boracay spotted the MV Palawan, which was carrying alleged smuggled diesel fuel.

“While underway to Bataan to augment MTKR Jason Bradley operations, BRP Boracay sighted MV Palawan with an undetermined quantity of alleged smuggled diesel fuel on board,” the PCG said. MV Palawan was going to Navotas when it was intercepted by the PCG.

BRP Boracay towed MV Palawan to Pier 13 at the South Harbor in Manila for further investigation.

INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK. Fantasy World opens its flagship store at SM Fairview Quezon City, the largest indoor amusement park in the country designed for ‘endless fun’ for kids and teens. In photo is Steven Tan (in yellow shirt), president of the SM Supermall, with other representatives during the inauguration. Manny Palmero

IMUS RALLY. Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla and Vice Gov. Athena Tolentino proclaim Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula and Cavite

Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula, both reelectionists, and other bets in next year’s elections during a rally at the Imus grandstand in Barangay Malagasang 1-G. Dennis Abrina

IYF WORLD CAMP. International Youth Fellowship founder and worldrenowned youth mentor Rev. Dr. Ock Soo Park uses the Bible to educate the students

during the IYF World Camp at the Caloocan Sports Complex. The three-day event features lectures, keynote messages, inspirational talks, performances,   cultural expositions, academics, and mind recreation. Lino Santos

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

IN BRIEF

MMDA leads multi-sectoral approach to flood mitigation

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) organized a meeting with various government agencies, local executives, members of the academe, and the private sector to discuss the Metro Manila Drainage Master Plan (MMDMP).

MMDA deputy chairman Usec. Frisco San Juan Jr. and MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana said the primary goal of the initiative was to enhance the current drainage infrastructure and mitigate flooding issues in the National Capital Region.

During the meeting, the MMDA, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), presented ongoing projects, programs, and the overall direction of the master plan.

The discussions also included suggestions and recommendations based on historical data and future scenarios.

The presentations will serve as reference points and guidance for agencies and local government units in Metro Manila to expand and increase the capacity of the existing drainage system.

Rabies cases plateuing: DOH backs budget for dog, cat vax

THE Department of Health said it observed a decline in the number of rabies cases in the country in the past two weeks.

The DOH logged a 20 percent decrease with only 12 cases reported from August 18 to 31, 2024, compared to the 15 cases from August 4 to 17, 2024. However, DOH saw a total of 354 rabies cases recorded nationwide as of September 14, 2024.

The said figure reflects a 23 percent increase compared to the 287 cases reported in the same period last year.

The DOH likewise said all confirmed cases were fatal as it urged the public to remain vigilant and be proactive in preventing rabies transmission. Ralph Harvey Rirao

Army holds ‘Katihan’ Patrol in Bulacan

THE Philippine Army kicked off a sixday inaugural edition of the “Katihan” Patrol in Bulacan that aims to boost the operational capabilities of its participants.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the send-off ceremony took place at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) headquarters at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan on Wednesday, participated by the Army’s major units.

“’Katihan’ Patrol 2024 aims to comprehensively assess the operational capabilities of 153 personnel from various PAMUs [Philippine Army Major Units] through a demanding 50-kilometer patrol exercise covering Bulacan’s rugged terrain,” Dema-ala said.

The exercise replicates the United Kingdom’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol which saw the FSRR team winning silver medals in 2019 and 2023, he said. Rex Espiritu

Marbil orders new CIDG chief to start internal cleanup

PHILIPPINE National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil directed new Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III to lead a full-scale internal cleanup to restore the unit’s integrity and rebuild public confidence.

“The CIDG must set the highest standard of professionalism and ethical conduct,” Marbil said as Torre officially assumed as the 49th chief of the CIDG at Camp Crame Thursday afternoon.

“I have complete trust in Brig. Gen. Torre’s ability to address the challenges within the CIDG. His proven track record shows his capability to confront these issues head-on, and I am confident he will take on this mission with unyielding commitment,” he added.

Torre, who led the implentation of an arrest warrant against wanted pastor Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City, replaced Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco who moved to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU).

Marbil emphasized the CIDG’s pivotal role in maintaining the credibility of police investigations and ensuring justice is served.

Marcos declares Misamis Occ.

rebel-free, cites dev’t projects

DepEd order doubles vacation credit of public school teachers

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Education (DepEd)

increased the number of vacation service credits (VSCs) of public school teachers from 15 to 30 days under new guidelines signed by Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.

The updated guidelines streamline the administration of VSCs, which allow teachers to offset absences due to illness or personal reasons, or to recover salary deductions during vacation periods. The revised order now entitles incumbent teachers with at least one year of service, as well as newly hired teachers appointed within four months after the start of classes, to 30 days of VSCs annually.

Additionally, newly hired teachers whose appointments are issued four months after the start of classes will receive 45 days of VSCs per year.

By Roy Tomandao

The calculation of service credits beyond working hours also improved. The new guidelines state that for every hour of eligible service rendered during school days, teachers will now earn 1.25 hours of VSC. Meanwhile, if the service is rendered during Christmas or summer breaks, weekends, or holidays, this will be equivalent to 1.5 hours of VSC per hour.

Teachers assigned to perform ancillary tasks or additional teaching-related duties outside of their regular hours will also benefit from the new guidelines. These include attending training sessions on weekends or holidays, conducting remedial or enhancement classes, election-related duties, parentteacher conferences, and home visits. In cases where teaching overload is not compensated through overload pay, teachers will be credited with 1.25 hours of VSC for every hour of additional teaching, on top of their 30-day entitlement.

1st

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT

Marcos declared the province of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free area on Friday.

Speaking at the Tangub City Global College Sports Complex, Mr. Marcos acknowledged the long and difficult journey toward achieving peace, crediting the collaborative efforts of the military, local government units (LGUs), and the national government.

“The declaration of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province is a testament to the years of consistent and resolute security, peace, and communitybuilding,” he said. He said the dismantling of insurgent leadership and the reintegration of former rebels were key steps in stabilizing the region.

Between 2021 and 2023, the province saw 51 barangays benefiting from Barangay Development Programs (BDPs), which the President described as “a very important and integral part of our peace efforts.”

He reported that 46 of these projects have been completed, with others in various stages of implementation. The initiatives, which include farm-to-market roads, water supply systems, and health station improvements, have played a critical role in reinvigorating once conflictridden areas.

“The experience of Misamis Occidental speaks volumes about the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency,” the President said.

“Peace will neither be attainable nor sustainable without accompanying development. These things work hand-inhand,” he added.

Governor Henry Oaminal echoed the President’s sentiments during his welcome address, reflecting on the province’s transformation from a conflict zone into a hub for peace and development.

Oaminal recalled the violence that plagued the province in past decades, citing personal experiences with insurgency-related tragedies during his tenure as Kabataang Barangay president in the 1970s.

Oaminal described the declaration of the province as insurgency-free as a moment of triumph and transformation, saying it symbolizes hope, unity, and progress.

Alaminos Mayor Greg Flores

President Marcos declares Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province in a

in Tangub City on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Mr. Marcos also led the

of

assistance to former rebels.

GUT ISSUE. Protesters troop to the Department of Agriculture along Eliptical

OPINION

What’s your wellspring?

I WAS recently in a Zoom conversation where we were asked to talk about the sources of our inspiration. The assumption is, we don’t just work and read and write all the time. There’s got to be a life outside all of that, something that gives us interesting things to say and a perspective through which we view everything else.

My hands went cold as my mind went blank.

My companions described a rich life outside what we were doing: music, sports, personal collections, volunteer work. I do different kinds of writing, I ventured. I am able to talk to different kinds of people for various writing or editing projects.

Yes, but that’s still work. Anything else?

I racked my brain to say something that was cool and interesting but also true. Is my life so pathetic that I can’t think of anything else I do outside of work? Finally I said, I walk. And play pingpong.

That night before going to sleep I thought about my answer and cringed. Seriously, walking? Everybody walks.

It’s just putting one foot in front of the other. Even toddlers walk!

What I wanted to say was that a few months ago I began the habit of walking around the UP academic oval several times a week, in the early morning or late afternoon, as a way of staying healthy. I soon realized that it provided benefits beyond the physical. I was able to behold sunrises or sunsets. These happen every day but we are often too busy to stop and experience them.

But the bigger benefit to walking is the clarity it gives the walker. One thinks about issues, challenges, conflicts, and even aspirations. Reflects on a particular life episode. Recalls something read or watched or heard. Plans and outlines the next steps toward a goal. Come up with ideas on things to write about in whatever form. I return from a walk, body tired but mind bursting.

It’s almost a bonus to rack up several thousand steps.

Admittedly these rainy days I am no longer as consistent as I was during the summer. And then of course classes started and work demands piled up and all the other excuses weren’t too far behind. It’s always a target to make time for it.

I also answered that I played a sport. Sure, I learned to play table tennis in college for PE. Fast forward to many

years later, during the pandemic, and the good fortune of our building administration putting up a pingpong table in one of the conference rooms for its residents. I took turns playing with my sons who were then in their late teens/ mid-20s. It was a nice way to pass the days when we were all meant to stay within the confines of the home.

But mobility restrictions have since eased, the boys are busy, such that we only seldom play. The table is folded away at the side of the conference room, which is now being actually used again for real meetings. So, no -not too much pingpong, either.

Inner worlds could be as rich as those outside.

It’s typical of me to come up with witty or interesting things to utter long after the moment for saying them has passed.

Indeed much of what I write about springs from the work I do – teaching, talking to and observing people, reading the news, pondering what it means to different individuals. I am lucky that this is something I actually like. I guess this is why outside of this I am usually too exhausted to do much else. For recreation, I’m usually happy watching things, conversing with equally low-maintenance people, putting my personal space in order, introspecting, replenishing.

It took a while to stop wondering whether having a hyperactive inner world limited any possibilities for me. But we are who we are, right, and didn’t Rilke write, “And even if you were in some prison, the walls of which let none of the sounds of the world come to your senses, would you not then still have your childhood, that precious, kingly possession, that treasure-house of memories?”

Oh I’d love to do some volunteer work much later, perhaps when the pressure to earn eases. For today, -- and I’m not in any sort of prison – there remains an inexhaustible amount of things to make sense of and write about. The bigger challenge is actually finding the time to sit down and unpack away.

adellechua@gmail.com

‘Broken’ global news industry faces uncertain future

PARIS — From disinformation campaigns to soaring scepticism, plummeting trust and economic slumps, the global media landscape has been hit with blow after blow.

World News Day, taking place on Saturday with the support of hundreds of organizations including AFP, aims to raise awareness about the challenges endangering the hard-pressed industry. ‘Broken business model’ In 2022, UNESCO warned that “the business model of the news media is broken”.

Advertising revenue -- the lifeline of news publications -- has dried up in recent years, with Internet giants such as Google and Facebook owner Meta soaking up half of that spending, the report said. Meta, Amazon and Google’s parent company Alphabet alone account for 44 percent of global ad spend, while only 25 percent goes to traditional media organisations, according to a study by the World Advertising Research Center. Platforms like Facebook “are now explicitly deprioritizing news and political content”, the Reuters Institute’s 2024 Digital News Report pointed out. Traffic from social to news sites has sharply declined as a result, causing a drop in revenue.

Few are keen to pay for news. Only 17 percent of people polled across 20 wealthy countries said they had online news subscriptions in 2023. Such trends, leading to rising costs, have resulted in “layoffs, closures, and other cuts” in media organisations

Don’t say you were not warned

around the world, the study found. Eroding trust Public trust in the media has increasingly eroded in recent years.

Only four in 10 respondents said they trusted news most of the time, the Reuters Institute reported.

Meanwhile, young people are relying more on influencers and content creators than newspapers to stay informed.

Few are keen to pay for news. Only 17 percent of people polled across 20 wealthy countries said they had online news subscriptions in 2023.

For them, video is king, with the study citing the influence of TikTok and YouTube stars such as American Vitus Spehar and Frenchman Hugo Travers, known for his channel HugoDecrypte. Growing disinformation

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has renewed concerns about disinformation -- rife on social platforms -- as the tool can generate convincing text and images.

In the United States, partisan websites masquerading as media outlets now outnumber American newspaper sites, the research group NewsGuard,

INTERNATIONAL news agency

Reuters headlined the spectacular, and some sensed was an alarming development: “China’s PLA conducts rare publicized test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile.” It was aimed at a predetermined area of the Pacific Ocean, flying over key allies of the United States, Japan and the Philippines, sending a message now reverberating across the world.

It was a rare publicized “test” because it is only now that China needed to send a loud message in the subtle Confucian way without saying, “you are forewarned.” It carried a dummy warhead this time but the message was very clear even to dummies. The Pacific is the direction to the U.S. and the missile’s flight path necessarily crosses the general air space of key U.S. allies in the First Island Chain – including the Philippines.

To get a perception of a third-party observer, I reviewed various international news coverage of China’s ICBM test, the Hindustan (India) described it as “China’s First-in-40-Years Missile Test A Pre-War Message to West?” It is the general view of the global media watching this, that it is China’s message to those provoking it with the now constant barrage of provocations; that is, the U.S. and its few Asian allies, particularly Japan and, lately, the bellicose and even more aggressive Philippine government.

The Philippines, in a short span of 27 months of the present government starting June of 2022 to September of 2024, has transformed from its president affirming the country’s independent foreign policy in his speech in his

which tracks misinformation, said in June.

“Pink slime” outlets -- politically motivated websites that present themselves as independent local news outlets -- are largely powered by AI. This appears to be an effort to sway political beliefs ahead of the US election.

As part of a national crackdown on disinformation, Brazil’s Supreme Court suspended access to Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter.

The court accused the social media platform of refusing to remove accounts charged with spreading fake news, and flouting other judicial rulings.

“Eradicating disinformation seems impossible, but things can be implemented,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF) editorial director Anne Bocande told AFP.

Platforms can bolster regulation and create news reliability indicators, like RSF’s Journalism Trust Initiative, Bocande said.

state visit to China in January 2023 in front of President Xi Jinping, to a restoration of the colonial-vassal state of the United States of America and installing U.S. Intermediate Range missiles and launchers aimed at China.

—“—

If the Philippines still won’t comprehend the message then it can only hope to have better luck than Ukraine.

Under the cover of mutual defense military exercises, the U.S. transferred Typhon missile launchers for military exercises in April 2024, but the missiles and launchers stayed on after the military drills. Not only did Filipinos raise alarm about the lingering presence of the missiles but even Russia in the words of its president Putin in July who noted that the U.S. missiles “was announced... are in the Philippines...” and would put it under Russia’ nuclear cross hairs.

China Daily, one of the English dailies of the Chinese state media, in April 2024 reacted with the headline “US missiles in Philippines cast ‘black day’ for Asia-Pacific.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly issued statements of concerns since the month the U.S. deployed these missiles, and the Armed Forces of the Philippine felt compelled to issue assurances and in July, its spokesperson Col. Louie

Alarming new player

AI has pushed news media into uncharted territory. US streaming platform Peacock introduced AI-generated custom match reports during the Paris Olympics this year, read with the voice of sports commentator Al Michaels -- fuelling fears AI could replace journalists. Despite these concerns, German media giant Axel Springer has decided to bet on AI while refocusing on its core news activities. At its roster, which includes Politico, the Bild tabloid, Business Insider and Die Welt daily, AI will focus on menial production tasks so journalists can dedicate their time to reporting and securing scoops.

In a bid to profit from the technology’s rise, the German publisher as well as The Associated Press and The Financial Times signed content partnerships with start-up OpenAI. But the Microsoft-backed firm is also

Dema-ala announced that the missiles would return to the U.S. by September “as per plan.”

When September came, another bewildering reversal of policy ensued. On September 20, 2024, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año is quoted on an earlier Reuters report and confirming as the story headlined, “Philippines eyes future missile launchers purchase, to retain US Typhon system.” This naturally makes the Philippines a laughing stock of the world and Año, the chief clown, but AFP chief Romeo Brawner, Jr. says later “I would like to have the Typhons here forever ... ” China has persistently tried to talk diplomatic sense into Philippine foreign policy dealings it has with the Philippines, hence the official diplomatic channel of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) has been instituted and convened for the tenth time of talks over the problems between the two countries, but how can any sensible party deals sanely with a country that cannot speak with one voice or make up its own mind, always snapping to the whip wielded by the United States of America.

So, this time China spoke with a very rare publicized ICBM test aimed in the direction of America, crossing over the air sphere of Japan and the Philippines, and splashing down in a designated spot of the Pacific Ocean to have its ripples radiate east, west, north and south. If the Philippines still won’t comprehend the message then it can only hope to have better luck than Ukraine and Bongbong Marcos get a better ending to Zelensky’s when the time comes. rpkapunan@gmail.com

caught in a major lawsuit with The New York Times over copyright violations.

‘Quiet repression’ With journalists frequently jailed, killed and attacked worldwide, “repression is a major issue,” said RSF’s Bocande. A total of 584 journalists are languishing behind bars because of their work -- with China, Belarus and Myanmar the world’s most prolific jailers of reporters.

The war in Gaza sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel has already left a “terrible” mark on press freedom, Bocande added.

More than 130 journalists have been killed by Israeli airstrikes since October 7, 2023, including 32 while “in the exercise of their duties”.

She said a “quiet repression” campaign is underway in countries around the world, including in democracies -with investigative journalism hampered by fresh laws on national security. AFP

on Church sex abuse: ‘It is our shame’

BRUSSELS — Pope Francis said Friday that the Catholic Church must “seek forgiveness” over the “scourge” of child sexual abuse, during a visit to Belgium where the Church’s dark past looms large.

In a speech before political and civil society leaders that opened his three-day visit to the country, Francis denounced the “tragic instances of child abuse” as a stain on the Church’s legacy.

“It is our shame and our humiliation,” Francis told the gathering at the Laeken Palace royal residency.

“The Church must be ashamed and must seek forgiveness,” he said.

The 87-year-old pontiff met with a group of clerical sexual assault victims in Brussels in the afternoon, as part of a three-day stay in the European nation tarred by decades of scandals and coverups. The meeting with around 15 victims was held with the “utmost discretion”, according to the Belgian church.

It was arranged after a hard-hitting documentary last year put Belgium’s abuse scandal back on the front pages, prompting many new victims to come forward. In an open letter published by Le Soir newspaper this month, some demanded the pope address paedophilia and set up a process for financial reparations.

“Words alone are not enough. Concrete measures must also be taken,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in a preamble to the pope’s speech. AFP

Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire in Lebanon after truce bid fails

BEIRUT — Israel and Hezbollah traded fire Friday after the United States and its allies failed to secure a halt in clashes that have killed more than 700 people in Lebanon this week.

With top Israeli ministers rejecting a 21day truce proposal, the spotlight is now on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is due to address the UN General Assembly later in the day. Hezbollah and Israel have been locked in a deadly exchange of cross-border fire since the Iran-backed group’s Palestinian ally, Hamas, attacked Israel on October 7.

Nearly a year into the war with Hamas in Gaza, Israel shifted its focus to its northern front with Lebanon.

Since Monday, Israeli warplanes have bombarded Hezbollah strongholds around the country, sparking an exodus of around 118,000 people, according to the UN.

On Friday, Lebanon’s National News Agency said Israeli air strikes had intensified overnight, and that one strike had killed a family of nine in south Lebanon.

Hours later, Hezbollah fired rockets into the north Israeli city of Tiberias, saying it was responding to “savage” strikes on Lebanese towns and villages.

election through his influential platform that is plagued with misinformatResearchers fear there may be little to stop Musk -- who has endorsed Donald Trump -- from using X, formerly Twitter, and his personal account to sway voters in favor of the Republican nominee, call into question the legitimacy of the electoral process, and provoke violence against political rivals and poll workers.

“Musk has a huge following on X and he treats the platform like his own misinformation megaphone,” Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the watchdog Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), told AFP. Musk has amplified debunked falsehoods from politicians, including Trump, that Democrats are “importing” migrants into the United States to vote in the November election and that immigrants from Haiti in Ohio were killing and eating pets. AFP

ALBANIA — Amid the scorching heat at the Albanian port of Durres, 102 containers set sail for Thailand in early July, sparking a high-seas drama that highlighted the perils of the global waste trade.

According to official papers reviewed by AFP, the containers were filled with waste material that was set to be processed and destroyed far from Europe’s shores.

But weeks later, the containers are still adrift in the Mediterranean, following a months-long back-and-forth over what exactly was being shipped and whether it was legal.

Enormous amounts of waste are regularly sent to developing countries -- part of a global industry that sees Western nations

RISING waters are slowly but steadily swallowing Carnie Riemers’s backyard in the Marshall Islands, pushing her toward an agonizing choice: stay in the only home she’s ever known or leave and face the prospect of becoming a climate refugee.

“It’s not a comfortable topic to talk about,” the 22-year-old activist tells AFP, explaining the emotional toll this looming reality has on the wider community, who are grappling with similar threats.

outsourcing its treatment to Asia and Africa.

The practise has long been denounced by environmental organisations.

Despite the criticism, the waste management trade continues to be a multibillion-dollar enterprise.

The handling of illicit material alone generates between nine billion and 11 billion euros each year, according to the Financial Action Task Force, a leading watchdog tracking illegal trade.

The World Bank estimates that approximately two billion tonnes of waste are produced annually across the globe -- expected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050.

Within those mountains of waste, regulators have deemed a certain portion hazardous.

“We’re deeply rooted in our country, and we don’t want to be displaced or forced to live somewhere else -- it would be hard to preserve our culture.” Climate change is dramatically reshaping life in Pacific Island nations, leaving them ever more vulnerable to storm surges, saltwater contamination, ruined crops, and relentless coastal erosion.

“Every day it’s a constant battle,” says Grace Malie, a 25-year-old from Tuvalu, the tiny archipelago facing the grim prospect of becoming the first nation to be rendered unlivable by global warming.

Speaking to AFP from the Climate Mobility Summit, held on the sidelines of the United Nations annual meeting, Malie recalls how her community was forced to ration just a few buckets of water among large extended families during a drought two years ago. The freshwater “lenses” beneath Tuvalu’s atolls, once tapped through wells, were contaminated by rising seas years ago, leaving the nation’s 11,000 residents reliant on rainwater. Even their crops now grow in boxes rather than in the salt-poisoned ground. AFP

These include substances that can be harmful to human health or the environment due to their chemical reactivity or toxicity levels.

To better regulate the industry, the Basel Convention -- signed in 1989 by 53 countries -- prohibits members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from sending waste to non-member states.

But Albania, which is not a member of the Paris-based economic forum, is free to ship waste abroad.

The material stowed away in the 102 containers originated from the Turkishowned Kurum International steel plant in central Albania’s Elbasan, according to Albanian media reports.

In nearly a year of violence, more than 1,500 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the country’s disaster management unit.

That toll surpasses the 1,200 mostly civilians killed during the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which also killed around 160 people in Israel, most of them soldiers.

Since Monday alone, more than 700 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the health ministry.

“Everything is collapsing around us,” said Lebanese businessman Anis Rubeiz, 55.

