FEATURES

EMERGENCY ROOM NG OSPITAL NG MAYNILA, PANSAMANTALANG ISASARA SA LOOB NG ISANG LINGGO!

Pansamantalang isasara ang emergency room ng Ospital ng Maynila sa loob ng isang linggo, mula Mayo 24 hanggang Hunyo 1.

Ito’y para bigyang-daan ang mahalagang pagkukumpuni at facility upgrades sa naturang ospital.

Ayon kay Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, isasagawa ang pagkukumpuni sa ilalim ng 24-hour work scheme upang matiyak na muling magbubukas ang emergency room sa itinakdang petsa.

Paliwanang ni “Yorme Isko,” sinubukan naman ng pamahalaang panlungsod na maghanap ng paraan upang isagawa ang renovation nang hindi naaantala ang operasyon ng emergency room; ngunit lumabas sa pagsusuri na hindi ito ligtas para sa lahat.

Kahit sarado naman ang emergency room, maglalagay pa rin ng mga ambulansya at tent area sa labas ng ospital upang tumanggap ng mga pasyente habang nagpapatuloy ang isinasagawang renovation. | Aya Yupangco (Patrol 5)

May 22, 2026 0 comment

METRO PATROL

ISANG BENEPISYARYO NG CASH ASSISTANCE NG DSWD, PATAY MATAPOS MAWALAN NG MALAY SA GITNA NG MAHABANG PILA

written by DWIZ 882

Patay ang isang 55-anyos na ginang matapos mawalan ng malay habang nakapila para sa cash assistance ng Department of Social Welfare and Development sa loob ng Quezon City Hall noong Martes, Mayo 19.

Batay sa report, kinilala ang biktima na si Aling Marlene. Habang nakapila kasama ang iba pang claimants, bigla umano itong natumba at naunang tumama sa sahig ang noo.

Agad namang rumesponde ang mga tauhan ng Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office at isinugod si Aling Marlene sa East Avenue Medical Center, ngunit idineklara siyang dead on arrival dakong alas-otso medya ng umaga.

Matatandaang sa mga nakaraang buwan, ilang senior citizen at iba pang benepisyaryo na rin ang naiulat na nawalan ng malay o nasawi habang nakapila para sa cash assistance ng DSWD.

Panawagan ng publiko sa ahensya na ayusin at paigtingin ang mas maayos, organisado, at ligtas na sistema ng pamamahagi ng ayuda, upang maiwasan ang kaparehong insidente sa mga benepisyaryo. —sa panulat ni Reabelle Medina

May 21, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

DSWD cash relief assistance reaches Lalamove partner drivers in Metro Manila

written by DWIZ 882

MAY 2026, MANILA, Philippines — Lalamove partner drivers in Metro Manila have begun receiving their ₱5,000 government cash relief assistance as the special payout of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues in Las Piñas City, with Lalamove providing onsite support to help guide eligible drivers through the process.

On May 19, the first day of the payout, over 6,000 eligible Lalamove partner drivers received their cash relief assistance at the distribution site at The Tent in Gatchalian Drive, with the three-day activity targeting over 30,000 eligible partner drivers by May 21. The payout is part of DSWD’s ongoing special distribution for transport network company (TNC) drivers who have not yet received assistance under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

The scale of the payout required early coordination and careful preparation. Well ahead of the activity, Lalamove began working with DSWD to align partner-driver information, coordinate schedule advisories, and prepare the communications needed to help eligible drivers know when to go and what to bring.

At the venue, Lalamove set up help desks and assistance booths, deployed onsite staff for queue and information support, and coordinated with DSWD’s payout team on verification and partner-driver assistance. To help ensure the safety of partner drivers, Lalamove also coordinated with the local government, traffic enforcement groups, PNP, venue teams, and on-site medics. The company also provided food and refreshments and made partner service booths available, including Pag-IBIG, Hyundai, and GCash, to help address partner drivers’ concerns beyond the cash relief assistance.

Partner drivers were notified of their assigned schedules through official Lalamove channels, including the driver app, SMS, and the company’s Liga ng Mga Bossing Facebook page. Lalamove also prepared schedule advisories, instructions, FAQs, and printed materials onsite to help drivers confirm their details and get guidance before proceeding through the payout process.

“We are grateful to the DSWD for staying true to their ‘Walang Maiiwan’ directive and making sure this vital government support reaches our partner drivers,” said Djon Nacario, Managing Director, Lalamove Philippines. “Lalamove has been coordinating closely with DSWD since March. Our priority is to ensure a smooth, orderly, safe, and efficient experience onsite, and to make sure our driver community can access their assistance with ease and confidence.”

The Lalamove payout follows company-specific distributions that DSWD has been conducting for drivers from other participating transport network companies. Under this coordinated setup, the government leads the official cash relief assistance process, while participating TNCs handle partner driver communications, venue coordination, and onsite guidance for their respective driver communities.