“People are tired mentally... I don’t see (hope) on the horizon... or even a ray of light.” AFP

MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

TIRANA,

WHEN A TRUCE BID FAILS. Rescuers check the destruction following an overnight Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of Shebaa near along the border between the two countries. Israel rejected a push by allies for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon. AFP

HELENE’S AFTERMATH. Locals stand outside their homes in a flooded area of Batabano, Mayabeque Province, Cuba after the passage of Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene strengthened to an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm as it barreled toward landfall on the Florida coast, US meteorologists said. AFP

CULTURE AND PEACE. Rwandan musicians Peace Jolis (L) and Lee Dia perform

during the opening ceremony of the World Culture Festival at Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on September 26, 2024. AFP

SPORTS

Teenager seeks to halt Ohtani ‘50’ ball auction

MIAMI—A Florida teenager has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop Friday’s auction of Shohei Ohtani’s 50-50 home run ball, claiming he is the rightful owner of the prized baseball collectible which is tipped to fetch millions when it goes under the hammer.

Max Matus, 18, says in a lawsuit that he successfully snaffled the ball after Ohtani blasted it into the stands at loanDepot Park last week to become the first player in history to rack up 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.

However Matus alleges in the lawsuit that the ball was wrestled off him by two fellow spectators, Chris Belanski and Kelvin Ramirez, who have put the collectible up for sale through auction house Goldin.

Matus’s lawsuit, filed in Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court, seeks an injunction against Goldin to stop Friday’s auction of the ball from going ahead.

Goldin however said Thursday they have no plans to call off the auction after reviewing the lawsuit and studying footage of the scramble for the ball.

“We are aware of the case that has been filed,” Goldin said in a statement quoted by US media. “Having reviewed the allegations and images included in the lawsuit, and publicly available video from the game, Goldin plans to go live with the auction of the Ohtani 50/50 ball.”

Bidding for the ball is due to start Friday at an opening price of $500,000, although buyers have a chance to purchase the ball outright for $4.5 million between September 27 and October 9, according to the listing on the Goldin website.

If bidding reaches $3 million before October 9, Goldin will remove the option to purchase it privately, and interested parties must bid for the baseball.

The record price for a baseball is $3.05 million paid for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball of 1998.

“This offered baseball is truly a one-of-a-kind specimen, a crowning piece for any game-used memorabilia collection,” the listing says.

Ohtani’s 50th home run of the season came during a spectacular offensive outing for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Marlins in Miami on September 19.

He had six hits in six at bats, including two doubles for a total of five extra-base hits. AFP

Workers remove Olympic rings from Eiffel Tower

PARIS—Workers removed the Olympics logo from the Eiffel Tower overnight on Friday, returning the beloved monument to its usual form but perhaps only temporarily.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has promised to build new Olympic rings and return them to the landmark as a tribute to the hugely successful Olympic Games held in July and August.

The proposition has been criticized by descendants of the tower’s designer Gustave Eiffel, as well as conservation groups and many Parisians.

After initially suggesting the rings should be permanent, Hidalgo has proposed they remain on the city’s best-known symbol until the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Workers using a crane removed the 30-tonne rings from between the first and second floors of the tower during nightfall on Friday, just under four months after they were put up on June 7. The new rings, which the International Olympic Committee is expected to pay for, would be lighter versions and less prominent, according to a deputy Paris mayor, Pierre Rabadan.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a longtime critic and opponent of Hidalgo, has cast doubt over the idea, saying the Socialist city leader would need to respect procedures protecting historic buildings.

Hidalgo also wants to retain the innovative cauldron placed in front of the Louvre museum as well as statues of illustrious women used during the opening ceremony. AFP

NY Yankees maul Orioles to claim 21st division title

NEW YORK—New York star Aaron Judge belted his Major League-leading 58th home run and Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in four runs as the Yankees clinched their 21st division title with a 10-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.

Gerrit Cole delivered a strong performance on the mound for the Yankees, who won the American League East crown for the second time in three years to secure a first-round

bye and home-field advantage in the AL Division Series. Judge homered in his fifth straight game, smacking a two-run homer in the seventh off of Bryan Baker.

Stanton’s 27th home run of the season had put the Yankees ahead in the second inning. It was the 14th time this season that Judge and Stanton homered in the same game.

Stanton also connected for a threerun double in the sixth inning.

Cole gave up two hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking one, and departing to a standing ovation.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Baltimore’s wins in the first two games of the series were characteristic of the struggles faced by the Yankees this season.

“Nothing’s been easy for us this year, and we shouldn’t expect it to be now,” he said.

“We’ve persevered and grinded our way through all of it.” AFP

The Orioles had secured a wild card playoff spot with a victory on Tuesday that kept the Yankees’ division title celebrations on hold.

Scheffler-Kim spat spices US’ rout to open Presidents Cup

MONTREAL—Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and South Korea’s Tom Kim got involved in a spat that rankled feelings on Thursday as the United States swept to a 5-0 lead at the Presidents Cup.

The friends were at the heart of a dispute that sparked complaints of gamesmanship at Royal Montreal, where the Americans swept four-balls to seize command in quest of a 10th consecutive triumph.

Scheffler and Russell Henley beat Kim and Im Sung-jae 3&2 in the most lopsided day one result.

Kim delivered a fist pump and some trash talk to Scheffler after sinking a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-3 seventh, only for the US star to sink his own 27-foot birdie putt to tie the hole and respond.

“Looked like he poked the bear, from my perspective,” Scheffler said.

For Kim, it was good-natured jabbing as they would do in rounds together.

“That’s how we play back at home,” Kim said. “It’s all fun. I made it on top of him and he gave it to me, and I gave it back. I don’t shy away from him. He’s a good friend. But at the same time, this week I don’t like him. I want to beat him so bad, and I’m sure he feels the same way.”

Kim won the eighth hole with a 24-foot birdie putt and was hustled to the ninth tee by Internationals assistant captain Camilo Villegas to avoid a more escalated exchanges with Scheffler.

“There was no reason to stay there and look at him putt. It doesn’t help us at all,” Kim said. “It wasn’t trying to be cheap or do anything like that. We were focused on our own game.”

That, however, irked US assistant captain Kevin Kisner, who thought it lacked respect for them to depart before Scheffler’s putt.

admitted it would take a stunning fightback to finally breakthrough at Royal Montreal.

“I’m disappointed,” Scott said. “We’re going to have to find another gear to beat a tough American team.

“It’s not over. We’re going to have to fight really hard, find that gear, win a session and get going in the right direction.”

The Americans have never lost after winning the first session.

“It wasn’t a great day,” Internationals captain Mike Weir said. “You’re down but there’s a lot of way to go.” The Americans expect a fightback in Friday’s five foursomes matches. “Those guys are going to come out firing. They are down. They have to come strong,” US captain Jim Furyk said. “We’ll be ready.”

Scott disappointed

Adam Scott clung to slim hope for an Internationals rally to end a win drought dating to 1998 but the Americans own a 12-1-1 edge in the all-time rivalry.

Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, has never won in 10 prior starts for the non-European squad of global stars and the 44-year-old Australian

“They took gamesmanship too far and over the line on sportsmanship and lost some integrity,” Kisner told Golf Channel, calling it a “bush league” move.

Standout Pickleball Championship Invitational

He added: “I don’t see complacency. I really don’t.” Friday’s foursomes matches open with Americans Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele against Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and South Korea’s Im Sung-jae followed by Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala against Scott and Canada’s Taylor Pendrith. Max Homa and Brian Harman will face Australian Jason Day and south African Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Tony Finau and Wyndham Clark meet Canadians Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes and Scheffler joins Henley against An and Kim Si-woo with Tom Kim sitting out for the global squad. AFP

debuts major league format in PH

ON August 4, Metro Manila hosted the first-ever Standout Pickleball Championship Invitational, introducing the Major League Pickleball (MLP) format to the Philippines. Held at the Veterans Memorial Tennis and Pickleball Courts, this groundbreaking event gathered players of all skill levels— from beginners to elite competitors—for an intense team-based showdown that captivated the local pickleball community. Philippine Pickleball Makes History

This tournament was a major milestone for pickleball in the Philippines. By adopting the MLP format, the event offered a fresh approach to the sport, blending highlevel play with a strategic, team-oriented structure. The competition brought out the best in players and set a new standard for pickleball tournaments in the country.

Team Play Takes Center Stage Fans were treated to high-stakes action

as teams from diverse backgrounds clashed on the courts. The MLP format emphasized not just individual talent, but the importance of teamwork and strategy. Each game saw thrilling rallies and hard-fought points, showcasing the collaborative aspect of this innovative format.

Top Performances Across Divisions

The tournament delivered standout moments from teams in every category: ● Open Category: Gold - Zentro Dinking Donuts, Silver - Alset, Bronze - ACP ● 3.5-4.0 Category: Gold - VMMC Team A, Silver - Alabang Country Club Pickleball, Bronze - VMMC Team B ● 3.0-3.5 Category: Gold - VMMC Team A, Silver - VMMC Team B, Bronze - Riviera Silang Pickleball Club Teams impressed with their chemistry, skill, and competitive spirit, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and the tournament’s organizers.

The New York Yankees celebrate a 10-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium in New York City. AFP

Pickleball players at the break

Tom Kim of South Korea and the International Team lines up a putt on the 13th green as Sungjae Im of South Korea and Scottie Scheffler of the US Team look on during Thursday’s Four-ball matches on day one of the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. AFP

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI,

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst.

EDGARD HILARIO,

UP Maroons face Falcons, aim to boost hold on lead

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines

seeks to solidify its hold on the top spot against Adamson University today (Saturday) in the UAAP Season

87 collegiate men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Falcons need to figure out how to stop the Fighting Maroons’ juggernaut in the 4:30 p.m. contest, as the Diliman-based dribblers have won all of their four games via double digits.

“Win, lose, win, lose, win...hopefully we break that against UP. We will just do our best,” said coach Nash Racela as Adamson alternated victories and defeats after five matches.

University of the East shoots for a third straight win as it clashes with struggling National University at 6:30 p.m.

The Red Warriors are coming off a 75-71 reversal of De La Salle last Sunday, pinning the back-to-back title-seeking Green Archers their first loss of the season.

The Falcons are fresh from a 6058 victory over the Bulldogs via Joshua Yerro’s game-winning tip in last Wednesday, a springboard for them to perform well against the Fighting Maroons.

“I’m excited for the challenge. You know they are a good team and undefeated, but just like the UE-La Salle game, everything can happen. Hopefully, we can come out very best and hopefully, we can come out with a win,” said Matt Montebon, who has been solid for Adamson this season.

For UP, it’s always about improvement as Goldwin Monteverde is preaching.

“What’s important for our team is everybody is on the same page and having the same goal. Obviously, that goal is putting ourselves in the best position to win,” said Christian Luanzon, one of Monteverde’s trusted assistant coaches.

“I’m not talking about the championship, but just taking it one game at a time, one quarter at a time, one possession at a time,” he added.

Wello Lingolingo, who emerged as the new Red Warriors’ main offensive option this season, knows the ingredients to sustain their rise from a disappointing 0-2 start.

“Stick to the system, stay composed, and keep working hard sa upcoming games na gaganapin,” said Lingolingo.

Coach Jack Santiago loved the way his troops worked hard in the last two victories, which put UE in the conversation for the Final Four.

“I think the boys responded well, they accepted the challenge. Now at least alam na nila na kaya nilang maglaro, kaya nilang mag-perform and beating the No. 1 team,” said Santiago.

“I’m so proud with the boys kasi walang nagkakanya-kanya. Nandoon pa rin kami, we stick together sa game plan namin,” he added.

The Red Warriors are facing the Bulldogs squad mired in a threegame slide. After a lopsided 62- 87 defeat to UP, NU has narrowly lost to the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson.

Mapua’s Clint Escamis scores on an acrobatic shot against San Sebastian’s Raymart Escobido in an NCAA game won by the Cardinals, 91-72.

Alcaraz, Medvedev win Beijing openers; Zhang in upset win

BEIJING—Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev both won in straight sets to start their China Open title bids Friday while 595th-ranked Zhang Shuai pulled off a big shock in the women’s draw.

Four-time major champion Alcaraz defeated fellow 21-year-old Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4 and faces Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in round two in Beijing.

Alcaraz, who went out in the second round of the US Open last month, made a blistering start against the 51st-ranked Frenchman by breaking serve in the first game.

The Spanish second seed faced three break points as he served for the first set, but he saved them all on the way to wrapping up the set in style.

Cuenco, Escamis power Cards past Stags, 91-72

MAPUA drew strength from Marc Cuenco and Clint Escamis in the second half as it routed San Sebastian College, 91-72, on Friday to enhance its Final Four stock in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Cuenco and Escamis took turns in presiding over that onslaught in the final two quarters and finished with 26 and 25 points, respectively, as the Cardinals improved to a 4-2 record.

After Mapua and SSC-R fought tooth and nail in the first half, Cuenco and Escamis, the reigning MVP, went on a two-man tear with the former dropping 17 points and the latter 10, sparking the series of runs that put the game out of reach.

It was deluge that not even the highscoring Tristan Felebrico and Rafael Are, who fired 20 and 17 points, respectively, had an answer for as the Stags sank to their fifth straight defeat after starting the season with two triumphs in a row.

The Cardinals actually attempted to pull away as early as the first half when

it seized a 35-24 second quarter edge.

But every time they did, the Stags just seemed to always have the answer, thanks to the persistent duo of Felebrico and Are.

SSC-R even managed to trim it down to just a four-point deficit at the half, 39-35 after winning the exchange, 11-4, late in the second canto.

It turned out the Stags’ last hurrah as Cuenco and Escamis and the Cardinals’ stifling defense turned the tide in their favor.

Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde vented its ire on Lyceum of the Philippines University with a merciless 10378 rout to remain at the helm.

Unlike in the last outing where they blew what could have been a win and lost to the Letran Knights, 71-69, Sunday, the Blazers were in full con-

Games Saturday (Filoil EcoOil Arena) 11 a.m.- San Beda vs AU 2:30 p.m.- UPHSD vs Letran

trol in booking their fifth win in six outings to keep them well perched and alone on top.

“Hindi kami pwede mag-relax, lahat ng teams gusto kami talunin,” said CSB big man Allen Liwag, who had 22 points, 12 rebounds and a block in helping propel the team to a 5-1 mark.

The Pirates sank to 3-3.

The scores: First Game Mapua 91 - Cuenco 26, Escamis 25, Hubilla 12, Bancale 6, Igliane 6, Jabonete 6, Concepcion 6, Mangubat 4, Abdulla 0, Fermin 0, Pantaleon 0, Agemenyi 0 SSC-R 72 - Felebrico 20, Are 17, Aguilar 9, Cruz 8, Escobido 7, L. Gabat 3, Suico 3, Velasco 2, Lintol 2, R. Gabat 1, Pascual 0, Ricio 0, Ramilo 0 Quarterscores: 22-12; 39-35; 65-48; 91-72

Former number one Alcaraz started the second set in exactly the same way by breaking his opponent.

They went with serve after that and Alcaraz sealed a comfortable victory on his first match point.

Russian third seed Medvedev, who lost last year’s final in Beijing to current number one Jannik Sinner, eased past veteran Gael Monfils to launch his campaign.

The 2021 US Open champion defeated the 38-year-old 6-3, 6-4 and faces another Frenchman in Adrian Mannarino in round two.

The Italian Sinner, fresh from winning the US Open, plays 69th-ranked Russian Roman Safiullin next.

In the women’s draw, the wildcard entry Zhang, who on Wednesday won her first singles match in more than 600 days, stunned US Open semi-finalist Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-2.

The 35-year-old Zhang is into round three despite being the lowest-ranked player to ever compete in the main draw of the prestigious WTA 1000 event. Zhang, who has won two Grand Slam doubles titles, made it successive victories by dismantling the American sixth seed Navarro in front of her home crowd.

Zhang, a former top 25-player who has been plagued by injury, faces Belgium’s Greet Minnen next. AFP

PH pleads Thai SEAG to add more gymnastics events

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines seeks the inclusion of more events in gymnastics in the coming 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion learned that many events may be removed.

“We don’t know yet what are the events that will be held in gymnastics yet. There are only 600 medals at stake in the games. They are still studying the events in gymnastics,” said Carrion.

Carrion has made her appeal to Thailand’s gymnastics chief Jiradech Worapeankul so that the GAP will be properly informed before

any events are removed in men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics.

The two disciplines are events where the Philippines won many medals in the past.

The Philippines was informed that organizers are set to exclude the allaround and team events.

Also, the status of rhythmic and aero gymnastics is also in limbo.

As of Sept. 26, the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) has approved the inclusion of tenpin bowling, sports climbing and cricket, following a meeting with Singapore officials.

PH swimmer Chua smashes national 400m IM record

PHILIPPINE national swimmer Xiandi Chua continued her impressive career by setting a new national record in the women’s 400m Individual Medley during the 2024 Australian Short Course Swimming Championships.

Chua, a 23-year-old senior student at De La Salle University, finished third in her heat with a time of 4:45.41, surpassing the previous Philippine record of 4:46.08 set by Georgina Peregrina in 2018.

The achievement qualified Chua for the coming World Cup Short Course Champi-

onship in Budapest, Hungary.

The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) congratulated Chua on her success and expressed hope that it would inspire young swimmers and her teammates.

Chua’s gold medal win in the 200m backstroke at the Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh further solidified her status as a rising star in Philippine swimming.

She will be representing the Philippines alongside Chloe Isleta, Cristina Miranda Renner, Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, Joshua Gabriel Ang, Miguel Barreto, Kyle Gerard

Valdez, Rian

and Robin Christopher

in the coming World Cup Series.

“On behalf of PAI president Miko Vargas, the PAI leadership extends our heartfelt congratulations to Xiandi (Chua). Her latest success will inspire young swimmers and her teammates for the coming World Cup series,” said PAI Secretary General, Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain.

Back in June, Thailand made proposals for 40 sports to be contested in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla.

So far, lawn bowls and weightlifting are still not part of the calendar.

The final program will be officially confirmed after the council’s coming meeting in late October.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has earlier asked organizers to add wrestling, jiujitsu, chess, weightlifting, kurash and dancesport to the list of events that will be played in the biennial meet.

Only jiujitsu was green-lit from the POC’s list.

This goes with the addition of two combat sports, wushu and ju-jitsu, which were not listed before, but added on Sept. 5, during a meeting between the SEAG Federation and Malaysian officials. There are plans to have karate to be reinstated in the calendar of the regional meet.

Marco Tirol, Metin Junior Mahmutoglu, Rafael Barreto, Jerard Dominic Jacinto, Nathan Jao, Lucio Cuyong II, Raymund Paloma, Albert Jose Amaro II,

Domingo

Xiandi Chua

Cynthia Carrion

P83,759 P140,158 P58,741

Value of new PH housing units per sq. m.

Value of new units in NCR per sq. m.

Value of new units in provinces per sq. m.

Housing prices posted slower growth of 2.7% in 2nd quarter

HOUSING prices in the Philippines rose at a slower pace in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous period, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.

The BSP said residential property prices rose 2.7 percent year-on-year, slower than the 6.1 percent growth in the first quarter of this year. It said that on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, housing prices grew faster at 1.8 percent than the 1.1 percent growth in the first quarter of 2024.

The BSP said that on a year-onyear basis, residential property prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) contracted by 1 percent in the second quarter with the decline in the prices of single-detached/attached houses outweighing the increase in the prices of townhouses and condominium units. Residential property prices in areas outside the NCR increased by 4.2 percent.

“This growth was driven by the annual price increases in duplex housing units, single-detached/attached houses, and condominium units, which surpassed the decline in townhouse prices,” the BSP said.

Data show that the appraised value of new housing units in the Philippines averaged P83,759 per square meter (sqm).

The average appraised value per sqm in the NCR increased by 9.6 percent year-on-year to P140,158, while the average appraised value per sqm in areas outside NCR expanded by 7.8 percent year-on-year to P58,741.

It said that on a quarter-on-quarter basis, residential property prices in the NCR and AONCR rose by 3.8 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively.

By housing type (excluding the duplex housing units), condominium registered the highest YoY growth rate of 10.6 percent in the second quarter, followed by a 1.7 percent growth in single-detached/ attached houses. Meanwhile, townhouses registered a contraction of 0.8 percent.

“Prices of condominium units grew the fastest at 4.2 percent, followed by single-detached/attached houses at 3.2 percent, while duplex housing units and townhouses registered a 2.3 percent and 2.6 percent decline, respectively,” the BSP said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business, consumer sentiments improve

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BUSINESS and consumer sentiments remained optimistic in the third quarter of 2024 despite an anticipated increase in inflation rate in the next 12 months, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Results of the latest Business Expectation Survey showed that the overall confidence index (CI) held steady at 32.9 percent in the third quarter, from 32.1 percent in the second quarter of 2024.

to the start of the new school term and the pre-holiday inventory stocking by retailers, and expansion and improvement of business operations.

By Othel V. Campos

INDIAN pharmaceutical giant

Aurobindo Pharma Limited expressed strong interest in establishing a manufacturing facility in the Philippines, following a meeting with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Sept. 26, 2024. PEZA, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is enhancing its one-stop-shop services to attract pharmaceutical investments.

“Prompt issuance of FDA permits and the planned satellite laboratory demonstrate our commitment to growing the pharmaceutical sector,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

Aurobindo’s visit to the Philippines followed a July 2024 meeting with PEZA in India, organized with HSBC to attract pharmaceutical investors. The company aims to manufacture locally to meet regional demand and reduce the Philippines’ reliance on imported medicine.

PEZA has 27 registered pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. With the development of a 30-hectare industrial hub in Victoria, the agency anticipates significant growth in the sector.

The initiative aims to position the Philippines as a key player in the pharmaceutical industry.

“The steady sentiment reflected the decrease in the percentage of pessimists, which outweighed the decrease in the percentage of optimists,” the BSP said in a statement. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment for the third quarter of 2024 also improved as the overall confidence index (CI) turned less negative at -15.6 percent from -20.5 percent in the secondquarter survey results.

The BSP said that for the fourth quarter, business confidence turned bullish, as the overall CI improved to 56.8 percent from 43.7 percent in the second quarter of 2024 survey results. For the next 12 months, business outlook is also more upbeat as the overall CI increased to 58 percent from 56.5 percent in the second quarter survey results.

The BSP said the firms’ upbeat business confidence in third quarter was buoyed by their anticipation of increase in demand for certain goods and services such as food and beverage, apparel, education and personal services; easing inflation; seasonal uptick in business activities due

Companies expect tight cash or liquidity positions in the third quarter of 2024 as the financial condition index was little changed. Businesses anticipate tight access to credit in the third quarter of 2024 as the index on access to credit remained negative.

Romualdez, Cabinet welcome anti-agri smuggling law

By Maricel V. Cruz, Othel V. Campos and Darwin Amojelar

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez

lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (Republic Act No. 12002), calling it a significant and long-awaited move to protect the agricultural sector from the harmful practices of smugglers,

hoarders, profiteers and cartels.

“This law marks a critical turning point in our fight to defend the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk and secure affordable food for all. With the AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act in place, we are sending a clear message: there will be no tolerance for those who manipulate the market and jeopardize our food supply,” said Romualdez.

Public warned vs. calls on SIM card suspension

THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) advised the public to be wary of fraudulent calls threatening SIM card suspension.

CICC Executive director Alexander Ramos said in a statement his office had received complaints related to an anonymous caller who would introduce herself as an employee of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and used the name Nikki Garcia in one case. Ramos said during the conversation, the fake DICT employee or anonymous caller would inform the victim that his/ her SIM was recommended for suspension for various violations.

“We are once again appealing to the public to ignore calls from suspicious or anonymous callers,“ Ramos said .