Partner drivers who missed their designated schedules are advised to visit the Lalamove help desk at the venue or monitor their official driver app or Facebook page for further details. Government announcements are available through the official DSWD and LTFRB channels. Lalamove is continuing to work closely with DSWD regarding the schedule of distribution for partner drivers outside Metro Manila.

May 20, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

5 new ways to explore the web with generative AI in Search

written by DWIZ 882

With the rapid advances in AI, Google is constantly upgrading its generative AI experiences in Search, like AI Mode and AI Overviews.

These experiences are most helpful when they make it easy for you to connect with authentic voices and explore useful information across the web. That’s why Google is continuing to improve how it shows links in our AI Search features, and developing new ways to help you find the sources, brands, and websites you value.

Here are five new updates to help you explore relevant websites, deep insights and original content:

Explore new angles: An AI response is often just the beginning of exploring a topic you’re interested in. To make it easier to dive deeper into the web after your initial query, you’ll start to see suggestions for where to go next at the end of many AI responses.

This section links to unique articles or in-depth analyses on different facets of your topic, making it easy to satisfy your curiosity. For example, if you’re looking into the history of top tourist destinations in the Philippines, you might see a report on how Boracay became a world-class tourist spot.

Easily access your news subscriptions: Your favorite sources should be easy to find. Google is now rolling out a new feature that highlights links from your news subscriptions in AI Mode and AI Overviews, so you can quickly access the content you trust and get more value from your subscriptions.
Get advice from people who have been there: For many searches, people are increasingly seeking out advice from others. To help you find the most helpful insights to explore further, AI responses will now include a preview of perspectives from public online discussions, social media, and other firsthand sources.
Google is also adding more context to these links, like a creator’s name, handle, or community name, to help you decide which discussions you might want to read or participate in. For example, if you’re researching the best way to travel in Sagada or hike one of the many peaks in Luzon, you might see quotes from a travel or hiking forum advising on important reminders, tips, and hacks on the best way to book a trip – featuring the specific community name – so you can jump to the full conversation.
See links right where you need them: To help you dig deeper into useful websites as you’re reading, you’ll now also see more links directly within AI responses — right next to the relevant text.
For example, if you search for information about an Intramuros walking tour, you might see a series of bullet points about the different stops. With this update, you may now see a link to a Manila walking tour right next to the bullet point about routes, among other different information.
Get more context on linked websites: To give you the context you need to explore the web, Google is now giving you a quick preview of a website when you hover over an inline link in our AI experiences on desktop.
You’ll see helpful information, like the name of the website or title of the web page, so you have a better idea of the site to help you click through. Research has shown that people might hesitate to click a link if they’re not sure exactly where it leads — so this update will help people feel more confident about visiting helpful websites.

Google is continuing to enhance how we show and rank links in our generative AI Search experiences and using techniques like query fan-out, which helps us dive deeper into the web to find the most relevant sites for your search.

By improving the visibility and helpfulness of links and showcasing original voices, we’re building AI in Search to help you discover the richness of the web, connecting you directly with the sources and creators you’re looking for. Google is committed to keep testing, learning, and improving these features based on what works best for you.

May 15, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

IKEA Philippines celebrates historic Store of the Year win with Hall of Fame to thank remarkable co-workers, customers

written by DWIZ 882

Building IKEA’s symbolic stone wall during IKEA Pasay’s Store of the Year celebration, symbolizing that anything can be made with something small. (L-R) Audrey Ella Habac, Senior Food Assistant; Chollin Vargas, Plan and Order Point Associate; Her Excellence Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines; Daniel Rivero, IKEA Philippines Store Manager; Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippine Country Retail Manager; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano; Heraclio Cruz, Interior Designer; Maria Patricia Lee, Sales Associate.

Among hundreds of outstanding IKEA stores globally, IKEA Pasay City was named IKEA Store of the Year 2025, a recognition enjoyed by very few IKEA stores in the world. This marked a historic milestone for the Philippines, so IKEA Pasay rolled out the blue carpet to celebrate Filipino excellence on the global stage.

IKEA Pasay City received recognition for its exceptional retail performance. This was further driven by a deep understanding of the Filipino home, allowing the team to create an engaging store experience that resonated with the customers’ lifestyles.

“When we won Store of the Year, we were speechless in the best possible way,” said Daniel Rivero, IKEA Pasay Store Manager. “This is an incredible achievement for the team in the Philippines. Their passion, commitment, and togetherness truly shine through. The recognition is both affirming and emotionally rewarding for us all.”

On May 14, 2026, IKEA Pasay transformed the Swedish Restaurant into a celebratory Hall of Fame area to celebrate the accomplishments of the store’s remarkable co-workers. The Champion’s Walk runway was also lined with a Hall of Fame gallery of notable Filipinos, while the celebration was made even more memorable with the presence of distinguished guests such as Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Olympic Gold medalist lifter Hidilyn Diaz, and renowned chef Josh Boutwood.

World-class Filipinos Michelin-starred chef Josh Boutwood, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, and Olympic gold medalist lifter Hidilyn Diaz shared their winning moments during IKEA’s Store of the Year celebration.

IKEA Pasay City has now earned a permanent place in the Store of the Year Hall of Fame. IKEA Philippines will send 12 co-workers on a learning journey to IKEA Headquarters in Älmhult to deepen their connection to the brand’s culture and values.

The IKEA Philippines mindset

For Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager, IKEA Pasay City’s retail success told only part of the story. “I am happy to congratulate IKEA Pasay City for standing out a little extra by showing what it means to combine performance with heart,” he said. “What impresses me most isn’t just the results— it’s the mindset. A commitment to people, values, and everyday retail excellence.”

IKEA Pasay City understands both the Swedish brand and Filipino culture deeply. It recognizes how Filipinos really live and designs an experience for them to want to spend time at its store. It pays close attention to how people actually shop, and by showing up for its co-workers when it matters most, the store turns consistency into distinction. It also made food a core part of the IKEA experience, anchored in taste, affordability, and efficiency.

Pinheiro added, “Our team believes that retail excellence is about doing the ordinary things well, every single day. Prioritizing people, understanding how customers truly live and shop, and treating food, care, and consistency as essential parts of the experience are what we at IKEA Pasay City practice every day—and still learn from.”

Then there are the small things the local team does exceptionally well. By sharpening their approach to add-on sales in both the showroom and Market Hall, the team increased articles sold per transaction to nearly 17 items.

Celebrating the 12 remarkable IKEA Pasay co-workers who contributed to the Store of the Year win. They will fly to the IKEA Headquarters in Älmhult for a learning journey.

By the end of 2025, IKEA Pasay City reached another milestone: selling more IKEA home furnishing pieces than any other IKEA store in the world. The result of disciplined routines and a sharp understanding of customer behavior, it underscored the store’s ability to scale excellence at speed.

For a store that set out to make home better for the many, the IKEA Store of the Year recognition feels earned. ‘

The celebration doesn’t stop here. IKEA Pasay will have a “Winning Offer” promo from May 14 to 31, 2026, where customers can get discounts on select pieces of furniture and decor.

For more information, visit IKEA.ph and follow IKEA Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

May 15, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

Museo del Galeón opens in Manila with Immersive tribute to Philippine Maritime Heritage

written by DWIZ 882

MANILA, Philippines — Museo del Galeón has formally opened in Manila, introducing a new cultural destination that honors a pivotal yet often underexplored chapter in Philippine heritage through an immersive museum experience centered on the country’s maritime history.

Located at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, the museum is housed in a four-level, dome-shaped structure spanning about 9,000 square meters. Positioned as a bold and visionary experiential museum, Museo del Galeón invites Filipinos to explore, rediscover, and deepen their understanding of a rich and complex seafaring identity shaped by maritime culture and expeditions—from the past, to the present, and into the future.

At the heart of the museum is the Galeón Espíritu Santo, a full-scale reconstruction of a 17th-century ship that once sailed between Manila and Acapulco. As the museum’s visual and experiential centerpiece, it gives visitors a direct and tangible way to encounter the scale, craftsmanship, and historical significance of the galleon era. Through its galleries, learning spaces, and interactive experiences, Museo del Galeón showcases the legacy of the Philippines’ seafaring ancestors and the role of Filipino shipbuilders, sailors, dockworkers, and traders in global exchange.

The museum highlights a significant chapter in Philippine maritime and cultural history that is often not fully explored in mainstream public education. From 1565 to 1815, the Manila galleons linked Asia and the Americas for more than two centuries, carrying goods such as silver, porcelain, and spices across the Pacific. During this period, Manila became a center of maritime trade and cultural exchange.

Through immersive exhibits and interpretive storytelling, the museum helps audiences understand that the galleon was more than a ship—it was a symbol of global connection, commerce, exploration, and cultural encounter. It also restores attention to the contributions of Filipino craftsmen and seafarers, many of whom built and crewed these ships using local knowledge, skills, and materials.

“Museo del Galeón shines a light on an important yet often overlooked chapter of Philippine heritage, using immersive storytelling to bring the country’s maritime history closer to the public,” said Executive Director Manuel L. Quezon III.

Beyond preserving history, Museo del Galeón is designed to make it more accessible, engaging, and relevant to today’s audiences. Through curriculum-supportive programs, guided tours, lectures, hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits, and educational materials for teachers, it offers meaningful opportunities for children, students, educators, and the general public to explore Philippine maritime history beyond the classroom.

The museum also contributes to Manila’s cultural and tourism landscape. As a major new heritage destination, it is expected to attract students, families, tourists, researchers, and heritage audiences, with projected attendance of around 300,000 visitors annually. Its presence can help support tourism growth, nearby businesses, cultural partnerships, and employment in both the museum and hospitality sectors.

Museo del Galeón is also intended to deepen public appreciation of the Philippines as a maritime nation. While ships, navigation, and maritime technology are central to the story, the museum goes beyond vessels to explore the people, cultures, goods, traditions, and exchanges that shaped the world of the galleons. In doing so, it presents not only the technical story of maritime travel, but also the social, cultural, and human narratives behind it.