“Please be alert at all times and do not be deceived by people who pretend to be from DICT or any other government agency,” he said.

The registration of SIM or subscriber Identity Module was made mandatory under Republic Act No. 11934 which was enacted on Oct. 10, 2022 and took effect on Dec.27,2022. The DICT said that as of July 30, 2023 or the final day after the five-day grace period, the number of SIMs registered reached 113,969,014 out of 168,016,400 SIM cards in circulation.

Ramos reiterated his appeal to the public to report cybercrime incidents to the Inter Agency Response Center Hotline 1326 to prevent cybercrime. Darwin G. Amojelar

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the new law imposes stiffer penalties against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural food products including cartels. “This new law that penalizes violators with higher fines and long jail terms, should instill fear in the minds of smugglers and hoarders, and force them to mend their ways,” Tiu Laurel said.

PEZA credited the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) for its guidance and support in establishing pharma ecozones and attracting investors.

“Our focus is on developing the local supply chain and attracting pharmaceutical FDI to make medicines more affordable in the Philippines,” Panga said.

PH climbs 3 spots to rank No. 53 in global innovation

THE Philippines climbed three ranks to 53rd in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) and, for the first time, claimed third place among 38 lower middle-income economies.

The GII report released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on Thursday shows that the Philippines stood out as one of seven economies for its stellar innovation growth over the last ten years.

Since ranking 100th in the 2014 GII, the Philippines has advanced by 47 positions and leapfrogged from 18th among its income group peers a decade ago.

The Philippines showed its strongest performance in business sophistication, ranking 37th globally in 2023, the year evaluated for the 2024 GII.

This was due to advancements in innovation linkages, particularly a notable 13-rank climb to 44th in the university-industry research and development collaboration indicator.

“IPOPHL’s Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) program was one of many government initiatives that played a key role in increasing university-industry partnerships,” said IPOPHL directorgeneral Rowel Barba.

The report says that of the seven pillars, the Philippines’ ranking in institutions jumped 14 spots to 65th, as its regulatory environment subpillar improved by 26 spots to 82nd. Othel V. Campos

MOBILITY PARTNER. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) announces its role as one of the official mobility partners for the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), hosted by the Philippines in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Signing the mobility sponsorship agreement are (from left) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assistant secretary and APMCDRR 2024 program committee chair Noralene Uy,

Stock market stays above 7,400 despite profit-taking

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE main composite index’s rise wavered on Friday, as profit-taking pulled the market from a strong advance Thursday.

Despite the rally in US and Asian markets, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 30.44 points, or 0.41 percent, to end the week at 7,428.30, while the broader allshares index went down by 7.67 points, or 0.19 percent, to settle at 3,970.43. Despite the decline, analysts said the index remained overbought following its recent climb.

The market ignored the positive sentiment overseas. US stocks rose overnight as traders awaited more clues about the health of US economy. Asian stocks also ended higher on Friday, spurred by China’s moves to boost its economy.

The market’s technical correction was manageable as overall sentiment remained positive. Indices ended mixed. Financials dropped 1.9 percent, while industrial slid by 0.03 percent.

Mining and oil advanced by 0.55 percent, followed by services which climbed 0.24 percent. Holding firms and property both rose by 0.02 percent.

Value turnover reached P6.59 billion, with 113 advancers, 94 decliners and 45 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. rose the most among index stocks, rising by 1.52 percent to P33.35, while BDO Unibank Inc. declined 3.41 percent to P1.61.40.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Shanghai shares soared again Friday on hopes China will unveil more measures to boost its economy, while the yen rallied after Japan’s ruling party elected a new leader who backs interest rate hikes. With AFP

DOE

endorses 129 power projects for grid impact study

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Friday it endorsed 29 power generation projects for system impact study (SIS) to the grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in August 2024.

It said of the 29 SIS endorsements to the NGCP, 28 are new application, while one is an amendment, bringing the total number of projects endorsed to 129. The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to accommodate addi tional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as transmis sion lines, transformers or substations.

The endorsed projects include First Gen Visayas Energy Inc.’s wind proj ects in La Union, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Bohol and Iloilo with a com bined capacity of 800 megawatts.

Other endorsed wind projects are the 144-MW Tayabas North project of CleanTech Global Renewables in Quezon province, the 36-MW Caraga project of Caraga Wind Energy Corp. in Agusan del Norte, the 206-MW San Isidro wind proj ect of Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. in northern Samar and the 62-MW Baao Two project of The Blue Circle Philip pines Cebu Corp. in Camarines Sur. The DOE also endorsed three hydro projects including two projects of Alsons Energy Development Corp. totaling 17 MW in Bago, Negros Occidental and Bukidnon Hydro Energy Corp.’s 32-MW Bulanog-Batang project in Bukidnon.

CNC launches 100%-owned shipping service unit in PH

CNC, the Intra-Asia short sea specialist of the CMA CGM Group, announced Friday the launch of CMA CGM Philippines Shipping—the first 100-percent foreign-owned international shipping line to register and operate a domestic service in the Philippines.

This followed the government’s expanded regulations permitting foreign shipping lines to venture into domestic shipping.

The new domestic service will be launched with the Philippines-flagged vessel CNC PILIPINAS, a 1,037

twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessel.

The CNC PILIPINAS will sail on the Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Express (LVMX) shipping service, with weekly port calls rotating between Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and back to Manila.

The service will support the establishment of new maritime routes, improving connectivity between major ports in the Philippines to the group’s global network.

“Asia contributes significantly to our growth globally, and the establishment of CNC’s domestic shipping service in the Philippines is an important milestone for us as a business as we continue to develop our expertise and strength in our intra-Asia services,” said CMA CGM Asia-Pacific chief executive Bo Wegener.

Department of Transportation Undersecretary for maritime Elmer Sarmiento welcomed CNC’s first

domestic service in the Philippines.

“It is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to fostering a competitive and dynamic maritime industry that will continue to attract international investments. This initiative will not only enhance our domestic shipping capabilities but also create valuable job opportunities for our seafarers, further strengthening our maritime sector,” Sarmiento said.

Steven Zhu, CNC chief executive said the Philippines holds promising potential for maritime growth and innovation given its dynamic domestic and international trade.

“We are thrilled to be the first foreign company to establish our own entity here, and together with the Philippine government, will strive to bring the best of our global knowledge, technologies, and infrastructure to the domestic market.”

PSE ready to launch GPDRs to boost domestic investments

THE Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) prepares to launch Global Philippine Depositary Receipts (GPDRs) to enhance investment opportunities for local investors by providing access to foreign securities. It said in a circular posted on its website the initiative would facilitate the listing, trading, and clearing of GPDRs representing economic interests in securities listed on overseas exchanges.

GPDRs are peso-denominated instruments, each representing economic interest in an underlying security listed on

an overseas exchange. Holders do not possess voting rights in the underlying security but have the option to convert the GPDR into the equivalent shares or units of the underlying security.

“The listing and trading of GPDRs are intended to provide local investors investment opportunities outside the Philippine market and allow them to build a globally diversified portfolio through GPDRs,” the PSE said.

Under the PSE’s proposed rules for GPDRs, eligible issuers, such as trading participants, authorized banks, and non-

bank financial institutions, must have a minimum three-year operating history. These issuers will need to meet capitalization requirements, including a minimum paid-up capital of P100 million. Investors can buy and sell GPDRs quoted in Philippine pesos through any PSE trading participant during the exchange’s trading hours.

By enabling GPDRs, the PSE seeks to allow investors to diversify their portfolios internationally while trading in Philippine pesos. When the registration of the GPDRs becomes effective and the

MPower to supply renewable energy to DM Wenceslao Group’s properties

listing application of the GPDR is approved by the exchange, the GPDRs may be listed on the local bourse without a public offering. However, the GPDR issuer may, at its option, undertake a public offering of GPDRs prior to listing. The local bourse plans to engage stakeholders in the rule-making process, inviting public comments and providing a checklist of documentary requirements for potential issuers. Interested parties may submit their comments or requests for clarifications on or before Oct. 16, 2024. Jenniffer B. Austria

Cebu Pacific takes delivery of 12th aircraft for expansion

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Joel Zurbano

CEBU Pacific said Friday said it took delivery of its 12th aircraft for the year in support of its network expansion and fleet modernization efforts. The newly-added A321NEO aircraft touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Sept. 26. The delivery comes just two weeks after Cebu Pacific welcomed another fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to accessible and sustainable air travel.

“This latest aircraft delivery aligns with our goal of enhancing our fleet and expanding our network to better serve every Juan,” Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said.

“With each fuel-efficient aircraft we welcome to our fleet, we are taking steps

and

“MPower is proud to be with the DM Wenceslao

MPower for supply requirements also aligns well with the company’s goal to source 100 percent of its properties’ power needs from renewable

MPOWER, the local retail electricity supplier of Manila Electric Co, (Meralco), said Friday it will provide renewable energy supply to power DM Wenceslao Group’s (DMWAI) properties in Parañaque City. The parties recently signed a retail supply agreement for power supply requirements of establishments under D.M. Wenceslao Group’s whollyowned subsidiary Aseana Holdings Inc. (AHI). AHI was established to cater to the development potential of Aseana City—a development project with a total land area of 107 hectares along the coastal waters of Manila Bay. MPower said the supply agreement marks a significant development for D.M. Wenceslao Group, which is committed to incorporating sustainable practices into its real estate developments by ensuring that their projects not only meet the demands of modern living but also contribute positively to the environment.

SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

TIn partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and key supporters including Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), PLDT Inc., and mWell, the annual Grand Gathering takes place tomorrow Sept. 29 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

Themed “Teachers Inspiring Change, Building the Country’s Future,” the event will feature performances from prominent artists such as Regine VelasquezAlcasid, Gabby Concepcion, Pops Fernandez, and Sharon Cuneta

“It’s great to be with people who shape our youth. That is very fulfilling for me,” Regine, who has been part of Gabay Guro for over a decade, said during the event’s media conference.

“If we can inspire them, right?

We’re really able to give them happiness, and it feels wonderful. It’s something you can’t explain. This comes from our hearts,” Gabby added.

Joining them is a stellar list of performers including Martin Nievera, Randy Santiago, Jed Madela,

LIONSGATE Play is streaming a series of British scandal dramas that showcase some of the most notorious events in the country’s history. The anthology, which offers viewers a glimpse into high-profile political dramas, divorces, and royal controversies, includes A Very English Scandal, A Very British Scandal, and A Very Royal Scandal

Season 1: A Very English Scandal (2018)

In 1960s England, charismatic politician Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) has set his sights on becoming Prime Minister. But he has a secret: a past affair with young stablehand Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw), which threatens to unravel his carefully constructed life. Desperate to save his career and reputation, Thorpe plots to silence Scott for good. What follows is a shocking true story of ambition, betrayal, and a desperate cover-up that would become one of the most infamous scandals in British history.

Season 2: A Very British Scandal (2022) The three-part mini-series takes audiences back to the 1960s again, this time focusing on the scandalous divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll: Ian Campbell (Paul

Star-studded Gabay Guro rolls out red carpet for teachers

O REAFFIRM its commitment to uplifting Filipino teachers who shape the nation’s youth, Gabay Guro is hosting back-to-back tribute events to celebrate National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day.

Jona, Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Mark Bautista Teachers will have the chance to win premium raffle prizes, including cash rewards and a brand-new car, courtesy of several sponsors like Chery Tiggo, 555 Sardines, and Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc. Registration for the event, which includes entry into the raffle, is currently open via Gabay Guro’s official

Bettany) and Margaret Campbell (Claire Foy). Their rocky marriage was mired with accusations of infidelity, forgery, and theft. When the inevitable divorce proceedings came, it turned into a sensational public spectacle after the Duke used Margaret’s private Polaroid photographs against her. The compromising images painted the Duchess as a scandalous figure and forever altered the course of the couple’s lives.

Season 3: A Very Royal Scandal (2024)  The series follows ‘Newsnight’ journalist Emily Matalis (Ruth Wilson) and her controversial 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew (Michael Sheen), which tackled the royal’s ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The three-part series chronicles Matalis’s dogged determination to secure the interview, the tense encounter, and the devastating fallout that forced the Duke of York to step back from royal duties. A Very Royal Scandal offers a gripping insider’s look at this pivotal moment, as the series is executive produced by Emily Matalis herself. This compelling anthology now streams on Lionsgate Play through PLDT Home and Smart.

Facebook page. Teachers should also coordinate with their local DepEd divisions for invitations.

Following the Grand Gathering, Gabay Guro will host its inaugural Wellness Fest on Oct. 6, 2024, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

This event will focus on health and wellness, featuring sessions led by mWell, a fully digital health platform.

Gabay Guro, now in its 17th year, is the flagship education program of MPIC, MPIF, and the PLDTSmart Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of education in the Philippines through various initiatives.

Since its inception in 2007, the program has supported over 3,000 education scholars, provided thousands of laptops to schools, and trained over 50,000 teachers nationwide.

For further details, visit Gabay Guro’s website and social media channels.

Participants can explore wellness services, engage in fitness activities, and attend a special Zumba session with the TML Crew The Wellness Fest is supported by various organizations, and while entry is free, teachers must pre-register through their local DepEd divisions. Both events will also be livestreamed on Gabay Guro’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

Mendoza finds groove with

KAPAMILYA star Aljon Mendoza made his recording debut with the release of his single “Panghabang-Baby” on Sept. 27, following a live performance at the StarPop Campus Tour at Northern Iloilo State University on Sept. 18. Aljon expressed his excitement about the experience, saying, “I’m really happy and excited to perform for the people, especially those who support me. I enjoy campus tours because I get to see the smiles on the students’ faces, and it makes me feel like I’m bringing them joy.”

“Panghabang-Baby,” a romantic pop track originally performed by Vance Larena, was composed by Nino Carlo J. Reyes and Philip Thomas Vinoya, with production by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos. Aljon described the song as having “pure intentions” and an “LSS-inducing” beat. The former Pinoy Big Brother: Otso housemate has also built a promising acting career, starring in several series, including Hoy Love You The Viral Scandal, and Teen Clash. He recently appeared in the film Unhappy For You alongside Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto Aljon’s debut single is now available on

platforms.

‘Panghabang-Baby’ serves as Aljon Mendoza’s debut single Ruth Wilson (left) and Michael Sheen in ‘A Very Royal Scandal’

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Gabay Guro aims to celebrate teachers for National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day

From left: Gabby Concepcion, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

SEPTEMBER

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

THIS may not be Disneyland, but it’s the next best thing for Filipino kids and those young at heart – and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Filipinos can now immerse themselves in a world of Disney magic with the opening of the country’s first Disney Store at the SM Mall of Asia, courtesy of International Toy World Inc. (ITWI), an SM Retail affiliate. The flagship store, which opened Sept. 27 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, offers an extensive range of official Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars merchandise for all ages.

“We’re excited to partner with SM and International Toy World Inc. to launch the first-ever Disney Store in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. With this store, we will extend the magic of Disney beyond the screen and bring much-loved characters and storytelling to our guests through products that are original and exclusive to Disney Stores,” said

B4 LIFE

AMAIA Land, the affordable housing brand of Ayala Land, Inc., introduces Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa Tower 2, the second and final tower of its Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa development.

Situated at the corner of Valenzuela St. and V. Mapa Blvd. in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa Tower 2 offers a strategic location, providing future residents with easy access to major cities such as Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, and the business districts of Makati and Ortigas. Additionally, retail stores are conveniently located along the strip of Tower 1. Tower 2 features 36 floors of high-rise living with 1,078 studio and 1-bedroom units. Designed for functionality, each unit provides ample space for daily living, including dining and living areas, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

The development prioritizes the safety and convenience of its residents. A 24hour security system, complemented by strategically placed CCTV cameras,

A magical retail experience at Disney’s first store in Southeast Asia

best way. From toys and collectibles to apparel and homeware, shoppers can rediscover the characters they’ve loved for years.

Mickey Mouse ear headbands, a popular staple from Disney Parks, are a must-have. Fans of Marvel heroes can pick up Iron Man or Spider-Man collectibles. At the same time, Winnie the Pooh enthusiasts will find plenty of merchandise, including plush toys of Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger.

The store is packed with authentic Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars items, including princess costumes and themed outfits for children.

ensures constant monitoring of the premises. Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC) further supports this by enforcing safety measures and promptly addressing homeowners’ concerns. Emergency preparedness is also a priority, with all units and common areas equipped with smoke detectors, water sprinklers, and backup power for unforeseen circumstances.

Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa Tower 2 emphasizes affordability, offering flexible payment terms and financing through numerous partner banks. Generous discounts are available for spot cash and early payments. For added convenience, residents can make online payments and access various online customer touchpoints. Beyond affordability, Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa Tower 2 presents a solid investment opportunity. Its prime location has demonstrated strong

With Halloween and Christmas approaching, shoppers will find seasonal collections perfect for decorating or giftgiving. Sweaters, plush toys, and ornaments featuring favorite characters are available for the holidays.

Adding to the experience are life-size statues of Disney characters placed throughout the store. Belle, in her yellow gown, stands in her castle surrounded by books, while Darth Vader menaces alongside stormtroopers, wielding his glowing red lightsaber. Spiderman swings through one corner, and Elsa can be seen casting her icy magic.

These themed displays are surrounded by matching merchandise, making it easy for fans to grab items related to their favorite characters.

In addition to collectibles and action figures, there’s a section dedicated to Lego sets, providing even more variety for shoppers. Whether you’re looking for gifts, holiday decor, or something for yourself, the Disney Store offers a magical shopping experience that will leave you with a bag full of memorable merchandise.

The towering facade of Amaia

Sara Grewal

Life-size statues of Mickey and Minnie Mouse stand by the entrance of

All the ways Shopee brings you closer to your favorite brands

have a reputation for being savvy shoppers who are always on the lookout for the best deals. But as the online shopping landscape has evolved, quality and authenticity have become equally important factors.

To cater to the evolving preferences of Filipino shoppers, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in the Philippines, has gone above and beyond to make shopping for both emerging and well-loved brands more accessible and easier than ever.

Guaranteed authentic brands under one roof

Is your favorite celebrity’s latest look giving you major FOMO? Look no further than Shopee Mall! With a vast array of authentic brands, you can easily recreate their style. No need to worry about whether your purchases are the real deal–with Shopee Mall’s rigorous verification process, all items are sure to be 100% authentic. You can definitely shop with confidence because if you prove your items are counterfeits, you get three times your money back.

So if you’ve been wanting to get your hands on selfcare items from Paula’s Choice, Supergoop!, Olaplex, and Lush, now is the perfect time to check them out from Shopee Mall. Even your holy grail products from soughtafter beauty brands like MAC and Clinique are now one click away, too!

No more guessing when your orders will arrive

Just like you, everyone else anticipates the arrival of their orders with eagerness. With the promise of delivering orders within the estimated delivery date, Shopee’s OnTime Delivery Guarantee will never leave you guessing when your parcel will be delivered. If your orders do not arrive on time, a free voucher will automatically be added to your account! Hassle-free returns

Did you know that in any case that you would need to return a damaged, wrong, or missing item, you can easily do so upon delivery? Shopee has made sure that returns

are hassle-free for buyers with eligible orders, through its

COD Unbox: Return on the Spot feature, allowing you to check your cash-on-delivery orders upon arrival to ensure everything’s in order.

Shopee Mall has also extended its return window from the initial 7- day period to 15 days, giving you more time to think and initiate the return process.

Change of Mind is acceptable

Want to return an item that turned out to be not your style? Shopee’s got your back with Change of Mind Returns.

As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, this lets you return products in case the fit & style of the item doesn’t suit you, you found a better price elsewhere, or you don’t need the product anymore.

Discounts on top of discounts!

Free shipping vouchers are already a steal on its own, but stacking them with even more vouchers just seals the deal.

Build your own stack of platform vouchers that can give you mega discounts of up to 25% off, plus brand vouchers for an even bigger deal!

Convenient payment options

Shopee offers a variety of payment options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer cash on delivery (COD), online wallets, or credit cards, Shopee has you covered.

You can also choose to load up your ShopeePay accounts for an even easier check out experience. And if the items you’ve eyeing on are quite heavy on the pocket, SPayLater allows you to pay in installments with low interest rates or even interest-free deals so you can finally purchase what you’ve been wanting for so long!

Shop with confidence in the upcoming 10.10 Brands

Festival happening from September 30 to October 11! Enjoy

Shopee exclusive deals during daily Super Brand Days from top brands like MAC, Crocs, Maybelline, Samsung, Huawei, Herschel, OPPO, and more, including Shopee Mall deals with additional discounts of up to 70% off.

BPI encourages account holders to maximize Mobile Check Deposit feature

THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is encouraging Filipinos to maximize the bank’s Mobile Check Deposit feature on the BPI app, which allows clients to deposit checks in five minutes.

“As part of BPI’s customer obsession culture, we have developed the Mobile Check deposit feature on the BPI app, allowing customers to conveniently transact anytime, anywhere. While the channel to transact is new, the same rules on clearing remain the same, thus customer need not worry about any delays in crediting the deposits to their accounts,” said Fitzgerald Chee, Head of Consumer Platforms.

The Mobile Check Deposit feature is currently accessible to BPI Preferred, BPI Gold, and BPI Private Wealth clients without any fees. Local checks below PHP 500,000 can be deposited via the app and clients can monitor deposit status as an added feature.

The following details are required to be written on the back of the check before depositing it through the BPI app: “Bank of the Philippine Islands” or “BPI”, date of the check deposit (MM/DD/YYYY), BPI account number, and client signature. Physical copy of the check must also be kept for 12 months in case of dispute.

Clients may also deposit any time. For checks deposited after 3PM (PHT), or on weekends and holidays, it will be processed the next banking day.

With this feature of the BPI app, BPI continues to digitalize transactions as part of its Phygital strategy. “As everyday transactions are migrated onto its digital platforms, branches can now take on a more advisory role—helping our clients do more and maximize opportunities to grow their funds,” Chee added.

To learn more about BPI app’s mobile check deposit, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/ bank/digital-banking/mobile/check-deposit

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI), once a concept confined to the realm of science fiction, has now become an integral part of our daily lives. From the virtual assistants on our smartphones to the complex algorithms that power selfdriving cars, AI is reshaping industries and societies around the globe. However, like any powerful tool, AI comes with both advantages and disadvantages, making it a double-edged sword.

Advantages of AI

Increased Efficiency and Productivity: AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative endeavors. This leads to increased efficiency and productivity across various industries, from manufacturing to customer service. For example, AI-powered robots can perform tasks in factories at a much faster pace than humans, reducing production time and costs.

Improved Decision-Making: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans might miss, enabling better decisionmaking in areas such as healthcare, finance, and marketing. For instance, AI-powered diagnostic tools can help doctors identify diseases earlier and more accurately than traditional methods.

Enhanced Innovation: AI can fuel innovation by generating new ideas and solutions that would be difficult or impossible for humans to conceive. This has the potential to drive economic growth and create new industries. For example, AI is being used to develop new materials, drugs, and energy technologies.

Personalization: AI-powered systems can personalize products and services to individual preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, online retailers use AI to recommend products based on a customer’s browsing history and purchase behavior.

Accessibility: AI can make technology more accessible to people with disabilities by providing alternative interfaces and capabilities. For example, AI-powered voice assistants can help people with visual impairments interact with their devices.

Disadvantages of AI

Job Displacement: As AI automates tasks previously performed by humans, there is a risk of job displacement in certain industries. This could lead to increased unemployment and economic inequality. For example, the rise of automation in manufacturing has led to job losses in some regions.