“By connecting our maritime past with the challenges and opportunities of the present, Museo del Galeón helps open a deeper conversation about identity, heritage, and our responsibility to the future,” said Quezon.

The museum continues the vision of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, who envisioned a place where cultures and generations could meet in mutual respect and reflect on how the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade shaped the shared world. At its heart, Museo del Galeón is a space for understanding how the Philippines once stood at the center of global exchange—and how that story continues to matter today.

Tickets may be purchased through www.museodelgaleon.org or through the museum’s official ticketing channels once bookings become available. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website and social media pages for updates on ticket availability, operating hours, admission rates, and special announcements.

About Museo del Galeón

Museo del Galeón is an experiential museum in Manila dedicated to exploring the Philippines’ seafaring identity through maritime culture and expeditions from past to future. Through immersive exhibits and public engagement, it aims to deepen understanding of Philippine maritime heritage, inspire young Filipinos, and promote stewardship of marine resources.

April 30, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

Xiaomi Unveils ESG Report Showcasing Sustainability and Technology Advances

written by DWIZ 882

Beijing, CHINA, April 29, 2025 — Xiaomi Corporation (“Xiaomi” or the “Group”) today released its eighth annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for 2025, which demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. Xiaomi’s strategy, driven by its foundational core technologies, is to consistently embed ESG principles into the daily operations of its “Human × Car × Home” smart ecosystem. The report details Xiaomi’s cutting-edge technology, trustworthy governance, data security, privacy protections, and its pledge to deliver green, climate-resilient products to advance a circular economy.

Cutting-edge Technology and Trustworthy Governance

Xiaomi remains committed to long-term investment, which forms the foundation of the Group’s technological breakthroughs and premiumization strategy. Full-year R&D expenses in 2025 reached RMB33.1 billion. 25,457 R&D personnel account for 45% of the total workforce.

Xiaomi has built an AI capability matrix of “foundation models + scenario-based derivative models”, achieving the technological objective of general capabilities while enabling more precise scenario adaptation. Its large AI model capabilities have led to breakthroughs and are accelerating the empowerment of the “Human × Car × Home” smart ecosystem.

Xiaomi recently unveiled three self-developed large models built for the agentic AI era: flagship foundation model Xiaomi MiMo-V2-Pro, omni-modal large model Xiaomi MiMo-V2-Omni, and speech large model Xiaomi MiMo-V2-TTS. Within less than a week of its launch, Xiaomi MiMo-V2-Pro ranked No. 1 in weekly call volume on OpenRouter, a global API platform, and was rated No. 8 globally and No. 2 in China on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index.

To navigate uncertainties arising from evolving global AI regulatory landscape, Xiaomi references the EU’s Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence to propose the “Trustworthy AI” concept, ensuring its AI models are fair, inclusive, and trustworthy. It embraces trustworthy AI governance practices for privacy, ethics, and security.

Data Security and Privacy Protection

Xiaomi is committed to building trustworthy products and services in four categories: security, privacy, compliance, and transparency. Its privacy protection capabilities and practices have been validated through authoritative industry certifications and assessments, including ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems certification, which covers 100% of its technical operation facilities, and ISO 27701 Privacy Information Management Systems certification.

To reinforce on-device security foundations and protect users’ core privacy and digital assets, Xiaomi has self-developed the MiTEE secure operating system to operate within an isolated environment that is separate from the main system. This ensures that core assets — such as facial templates, payment credentials, account tokens, and vehicle digital keys — never leave the device or travel beyond the endpoint.

For cross-device data protection, Xiaomi strictly adheres to four core principles: Authorization First, End-to-End & No Trace, Consistent Protection, and Secure Link. These assure high-standard data protection across multi-device collaboration scenarios.

To safeguard user data rights, Xiaomi has standardised the processing timeframe for Data Subject Requests (DSRs) to 15 days worldwide, which is significantly faster than the one-month period required by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — with a 100% response rate.

Green Products and Circular Economy

Guided by the 3R principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Xiaomi manages resource efficiency and environmental impact through the entire lifecycle of its products.

Several smartphone models, including Xiaomi 15T Series and REDMI K90, use mid-plates made from 100% recycled, high-strength, high-thermal-conductivity die-cast aluminum. Smartphone charger housings incorporate 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. The recycled aluminium usage ratio is 14.2% and 19%, respectively, for the Xiaomi YU7 Series and the Xiaomi SU7 Series EVs.

Xiaomi systematically integrates low-carbon and near-zero energy concepts into its designs and R&D. In 2025, it launched the world’s first Ultra-Low Standby Power Consumption Technology for 100W chargers, with an expected annual saving of hundreds of millions of kilowatt-hours of standby electricity consumption. Its refrigerator business has implemented expanded polystyrene (EPS) reduction initiatives by optimizing packaging design, reducing EPS usage per unit by 620g and cutting annual EPS consumption by nearly 310 tonnes.

More than 2 million used smartphones were recycled through trade-in programs during the year. In overseas markets, Xiaomi has positioned trade-in programs as a key driver of its global circular ecosystem. In 2025, it established trade-in capabilities in 14 markets. By the end of the Reporting Period, the program covered 24 countries and regions worldwide. The range of items eligible for recycling includes smartphones, electric scooters, TVs, smartwatches, and a wide range of electronic products.

Climate Resilience

Xiaomi has been adapting to climate change and advancing emissions reduction across its operations and value chain in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway. It has also been delivering technology products and services that are more resilient to climate impacts worldwide.

Xiaomi Smart Factory and Xiaomi EV Factory have obtained ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification. At the Xiaomi EV Factory, a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) system was introduced to treat exhaust gas while recovering high-temperature heat for drying rooms. This achieved total annual heat recovery of 38,333 GJ. In addition, Xiaomi HyperCasting enabled a more compact production line and optimized die-casting workshop systems, which reduced temperature control units and operational load and saved approximately 1.82 million kWh of electricity annually. Xiaomi also carries out low-carbon logistics restructuring by continuing to shift from air freight to sea and rail transport. This reduced emissions by approximately 2,471 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2025.

Xiaomi procured over 40 million kWh of green electricity in 2025, which represents more than a 10-fold year-on-year increase in transaction volume. Through a model combining direct rooftop photovoltaic connection and green electricity trading, the Xiaomi Smart Home Appliances Factory has advanced renewable energy adoption and the decarbonisation of purchased electricity. By 2026, it plans for directly connected photovoltaic electricity to cover approximately 15% of its annual electricity demand.

Xiaomi invests in high-quality enterprises in the new energy vehicle industry chain. This investment focuses on low-carbon technology such as automotive-grade lightweight materials and efficient thermal management systems, enabling breakthroughs and the scaled application of key clean technologies.

Xiaomi is committed to leveraging technological innovation to build an advanced and continuously evolving technology ecosystem, providing users worldwide with a comprehensive, seamless, and sustainable smart-living experience.

The above highlights are excerpted from the 2025 ESG Report. Please refer to the full report (p.110-p.261) for more details.

About Xiaomi Corporation

Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.

Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the users’ hearts”, Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user experience, and operational efficiency. The Company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone companies. In December 2025, the MAU reached 754.1 million (including smartphones and tablets) globally. The Company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform. As of December 31, 2025, the number of IoT devices connected to its platform (excluding smartphones, laptops, and tablets) reached 1,079.2 million. In October 2023, Xiaomi upgraded its strategy to “Human × Car × Home” smart ecosystem, seamlessly merging personal devices, smart home products, and cars. Xiaomi always centers on humanity and is committed to providing comprehensive, better-connected experiences. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In July 2025, Xiaomi was included in the Fortune Global 500 list for the seventh year in a row, ranking 297th.

Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index, and Hang Seng China 50 Index.

April 30, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

Strategy 2030: Bosch plays to its innovative strengths

written by DWIZ 882

Structural adjustments improve competitiveness

The 2025 business year: sales revenue of 91.0 billion euros / EBIT margin from operations of 2.0 percent / free cash flow of some 300 million euros.
Outlook for 2026: sales growth of 2–5 percent / EBIT margin from operations of 4–6 percent / positive free cash flow.
Bosch celebrates a century of innovation and growth in the Philippines.
Innovation leadership: high upfront investments in areas of future importance secure a technological edge and strengthen growth opportunities.
Stefan Hartung: “Bosch can deliver the future – even under unfavorable conditions. 2026 will be a year of progress.”
Markus Forschner: “Competitiveness is the foundation for profitable growth – it secures our investments for the future.”

Stuttgart and Renningen, Germany – In the face of geopolitical tensions and trade barriers, the Bosch Group intends to exploit the growth prospects in its global markets with full innovative strength in the 2026 business year. The necessary upfront investments in areas of future importance are set to remain at the high level of previous years. In 2025 alone, Bosch devoted some 12 billion euros to investments in research and development and to capital expenditure. The supplier of technology and services is planning sales growth of 2–5 percent and an EBIT margin from operations of 4–6 percent for 2026. Referring to the presentation of the company’s annual figures, Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, said: “As a global technology leader, we are committed to shaping the trends of automation, digitalization, electrification, and artificial intelligence, as this also paves the way for profitable growth in our business. An important prerequisite for this are the cost-cutting effects of the structural measures we have already initiated and innovations in all business areas.” When it comes to innovative strength, Bosch is one of the strongest industrial companies in the world and one of the most prolific patent applicants in Europe. Bosch registered around 6,300 patents in 2025 and was once again the leader in Germany. Despite considerable challenges, Bosch was able to achieve sales revenue of 91.0 billion euros in the 2025 business year, slightly up on the previous year (2024: 90.3 billion euros). After adjusting for exchange-rate effects, this was equivalent to 4.1 percent growth. At 2 percent, the EBIT margin from operations was below the previous year’s figure (2024: 3.5 percent). Necessary structural and personnel adjustments to increase future viability had a considerable negative impact on result in the form of provisions of 2.7 billion euros.