Ethical Concerns: The development and use of AI raise ethical concerns, such as privacy, bias, and accountability. For example, biased algorithms can perpetuate discrimination, and it can be difficult

to determine who is responsible for the actions of autonomous systems.

Security Risks: AI can be used to develop sophisticated cyberattacks and other malicious activities, posing a threat to national security and individual privacy. For example, AI-powered malware can evade detection by traditional security systems.

Dependence on Technology: Overreliance on AI can lead to a loss of skills and knowledge among humans, making us more vulnerable to disruptions in technology. For example, if a power outage or cyberattack disrupts AI systems, it could have a significant impact on critical infrastructure.

Existential Risk: Some experts warn that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity if it becomes uncontrollable or malevolent. While this scenario is still speculative, it is important to consider the potential long-term consequences of AI development.

Is AI a Boon or a Bane?

The answer to whether AI is a boon or a bane depends on how it is developed and used. If AI is developed responsibly and ethically, it has the potential to bring significant benefits to society. However, if it is not, it could pose serious risks.

To ensure that AI is a force for good, it is essential to address the ethical concerns and challenges associated with its development and use. This requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and researchers to establish guidelines and regulations for the responsible use of AI.

In conclusion, AI is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and evil. It is up to us to ensure that it is developed and used in a way that benefits humanity and minimizes the risks.

Additional Considerations

Economic Impact: The economic impact of AI is a complex issue with both potential benefits and drawbacks. AI can create new jobs and industries, but it can also lead to job displacement and economic inequality.

Social Impact: AI can have a significant impact on society, both positive and negative. For example, AI can be used to improve education and healthcare, but it can also be used to perpetuate discrimination and surveillance.

Global Governance: The development and use of AI raises important questions about global governance. How should AI be regulated? Who should be responsible for ensuring that AI is used ethically and responsibly?

Human-AI Collaboration: The future of AI may involve a closer collaboration between humans and machines. By working together, humans and AI can achieve goals that would be impossible for either alone.

Ultimately, the success of AI will depend on how we choose to develop and use it. By addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with AI, we can harness its power to create a better future for all.

Gemini-made AI photo

FILIPINOS

By Peter Paul Duran

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is now deeply embedded in the latest smartphones, enhancing everything from photography to productivity. As smartphones evolve, AI tools are becoming central to user experience, making tasks more efficient and personalized.

Here are 10 cutting-edge AI features making waves in 2024:

1. AI Background Removal

A staple in photo editing, AI background removal allows users to quickly isolate the subject of a photo and remove or change the background with just a tap. This tool is perfect for creating professional-looking images without needing advanced photoediting skills. Whether you’re posting on social media or prepping photos for business use, this feature offers seamless convenience.

2. Magic Editor for Photos

AI-powered photo manipulation has moved beyond simple filters. With “Magic Editor”-type tools, AI can intelligently adjust photo elements, allowing users to move objects or people around within a photo, resize them, or even remove unwanted items entirely. The AI fills in the gaps using surrounding content, delivering a polished result—ideal for users who want a flawless photo without extensive manual editing. One example is HONOR’s partnership with Studio Harcourt, the legendary portraits studio based in Paris, as it aims to brings the studio’s special touch to everyday smartphone users through a blend of top-notch advancements powered by AI.

3. Generative AI Wallpapers

Generative AI has brought creativity to your phone’s wallpaper. With this feature, AI generates custom wallpapers based on your chosen themes, colors, and patterns. This offers endless personalization options, allowing users to express themselves in new ways by crafting wallpapers that are as unique as their tastes.

4. AI-Powered Autofill

Autofill has become more intelligent with AI, learning your typing habits to predict form entries and passwords. This not only speeds up completing online forms but also reduces mistakes in common entries like addresses or email addresses. The feature is a time-saver, especially for users frequently logging into various apps or shopping online.

5. Contextual Voice Assistants

Voice assistants have come a long way, with AI making them more responsive and intuitive. Contextual understanding allows assistants like Siri and Google Assistant to remember past interactions. For example, if you ask, “Remind me to call Mom,” and later follow up with, “What time is she available?” the assistant knows you’re still referring to your mother. These assistants can handle multi-step tasks seamlessly, making them indispensable in our daily lives.

6. AI Video Enhancement

Shooting high-quality video on a smartphone is no longer limited to professional filmmakers. AI-enhanced video features improve color correction, stabilize shaky footage, and reduce noise, making even casual recordings look polished. AI-driven video optimization tools are perfect for content creators or anyone wanting to create sharp, vibrant videos with minimal effort.

World off track on climate fight but AI could help, says UN

GENEVA—The world remains far off track in tackling climate crisis, but the UN voiced hope Wednesday that artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies will help address the towering challenges.

In a new report, the United Nations warned the goals laid out in the 2015 Paris climate accord, aiming to keep global temperature rises below 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, appeared to be slipping away, with disastrous consequences.

The multi-agency “United in Science” report, coordinated by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization, highlighted that greenhouse gas concentrations have hit record levels, fuelling temperature increases into the future.

“The science is clear: We are far off track from achieving global climate goals,” WMO chief Celeste Saulo told reporters in Geneva. If current policies remain unchanged, the report warned there is now a two-thirds likelihood that global warming will hit 3C this century. Saulo said 2023 was already the warmest year on record “by a huge margin” and the first eight months of this year had followed the same trend.

“We are sounding the red alert for the planet,” she said. At the same time, Saulo stressed that “there is hope”.

“We have to have hope for the sake of future generations.”

Released ahead of the UN’s Summit of the Future in New York this weekend, the report pointed to advances in natural and social sciences and technological innovations.

“They could be game changers for climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development,” Saulo insisted.

AI and machine learning in particular could be “transformative technologies”, the report said, suggesting that they could “revolutionise weather forecasting and could equip society with better tools to respond and adapt to climate change.” AFP

10 AI-powered features transforming smartphones in 2024

7. Real-Time Language Translation AI-powered language translation tools now allow real-time conversation translations via text or voice. This feature is invaluable for travel or international business, as it bridges the communication gap between different languages. Users can speak into their phone, and the AI will translate the conversation in

real-time, making interactions smoother and more efficient.

8. AI Health Monitoring

AI is also transforming health features in smartphones. From tracking your heart rate to analyzing sleep patterns, AI-driven health apps now provide insights and recommendations tailored to your unique health data. These

Lfeatures can monitor fitness activities, detect irregularities, and even offer tips on improving your sleep or exercise habits, turning your smartphone into a personal health assistant.

9. Personalized AI Recommendations

AI-driven personalization goes beyond just ads. It extends to your media consumption, suggesting music playlists, movies, workout routines, and even recipes based on your preferences and behaviors. This feature ensures that content on your phone is more relevant to your interests, improving overall user experience.

10. AI-Enhanced Call Quality

Tired of noisy calls? AI-enhanced call quality can isolate your voice during phone calls, reducing background noise and improving clarity even in loud environments. Whether you’re in a crowded street or at a busy cafe, the AI filters out unnecessary sounds, ensuring clear communication every time.

These AI-powered features highlight how smartphones in 2024 are not just about hardware but smart software that learns from and adapts to users’ needs. AI is turning everyday tasks into seamless experiences, making phones smarter, more intuitive, and more powerful than ever.

LG XBOOM Sets the New Standard for Portable Audio Excellence

Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” global collaboration with LG XBOOM ignites a global party revolution with boundless beats

G ELECTRONICS proudly unveils its latest innovation in sound—the LG XBOOM speakers—during a highenergy launch event at Abenson Quezon Avenue. The highly anticipated lineup was introduced to an enthusiastic audience of media and music lovers, all eager to experience the bold, immersive sound that the LG XBOOM delivers.

The event transformed into a vibrant music festival, alive with energy and festive decorations that perfectly highlighted the XBOOM’s cutting-edge technology. This lively atmosphere created an unforgettable experience, showcasing the speakers’ superior features and their versatility for any occasion—whether used outdoors, for traveling, or at a big party.

LG XBOOM Product Lineup

Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” also played a key role in the event, initiating the audience for a global movement of breaking boundaries, pushing limits, and living in the moment. As an iconic anthem, “Boom Boom Pow” perfectly complemented the XBOOM’s dynamic features, with the speakers’ bass amplifying the event’s party atmosphere. The collaboration highlighted the synergy between innovative technology and high-energy music, making the launch event a truly unforgettable experience.

LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong, expressed his excitement, emphasizing how the XBOOM movement is designed to revolutionize the way we experience music.

“In perfect harmony with the LG XBOOM, we’ve partnered with the legendary hit ‘Boom Boom Pow’ by the Black Eyed Peas. This iconic track isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. It’s about breaking boundaries, pushing limits, and immersing ourselves in the pure joy of the moment. This philosophy of living boldly and fully is at the core of what LG XBOOM represents.,” he said.

Ms. Mildred Bugay, Product Manager for Audio, detailed the features of the LG XBOOM XL9T and LG XBOOM Go speakers, highlighting their advanced sound technology.

“The Dynamic Bass Optimizer in the LG XBOOM XL9T delivers punchy bass while maintaining balanced sound even at low volumes. LG XBOOM Go is a portable party speaker that is perfectly designed for outdoors that you can bring wherever you go. ” she explained. The event demonstrated how LG XBOOM speakers are designed for exceptional usability and convenience.

The LG XBOOM XL9T is a powerhouse in portable sound, featuring two 8-inch giant woofers for deep, bold bass and 3-inch tweeters for crisp highs. Its dynamic lighting includes unique ring lights around the woofers, pixel LED animations, and multi-color effects that sync with the music. The XL9T also offers karaoke functionality and guitar inputs for live performances, and its handle and wheels make it easy to transport. With an IPX4 rating, it withstands water splashes, making it ideal for poolside gatherings.

while the XG5Q has a 20W output that provides playback up to 18 hours.

The LG XBOOM XG2T, known as “mighty in mini,” delivers powerful sound from its compact design for up to 10 hours. It features a unique string structure for secure attachment and has passed seven US military durability tests. With IP67 rating, the LG XBOOM Go is designed to withstand both water

with all of you through our performances this afternoon.” In closing, Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment, emphasized LG’s belief on pushing the limits of innovation that redefines sound quality and enhances the way we experience music in our daily lives.

“The

The LG XBOOM Go is designed for outdoor adventures with remarkable sound and deep bass. The new track-type woofers of XG7Q and XG5Q, produce stunningly loud and clear audio. Its bass enhancement algorithm ensures that every note is heard and felt, even at low volumes. It displays dynamic lighting with up to 16 million colors that sync with the music for an immersive experience. The XG7Q has a 30W output that offers up to 24 hours of playback,

HONOR’s Studio Harcourt

3 reasons why these wireless earbuds are ideal for Gen Z’s real and virtual worlds

By Paola Navarette

JBL officially launched one of its best and most premium earbuds yet—the JBL Live Series 3, boasting a new sleek design, immersive audio, and crystal clear sound perfect for today’s generation. With its exciting features, JBL’s latest hearables are designed to complement the dynamic lifestyles of Gen Z.

Known to be multi-tasking masters and digital natives, Gen Z consumers will surely love the Live Series 3 not only for its cool aesthetic, but also for the practical functionality it delivers as it helps users go back and forth across real and virtual worlds.

Whether it’s streaming music while studying or working, watching videos while finishing up chores, or simply escaping to a world of their own with a thoughtfully-curated playlist, an immersive audio experience should be every Zoomer’s ultimate non-negotiable.

Here we list down the top reasons why JBL’s most premium earbuds yet are ideal for Gen Z’s lifestyles:

1. Tune out the world around you with Adaptive Noise Canceling with custom control

Almost everyone knows this: if you want absolutely, positively the most effective noise-canceling around, buy a pair of JBL earbuds.

The successor to Live Free 2, the JBL Live Series 3 earbuds have a noise-isolating design and includes the Live Beam 3 closed-stick earbuds, Live Flex 3 open-stick earbuds, and Live Buds 3 bud-type earbuds, which offers a unique alternative to what is typically available on the market.

It’s simply untouchable: these three models have transparency and awareness modes, spatial audio, and an Adaptive Noise Canceling that lets you tailor your personal hearing experience—so you can leave the outside world behind while you’re enjoying your favorite tunes.

2. Flaunt these stylish buds wherever you go

Live Series 3 earbuds introduce the groundbreaking smart charging case with a built-in screen, transforming the way listeners interact with their earbuds.

Get this: its 1.45-inch LED touchscreen display lets you navigate everything, such as adjusting volume, controlling music, taking calls, receiving messages. You also get access to various modes like “Find My Buds” and notifications from your phone, just like a smartwatch.

3. Enjoy non-stop listening with long-lasting battery

Its core design is solid. Aside from its 6 beamforming mics that reduce wind and noise interference, these water-resistant earbuds have Bluetooth 5.3 and a long-lasting battery life.

The Beam has the greatest per-charge stamina with 12 hours of playtime (plus 36 hours in the case) with ANC off, followed by the Flex, which gets the highest total time (10+40 hours), with the Buds at lowest overall power (10+30). A 10-minute charge gives you another four hours of battery life, making these excellent for both work and play.

You even get style options with your choice of four colors, ranging from stark silver to purple.

The Live Series 3 checks all the boxes in what Gen Z users must look for in earbuds, making it the ultimate gadget accessory for everyday use and daily companion to achieve professional, leisure,and fitness goals. The Beam Flex, and Buds are now available for only P11,799 via JBL.com, Shopee, Lazada, and Abenson.com.

US to host global AI safety summit in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO— US officials on Wednesday announced plans for a global AI safety summit in November, as authorities strive to keep pace with rapidly developing technology. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will cohost the first gathering of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes on November 20-21 in San Francisco.

“With AI evolving at a rapid pace, we... are pulling every lever,” Raimondo said in a statement.

“That includes close, thoughtful coordination with our allies and like-minded partners,” she said.

The

Andreas Forsland, founder and CEO of Cognixion, a US-Canadian assisted reality company, gestures with a brain-computer interface integrated with an augmented reality display. AFP

Leveraging the power of AI for nation-building

crucial role in disaster management by improving early warning systems, predicting the impact of disasters, and facilitating relief efforts.

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative force across various industries and societies.

AI is the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human cognition, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and perception.

The technology encompasses various subfields, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. By leveraging these capabilities, AI can apply to multiple applications, from automated customer service to predictive analytics. Today, AI is transforming industries and society as a whole. AI is being applied to many applications, from self-driving cars and virtual assistants to medical diagnosis and climate modelling. As AI continues to evolve,

Converge opens earning opportunities for marginalized with prepaid broadband S2S

EMPOWERING communities beyond connecting high-speed fiber broadband internet, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. continues to open income opportunities for under-resourced families as it conducted a sales agent training session in Tondo, Manila featuring its prepaid fiber broadband solution Surf2Sawa (S2S).

With the support of its S2S partner JK2L2 Inc., Converge trained housewives and moms from Baseco Compound on the know-how of operating as home-based sales agents.

The participants were also shown how to effectively use social media to boost their earning capabilities, as well as some practical tips to protect themselves against online scams, such as phishing.

“This livelihood training allows us to take tangible steps towards fostering sustainable development in communities where opportunities may be limited,” said Converge President and CoFounder Maria Grace Uy.

“We recognize the reality among mothers that they find it hard to look for streams of income because of their duties at home. But with the help of the internet and social media, earning from home is now achievable which we hope we are able to impart through this S2S training session,” she added.

Creating equitable and accessible opportunities for all, the initiative was part of the company’s broader sustainability commitment to driving positive impact to the communities it serves.

“Unlike typical CSR initiatives that offer onetime relief, we see to it that our approach to community development is always towards addressing challenges in the long-term, in ways that leverage our capabilities as a business. For us, making a difference in the lives of others is what it means to be a responsible business, and we do that particularly for those who have been left behind in terms of economic progress,” said Converge Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Benjamin Azada.

He also underscored that aside from offering income prospects to disadvantaged communities, the project also contributes to the company’s pledge of bridging the digital divide as it enhances their penetration into dense urban populations.

S2S employs a community-based business model where retailers and sales agents sell directly to customers within their own neighborhoods.

Moving forward, the newly trained participants, after officially signing up to be S2S partners, will work primarily within their community, aiding Converge to reach more households who might otherwise be underserved.

Recently, Converge joined hands with Caritas Manila to formally launch its Unang Yakap community at Baseco.

The project intends to support underprivileged pregnant and lactating moms with sustainable healthcare and nutritional assistance for the next six months.

Converge hosted a sales agent training for stay-at-home moms in Tondo, Manila, introducing its prepaid fiber broadband brand Surf2Sawa.

JK2L2

Shown here are (from left)) Don Ferguson (NGA), Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (DILG), PGen Rommel Marbil (PNP), and Mr. Mitch Locsin (PLDT Enterprise) formalize their partnership to enhance the 911 emergency response system in the Philippines during the Emergency 911 National Summit. AI can play a

ATFX Enhances Trader Security and Experience with Advanced AI Technologies

LEADING global online broker ATFX continues to strengthen its commitment to innovative technologies, enhancing security and the trading experience for its clients worldwide, including an increasing number of Filipino traders engaging in forex and CFD trading.

By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and advanced trading tools, ATFX is able to provide local traders with the protection and support needed to ensure they can operate with greater confidence and efficiency.

With a growing number of traders in the Philippines and across the world, ATFX has focused on providing secure and innovative tools that make trading

both accessible and seamless. Understanding the unique challenges faced by traders such as cybersecurity concerns and the need to access realtime data, ATFX remains committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies that address these issues and provide better customer service.

One of the standout features of ATFX’s AI integration is its biometric facial recognition system, designed to streamline the onboarding process and reinforce client security. This system, powered by Optical Character Recognition (OCR), allows traders to open accounts quickly and securely, reducing fraud risks by achieving 98% accuracy in identity verification.

“ATFX places a strong emphasis on security and client trust,” said Jeffrey Siu, COO of ATFX. “Through AI-driven innovations like facial recognition, we’ve enhanced our ability to safeguard customer data while ensuring the trading process remains seamless and secure.”

ATFX has also embraced blockchain technology that enhances the transparency and security of client transactions. Blockchain technology

it will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping the future.

The potential of AI to revolutionize nationbuilding in the Philippines is not just immense, it’s inspiring. In a country with pressing challenges, AI can be the driving force behind sustainable development, offering a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

Many industries have already begun harnessing AI’s diverse abilities, whether for production, research, or other everyday tasks that some might find tedious. When properly utilized, the technology can become a powerful tool that even leaders can use to benefit the public.

Using AI in the government

One of the most immediate benefits of AI in governance is its ability to streamline processes. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human agents to tackle more complex issues. Automated workflows can reduce bureaucratic red tape, ensuring services are delivered more efficiently. Moreover, AI can bolster transparency. By analyzing vast datasets, AI algorithms can identify patterns of corruption or inefficiency. It can help governments root out corruption and ensure accountability. For example, AI can track public spending, identify potential conflicts of interest, and detect fraud.

Disaster management is another area that government leaders can consider as a platform to use AI and its potential. The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes. AI can play a crucial role in disaster management by improving early warning systems, predicting the impact of disasters, and facilitating relief efforts.

For instance, AI-powered weather forecasting models can provide more accurate typhoon predictions, enabling authorities to evacuate people in time. Furthermore, AI can help optimize the distribution of relief goods and identify areas that require urgent assistance.

AI can also revolutionize the way governments make decisions. By analyzing data from various sources, AI algorithms can provide valuable insights into complex problems. This can help policymakers make evidence-based decisions that are more likely to achieve their desired outcomes.

For instance, AI can predict policy changes’ impact, assess public programs’ effectiveness, and identify emerging trends. It can help governments allocate resources more effectively and tailor their policies to the specific needs of their citizens.

The power of AI in different industries

stakeholders can also use AI to develop intelligent tutoring systems, providing students with additional support and guidance.

Meanwhile, in healthcare, AIassisted diagnostics can improve accuracy and speed, enabling early detection and treatment of diseases. Moreover, AI can be a powerful tool to optimize healthcare resource allocation, ensuring that essential services are efficiently accessible to all and instilling confidence in its potential.

Building a more intelligent and innovative nation AI has the potential to transform the Philippines into a more innovative nation by enabling better decisionmaking and governance. AI-powered analytics can help policymakers analyze complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and potential risks. It can inform evidence-based policymaking and improve public services.

Furthermore, professionals and stakeholders from different industries can use AI to enhance cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The Philippines can safeguard its digital assets and ensure national security by developing AIdriven security systems.

While AI’s potential benefits for nation-building are significant, addressing the challenges associated with its adoption is essential. These include concerns about job displacement, ethical implications, and the need for skilled AI professionals.

Understanding the challenges of using AI

One of the most prominent challenges in harnessing AI for nation-building is the ethical considerations surrounding its development and deployment. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, questions about bias, privacy, and accountability arise. Ensuring that AI algorithms are fair, transparent, and unbiased is crucial to prevent unintended consequences and maintain public trust.

Another challenge lies in the digital divide. Access to AI technology is often unevenly distributed, with developed nations having a significant advantage over developing countries. Bridging this digital divide is essential to ensure that AI benefits all segments of society and prevents further marginalization. Despite these challenges, AI offers immense potential for nation-building.

ensures data integrity, providing clients with a robust solution that reduces the risk of fraud and unauthorized activity. It also allows clients to verify if an introducing broker (IB) partner is registered with and authorized by the broker, using a proprietary blockchain network. This technology not only ensures high security for traders but also allows IBs to verify the status of referred accounts. This two-pronged system adds an extra layer of trust and accountability for both clients and brokers. This integration reflects ATFX’s forward-thinking approach to staying ahead of industry trends.

With the increasing number of Filipino traders engaging in forex and CFD trading, ATFX’s AIpowered facial recognition and blockchain technologies offer secure account verification and real-time trading tools, designed to meet the specific needs of local traders. This focus on security, transparency, and technology aligns with ATFX’s commitment to supporting the growing trading community in the Philippines, enabling Filipinos to trade confidently and safely in global markets. For more information, visit www.atfx.com.

One of the most critical areas where AI can contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth is through enhancing productivity and efficiency across industries. For example, in agriculture, AI-powered technologies can optimize farming practices by analyzing weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop health data. It can help farmers improve yields, reduce waste, and increase their income.

In manufacturing, AI-enabled automation can streamline production processes, leading to higher-quality products, faster turnaround times, and cost savings. Moreover, AI can assist in developing new products and services, fostering innovation and competitiveness.

AI can also play a vital role in addressing the social challenges faced by the Philippines. AIpowered personalized learning platforms can cater to students’ educational needs, offering potential solutions to improve academic outcomes and reduce dropout rates. Professionals and

To maximize AI’s benefits, the Philippines must invest in research and development, develop a robust AI ecosystem, and establish ethical guidelines for its use. By addressing these challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by AI, the Philippines can position itself as a leader in the digital age and build a more prosperous and equitable nation. AI has the power to transform societies and create a brighter future. By leveraging AI in critical areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and public safety, governments can improve the lives of their citizens, drive economic growth, and address pressing global challenges. However, successful AI implementation requires careful planning, ethical considerations, and a commitment to investing in research, development, and human capital.

By embracing AI, governments can position themselves at the forefront of technological innovation and create a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable nation.