Bosch celebrates a century of innovation and growth in the Philippines

Bosch proudly celebrates 100 years of presence in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to the nation’s progress and development. In the 2025 fiscal year, Bosch achieved consolidated sales of 45 million euros in the Philippines and currently employs more than 600 associates in the country. Since 1926, Bosch has steadily expanded its presence across its key business sectors in Mobility, Consumer Goods, Industrial Technology, and Energy and Building Technology. The Philippines plays a dual role of high-potential consumer market and a hub supporting global operations having established Bosch Service Solutions in the country in 2010 driven by its strong domestic consumption, a growing middle class, and a young, skilled workforce. “In our centennial year, we are focused on scaling up Bosch’s presence in the Philippines. We want more Filipinos to have easy access to our products and we will do this by widening our network of distributors across the country, including areas outside major cities, where demand continues to grow,” said Celeste Cervania, managing director of Bosch in the Philippines. “In 2026 as the Philippines continues to build its manufacturing capabilities, we are looking to partner with more like-minded institutions to upskill our local workforce in advanced manufacturing. Bosch can contribute to the Philippines’ goal of developing globally competitive production sectors by introducing technologies, services, and expertise.” Bosch will drive growth in the Philippines in line with the country’s priorities of rising mobility demand, industrialization, and infrastructure development. The company will continue to expand its Bosch Car Service network through its partnership with the Ayala Group. It will also increase the range of Mobility Aftermarket products and 18V cordless power tools, with 30 new tools set to launch in the country this year. The brand also gained e-commerce traction in 2025, earning Lazada’s “Rising Star of the Year” award. Leveraging the Philippines’ best-in-class business process outsourcing capabilities, Bosch in the Philippines will continue to play a critical role in supporting supply chain and customer experience operations for Bosch worldwide.

Strategy 2030: innovation and differentiation to boost growth

To achieve successful business development in an adverse global economic environment, the company must keep its costs at a competitive level. With the conclusion of talks with employee representatives on the necessary job cuts at all affected Mobility locations in Germany, Bosch is improving its future competitive position in the face of increasing price pressure. “The negotiations weren’t easy, but both sides demonstrated a marked sense of responsibility,” Hartung said. “We are now implementing the agreed measures as quickly and consistently as necessary, but also in as socially acceptable a manner as possible.” In the automotive industry, China is currently setting the standard for price levels. Hartung therefore sees the expansion of innovation leadership as a key success factor for expanding business, particularly in the automotive market, and implementing the company’s Strategy 2030, which foresees Bosch being one of the three leading suppliers in its key markets. Trade barriers and different user expectations are currently both a challenge and an opportunity for regionally adapted solutions. “In international competition, it’s not just about costs, but above all about differentiating ourselves,” Hartung said, referring to Bosch’s global footprint, which he sees as a competitive advantage. “We can adapt our offerings and supply chains to regional conditions and at the same time deliver global-level quality.”

Business outlook 2026: generate financing for areas of future importance

Bosch believes that the weak economic development of 2025 will continue in the current business year. High levels of uncertainty, primarily due to geopolitical developments with the as yet unpredictable effects of the war in the Middle East, are likely to continue to affect inflation and global economic output. Moreover, price and competitive pressure remains high. Nonetheless, in the first three months of the year, Bosch was able to keep its sales more or less at the previous year’s level; after adjusting for exchange-rate effects, revenue was some 5 percent higher. Bosch expects the global economy to achieve only moderate growth, at the level of recent years. “The foundation for profitable growth is our competitiveness – which is why we’re working hard to increase it further,” said Markus Forschner, member of the board of management and chief financial officer of Robert Bosch GmbH. “This strengthens our resilience in the face of upcoming challenges and at the same time boosts our investment capacity for the future.” In light of strategic opportunities and as a financial precaution, Bosch is expanding its scope accordingly: to ensure it will be able to issue financial instruments such as bonds more flexibly during the year, the company will for the first time publish interim consolidated financial statements and an interim group management report for the first half of the current business year. On this point, Forschner said: “This improves our ability to access the capital markets, even though we already have a strong capacity to finance our business from our own resources.”