Dr. Dave Kim demonstrates Medisync’s iSyncWave for digital brain health monitoring with AI brain mapping and LED therapy. AFP

Honda officially unveils electrification campaign toward transforming future

SHANGRI-LA The Fort — Honda has always been driven by “The Power of Dreams” to innovate and make a difference in the community. As a company that continues to strive to make a difference in society, Honda added a new tagline to global brand slogan, which is now “The Power of Dreams - How We Move You.” This reflects Honda’s mission of continuously making solutions that offer people the joy and freedom of mobility from the present to the future.

To attain its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, Honda recently announced its exciting lineup of electrification projects in the Philippines.

These products include a new e:HEV model from Honda Cars, the first BEV from Honda Motorcycles, and a new generation of power products. These new and upcoming models signify Honda’s commitment to carbon neutrality in the Philippines.

Honda is also reaffirming its commitment in expanding its electric vehicle portfolio.

The Honda 0 Series will spearhead the automotive division’s efforts with a target launch year of 2026 worldwide. The Honda 0 Series will eventually grow into a wide and diversified range of vehicles that will suit various needs

Exploring Limitless Options with Battery-Powered Handled Products

Honda’s new range of direct-current handheld (DCHH) battery-powered products make personal and professional tasks easier and highly efficient. Convenient and comfortable to use, anyone is sure to enjoy using these products due to its lightweight, portability, easy operation, and lower noise output.

Leaf blower is designed to effortlessly clear away leaves from lawns and driveways whether on wet or dry surfaces. Hedge Trimmer designed for pruning, clearing, and trimming shrubs, hedges, and bushes. Lawn Trimmer possesses standout features for trimming, weed removal, grass mowing, and grass trimming. Chainsaw is also available for clearing storm damage, cutting dead tree branches, and pruning fruit trees.

With Honda’s latest range of inventive direct current handheld products, users can do their tasks with a simple click of a button. This range highlights a universal battery system, which allows users to easily swap and recharge the battery in moments without forced breaks. Its reduced noise

output and low vibration make these tools fit for residential, hotels, condominiums, small and medium-sized gardens. Users will also benefit from its zero-emission technology, low-maintenance features applicable to both internal and external parts of any facilities. Moreover, this equipment does not require frequent periodic maintenance, which all guarantee ease of use.

Intensely Powerful Electric Motor Vehicle with Innovative Features

The future has arrived as Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) unveils its first two-wheeled Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The All New EM1 e: powered by Honda Mobile Power Pack e: is installed with a high-quality lithium-ion battery.

A type of off-board charger designed to be conveniently charged even at home, Honda also takes pride in its seal of global safety standard with UN R136 compliant with international safety standard.

Moving into specifics, this worldclass two-wheeled Battery Electric Vehicle, installed with a Honda Brushless Electric Motor is a sophisticated addition that offers a front disc brake, twin suspension for a more comfortable ride and enhanced modulation. Other features include Standard Mode and Econ Mode Riding, LCD Digital Display, and an All-LED lighting system, with a design accessible for various individuals. This radical transition is stimulated with a powerful yet cost-efficient model that can be charged at home quickly to support daily urban riding from going to the office, school, coffee shops, and other errands, to going back home.

Compact, carbon-neutral, and ecofriendly, this first-ever electric vehicle from Honda Philippines is installed with the best technology, geared towards its strong direction to safety and advocacy for Transforming the Future.

ANTA athlete Kyrie Irving visits Southeast Asia for the first time

ON SEPTEMBER 2024, NBA superstar Kyrie Irving embarked on his 2024 China & Southeast Asia Tour, assuming dual roles as Anta’s Chief Creative Officer and Creative Director for the highly anticipated “The Art of Movement” fashion show. This event marked the debut of the Anta Hélà lifestyle collection, a fusion of art, movement, basketball, and fashion, creating a unique athletic look that only Kyrie can bring to life.

“The Art of Movement” showcased outfits co-designed with Kyrie’s sister, Asia Irving. The collection was meticulously crafted and featured a rich purple palette, paying homage to Kyrie’s “Artist on Court” sneakers and the royal elegance symbolizing family, basketball, and design. The collection radiates confidence and brilliance, blending celebration with a fresh and magical style. Additionally, the event introduced Hélà TRIBE, Hélà STYLE, and the new Hélà STYLE SLOUX sneakers. The show was divided into three captivating segments. The first highlighted versatile, basketball-

inspired designs that could be worn both on and off the court, celebrating the artistic evolution of Kyrie’s iconic totem and the strength of Anta’s spirit. The second segment reflected Kyrie’s design philosophy of family, celebrating the enduring legacy, unity, and connection passed through generations. The final segment showcased bold, dynamic lines inspired by Kyrie’s signature logo and values, symbolizing focus, agility, strength, and speed.

Few athletes master the blend of creativity, strength, and grace like Kyrie Irving. His playing style exemplifies power, agility, and precision, embodying movement as an art form. This same energy drives the Irving Hélà lifestyle collection in collaboration with Anta, breaking boundaries and offering a modern, versatile aesthetic that echoes Kyrie’s distinctive presence both on and off the court.

Kyrie Irving also visited key landmarks in Thailand, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, to admire Thai art, architecture, and culture. He also enjoyed Thai cuisine at Jim Thompson’s restaurant before arriving at Central World shopping mall to meet with his Thai fans. The event featured a performance by famous Thai artist Daboyway and a special presentation by Ohm Cocktail, a fan who customized a

pair of shoes for Kyrie Irving. In addition to the Hélà lifestyle collection, the event also introduced the latest release in Kyrie’s KAI footwear line—the KAI 1 Speed. Co-designed by Kyrie and his father, Drederick Irving, the KAI 1 Speed reflects their shared passion and dedication to basketball and symbolizes the unwavering support Kyrie has received from his family throughout his career. As Kyrie Irving continues his collaboration with Anta, he will drive the future of the KAI and Hélà product lines, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Kyrie and Anta are poised to redefine the future of basketball with a shared vision of growth, inspiration, and excellence.

Singapore Airlines partners with Mastercard and Raffles Makati to launch afternoon tea experience

MANILA—Singapore Airlines (SIA) today announced the launch of “Singapore Airlines Cafe at the Writers Bar —Teatime Experience Around the World”, an exclusive travel-themed afternoon tea experience in partnership with Raffles Makati and Mastercard.

Available from 20 September to 20 November 2024, this culinary adventure offers guests1 a unique opportunity to savour global flavours inspired by destinations in SIA’s extensive network. The carefully curated menu features delectable treats such as spicy roasted duck salad with homemade sambal sauce, foie gras parfait on brioche, Belgian hazelnut praline crunch, Australian lamingtons, and Manhattan-style blueberry cream cheese scones.

Ms. Liwei Tai, General Manager Philippines, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our carefully curated Singapore Airlines Cafe afternoon tea experience at the Writers Bar offers customers a glimpse into exciting flavours from around the world, and invites individuals to visit unique destinations in Singapore Airlines’ extensive network. We look forward to offering customers a world-class travel experience when they travel with us to embark on their next culinary adventure.”

Mr. Bernd Schneider, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Makati, said: “Each bite of this meticulously curated teatime set unfolds a narrative inspired by the rich tapestry of global flavours. Raffles Makati is thrilled to collaborate with a worldclass brand like Singapore Airlines, creating a unique experience that celebrates culinary artistry and captures the spirit of exploration and adventure.”

Customers who purchased an SIA ticket  with their Mastercard debit or credit card during the promotion period can enjoy 50% off the afternoon

tea set  (full price at PHP 3,200++) when they pay for their culinary experience with a Mastercard card. KrisFlyer members  may also choose to redeem the afternoon tea experience for two with 7,500 KrisFlyer miles. New and existing KrisFlyer members who have not purchased an SIA ticket during the promotional period can also enjoy the experience at PHP 3,200++ using a Mastercard card. The afternoon tea experience will be available daily from 2.00pm to 5.30pm, between 20 September and 20 November 2024.

Mr. Simon Calasanz, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard, said: “Mastercard is excited to partner with Singapore Airlines and Raffles Makati to bring people closer to their culinary passion—and each other. At Mastercard, we know that shared experiences matter more than things. This specially curated afternoon tea experience will bring Mastercard cardholders – and their loved ones— on an exploration around the world through food, elevating their culinary experience and creating truly unforgettable memories for them.”

Additionally, every afternoon tea experience purchase or KrisFlyer Experiences redemption enters customers into an e-raffle for a chance to win attractive prizes such as deluxe overnight stays at Fairmont Makati, as well as the grand prize of a pair of round-trip Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Singapore with a luxurious two-night stay at Raffles Singapore.

For more information about the teatime experience and promotions, please visit the SIA Cafe and KrisFlyer Experiences websites.

1 Available to all SIA customers, KrisFlyer members, and Mastercard debit and credit cardholders.

Honda’s two-wheeled BEV

SAwe and apprehension as AI invades smartphones

ANTA CRUZ—Matthew Day was keen to find out if an artificial intelligence-packed Google Pixel 9 smartphone could tell him a great local fishing spot.

California Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin had it whip up a playful picture of her dog in front of the state capitol building.

Igor Gaspar launched into a discussion with the Pixel regarding causes of inflation.

Fascination tinged with concern was a common reaction as people in Santa Cruz dabbled with a Pixel 9 and its capabilities, including the ability to “add” oneself to pictures and having a whip-smart digital assistant at one’s command.

AFP visited the coastal California city to ask passersby to test out the features on the phone, as Google and Apple increasingly integrate AI into their products, in what they say is becoming a transformative time for the devices central to modern life.

“I asked it a question and it gave me a quick answer,” Day said as he checked out the Pixel 9.

“That’s a lot better than the phone I have right now, I’ll tell you that much.”

“(There are) definitely some incredible tools that people would have available to them to do creative things, and gather information,” Pellerin said after putting a Pixel through its paces. Yet worries also mounted.

“But I’m also concerned about nefarious uses of it, and we need to have those guardrails and regulations so it doesn’t cause havoc in any industries or communities or whatever,” she added.

Pellerin is backing state legislation aimed at thwarting AI being used for misinformation and deepfakes.

Along with her concerns was admiration, though, for benefits of AI features such as an “Add Me” tool that lets people take a photo of family or friends, then add themselves in as though they were part of the group from the outset.

“I could see myself, as these tools become available, utilizing them more and more,” she said of AI on smartphones.

“It’s scary. it’s going to only increase the desperation that comes if we had to live without them.”

Bells and whistles?

University of California, Santa Cruz, computer science professor Leilani Gilpin questioned the need to put AI in people’s pockets and wondered whether confident sounding smartphone replies will mask moments when the software is “hallucinating” -- making up inaccurate information.

“Different language models hallucinate different information,” Gilpin said.

“So, the same thing is going to happen for people using this,” she added, hefting the smartphone.

“Whether it’s for trivia or for generating images or other things, there’ll be some made up information, and that’s just a way that the models work.”

Gilpin liked the idea of engaging with AI conversationally while out walking, but felt spoken exchanges lacked a sense of talking with a real person.

“I work on a lot of these technologies, so I feel like it’s a couple

of bells and whistles on things I’ve seen before,” Gilpin said.

“I don’t think it’s going to be super revolutionary.”

Gilpin and others also found the smartphone AI to be verbose, diving deeply into topics when short replies would suffice.

Meanwhile Gaspar and some friends created a group photo using the Pixel “Add Me” feature, with that capability alone prompting one of them to offer to swap phones.

“It was a really impressive feature,” 23-year-old Gaspar said.

“But, with the information war we have I think a lot of people could be kind of scared by the futuristic aspect of things -- like you can add me to a picture in a way that’s real.”

Seeing powerful AI tools on new smartphones “raises eyebrows” for Gaspar, who said having it packed into iPhones could spoil his taste for Apple products unless he feels in complete control of the technology.

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable with having something that’s so advanced that we aren’t even sure of how it works on our phones,” Gaspar said.

“I do love Apple products, but if there’s going to be this shift towards artificial intelligence without a choice of the consumer, I would step away from that.”

In some ways, companies are already trying to avoid negative fallout from infusing AI into their products.

Google appeared to be taking steps to avoid controversy, with its Gemini AI powered digital assistant on the Pixel declining to talk about elections or politics, and the image generation tool telling users it would not depict real people. AFP

GARMIN FENIX 8 CHALLENGE

Ace your first Obstacle Course Race

By Paola Navarette

FUN and adventure are probably what you’re looking for if you’re signing up for an obstacle course race (OCR)—an increasingly popular event here in the Philippines.

But as with any athletic event, you have to prepare right, or the fun can turn quite un-fun and the adventure can turn particularly painful. For those uninitiated, OCR involves running, climbing walls and ropes, crawling through mud, and carrying various objects of different weights.

So whether or not you work with a trainer, you’ll want to focus on these 3 aspects: aerobic fitness, grip strength, and plyometrics. Learn to love jogging and incorporate pull-ups, burpees, and jump squats into your routine as these exercises replicate the moves that you’ll encounter in any obstacle, which always require explosive jumps and quick movements.

Fitness, running, and OCR coach Iris Torculas, popularly known as “Iron Iris,” said it’s important to be physically prepared to reduce the risk of injury.

“Make sure that you’re always safe,” she said during the recent Garmin Fenix 8 Challenge at the Bridgetown Obstacle Park. “Always remember that safety should always be a priority and if you really want to perform or do a strategy, just make sure that your execution is very proficient and very precise so you won’t have any accident.”

Besides the physical benefits, OCRs offer psychological challenges and the emotional rewards of conquering tasks that require planning, coordination, and strategy.

“Th e race allows you to challenge yourself and push you to be limitless,” Torculas said. “You need strength, stamina, and mobility and if you know that your partner is not into this sport, stay behind so you can assist.”

Helping and cheering for each other and being one with the community are surprising benefits of joining an OCR, so never to leave out the fun factor and make your first experience a learning process.

“Understand first the dynamics of an OCR. Set realistic goals, and stick to the safe side. Have fun and learn the basics,” the Pocari Sweat ambassador added.

iPhone 16

Google Pixel 9 Pro

GARMIN Fenix 8

By Paola Navarette

WExploring the influence of AI in media, entertainment world

E are living in an age where anyone can be anything. What happens to a singer who can’t churn out new lyrics? Or to a budding filmmaker who needs help predicting how his storylines will be perceived by the viewers?

Predicting the future isn’t magic, it’s artificial intelligence. We are aware of that. Almost every day, we get reminded of how AI continues to reshape our daily lives, and the entertainment industry has since tapped into the digital revolution.

The broader picture Yes, gen AI opens new ways to create written material, illustrations, sound effects, special effects, and more, but its potential extends beyond content creation. In the media and communications world, it can be used to automate administrative tasks, freeing up the creative workforce for

strategic and innovative work.

The creative industries have entered a golden age in which AI-assisted artists can realize their visions at a faster pace and greater scale than ever before. Journalists can speed up research by utilizing AI that synthesizes large volumes of information, while film producers could leverage the technology to accelerate the postproduction editing process with new AI-enabled interfaces. The potential use cases go on and on.

“Driving force”

We have also passed the days of

From MP3 to AI: OPPO’s innovations lead to AI

democratization for everyone

SINCE

aimlessly scrolling through an endless library of movies and TV shows. AIpowered recommendation systems have become the guide for us consumers seeking our next entertainment experience. These algorithms analyze vast amounts of data, including our browsing history, user preferences, and even profiles, to identify similarities and patterns of behavior and curate personalized suggestions.

Al’s ability to enhance content creation, personalize audience experience, and improve monetization

proves it’s a driving force to the growth of media and entertainment industries. Accelerating innovation through responsible AI There are critical issues of transparency and accountability in AI, which can lead to bias, misinformation, copyright violations, reputational damage, privacy invasions, deepfakes (altered images, videos, or audio created using AI), and cheapfakes, which are similar to deepfakes but produced using conventional methods.

Since ChatGPT entered public

consciousness just over a year ago, numerous training sessions have been conducted, and discussions have explored the myriad implications of AI and other large language models capable of processing vast datasets. We should all learn from those to be mindful of our use of AI. When people talk about AI, there’s always a chance that someone would call for a ban to avoid its pitfalls, the best response would emphasize the need to understand how AI can do more good than harm—then the conversation continues.

Olivia Quiroz, the new voice of Spotify’s Artificial Intelligence DJ called “Livi”, attends the presentation of the latest Spotify tool in Mexico City. AFP

People walk past an AI-generated video art installation by artist Refik Anadol entitled ‘Large Nature Model: Coral’ to promote power of technology and sustainability at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. AFP

Metrobank continues to be your partner for growth as it celebrates its 62nd anniversary this September

NO MATTER what you need to accomplish—whether it’s saving money, managing finances, or upgrading your lifestyle—Metrobank aims to be your trusted financial partner, ensuring you’re always in good hands.

As Metrobank celebrates its 62nd anniversary this September, it continues its commitment of being your partner for your personal and financial growth by providing you the best financial products and services with exclusive offers.

Your partner in managing your finances

With the Metrobank App, managing your cash flow is made easy as you can conveniently complete and keep track of all your financial transactions—whether it be for your savings, checking, or credit card account – all in one app!

It only takes a few taps to pay your bills, monitor your credit card, or even transfer funds to your loved ones or pay your favorite merchant. Now, as a bonus during its anniversary month, Metrobank is waiving InstaPay fees for transactions worth P1,000 and below – to make completing your everyday banking needs lighter on the pocket. Managing your finances efficiently also means finding the right avenues to maintain and grow your money. Good news for you, Metrobank offers a wide variety of savings accounts that fit your needs and lifestyle.

As part of its anniversary celebration, clients opening their first Metrobank savings or checking account from today until September 30 with a minimum deposit of P25,000 will receive P500 worth of Lazada vouchers. You can open an account through any Metrobank branch near you.

And if you’re looking for a way to grow your money steadily, on a long-term basis, you can avail of the Metrobank Online Time Deposit (OTD), which has interest rates of up to 4.5% p.a. Existing Metrobank account holders can easily start their OTD placement via Metrobank Online or the Earnest app. Whatever life stage you are in, Metrobank is here to help you achieve your goals. As you go on your financial journey, the Bank’s financial education program, Earnest Learning has an e-book accessible through earnest. metrobank.com.ph that provides reliable personal finance guides you can easily use.

You can also check out the right financial products that match your unique needs at https://www.lifebanking.ph. Your partner in upgrading your lifestyle

If you’re ready to take your lifestyle to the next level, Metrobank has your back through its loan products that come with competitive rates, waived fees, and other perks to help you achieve your big life goals.

Metrobank recently launched its Happy Holideals promo, giving you the best deals when it comes to home

and car loans. Until October 31, clients who apply for a Metrobank home or auto loan can enjoy waived fees of up to P100,000, competitive rates of 8.70% p.a. for auto loans and 6.75% p.a. for 5-year fixed-term home loans. What’s even better is that once your loan is approved, you also get pre-qualified for a Metrobank credit card –making it easier for you to enjoy exclusive rewards for your everyday expenses. Conveniently apply for a Metrobank Home or Car loan online through https://www.metrobank. com.ph/articles/happy-holideals-promo-2024 or at the Metrobank branch near you. Your partner in living your best life

As you work on building up your savings or owning your first property, don’t forget to still set aside funds for things and experiences that bring you joy. That is why on its Anniversary month, Metrobank has a list of the best deals that you can enjoy wherever you may be in the country – all you have to do is pay with your Metrobank credit, debit, or prepaid card:

Unlock a rewarding travel experience: If you’re going on a trip anytime soon, Metrobank brings you exciting rewards with its Big Travel Bonus with Visa promo that lets you get up to P12,000 in eGCs when you spend on travel-related purchases.

This promo is available for Metrobank Visa cardholders from today until September 15. You can even stack your rewards with Metrobank’s FlyDeals promo with Visa, which gives you up to P4,000 cashback on flights at Klook and up to P2,000 cashback on hotel stays in Agoda every Thursday until October 31.

Get the best deals on your foodtrip: Foodies can go all out at restaurants like Yellow Cab, which offers a free Hawaiian or Dear Darla pizza to Metrobank Mastercard holders who spend at least P2,000 at any branch. Kuya J is slashing 40% off on set meals for a group of 4-5 persons. For food deliveries, you can enjoy a 30% discount when you spend at least PHP 600 and use the voucher code MBNEW2024 on your first order at foodpanda. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a free 1-pc. Chicken McDo medium meal when you spend at least PHP 3,000 with your Metrobank Credit Mastercard on restaurants and select retail stores.

Maximize your budget on your retail therapy: You can also avail discounts across different retail establishments. These include MC Home Depot, which offers a chance to win a new 2024 Hyundai Custin AT or Honda DIO 110 when you spend at least P3,000; Designer Blooms, which slashes 15% off on purchases of at least PHP 3,600; and OGAWA, which is giving a 40% discount on select chairs.

To see the full list of Metrobank card promos, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos.

Be a part of Metrobank’s big 62nd anniversary celebrations and find out how they can help you grow today! To learn more, visit metrobank.com.ph.

Global Award-winning HONOR Magic V3 confirmed to arrive in PH

THE leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, is launching the HONOR Magic V3 in the Philippines which is the brand’s thinnest foldable phone to date.

“We are excited to introduce the slimmer and stronger foldable phone of HONOR. Its premium look has more than meets the eye which we can’t wait to unveil soon,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines

In the recent Guinness world-breaking record of the American architect and card-stacking extraordinaire Bryan Berg, the HONOR Magic V3 successfully sat on top of the tallest house of cards in 8 hours, and at 54 levels high.

The HONOR Magic V3 is built with AI, backed up by Google and has the highest water durability rating. It has an improved processor compared to HONOR Magic V2 and is ever stronger with titanium hinge for seamless folds.

The eagerly awaited HONOR Magic V3 will be fully unveiled soon, presenting its industry-leading specifications. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting launch!

For more updates on the spectacular specs of the HONOR Magic V3, follow through HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook ( Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines ), Instagram

GOOGLE Philippines and Commune Cafe’s got some exciting news. They’re extending the availability of the Gemini-inspired Special Bibingka Latte until October 15 so more Pinoys can enjoy this fun and creative coffee experience!

This limited-edition coffee blend, crafted in collaboration with Gemini, Google’s generative AI, is a must-try for coffee lovers. Head to Commune Cafe in Poblacion, Makati and experience this delicious creation until

Poblacion, October 15! (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok

HONOR Magic V3

Bryan Berg from the Guinness World Records. HONOR is on top of the world, literally –participating in a Guinness World Record.

MMeta bets big on celebrity AI voices and augmented reality glasses

ENLO PARK (AFP) -- eta launched AI chatbots voiced by Hollywood celebrities including Judi Dench and John Cena on Wednesday, betting its billions of users are eager to embrace artificial intelligence.

At the company’s annual product launch event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg also unveiled a prototype of normallooking augmented reality glasses, which he hopes can one day replace smartphones.

Social media giant Meta is banking on AI and virtual and augmented reality applications to diversify its revenue streams.

However, the company has yet to convince investors of the need to shift from its highly profitable advertisingbased model.

“I think voice has the potential to be one of, if not the most frequent way, that we interact with AI,” Zuckerberg said, demonstrating a conversation with an AI version of performer Awkwafina.

“It is just a lot better,” he said.

This launch follows OpenAI’s controversial ChatGPT voice feature, which drew criticism for its similarity to actress Scarlett Johansson’s voice.