Sensor technology as an innovation field: automation and robotics secure sales

Bosch is driving forward numerous innovations in microelectronics and sensor technology and expects its consistent focus on technology that is “Invented for life” to provide considerable growth impetus. Experts suggest that the global market for sensors could be worth more than 440 billion U.S. dollars by 2031. Bosch stands to benefit from growth in the potential applications: the company’s sensors are playing an increasingly important role in robotics. The BMI5 sensor platform, for example, creates artificial environments extremely realistically and helps robots find their way around even under difficult conditions. With this, its most powerful sensor solution to date, Bosch considers itself well positioned for a rapidly growing segment. In the field of automated driving, inertial sensors are regarded as a key component of the future and offer additional sales potential. They enable cars to maintain full awareness of their whereabouts even when camera or GPS signals aren’t available. “These sensors work for an automated car in much the same way as the sense of balance does in the human inner ear,” Hartung said. According to analysts, the market for intelligent sensors in automotive applications is set to almost double to more than 80 billion U.S. dollars by the middle of the next decade. Innovations in the field of mobility: algorithms and powertrains boost growth Bosch expects the market for automotive software to be worth around 200 billion euros by 2030. As a result, Bosch chairman Hartung sees great growth opportunities in software-defined mobility. “Bosch is at the forefront in this area and is now literally bringing AI into the driver’s field of vision,” Hartung said. The new Bosch AI Extension Platform is an AI-capable high-performance computer that, in conjunction with an interior sensing solution, turns driving into a highly personalized experience. “The vehicle recognizes who’s at the wheel and detects whether there are any other passengers on board, then adjusts everything: from the exterior mirrors and vehicle handling to optimized airbag deployment in the event of an accident.” Product innovations in intelligent driver assistance solutions are also generating new business across all regions of the world: together with sensor technologies and central vehicle computers, Bosch secured orders worth 10 billion euros in 2025. “Of course, the cars of the future will need not only algorithms but also powertrains,” Hartung said with regard to the growing business with electromobility. “This year alone, we will deliver more than 7 million solutions and components for electric driving.” Just a few weeks ago, Bosch announced a joint venture with Tata AutoComp Systems in India. Starting in the middle of the year, it will focus on the development, manufacturing, and sale of electric axles and motors in the Indian market.

Innovations in the field of consumer goods and services: AI is driving business forward

AI is providing significant growth opportunities in the services and product business as well. For example, a new oven model with an AI-based voice function is securing new sales potential for the BSH Hausgeräte division. No external loudspeakers or additional apps are required. Overall, the worldwide business with home appliances in the luxury and premium segment is expected to continue to grow, particularly in North America. Market experts estimate that global sales of home appliances will reach around 5 billion units by 2030. The use of AI is also driving product innovations in the Power Tools division. Since the start of the year, the first 30 tools in the Expert product line have been on the market and setting new standards for professional power tools. These include a new wall scanner that locates objects in different types of wall and uses Bosch radar technology in combination with AI object detection for the first time. Bosch’s services business is also benefiting from AI: The Bosch Global Service Solutions division also expects double-digit average sales growth by 2030 thanks to AI based applications. Its service portfolio includes solutions for digital mobility services such as eCall and breakdown assistance as well as offerings for fleet operators and logistics providers.

The 2025 business year: stable financial strength, liquidity, and R&D ratio

Bosch achieved a positive free cash flow of some 300 million euros in 2025 (2024: some 900 million euros). The R&D ratio stood at 8.7 percent of sales (2024: 8.6 percent). Expenditure on research and development amounted to 7.9 billion euros. “Even in difficult times, Bosch is prepared to make substantial upfront investments,” Forschner said. “Capital expenditure remained at a high level.” Bosch made considerable upfront investments in areas such as electromobility, semiconductors, and state-of-the-art braking control systems. At 41.6 percent, the equity ratio also remained high (2024: 44.3 percent). The Bosch Group continues to be financially solid, even though liquidity as per the consolidated statement of cash flows fell to 7.4 billion euros (2024: 8.2 billion euros).

The 2025 business year: development by business sector

Sales development in the business sectors was held back both by the subdued economy in focus markets and by negative currency effects. The Mobility business sector recorded an increase in sales revenue of 0.1 percent to reach 55.8 billion euros. After adjusting for exchange-rate effects, this was equivalent to 2.9 percent growth. The EBIT margin from operations came to 1.8 percent (2024: 3.8 percent). In the Industrial Technology business sector, sales rose by 0.1 percent to 6.5 billion euros. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, the increase was 2.4 percent. The main reason for this was the downward trend on the North American market. The EBIT margin increased to 3.5 percent (2024: 1.2 percent). In the Consumer Goods business sector, sales revenue fell by 1.9 percent year on year to 19.9 billion euros. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, however, sales increased by 4.1 percent. The consumer goods business suffered in particular from a lack of impetus from the construction industry in China and the U.S. The EBIT margin from operations was 3.0 percent (2024: 3.5 percent). The Energy and Building Technology business sector generated sales of 8.5 billion euros. This is an increase of 13.0 percent, or an exchange rate-adjusted 15.6 percent. The EBIT margin from operations was 0.5 percent (2024: 4.9 percent). This was heavily influenced by one-off costs from acquisitions and sales activities.

The 2025 business year: development by region

While sales revenue in Europe declined slightly, Bosch recorded slight increases in the other regions of the world. In Europe, sales revenue fell by 0.6 percent year on year to 44.2 billion euros – but grew by 1.5 percent after adjusting for exchange-rate effects. In the Americas, sales revenue increased by 3.8 percent to 18.5 billion euros, or by 9.3 percent after adjusting for exchange-rate effects. In Asia Pacific, sales increased by 0.7 percent to 28.3 billion euros. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, the growth rate amounted to a significant 5.0 percent.