Meta has secured permission from the celebrities featured in its voice tool, which will be available on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

However, due to EU data protection laws, Meta AI will not be accessible in Europe.

Meta’s AI relies on data from its platforms’ legions of users, a practice that in Europe would potentially violate data privacy laws.

Meta AI, similar to ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, is an assistant that answers questions, creates images, writes messages, and even provides companionship.

The company reports that more than 400 million people already use Meta AI monthly, aiming to make it “the most widely used AI assistant by year-end.”

Critics note, however, that many users may encounter Meta’s AI unintentionally, as it can be easily mistaken for search functions on WhatsApp and Instagram.

‘Big hurdle’

Competition in the AI field is fierce, with Google and Microsoft leading in productivity features and Apple entering the market with AI-capable iPhones.

These developments require substantial resources, impacting company budgets significantly.

Despite concerns about heavy AI and VR spending, Meta’s profits and share price have soared due to strong advertising results on Facebook and Instagram.

Analyst Carolina Milanesi of Creative Strategies noted that “when I think about AI, Meta is not necessarily the first brand that comes to mind. And their biggest hurdle is going to be privacy and trust.” Meta hopes to change perceptions with its new AR glasses, called Orion.

These glasses resemble thickrimmed reading glasses but can display holographic text messages and apps, and place video calls in the user’s field of vision.

The release of the product is still years away, but Zuckerberg sees it as

a potential hands-free alternative to smartphones.

The company is also doubling down on its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that serve as earphones, take pictures and video, and will soon feature live translation, the company said.

Apple is for everyone: Best Apple products to purchase via Home Credit

Enjoy these remarkable Apple devices at 0% interest, available in

APPLE products have long been known for their high quality, sleek design, and powerful performance. From MacBooks and iPhones up to AirPods, these devices have become a popular choice for people who want excellent technology that lasts. However, this level of quality comes at a premium price. Thankfully, Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, makes owning these Apple devices easier, more affordable, and more accessible for everyone. With 0% interest on a variety of flexible installment plans up to 12 months, Home Credit allows customers to bring home their favorite Apple gadgets without the financial burden of an upfront payment.

If you are considering which Apple products to purchase through Home Credit, here are some top picks.

Enjoy top-tier performance with the Apple MacBook Air 13” M3 Powered by the impressive M3 chip, the MacBook Air 13” in Space Gray delivers exceptional performance for both everyday tasks and entertainment. Its 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU ensure seamless multitasking, while its 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage provide ample speed and space for all your needs.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone offers stunning visuals, and its longlasting battery delivers up to 18 hours of screen time. Experience a portable productivity partner with the Apple iPad 9th Gen The Apple iPad 9th Gen, powered by the A13 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine, is designed for seamless browsing, video streaming, and working on the go. With 64GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, it offers reliable performance in a lightweight package, weighing just 0.49 kg—perfect for portability without sacrificing power. The 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone delivers vibrant visuals, while its battery lasts up to 10

hours, making it a perfect companion for long days. Its sleek silver finish adds a touch of elegance to its versatility and functionality. Take advantage of impressive performance, design with the Apple iPhone 13

The Apple iPhone 13 carries the A15 Bionic Chip that provides incredible performance in daily smartphone use. This impressive performance is enhanced by 128GB of internal storage to store relevant apps, files, and photos, and a 3240mAh battery that can last up to 19 hours of watching videos. It has a 12MP wide and ultra-wide rear camera system, along with a 12MP front camera, ensuring crisp and clear photos. Encased in a sleek, pink IP68rated design, it is both stylish and durable. Utilize a reliable mobile companion with the Apple iPhone 11 128GB The Apple iPhone 11 serves as a dependable mobile companion

for both everyday use and work. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip with a third-generation Neural Engine and equipped with 128GB of storage, it offers smooth performance for all your needs. The dual-camera system features 12MP ultra-wide and wide lenses, along with a 12MP front camera, ensuring high-quality photos and videos. With a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, you can enjoy an immersive viewing experience, and the 3,110mAh battery provides extended usage. Experience top-notch audio quality with the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen The Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen offer an immersive audio experience with up to twice the Active Noise Cancellation. Powered by the H2 chip, these earbuds deliver remarkable sound quality. They also feature a Transparency mode that minimizes noise, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly.

Weighing just 5.3 grams and rated IP54 for water and dust resistance,

they are designed for long-lasting use. With up to 30 hours of listening time when paired with the charging case, these AirPods are perfect as audio companions anywhere. Get your

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks about Meta’s new “Orion” augemented reality glasses at Meta Connect, Meta’s annual event on its latest software and hardware innovations, in Menlo Park, California.

The Meta AI artificial intelligence assistant can now make conversation with users, on apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) or connected glasses from the American group, which dreams of taking the lead in the AI companion race. AFP

foodpanda PH drives economic growth by

empowering riders, MSMEs, & communities

As the e-commerce market is set to reach $39.5 billion (PHP 2.2 trillion) by 2028, digital platforms are becoming key to its growth. More Filipinos are turning to online shopping, highlighting the growing adoption of digital marketplaces for shopping needs. Online food and grocery delivery platform foodpanda Philippines is one of the major platforms with great potential to empower freelance riders, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and help communities — further driving economic growth in the country.

Once seen as just a trend, e-Commerce in the Philippines has now become a dominant business model, creating vast new opportunities. “The market is growing rapidly, fueled by a young population, increased confidence in online payments, and government support,” said foodpanda Philippines Finance Director Leopoldo De Castro Jr. “By uplifting MSME vendors, freelance riders, and our app users, we’re not only improving their lives but also making a significant contribution to the growth of the economy and the e-Commerce industry as a whole,” he added.

Personalized marketing for local growth With the Philippines being an archipelago, there are unique opportunities to tap into various regions and further boost local economies by promoting homegrown businesses and offering a wider variety of food choices for app users. “Each area has different demands and buying behaviors, so we tailor our promos and deals to meet local needs and build customer loyalty,” De Castro shared. Hence, the upcoming Christmas season is also a key focus for the company. “We want to be the go-to partner for Christmas party food needs while offering exciting rewards. It’s not just a campaign, it’s a message that we’re here to make the season easier for our customers,” said De Castro.

On-the-spot assistance for Ka-pandas

In parallel to its localized campaigns, foodpanda’s delivery service provider, Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines Inc. (DHLPI), continues to support its freelance riders through the Rider Support Express—a mobile hub where Ka-pandas can get direct assistance for their questions and concerns. “This initiative is not only about helping existing Ka-pandas, but also encouraging aspiring delivery partners to join our growing community,” De Castro said.

He affirmed that livelihood opportunities are at the core of foodpanda’s expansion of its freelance rider community. “The freelance delivery rider community is a crucial part of the digital platform industry, and we’re committed to supporting DHLPI in nurturing and growing this group so that we can continue to deliver efficiently to our app users in the long run,” he added. MSME financial support to vendors

The digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is another driver of the growth of the digital platform industry. With MSMEs contributing 40% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), foodpanda is strengthening its partnership with small businesses nationwide.

“Recognizing the untapped potential that they face because of less access to financing opportunities, we want to prioritize financial empowerment to support these small Filipino businesses,” explained De Castro.

He added, “Most of our partner vendors are homebased food businesses and small local restaurants. The Negosyo Like a Panda Loans Caravan offers these vendors financing options, in partnership with local banks like BDO Network Bank (BDONB) and Jia Financing Inc., to help them grow their businesses.”

Sustainable food delivery ecosystem

The company is also giving back to communities through its flagship sustainability program, ‘Let’s Do Our Pau-rt’.

Along with their advocacy to promote sustainable activities and mobilized donations & natural emergency assistance, the meal donation initiative focuses on fighting hunger and reducing food waste through meal donations.

“Sustainability is a big part of what we do at foodpanda. We’re not just about delivering food; we also want to make a real difference in the communities we serve.”

“With food being such a big part of who we are, we want to use our platform to help tackle hunger in the country,” De Castro said. Programs like ShareTheMeal, in partnership with the United Nations - World Food Programme (UN-WFP), let customers donate meals right after placing an order on the app, directly helping those in need.

Looking ahead, foodpanda is ready to dominate the e-Commerce space by balancing the needs of consumers, vendors, delivery partners, and communities. “Our aim is to continuously meet the ever-changing demands of the digital world and local market, and we’re here to stay to do just that,” De Castro concluded.

SEPTEMBER

Alibaba Cloud’s AI tech brings color to historic sports events

PARIS – Alibaba Group, a leading e-commerce and technology company, and worldwide partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recently premiered a short film entitled

“To the Greatness of HER”. The 8-minute video is dedicated to the evolution of gender equality since the 19th century. Leveraging Alibaba’s Cloud-based Artificial Intelligence, vintage photographs of female athletes’ achievements from past Olympic Games were colorized and restored in the short film and exhibited at the Alibaba Evening in Paris in line with the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, said,

“To the Greatness of HER highlights the great progress of women in sports through the course of history. My heartfelt thanks go to our friends at Alibaba for using AI-powered technology to let the achievements of these women in sports shine through the full spectrum of colors. More importantly, the film allows us

Xiaomi Unveils Xiaomi 14T Series with Exceptional Night Photography and Advanced AI

to reflect on one of the most important priorities of the Olympic community – empowering women in and through sports.”

“Gender equality is a team sport. We all have a role to play and we all have to lead by example. With this film, Alibaba is leading by example and using its technological expertise to highlight this important topic,” added Bach.

Leveraging vast raw data from FusionLM, this series supports UltraHDR format, enhancing the HDR experience. Additionally, PortraitLM within the AISP platform enhances the Master Portrait mode, which covers a focal range of 23mm to 75mm, ensuring layered, detailed portrait photos with enhanced depth, clarity, and a natural bokeh effect. The Xiaomi 14T Pro has a versatile triple camera system spanning five focal lengths— from 15mm to 120mm. This offers additional flexibility to cover various shooting conditions. Its 50MP main camera features a large ƒ/1.6 aperture and the latest Leica Summilux optical lens, paired with the Light Fusion 900 image sensor. With a 1/1.31” sensor size, Dual Native ISO Fusion Max, and a 13.57EV high dynamic range, this advanced setup captures up to 32% more light than its predecessor, ensuring vibrant and detailed imagery. The device also includes a 7P aspherical high-transmittance lens to capture more light and support high dynamic range shooting. The Xiaomi 14T features an advanced Sony IMX906 image sensor and a versatile triple camera system featuring three lenses with four focal lengths ranging from 15mm to 100mm. Its 50MP main camera, with a large ƒ/1.7 aperture and the latest Leica Summilux optical lens, delivers vibrant colors and exceptional detail even in low light. The 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 15mm equivalent focal length also ensures crisp and detailed landscape shots.

with advanced parameter controls. Meanwhile, MasterCinema records HDR videos in the 10-bit Rec. 2020 format and offers up to 4K recording at 30fps, capturing more detail in light and shadow, presenting users with a dynamic range that closely resembles human vision.

Harnessing Advanced AI for Everyday Convenience

The Xiaomi 14T Series brings a new level of productivity and creativity with advanced AI capabilities across search, voice, text, image, and video, enhancing everyday tasks and improving convenience. Harnessing the power of both on-device and cloud-based computing, the Xiaomi 14T Series AI-capabilities empower users to

help writing, learning, planning, and more. For enhanced productivity, AI Interpreter overcomes language barriers to improve communication during meetings and calls. AI Notes and AI Recorder enhance efficiency with speech-totext transcription, accurate speaker recognition, and quick summaries, while real-time translations ensure smooth multilingual interactions. On the creativity side, AI Image Editing intelligently expands images to elevate visual storytelling, while AI Eraser Pro removes unwanted elements for flawless photos. AI Film makes creating cinematic short videos a breeze, and AI Portrait generates personalized avatars, empowering users to showcase their unique style effortlessly. Users of the Xiaomi 14T Series can enjoy 100 GB of Google One cloud storage for 6 months and 3 months of YouTube Premium with ad-free access to YouTube and YouTube Music. In selected markets, users can also enjoy 4 months of ad-free music streaming with Spotify Premium at no additional cost.

Immersive Visuals and Ultra-Smooth Interactions

The Xiaomi 14T Series boasts a remarkable 6.67inch AMOLED CrystalRes Display, offering stunning 1.5K resolution (2712 x 1220) with a pixel density of 446 ppi. This advanced display delivers vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, enhanced by impressive 12-bit color depth. With a high refresh rate of up to 144Hz, users can enjoy ultra-smooth scrolling and responsive touch, ensuring fluid animations and seamless transitions for an elevated user experience. Offering DCI-P3 color coverage and peak brightness of 4000 nits, the display provides immersive visuals both indoor and outdoor, making every interaction more engaging and enjoyable. The next-generation AI display intelligently adjusts color temperature and brightness based on usage scenarios and time of day, ensuring optimal eye comfort. The Xiaomi 14T Series delivers exceptional audio quality with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and stereo speakers for immersive sound. Featuring Dolby Atmos® technology, users can experience rich, threedimensional audio, elevating their enjoyment of movies, music, games. Performance Redefined with Seamless Speed and Efficiency

3

VIVO has taken a bold step into the wearable tech world with the introduction of its first-ever smartwatch, the vivo Watch 3, on September 18, 2024.

The grand unveiling occurred alongside the launch of the vivo V40, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

The announcement was made by vivo HQ representative Phil Zong, who introduced this highly anticipated smartwatch packed with innovative features designed to enhance users’ everyday lives. New standard in smart wearables

The vivo Watch 3 boasts a range of advanced health and connectivity features, delivering a seamless experience to users. Its Multi-Channel Star Ring Health Monitoring system offers precise and comprehensive health tracking.

Equipped with 8-channel heart rate and 16-channel blood oxygen monitoring, it ensures accurate detection of vital health data. Additional features include stress monitoring, noise detection, sleep monitoring with a silent mode, and access to over 100 sports modes, making it the perfect companion for health enthusiasts.

Connectivity is at the forefront of the vivo Watch 3’s capabilities. It supports cross-device interconnection, allowing users to pair it with their vivo phones to manage calls, music, and more directly from their wrists. This enhanced interactivity ensures that users can stay connected and in control, no matter where they are.

One of the standout features of the vivo Watch 3 is its remarkable 16-day battery life. This ultra-long battery life guarantees uninterrupted use for over two weeks without needing a recharge. From daily commutes to weekend adventures, this smartwatch ensures users can stay connected and active without the need for frequent recharging.

The vivid AMOLED display offers multiple watch face options, enabling users to switch styles effortlessly. Its lightweight design, weighing only 36 grams, ensures maximum comfort for all-day wear.

this period (September 27 - October 3), customers will receive a free 120W charger! Xiaomi provides outstanding after-sales benefits with every purchase of the Xiaomi 14T Series. Customers can take advantage of one free screen repair within the first six months of their purchase, as well as one outof-warranty

The Xiaomi 14T Series delivers exceptional performance with cutting-edge processors and advanced cooling systems, elevating daily tasks with unparalleled speed and efficiency. The Xiaomi 14T Pro redefines performance with the next-level flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, delivering a remarkable 37% boost in multi-core CPU performance. Paired with the advanced Immortalis-G720 GPU, which offers a 44% improvement in graphics performance, this powerful combination excels in AI applications and gaming, providing a seamless and superior experience. Enhanced by the Xiaomi Surge T1 Tuner for stable connectivity and improved cellular performance, and the Xiaomi 3D IceLoop system for effective heat in CPU performance and a 60% improvement in GPU performance, making multitasking smoother and more efficient while extending battery life with improved power efficiency. The Xiaomi 14T Series features powerful batteries and fast charging capabilities, ensuring rapid charging and reliable use. The Xiaomi 14T Pro stands out as the first in the Xiaomi T Series to introduce wireless charging, providing 50W wireless charging capability in addition to its 5000mAh battery. Additionally, 120W HyperCharge allows a full charge in just 19 minutes. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 14T is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery and 67W HyperCharge for fast wired charging. Powerful Performance Meets Stylish Sophistication The Xiaomi 14T Series seamlessly blends performance with elegant design, featuring a sleek metallic deco design and an ultra-narrow 1.7mm bezel that enhances the immersion of the display experience. Both devices boast an IP68 rating, ensuring water and dust resistance for durability and peace of mind. The Xiaomi 14T Pro features a refined metallic frame that adds a touch of sophistication and offers up to 116% greater resilience against bending and damage compared to the previous generation. The 3D curved back enhances comfort and grip, while the metallic deco adds a touch of luxury. The Xiaomi 14T Pro has three color options: Titan Gray, Titan Blue, and Titan Black. The Xiaomi 14T is available in Titan Gray, Titan Blue, Titan Black, and Lemon Green. The Lemon Green variant is crafted from biobased PU material with a four-layer structure, incorporating 50% bio-based materials, including lemon fiber and 100% recycled PET, making it an eco-friendly choice. Price and Availability The Xiaomi 14T Pro is available in three colors: Titan Gray, Titan Blue, and Titan Black, with three storage variants starting at

Additionally, the vivo Watch 3 is NFC-enabled, allowing users to store up to four access cards on their wrists.

Powered by vivo BlueOS and designed for style

Running on vivo’s self-developed BlueOS, the vivo Watch 3 offers an intuitive, smart wrist experience with its negative onescreen. This new operating system ensures a smooth and responsive user interface.

The watch features a trendy, borderless 3D large curved glass design, complemented by interchangeable bands. Available in Asteroid Black and Moonlight White, it caters to various style preferences, seamlessly transitioning from casual to formal settings. Affordable pricing for wellness and style

Hazel Bascon, vivo Philippines Vice President of Sales, revealed the pricing of the vivo Watch 3 during the vivo V40 Grand Launch. She emphasized the affordability of this feature-packed wearable, stating, “And just like the V40, we’ve made it incredibly affordable. The Asteroid Black variant is priced at P13,999, while the Moonlight White is available for P14,999. It’s

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence

(AI) has quietly seeped into our daily lives, transforming how we interact with technology, work, and socialize. From the moment we wake up to when we sleep, AI works behind the scenes to make our lives more convenient, efficient, and personalized, allowing us to navigate our daily tasks with ease and comfort.

One of the most common ways we interact with AI is through smartphones. Virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa have become indispensable companions, capable of performing various tasks. Need to set an alarm? Ask your virtual assistant. Want to know the weather forecast? Just ask. These AI-powered assistants constantly learn and adapt to our preferences, making them more helpful.

AI is also used to provide personalized recommendations. When we use streaming services like Netflix or Spotify, AI algorithms analyze our viewing or listening history to suggest enjoyable content. Online retailers like Amazon use AI to recommend products based on past purchases and browsing behavior. This personalized approach makes it easier to find what we want and discover new things we might like, making us feel understood and catered to.

Besides our gadgets, AI is also transforming our homes. Smart home devices like thermostats, security cameras, and lighting systems can be controlled using voice commands or smartphone apps. These devices can automatically learn our habits and preferences and adjust to our needs.

Making life easier, smarter, and more connected with AI

For example, a smart thermostat can know when we’re home and away, adjusting the temperature accordingly to save energy.

Yet gadgets and appliances only scratch the surface of how AI can make everyday life more accessible.

AI is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare. AI-powered systems can analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. Medical professionals and companies also use

Elevate

FILIPINO online gamers are in for a treat as the Lenovo™ Legion™ ecosystem just got even more expansive, adding a slew of new Lenovo Legion Go accessories within the year. With this upcoming gaming arsenal, players will be able to elevate their play and take charge of their gaming sessions as they see fit.

Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock

The Lenovo Legion Go USB-C dock will give gamers a base station for their Lenovo Legion Go when not on the move, with a USB-C Power port (up to 100Wmax), 1G RJ45 port, fullfunction Type-C™ port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port that supports up to 4K at 60Hz. The dock also has a 230mm integrated Type-C cable to connect to the Lenovo Legion Go. Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector

The Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector turns the Lenovo Legion Go’s detachable TrueStrike controllers into a single, chargeable controller. At full charge, the Charging Connector’s onboard battery also provides a full charge for both the left and right detachable TrueStrike controllers1. The Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector itself is rechargeable via a Type-C port.

Lenovo Legion Go Carry Case

The hard shell, dual-zip Lenovo Legion Go Carry Case features a clapboard to protect the screen, with an internal zip pocket to hold an auxiliary USB cable, USB flash drive, portable keyboard, earphones, or other accessories. The Lenovo Legion Go power adapter and FPS Mode controller

networks are interconnected nodes that can learn and adapt based on data. Early experiments with neural networks focused on pattern recognition tasks like image and speech recognition. The early enthusiasm for AI was tempered by periods of disillusionment, often called ‘AI winters.’ These winters were characterized by a decline in funding and interest due to the inability to meet the lofty expectations set for AI. During these periods, AI research and development slowed down, leading to a lack of progress and interest in the field.

AI to develop new drugs and treatments. For example, it can analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential drug targets.

In the meantime, AI is also being used to improve transportation. Self-driving cars are becoming a reality, with companies like Tesla and Waymo developing autonomous vehicles. AI can also optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve transportation efficiency.

The history of AI

The roots of AI can be traced back to the mid20th century. A pioneering computer scientist, Alan Turing, proposed the Turing Test in 1950. This test posits that a machine can be considered intelligent if it can engage in conversation with a human in an indistinguishable way from a human response.

Concurrent with Turing’s work, the development of neural networks, inspired by the human brain, laid the foundation for machine learning. These

However, advancements in computing power and the availability of vast datasets fuelled a resurgence of AI in the 21st century. Breakthroughs in deep learning, a subset of machine learning that uses deep neural networks, have significantly improved tasks such as natural language processing, computer vision, and game playing. Making AI more efficient AI is undoubtedly impressive today, but there’s always room for technological improvement. For instance, natural learning processes (NLPs) have come a long way but must work on nuances, dialects, and context. To enhance accessibility, AI systems must better understand and respond to a broader range of natural language inputs, including colloquialisms, slang, and accents. This would make AI more inclusive and helpful for people from diverse backgrounds.

In the meantime, AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases in the data they are trained on. It can lead to discriminatory hiring, lending, and criminal justice outcomes. Addressing bias requires careful curation of training data, transparent algorithms, and ongoing monitoring to identify and correct biases.

Why competitive employee benefits are key to securing top talent

BY ANNA MARGARITA IBARROLA, DGM for Talent Acquisition, Omega Healthcare Philippines

THE diverse needs of employees have evolved significantly over the years. Employees now seek companies that not only align with their personal values but also offer comprehensive benefits that enhance financial stability, overall well-being, and career development.

This shift is particularly evident in the Philippines. According to JobStreet Philippines’ Salary Guide 2023 report, while financial benefits and work-life balance remain essential, Filipino job seekers are placing increasing value on benefits like retirement plans, family support, and career growth opportunities.

As the workforce searches for workplaces where they can thrive, offering comprehensive benefits can make a company stand out in a competitive market. These benefits often become a deciding factor for top candidates when choosing between multiple offers. Additionally, providing such benefits plays a crucial role in retaining employees, resulting in a company’s lower attrition rate.

With this rising demand, companies in the Philippines are expected to expand their offerings to include a broader range of perks, as highlighted in JobStreet Philippines’ 2024 Hiring, Compensation, and Benefits Report. As this trend continues to gain traction, here’s why a robust benefits program is key to attracting, engaging, and securing top talent in today’s competitive landscape.

Offers advantage in the competitive market

Providing a broad range of employee benefits that include financial compensation, work-life balance, career development, and more allows a company to demonstrate its commitment to prioritizing its employees and meeting the evolving needs of the modern workforce. This approach gives companies a competitive edge, making them more attractive to top talent and the preferred choice among job seekers in a crowded market.

Enhances job satisfaction

Job satisfaction is a crucial factor for employees, and perks and benefits significantly contribute to this aspect. When employees feel valued and supported, especially through the various benefits that cater to their needs, they are more likely to experience higher satisfaction with their jobs. This creates a more positive work environment and fulfilling experience that attracts talented candidates and even fosters long-term retention.

Improves employee engagement and productivity

Employee engagement and productivity are directly influenced by how supported employees feel. When employees sense that their company is genuinely invested in their well-being and growth through perks and benefits, they become more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work, leading to increased productivity. Additionally, benefits that support worklife balance help minimize burnout. With adequate rest, employees can maintain their efficiency and deliver their best performance.

Discover a rich array of Employee Benefits & Rewards at Omega Healthcare!

At Omega Healthcare, investing in talent is seen as a strategic priority for creating an empowered ecosystem that unlocks the potential of healthcare. To achieve

this, Omega continually enhances its employee perks and benefits, offering comprehensive packages that include compensation, health and wellness programs, time-off benefits, awards and recognitions, and career development opportunities.

In its commitment to employee empowerment, Omega Healthcare goes beyond government requirements to ensure its workforce is fully supported. For instance, employees in the Philippines are provided with health coverage that extends to dependents. Other benefits include group life and accident insurance, vacation and sick leaves beyond government-mandated leaves like maternity leave, compensatory time off, sick leave conversion, bereavement cash assistance, annual appraisals, free flu vaccines, wellness talks, and more.

For eligible employees, Omega Healthcare provides an array of financial incentives such as retention bonuses, referral bonuses, signing bonuses, interim allowances, and variable pay. These rewards are designed to recognize contributions and drive long-term engagement within the organization.

To further support its employees, Omega Healthcare has put in place policies that prioritize workplace safety and inclusivity, such as the Lactation policy for working mothers and a mental health policy for employees seeking emotional support. The company also actively fosters feedback-driven culture, community engagement initiatives, and ongoing professional development programs. One notable program is the US Registered Nurses (USRN) Academy, which empowers Philippine Registered Nurses (PHRNs) to obtain USRN licenses, significantly boosting their career trajectory.

Celebrating employee achievements is a cornerstone of Omega Healthcare’s culture. Through the annual Omega Global Awards, the company honors outstanding contributions from team members across various regions and departments, recognizing the leadership and impact they bring to the organization.

Together, these initiatives create a workplace where employees not only feel supported but also motivated and inspired to excel, making Omega Healthcare a rewarding and fulfilling place to work.

LEADING global smart devices provider, HONOR, has officially started the rollout of its new OS update which includes the highly anticipated HONOR AI Eraser among its revolutionary AI features.

“It was highly requested, and we are very proud that we took our time in developing and perfecting this technology for our HONOR fans to enjoy. To the HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro users out there, check if you have the new OS update and be amazed with our HONOR AI,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. HONOR’s exciting AI Features:

1. AI Eraser Tool—Leverages generative AI to seamlessly remove unwanted objects from photos. Photobombers and obstructions can no longer ruin your money shots.

2. AI Optimize Eyes Close—Another addition is the Group Photo Enhance Tool, capable of editing up to 50 people in a single frame, ensuring everyone looks their best by correcting facial distortions or mistimed blinks.

3. Face to Face Translation—Believe it or not, HONOR AI can listen to and translate live audio to different languages.

4. AI Magic Capsule—An interactive place that bubbles up alerts, notifications, and activities of calls, music activity, recording, app activity and others

5. AI Shopping—On the next updates, you can now just drag text or image to Google search so you can

shop on Lazada, Shopee, or TikTok Shop

6. AI Search—Drag text or image to Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, or any app you want to search

7. AI Locate—Drag text to Google maps so you can start locating places or navigate to your destination

8. AI Drag to Note—Drag text or image to Notes to you can save or edit files

9. AI Air Gesture—Navigate your phone without even touching it!

10. HONOR Connect—Connect HONOR smartphone to a laptop or tablet. Then, drag the image or text to the other device so you can do AI shopping, AI searching, and AI travel or locate

All these and more are up for grabs so check out your HONOR 200 now on Shopee https://bit. ly/HONOR_Shopee, Lazada https://bit.ly/HONOR_ Lazada, and Tiktok https://bit.ly/TikTok_H200_PR or run to your nearest HONOR Experience and Partner stores!

To know more about HONOR AI and its official launch, check out HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook. com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram. com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@ honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ ph/retailers/.

Watch X: OPPO’s most luxurious, functional smartwatch

OPPO is taking smart watches to the next level with its most recent offering, the OPPO Watch X. Designed to be a fashion-forward timepiece that blends style with substance, the OPPO Watch X is not just about appearance, it is also the ideal companion for everyday living that offers wellness tracking and smart features in a sleek, durable form factor.

Iconic Design that Meets Premium Materials

Drawing inspiration from OPPO’s flagship Find X series, the OPPO Watch X embodies sophistication and elegance. Its Cosmos Design with a round display and flat right side evokes the beauty of a sunrise on the horizon, creating a sense of balance between modern and classic styles. The design is versatile, making it suitable for any occasion from a business meeting, hitting the gym, or just a casual night out.

The OPPO Watch X is also crafted from premium materials to ensure it’s not only beautiful but also built to last.

It features a Sapphire Crystal Glass that makes the watch face significantly more scratch-resistant than regular tempered glass. This will keep the watch look

pristine even if it is worn daily. In addition, the 46mm Stainless Steel Case is polished to perfection, providing a comfortable yet luxurious feel on the wrist.

Durability that compliments your adventures For those who live a more adventurous lifestyle, the OPPO Watch X is designed to withstand the toughest conditions. It is militarygrade (MIL-STD-810H) tested, which can handle extreme environments, from temperatures as low as -20°C to as high as 55°C. The OPPO Watch X is also IP68 water- and dust-resistant and 5ATM pressure-resistant, making it a reliable companion to any active and sports and wellness activities like swimming, running, or hiking.

LIMA (AFP) — Japanese scientists have used artificial intelligence to uncover 303 new etchings in Peru’s Nazca desert -doubling the amount of known geoglyphs made some 2,000 years ago by a pre-Inca civilization.

The fabled Nazca lines, a series of massive incisions on the desert floor depicting animals, plants, imaginary beings and geometric figures, have fascinated scientists ever since they were first discovered around a century ago.

Best viewed from the air, the lines situated some 220 miles (350 kilometers) south of Lima are one of Peru’s top tourist attractions.

Announcing the new discoveries in Lima on Monday, archaeologist Masato Sakai, from Yamagata University, said: “The use of AI in research has allowed us to map the distribution of geoglyphs in a faster and more precise way.”

He said the findings were the fruit of

collaboration between his university’s Nazca Institute and the research division of the technology company IBM.

“The traditional method of study, which consisted of visually identifying the geoglyphs from high-resolution images of this vast area, was slow and carried the risk of overlooking some of them,” he added.

The study was also published on Monday in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal, describing how AI can be used to accelerate discoveries in archeology even in well-known sites.

The paper said it had taken nearly a century to discover 430 figurative Nazca geoglyphs.

Using AI, scientists found 303 more during only six months of field surveys.

The AI model was particularly good at picking up smaller relief-type geoglyphs which are harder to spot with the naked eye.

Among the new figures discovered were giant linear-type geoglyphs, mainly representing wild animals, but also smaller ones with motifs of abstract humanoids and domesticated camelids, a mammal from the camel family.

Scientists used AI to analyze a vast amount of geospatial data produced by aircraft to identify areas where they might find more geoglyphs.

The people that formed the Nazca civilization lived in the area of southwestern Peru from 200 BC to 700 AD. What drove them to create the lines, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mystery. Some scientists believe they have astrological and religious significance.

The first geoglyphs were discovered in 1927.

OPPO Watch X in Mars Brown

OPPO Watch X showcasing Google Gmail

303 new

geoglyphs discovered by scientists at Yamagata University in Japan (AFP)

By Julie JAMMOT

WBut behind their cute facade, these robots are all sensors and engineering, and designed to perform the drudgery of logistical support in hospitals or hotels.

“Why live with ugly machines,” says Jerome Monceaux, head of Paris-based start-up Enchanted Tools, who was on hand to present the pair at the CES tech show in Las Vegas this year.

“I could cut their heads off and erase their colors, but I’m not sure you’d want to share your daily life with them,” he continues.

A number of start-ups are working on robots that look familiar and help humans, without making them feel

Text By Adam Parnala

Photos By Patrick Cañete

VIVO has officially launched the new vivo V40 5G, its latest premium midrange smartphone, in the Philippines. Starting at only Php26,999, the vivo V40 5G offers a stylish smartphone design, good performance, AI features, and ZEISS-powered cameras.

On September 18, celebrities, influencers, media, and vivo partners graced the event in Okada Manila to witness the grand launch of the vivo V40 5G in the country. The event was headlined by vivo brand ambassador Anne Curtis, Maine Mendoza, and NBA legend Robert Horry. All of them went on stage to entertain the crowd and play games, where attendees were given the chance to win their very own V40. Like its predecessors, the vivo V40 5G’s design is one of the most elegant in its price range. This time, it comes in three colorways: Stellar Silver, Nebula Purple, and Sunglow Peach. Whether you want something that looks simple yet sophisticated, or a smartphone that exudes youth and fun, vivo has it covered.

The new vivo V40 5G retains the 6.78-inch 1.5K curved screen as the V30, but with 60.7% higher local peak brightness at 4,500 nits for a more comfortable viewing experience in different environments. In addition, there’s 120Hz refresh rate, P3 color gamut, and HDR 10+ support. SGS low blue light, low flicker, and low motion blur certifications are also here to guarantee that it’s safer than most smartphone displays for the eyes.

Under the hood, the vivo V40 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset paired with an Adreno 720 GPU. While this processor may not be the most powerful in its price range, it promises efficient performance and energy efficiency for everyday tasks. The device also offers 12GB of RAM (+12GB extended RAM) and a choice between 256GB and 512GB of storage. To top it all off, vivo promised that the

Robots that are neither too human nor too machine are here

ITH big, expressive eyes, elfin ears and adorable cooing, Miroka and Miroki could be an apparition from your favorite cartoon.

uncomfortable or unsafe.

Amazon is currently testing Agility’s “Digit”, a two-legged android that wouldn’t look out of place in Star Wars, to carry plastic bins in its warehouses. Enchanted Tools has also bet on teamplaying robots, designed to relieve staff of repetitive tasks.

But in addition to helping out, Miroki is meant to bring a touch of “wonder” to the workplace.

“It’s a way of celebrating something very beautiful in ourselves and avoid becoming machines ourselves,” said Monceaux.

His company hopes to produce 100,000

robots over the next 10 years.

Filling jobs

Every CES brings its share of companion robots and androids, but they haven’t gained much ground in homes and businesses.

At the same time, “labor shortage has been the number one problem since Covid across different industries. Today, we have roughly 18 million job vacancies,” said Joe Lui, the global lead on robotics at Accenture.

And while some tasks have been adapted for mechanical arms and autonomous forklifts, many others require language, mobility and understanding of the environment and therefore humans.

Or humanoids infused with artificial intelligence, said Lui, who thinks AI can bring robots into everyday life.

“Humanoids are going to be really like coworkers in the coming years and natural

language interfaces like ChatGPT are going to be prevalent,” said Chris Nielsen, head of Levatas, a US company that has integrated generative AI software into Spot, a quadruped robot from Boston Dynamics.

Thanks to generative AI, robots depend less on pre-written scripts.

But “don’t worry, robots like us are designed to help humans make their lives better,” robot Moxie told AFP.

“We always follow the instructions and programs that humans give us. So you have the control.”

As tall as a teddy bear and doped with generative AI, Moxie is capable of interacting with children, telling them stories, giving math lessons and performing dance moves with two arms.

“Moxie isn’t here to replace anyone. Moxie is a mentor, tutor and a friend,” said Daniel Thorpe of Embodied, the company that created the robot.

‘Frightening’

Two-legged, mobile and autonomous humanoids still have a long way to go before they leave the laboratory.

But some of their precursors have at least made it out of CES, like Moxie or Aura, a highly anthropomorphic robot that entertains patrons at The Sphere, Las Vegas’ new concert venue.

“I receive a lot of questions like how old are you, what’s the meaning of life, who’s going to win the Super Bowl?” said Aura to curious viewers.

Aura punctuates her answers with jokes, exaggerated laughter and even rolls her shoulders into a shrug.

For Monceaux, highly anthropomorphic robots risk “provoking an epidermic reaction. They create confusion between our humanity and their robot nature, and are frightening.”

“Nobody wants to have one in their home or hospital on a daily basis,” he said. Above all, he added, “it creates an expectation of behavior similar to our own”, and therefore a risk of disappointment, because the robot doesn’t see and understand the world as we do, and won’t for years to come.”

For Jonathan Hurst, co-founder of Agility, its Digit robot would look strange without a head and creep out humans.

“We had a lot of conversation about that internally at the company” and the head was kept even if it provided no significant technical purpose.

At CES, Adam, a robot barista from Richtech Robotics, serves coffee to delighted attendees and can now make jokes, thanks to generative AI.

But to refill the coffee machine with milk, he still needs humans.

vivo V40 5G with 50-megapixel ZEISS cameras now in PH

The ZEISS Multifocal Portrait feature enables the phone to switch from 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm lens focal length equivalents to take pictures at varying distances with professional-looking bokeh effect. To get the classic ZEISS look, it comes with 6 iconic effects: Planar, Distagon, B-Speed, Biotar, Sonnar, and Cineflare Portrait filters. For shots that need a bit of tweaking, the vivo V40 can remove unwanted distractions in photos with its easy-to-use AI Eraser. To further improve its camera capabilities, vivo V40 5G’s Aura Light technology has been upgraded to be 33% brighter than the previous generation. Now powered by AI, the V40’s Aura Light is equipped with 3D Studio Lighting feature to provide smarter and better fill light in dim environments. And aside from the usual use case as a flash, the Aura Light ring now doubles as a notification indicator, making it easier to see notifications even if the phone is laid face down. Even with the V40’s focus in style and cameras, vivo didn’t skimp on durability with its IP68 and IP69 certification. The vivo V40 5G is built to endure challenging conditions, whether it’s rain, accidental submersion, high temperature, or pressure. It can even survive 1.5 meters deep in water for up to 30 minutes. Despite being only 7.58mm thin, vivo managed to cram a massive 5500mAh BlueVolt battery inside it. That’s a 10% increase from the V30’s battery capacity, made possible by the company’s second-generation silicon-carbon anodes that improved energy density by 20%. It charges quickly, too, with support for its proprietary 80W FlashCharge technology.

The new vivo V40 5G is available in two variants: 12GB RAM +

storage for Php26,999 and 12GB + 512GB storage for Php29,999. Interested buyers can now get it on all vivo stores nationwide, as well as

through Shopee, Lazada, and vivo’s

A woman photographs a Humanoid Robot from AI Life with Bio-Inspired communicative AI, on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Aura ‘spokesbot’

Tech 8th Anniversary issue: AI today, tomorrow

Artificial Intelligence: The promise and peril of tomorrow’s technology

By Peter Paul Duran

ARTIFICIAL

Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a reality shaping the world around us.

From self-driving cars and virtual assistants to advancements in healthcare and energy, AI is revolutionizing industries and altering our daily lives. But as we embrace its potential, the question becomes more pressing: Is AI a transformative tool for good, or does it pose risks that we are unprepared to handle?

AI’s Potential for Progress AI holds incredible promise. Its ability to process massive amounts of data and learn from patterns has enabled breakthroughs across multiple sectors.

In the fight against climate change, for instance, AI is being used to optimize energy consumption and promote sustainability. Smart grids powered by AI help manage electricity demand more efficiently, reducing waste and lowering emissions. In agriculture, farmers are leveraging AI-driven tools to monitor soil health, predict weather patterns, and improve crop yields—all while minimizing environmental impact.

MAYA has once again earned top global awards for revolutionizing banking for every Filipino, from the unbanked to the unhappily banked. For the second straight year, Maya was recognized as the Best Digital Bank and Best Mobile Banking App in the Philippines at the World’s Best Digital Bank Awards 2024 by Global Finance Magazine. Recently, it was named the Best Virtual Bank in the Philippines for 2024 by FinanceAsia Awards in Hong Kong and New Virtual Bank in the Philippines at the Retail Banking Awards in Singapore.

Maya also ranked 3rd in the Philippines in Statista and CNBC’s inaugural Best Banks - Asia Pacific 2024 report and made Forbes Magazine’s World’s Best Banks 2024 list for the second year.

Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and CoFounder of Maya Bank, said, “Every day, we’re driven to make banking simple, intuitive, and useful for everyone. In just over two years, we’ve shown that digital banking with Maya is the fastest and easiest way to boost the financial health of Filipinos. These new recognitions from our peers truly validate our efforts.”

Addressing Banking Challenges

In the Philippines, where banks symbolize upward mobility and financial security, traditional banking is often inconvenient, leaving many without easy access to financial accounts or credit services.

Fintech solutions have stepped up to address these banking woes, helping raise the number of Filipinos with financial accounts from 29% in 2019 to 56% in 2021, thanks to digital payments. Despite these advances, 52% of Filipino adults still save at home, and 57% rely on informal borrowing in 2021, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

limited access to medical experts, AIpowered telemedicine platforms are bridging gaps, ensuring people receive timely care.

The Risks of Rapid AI Adoption

In the Philippines, AI is already making an impact in areas like disaster management. With the country being vulnerable to typhoons and other natural disasters, AI-driven early warning systems can help predict and respond to these events more quickly and accurately. Such innovations could save lives and protect communities from severe harm.

Beyond environmental benefits, AI is also transforming healthcare. AI-assisted diagnostic tools are helping doctors identify diseases earlier, improving treatment outcomes. In regions with

Maya revolutionized traditional banking with simple, intuitive, and transparent products. With just one ID, Filipinos can save, borrow, spend, invest, and earn rewards all within one app – a first in the Philippines.

Reinventing savings in the Philippines, Maya is the first to offer flexible deposit products, such as time deposit, that allow users to start small and build over time. It is also the pioneering bank to offer higher interest rates the more they use Maya for everyday spending. As of end-June 2024, deposit balance grew by 32% YoY to P32.8 billion.

Recognized as the country’s #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, Maya holds the largest market share in deposit balances among digital banks at 38% as of March 2024. It also boasts the highest monthly active users according to data.ai and the highest user ratings on major app stores.

Maya revolutionized unsecured lending by creating an AI-driven credit scoring model that uses payments and other alternative data, allowing it to lend profitably with speed and at scale.

As of end-June 2024, Maya has provided loans to over a million borrowers, with total loan disbursements life-to-date reaching P47 billion. Maya has expanded unsecured credit disbursement to customers, with 59% of its borrowers taking a bank loan for the first time.

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to P500,000 per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything

However, AI is not without its pitfalls. Perhaps the most immediate concern is job displacement. Automation threatens to disrupt industries, particularly in the Philippines, where millions are employed in sectors like manufacturing and business process outsourcing (BPO). AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are already replacing human workers in customer service roles, potentially displacing a significant portion of the workforce. While new jobs will emerge from AI innovation, the challenge lies in preparing displaced workers for this transition.

Privacy is another critical issue. As AI systems collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, concerns about surveillance and data misuse are growing. In an age where cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, ensuring that AI systems are secure and data privacy is protected must be a top priority.

Additionally, there is the moral question of AI’s growing autonomy. As AI becomes more

Making...

Many AI systems, particularly deep learning models, are considered ‘black boxes’ due to their complex internal workings. This means that it can be difficult to understand how AI makes decisions, as the process is often opaque and not easily explainable. This lack of transparency can be problematic in high-stakes applications like healthcare and finance, where understanding the decisionmaking process is crucial. Developing more explainable AI models would increase trust and accountability in these systems. Privacy and security concerns are paramount as AI systems collect and process vast amounts of personal data. Ensuring that AI systems handle data responsibly and protect against breaches is essential for maintaining public trust. Implementing robust data protection measures, such as encryption and anonymization, is crucial. While AI offers many benefits, it raises significant ethical and social concerns. One of the main concerns is job displacement. AI could replace human workers in specific industries as it becomes more advanced. It is

capable of making decisions without human input, who will be held accountable when things go wrong? The potential for misuse— whether in the form of autonomous weapons or algorithmic biases—is a serious risk that must be addressed through comprehensive ethical guidelines and regulation.

The Choice Is Ours

Ultimately, AI is a double-edged sword. It has the power to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges, but it also comes with significant risks. Whether AI becomes a boon or a bane depends on how we choose to shape its development.

The responsibility falls on governments, industries, and individuals to ensure that AI is developed and deployed ethically. Transparent policies, robust education programs, and investment in reskilling initiatives will be critical in helping societies adapt to the changes that AI brings.

AI is neither our savior nor our destroyer— it is a tool, and how we use it will determine the kind of future we build. As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI, we must remain vigilant, making decisions that benefit humanity as a whole rather than a select few.

essential to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed fairly and that workers displaced by AI are provided with the support they need to transition to new careers.

Another concern is the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes. For example, AI can create deepfakes, which are highly realistic but fake videos or images. These deepfakes can be used to spread misinformation and disinformation, potentially causing harm to individuals and society. This misuse of AI technology highlights the need for ethical guidelines and regulations in the development and use of AI.

Lastly, the computational demands of AI can be energy-intensive, contributing to environmental concerns. Developing more energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of AI applications.

AI is an increasingly important part of our lives. It is transforming the way we work, learn, and interact with the world around us. While AI has challenges and concerns, the benefits are clear. By working together to address these challenges and ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, we can harness the power of AI to create a better future for all.

In

The Acer TravelMate P6 14 AI combines new AI features and powerful performance for people on-the-go

AI laptop is a Copilot+ PC, which uses Microsoft’s AI platform launched earlier this year. Copilot builds on Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.

The lightweight (2.6 lbs) laptop’s new AI features will help users bring their ideas to life by taking descriptions and generating new images in nearly real-time. For instance, Live Captions can translate spoken words from 44 languages and present English speech captions in real-time, whether a live video, movie dialogue, or YouTube clip.

Windows Studio Effects has AI-boosted features such as Background Blur, Eye Contact, Automatic Framing, Portrait Light, and Creative Filters to improve lighting and make users look their best in virtual meetings, live streams, or video calls.

These AI features can be accessed with the dedicated Copilot key. The TravelMate P6 14 AI will receive free updates to Copilot+ PC experiences later this year.

pace, requiring companies and enterprises to integrate it into the fabric of their IT infrastructure to quickly resolve issues and improve workflow and communication,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer, Inc. “With the newest Intel Core Ultra processors at the helm, the TravelMate P6 14 AI provides workers with remarkable power and has enabled us to combine the latest AI tools and software, incredible power efficiency, and built-in security protection in a convenient ultraportable form factor.”

The TravelMate P6 14 AI is a Windows 11 Pro laptop that delivers exceptional performance, mobility, and AI capabilities for businesses and institutions. It is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) with a built-in NPU boasting up to 120 total platform TOPS AI performance in a compact, carbon fiber chassis. It is ideal for on-the-go executives and mobile professionals with long battery life (13 hours!), Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and MIL-STD 810H durability certification.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 advertise@manilastandard.net Tech 8th

World’s 1st human Graphene-based Brain Computer Interface Procedure

ARCELONA—INBRAIN

BNeuroelectronics, a brain-computer interface therapeutics (BCI-Tx) company pioneering graphene-based neural technologies, announced today the world’s first human procedure of its cortical interface in a patient undergoing brain tumor resection. INBRAIN’s BCI technology was able to differentiate between healthy and

This milestone represents a significant advancement in demonstrating the ability of graphenebased BCI technology beyond decoding and translating brain signals, to become a reliable tool for use in precision surgery in diseases such as cancer, and in neurotechnology more broadly. The study was sponsored by the University of Manchester, and primarily funded by the European Commission’s Graphene Flagship project. The clinical investigation study was conducted at Salford Royal Hospital, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, UK. The study was led by Chief Clinical Investigator Dr. David Coope, a neurosurgeon at the Manchester Centre for Clinical Neuroscience and Brain Tumours Theme Lead at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, and Chief Scientific Investigator Kostas Kostarelos, Ph.D., Professor of Nanomedicine at The University of Manchester, the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, and Co-Founder of INBRAIN.

The new TravelMate has a stunning 14-inch WQXGA+(2880x1800) 16:10 display with IPS technology or WUXGA(1920x1200) panel featuring high 400 nit brightness and 100 percent sRGB color gamut, supporting outstanding picture quality. Thin bezels and a high 82 percent screen-to-body ratio maximize the screen area for more

The new Intel Core Ultra processors feature up to 48 TOPS NPU of AI performance, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X on package memory, and a 65 Wh battery, ensuring seamless multitasking and

within Acer’s TravelMate Sense app houses powerful AI features for collaboration and creation. Acer Assist is an on-device AI virtual assistant that leverages large language models and local files to support technical queries, summarize documents and datasets, and troubleshoot through simple prompts without any data leaving the device.

Acer LiveArt 2.0 can easily remove the background of a photo and generate depth maps on 2D images. In addition, GIMP and Intel’s Stable Diffusion plugin support the creation of illustrations and photos with just a few clicks

extended productivity. They also feature next-gen Intel Arc graphics to support cutting-edge AI creation. Offering up to high-speed PCIe Gen4 SSD, the Intel Evo edition TravelMate P6 14 AI provides ample storage and rapid data transfer to handle heavy workloads. The silent keyboard with a 1.55 mm travel distance supports quiet and comfortable typing and comes with a convenient microphone mute key. When the NPU is utilized, the AI logo stamped on the TravelMate P6 14 AI’s touchpad illuminates to indicate activity. The Acer Experience Zone

and text input.

Acer QuickPanel automatically launches when the camera is activated, so camera and microphone settings can be quickly adjusted. Acer PurifiedView 2.0 creates smoother videoconferencing and live streaming while optimizing power consumption through the NPU. Its AI-boosted features like Portrait Refinement, Gentle Lighting, and Super Sharp can subtly smoothen appearance and improve lighting, color contrast, and resolution while maintaining a natural look to help users

appear their best in video calls. Leveraging a triple microphone array, Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 with AI Noise Reduction and triple microphone array helps users sound their best with the ability to suppress background noise and enhance the main speaker’s voice. Plus, Copilot+ PC AI experiences will be available on the TravelMate device through free updates later this year.

The TravelMate P6 14 AI provides advanced security and administration features. Its QHD IR camera allows for quick and safe login without requiring passwords. It also has a privacy shutter to help safeguard against hackers. Acer User Sensing Technology uses a built-in vision-based AI sensor to detect people accurately based on range and movement. It helps secure data by locking the screen when the owner leaves and quickly waking up when they return. Integrated Acer ProShield Plus offers multiple security and management features in a single-client console.

The new TravelMate is durable and can withstand the rigors of life on the road thanks to MIL-STD 810H military-grade compliance and Acer Dust Defender, which helps minimize dust buildup that can slow performance. It also provides the latest wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, with up to 5.8 Gbps speeds. Integrated Bluetooth® 5.4 improves speech and audio quality and has enhanced accessibility for using hearing aids with laptops. USB 4 Type-C supports Thunderbolt, HDMI 2.1, and two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports that support a wide range of peripherals, monitors, and devices.

The chassis is partially constructed from PCR (PostConsumer Recycled) plastic for an EPAT Gold rating, but the MIL-STD-810H-tested business machine features a Corning Gorilla Glass touchpad and I/O ports reinforced with metallic brackets for protection.

For more information about Acer, visit Acer’s official website and follow its social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Alibaba Cloud empowers customers and partners with its proven large models and high-performance infrastructure

Global cloud leader collaborates with NVIDIA, XPENG, miHoYo, Atlas, Codium, UNESCO-ICHEI to drive the future of mobility, gaming, travel, IT and education

HANGZHOU, China—Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, recently announced at its annual flagship event Apsara Conference that its proprietary foundational  model  Tongyi has attracted over 300,000 customers via its generative AI platform, Model Studio, a significant jump from 90,000 revealed in May.

Leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s Tongyi large models and its scalable global cloud infrastructure, businesses across automobile, gaming, travel, IT sectors have delivered enhanced customer experience and developed innovative solutions. Alibaba Cloud also unveiled a partnership with the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNSECO (UNESCO-ICHEI) to bring the benefits of generative AI to higher education institutes through digital training initiatives.

“Our collaborations with industry-leading organizations demonstrate our dedication to delivering enhanced customer experiences and boosting enterprise efficiency through innovative solutions. Together with our partners, we want to empower more businesses and individuals to unlock the potential of generative AI through digital training and accessible cloud solutions,” said Jingren Zhou, CTO of Alibaba Cloud.

Driving the Future of Mobility and Smart Cockpits with LLMs Built on NVIDIA

Alibaba Cloud today unveiled its large multimodal model (LMM) solution designed for automotive applications and co-developed with NVIDIA and Banma, Alibaba’s intelligent cockpit solution provider. This solution, which will be made available to China-based automakers, aims to deliver a more interactive experience for car owners and redefine the smart mobility journey.

Through this collaboration, Alibaba Cloud’s portfolio of proprietary large language model Qwen—including the Qwen2-7B language model and the Qwen2-VL vision language model—have been seamlessly integrated with the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin™ platform for autonomous vehicles. Additionally, NVIDIA’s model acceleration technology has significantly reduced computational costs and minimized latency in Alibaba Cloud models’ real-time processing of complex tasks. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted intelligent experience for both drivers and passengers.

This initiative marks the first integration of Alibaba’s large models into NVIDIA’s automotive platform. Leveraging Qwen’s advanced capabilities in handling complex inquiries and processing visual intelligence, incar voice assistants will be able to engage in dynamic, multi-turn conversations and even offer recommendations, ranging from providing information about nearby landmarks to proactively suggesting car headlights be turned on during snowy conditions.

As part of the LMM solution, Alibaba Cloud’s Mobile Agent—a multimodal AI agent for edge devices—will expand the capabilities of in-car voice assistants. Utilizing the Mobile Agent’s strengths in complex task planning, self-reflection, and decision-making, users will be able to effortlessly execute voice commands, such as ordering milkshakes through a food delivery app, resulting in richer and more enjoyable in-car experiences.

Looking ahead, Alibaba Cloud plans to work with NVIDIA to adapt Qwen models on NVIDIA DRIVE Thor, NVIDIA’s next-generation centralized car compute platform that combines advanced driver assistance, autonomous driving, and AI cockpit capabilities into a single safe and secure system.

Partnering with XPENG to Enhance Smart Cockpit Experience

XPENG, a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle company, is leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s AI models and robust cloud computing capabilities to redefine its smart cockpit and autonomous driving experience.

It has tapped into Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen to enhance its AI voice assistant, Xiao P, for a more superior smart cockpit experience. With no specific instructions needed, the LLM-enabled voice assistant excels at understanding complex conversational contexts and user intentions. It can engage in natural and intuitive dialogues with both drivers and passengers. For instance, when a user simply states, “It’s cold inside the car,” the voice assistant automatically adjusts the vehicle’s temperature. In addition to utilizing Qwen for the smart cockpit, XPENG is collaborating with Alibaba Cloud to integrate large models for various innovations. Users can design custom stickers for their car’s exterior through Alibaba Cloud’s text-to-image model, Tongyi Wanxiang, within XPENG’s mobile app. XPENG is also exploring the use of Alibaba Cloud’s

flight industry with its innovative travel platform. Additionally, Codium, a prominent software company in Thailand specializing in digital workplace solutions, has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to utilize its scalable cloud infrastructure and reliable solutions. The partnership aims to establish a strong digital foundation for businesses in Thailand and improve the Thai cloud market ecosystem by offering

THE new Acer TravelMate P6 14 “AI is evolving at a rapid

The search for AI’s next breakthrough

TORONTO—For a few days, AI chip juggernaut

Nvidia sat on the throne as the world’s biggest company, but behind the its staggering success are questions on whether new entrants can stake a claim to the artificial intelligence bonanza.

Nvidia, which makes the processors that are the only option to train generative AI’s large language models, is now Big Tech’s newest member and its stock market takeoff has lifted the whole sector.

Even tech’s second rung on Wall Street has ridden on Nvidia’s coattails with Oracle, Broadcom, HP and a spate of others seeing their stock valuations surge, despite sometimes shaky earnings.

Amid the champagne popping, startups seeking the attention of Silicon Valley venture capitalists are being asked to innovate -- but without a clear indication of where the next chapter of AI will be written.

When it comes to generative AI, doubts persist on what exactly will be left for companies that are not existing model makers, a field dominated by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, Google and Anthropic.

Most agree that competing with them head-on could be a fool’s errand.

“I don’t think that there’s a great opportunity to start a foundational AI company at this point

in time,” said Mike Myer, founder and CEO of tech firm Quiq, at the Collision technology conference in Toronto.

Some have tried to build applications that use or mimic the powers of the existing big models, but this is being slapped down by Silicon Valley’s biggest players.

“What I find disturbing is that people are not differentiating between those applications which are roadkill for the models as they progress in their capabilities, and those that are really adding value and will be here 10 years from now,” said venture capital veteran Vinod Khosla.

‘Won’t keep up’

The tough-talking Khosla is one of OpenAI’s earliest investors.

“Grammarly won’t keep up,” Khosla predicted of the spelling and grammar checking app, and others similar to it.

He said these companies, which put only a “thin wrapper” around what the AI models can offer, are doomed.

One of the fields ripe for the taking is chip design, Khosla said, with AI demanding ever more specialized processors that provide highly specific powers.

“If you look across the chip history, we really have for the most part focused on more general chips,” Rebecca Parsons, CTO at tech consultancy Thoughtworks, told AFP.

Providing more specialized processing for the many demands of AI is an opportunity seized by Groq, a hot startup that has built chips for the deployment of AI as opposed to its training, or inference -- the specialty of Nvidia’s worlddominating GPUs.

Groq CEO Jonathan Ross told AFP that Nvidia won’t be the best at everything, even if they are uncontested for generative AI training.

“Nvidia and (its CEO) Jensen Huang are like Michael Jordan... the greatest of all time in basketball. But inference is baseball, and we try and forget the time where Michael Jordan tried to play baseball and wasn’t very good at it,” he said.

Another opportunity will come from highly specialized AI that will provide expertise and know-how based on proprietary data which won’t be co-opted by voracious big tech.

Power Mac Center TriNoma opens as 7th APP store in PH

POWER MAC CENTER (PMC) celebrates the reopening of its store in TriNoma in Quezon City as the latest Apple Premium Partner (APP) store in the country.

The highest classification of Apple reseller stores globally, an APP store is distinctively minimalist, modern, and contemporary in design, in line with the global brand’s aesthetic. It also offers the complete experience—from retail to service to training—all accessible within the main floor.

“We have been scaling up efforts to open APP stores that conveniently offer everything our customers need to be more and do more with their new devices. With technology constantly redefining the way we communicate, conduct business, express creativity, and live life in general, we want customers to feel like Power Mac Center is the tech provider they can navigate all of it with,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management. Power Mac Center TriNoma APP is holding exclusive opening promos for its customers, including the following:

“Open AI and Google aren’t going to build a structural engineer. They’re not going to build products like a primary care doctor or a mental health therapist,” said Khosla.

Profiting from highly specialized data is the basis of Cohere, another of Silicon Valley’s hottest startups that pitches specifically-made models to businesses that are skittish about AI veering out of their control.

“Enterprises are skeptical of technology, and they’re risk-averse, and so we need to win their trust and to prove to them that there’s a way to adopt this technology that’s reliable, trustworthy and secure,” Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez told AFP.

When he was just 20 and working at Google, Gomez co-authored the seminal paper “Attention Is All You Need,” which introduced Transformer, the architecture behind popular large language models like OpenAI’s GPT-4. AFP

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Breeze through your daily grind with OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G

FOR young Filipinos who have to endure the hustle and bustle of everyday life while still taking care of themselves, having a constant and reliable entertainment partner such as the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is a From preparing to go to work to the commute in the busy city streets to unwinding in between breaks and at home, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is an ideal device to destress with, mainly for its immersive entertainment features, versatile camera, and powerful battery. A powerful battery and fast charging to keep up with your day-to-day needs

You can rely on the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G as it boasts a robust 5500 mAh battery which can even last up to 2.1 days of use in just a single charge. Worrying about long trips and being on the go won’t be necessary as the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is fitted with the largest battery on a And when you need to recharge your device, you won’t have to wait for long because the 80W SUPERVOOCTM Fast Charging feature of the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G can re-up your power to a full 100% in just 50 minutes, making it an ideal device if you are someone who are always on the go for meetings or night out with friends. A device that can get you in the mood for work

Your routine as you prepare to go to work is leveled up with the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s dual stereo speakers and 300% Ultra Volume Mode. Listening to your favorite song or podcast to perk you up and power you through the day is made better with immersive and highquality audio, setting you up perfectly for whatever comes your way. The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate also offers stunning visuals even in bright sunlight, perfect when you want to scroll through your social media feed or read the latest news while commuting to work. Every detail on the screen is sharp, clear, and vivid, helping you kill time while in pesky traffic jams or during your down time. A powerful camera system to capture everyday milestones As you continue to live out the

Centre in Toronto, Canada, June 18, 2024. (Photo by Cole BURSTON / AFP)

PERUGIA—The rise of artificial intelligence has forced an increasing number of journalists to grapple with the ethical and editorial challenges posed by the rapidly expanding technology.

AI’s role in assisting newsrooms or transforming them completely was among the questions raised at the International Journalism Festival in the Italian city of Perugia that closes on Sunday. What will happen to jobs?

AI tools imitating human intelligence are widely used in newsrooms around the world to transcribe sound files, summarise texts and translate.

In early 2023, Germany’s Axel Springer group announced it was cutting jobs at the Bild and Die Welt newspapers, saying AI could now “replace” some of its journalists.

Generative AI—capable of producing text and images following a simple request in everyday language—has been opening new frontiers as well as raising concerns for a year and a half.

One issue is that voices and faces can now be cloned to produce a podcast or present news on television. Last year, Filipino website Rappler created a brand aimed at young audiences by converting its long

AI’s relentless rise gives journalists tough choices

articles into comics, graphics and even videos.

Media professionals agree that their trade must now focus on tasks offering the greatest “added value”.

“You’re the one who is doing the real stuff” and “the tools that we produce will be an assistant to you,” Google News general manager Shailesh Prakash told the festival in Perugia.

All

The costs of generative AI have plummeted since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, with the tool designed by US start-up OpenAI now accessible to smaller newsrooms.

Colombian investigative outlet Cuestion Publica has harnessed engineers to develop a tool that can delve into its archives and find relevant background information in

Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition: Turbocharged design, uncompromised performance

By Jasper Valdez

WHO says smartphones are just for tech enthusiasts? Not Infinix.

company—among

the

Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition. Created in collaboration with BMW Group Designworks, this phone’s newfound skin is sure to thrill all auto junkies out there. All Revved-Up

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition takes style cues straight from the

with the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 5G chipset at its core, ensuring lightning-fast connectivity and smooth multitasking. This is complemented by 12GB of RAM (expandable to 24GB through MemFusion), making everyday tasks and demanding apps run without a hitch.

One of the key highlights of this phone is the 100W All-Round FastCharge 2.0, which powers its monster 4600mAh battery to 100% in less than 30 minutes. There are three charging modes—Hyper Mode for speed, Low-Temp Mode to keep things cool, and Smart Mode for balance. Dependable Snapper

track, blending cutting-edge smartphone design with a sleek, racecar-inspired aesthetic. This shiny silver handset has been decked out with sharp, metallic engravings and BMW’s iconic tricolor accents, giving it an unmistakable motorsport vibe that car enthusiasts will recognize immediately. Meanwhile, its eye-catching Active Halo Design is reminiscent of BMW’s signature headlights. But it’s not just for show—this AI-powered feature lights up for notifications, reacts while charging, and even syncs to your music, offering a dynamic, personalized experience.

Built for Speed and Distance

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition packs a solid performance

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition features a 108MP main camera with OIS (Optical image stabilization), delivering sharp and vibrant images in good lighting. However, it tends to oversaturate the colors, which may be a bummer for those looking for more realism in their shots. The 32MP front camera is solid for well-lit selfies, but struggles in low light, leading to softer images.

True Immersive Experience

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition is brought to life by a 120Hz 3D-Curved AMOLED display, topped off with Corning Gorilla Glass for durability. It gives you smooth visuals that are sharp and vibrant while providing durability.

To match the great display, the phone comes with JBL dual speakers, which offer clear, high-quality sound. Whether bingewatching shows or listening to music, the audio experience feels rich and satisfying, adding a nice touch to an already wellrounded device.

Verdict The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition combines a cool, auto aesthetic design with solid everyday performance. With fast charging, a vibrant display, and plenty of power for multitasking, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a phone that looks as good as it works.

While the camera has its ups and downs, overall, it’s a stylish and reliable option for daily use.

the event of breaking news.

But many media organizations are not making their own language models, which are at the core of AI interfaces, said University of Amsterdam professor Natali Helberger. They are needed for “safe and trustworthy technology”, he stressed.

The disinformation threat

According to one estimate last year by Everypixel Journal, AI has created as many images in one year as photography in 150 years.

That has raised serious questions about how news can be fished out of the tidal wave of content, including deepfakes.

Media and tech organisations are teaming up to tackle the threat, notably through the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, which seeks to set common standards.

“The core of our job is news gathering, on-the-ground reporting,” said Sophie Huet, recently appointed to become global news director for editorial innovation and artificial intelligence at Agence France-Presse.

“We’ll rely for a while on human reporters,” she added, although that might be with the help of artificial intelligence.

From Wild West to regulation Media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders, which has expanded its media rights brief to defending trustworthy news, launched the Paris

Charter on AI and journalism late last year.

“One of the things I really liked about the Paris Charter was the emphasis on transparency,” said Anya Schiffrin, a lecturer on global media, innovation and human rights at Columbia University in the United States.

“To what extent will publishers have to disclose when they are using generative IA?”

Olle Zachrison, head of AI and news strategy at public broadcaster Swedish Radio, said there was “a serious debate going on: should you mark out AI content or should people trust your brand?”

Regulation remains in its infancy in the face of a constantly evolving technology.In March, the European Parliament adopted a framework law aiming to regulate AI models without holding back innovation, while guidelines and charters are increasingly common in newsrooms. AI editorial guidelines are updated every three months at India’s Quintillion Media, said its boss Ritu Kapur.

None of the organisation’s articles can be written by AI and the images it generates cannot represent real life. Resist or collaborate?

AI models feed off data, but their thirst for the vital commodity has raised hackles among providers. AFP

Vienovo Philippines feedmill plant inauguration: A boost to the country’s agriculture industry and food safety

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon—Vienovo Philippines, a leading player in the country’s feed industry, celebrated the grand opening of its new feed mill plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to significantly contribute not only to the region’s agricultural development and economic growth, but in total Philippines.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by government officials, industry leaders, and local stakeholders. In his speech, Vienovo Philippines’ President and CEO Mathieu Guillaume, emphasized the company’s commitment in providing high-quality feed products that support the livestock industry and ensure food security.

“Today, I am filled with appreciation and gratitude, that I stand here today as we inaugurate our feed mill plant, here in Bukidnon. This moment, marks a significant milestone, on the journey of Vienovo Philippines, and I am honored to share it with all of you. Vienovo Philippines was founded with a vision; and that is to be the preferred choice in animal nutrition, delivering holistic and reliable products that ensures growth on your farm businesses. And as we open our fourth plant, here, in the beautiful province of Bukidnon, we are one step closer to realizing that vision. This plant is not just a testament of our goals, but also to our unwavering commitment to the Filipino farmers, the agriculture industry and the food security of this beautiful country, the Philippines”, said Guillaume.

Vienovo Philippines’ mission has always been clear. And this is to accelerate, livestock production by providing consistent high-quality feeds and excellent service. The company leverages on advance European nutritional know-how, to assure that their product meets the highest standard of quality and sustainability.

Guillame also added that the company is not just prioritizing their numbers.

“Beyond our business goals, this plant represents our commitment to the local community. We are proud to contribute to the economic goals of Bukidnon, by generating employment opportunities, and supporting local suppliers by sourcing raw materials and services locally, we aim to boost the local economy”, said Guillaume.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to our vision of becoming an international player in the feed industry. We will continue to innovate, and to evolve and strive for excellence in everything we do. Our priority will always be to serve the Filipino, encouraging new generation to embrace new methods of farming, and in turn, improving the way we feed our nation” shared Guillaume. “Today, we celebrate not just the inauguration of a new plant but the beginning of a new chapter in our journey. Together we will continue to build brighter future for the Philippines.” said Guillaume.

As part of its commitment to sustainable practices, Vienovo Philippines has incorporated environmentally friendly measures into the design and operations of the new feed mill. This includes implementing waste management systems and adopting energy-efficient technologies.

Logo of ChatGPT, a language model-based chatbot developed by OpenAI (AFP)

FOURTH PLANT IN PH. Vienovo Philippines’ new facility in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will allow the company to enhance, their production capacity, streamline supply chain, and ensure consistent supply of high-quality feeds across the Philippines, particularly to their customers in the Mindanao area.

BEYOND BUSINESS GOALS. More than their business targets, Vienovo Philippines has committed their economic goals to the local community of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Vienovo Philippines officers and board of directors, (from left): Mathieu Guillaume, Joel Jimenez, Nico Bolzico and Jacques Christophe Branellec, during the opening ceremony of the company’s Bukidnon feed mill plant.

DESPITE INCREASING CYBERSECURITY ATTACKS

People still believe old-fashioned username, passwords strong enough

SANTA CLARA—In the era of uncertainty with AI and an increase in cybersecurity breaches, Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, today shared the results of its 2024 Global State of Authentication survey, just in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month kicking off next week.

Conducted by Talker Research , the survey polled 20,000 people from around the world, including Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, to gauge perceptions and understanding of the global impact of cybersecurity both personally and in the corporate realm, explore the risks posed by inadequate security practices, the potential threat of technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the impact this has on both personal and organizational safety.

The results of the survey uncovered concerning patterns and behaviors when it comes to personal and workplace cybersecurity, including the extensive underutilization of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and a generally reactive approach to addressing cyber

Respondents

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From Wisdom Whispers