The 2025 business year: development of headcount

At the end of 2025, worldwide headcount in the Bosch Group stood at 412,774 associates (2024: 417,859), a reduction of around 1 percent (5,085 associates). This had the greatest impact on the Mobility business sector and regionally on Germany.

# # #

About Bosch Philippines

Bosch is a leading global supplier of technology and services. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. Bosch creates technology that is Invented for life.

In the Philippines, Bosch has maintained a presence since 1926, formally incorporating its operations in 1995 as Robert Bosch, Inc. To date, we provide products and solutions invented for life across sectors including mobility, power tools, life safety systems, home appliances, manufacturing, and software services; including voice, non-voice, and automation services through another legal entity, Bosch Service Solutions Philippines.

April 27, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

Gen Z is Google’s most active users as AI transforms Search into an intelligent partner

written by DWIZ 882

AI is turning Search into an intelligent partner that can converse interactively and provide answers to complex and nuanced questions.
Gen Zs are the heaviest users of Search. Signed-in users globally aged 18 to 24 now issue more daily queries than any other age group.
Southeast Asia has one of the youngest, most digitally native populations in the world, and they use Search to make decisions they can trust.
Search is an extension of Gen Z culture helping them learn, take action and explore the world they love.

Gen Z is now the most active generation on Search, a trend clearly reflected in the way people across Southeast Asia including Philippines are engaging with the platform. AI is taking Search beyond its foundation of providing information, transforming it into a truly intelligent partner. Powered by Google’s most advanced multi-modal reasoning model Gemini 3.1, Search can have an intuitive, back-and-forth conversation and it will get people’s complex and highly nuanced intent.

As AI natives, this shift resonates with Gen Zs. They are no longer just entering keywords, they are researching, planning, brainstorming, and even having conversations with Search. AI-powered features like AI Mode and Search Live make it faster, more natural, and more intuitive to find and act on information, allowing people to search in multimodal ways including text, voice and visual. As a result, Gen Z has emerged as the most active generation on Search. Signed-in users globally aged 18 to 24 now issue more daily queries than any other age group. Google sees over 5 trillion searches annually with Gen Z driving this growth, showing Search is more relevant than ever.

The Philippines’ young, AI-native population uses Search to expand their world and make decisions they can trust

In the Philippines, this shift is even more undeniable.

The country has one of the youngest, most AI-native populations in the world. Gen Zs lean heavily into Search, with 89% using it every day to make smarter, more intentional choices for a wide array of decisions. From researching on upcoming travel destinations to exploring the latest trends, this generation relies on Search to navigate the journey from curiosity to the final checkout—ensuring that they always make decisions that are guided by the reliable information they find online.

These days, social media might be where Gen Z discovers a trend, but Search is where they deep-dive about it and fact-check it. Instead of simply following a viral hype or long queues, they use Google reviews on Maps to find the truth behind the filter. They rely on Search to look up a brand’s history, find honest feedback, and compare prices to see if a product is actually worth the buzz. Search provides the credibility they need to make a move.

That’s because Search remains grounded in trust. When people use Search to ask questions, Google cross-checks AI responses and provides clickable sources for quick validation.

“As a travel content creator, I use Google Search a lot! I use it for my flights, not just to find a good deal, but to check which ones have less impact on the environment. It’s my way of traveling a bit more responsibly,” said popular Filipino content creator Arshie Larga.

“Plus it is my filter to avoid tourist traps! When I see a viral restaurant or food on social media, I make sure to consult Google Reviews,” he added.

“AI is the best thing that has happened to Search. Today, it can do much more than just provide information. AI is making Search more intelligent so it can converse interactively across formats and provide answers to people’s complex and nuanced questions. In Southeast Asia—home to one of the world’s youngest, most AI-native populations—we are seeing this shift play out in real-time. For this generation, Search has become a constant companion. They are engaging more deeply, visually, and through voice than any group before them. Whether it’s for learning, exploring a personal passion or making a high-stakes purchase, they rely on Search to make decisions they can trust,” said Sapna Chadha, Vice President, Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier

Search is a natural extension of Gen Z fandoms and culture

For Gen Zs, Search is more than a utility. It is a digital home for their daily lives and passions. When it comes to what they love, Google is a natural extension of their fandoms, turning their curiosity into an immersive experience through hidden moments in Search called Easter Eggs.

From interactive trivia quests for icons like Taylor Swift, BTS, and the Southeast Asia Coachella sensation BINI, to adorable viral sensations like Punch the Monkey, Search speaks the language of Gen Zs. More than an intelligent engine, Search is part of the world that Gen Zs love.

Beyond these curated moments, Search reflects the real-time heartbeat of Gen Z culture through Google Trends. When a conversation starts buzzing, Trends allows people to tap into the pulse of the dialogue, providing the insights they need to join in and take action.

For Filipino Gen Z, nothing proved more powerful and buzzworthy than BINI ahead of their historic appearance at this year’s Coachella. “BINI Coachella” reached the top of the trends globally, as their “BLOOMS” fans celebrated the group bringing Southeast Asian Pride to the world stage.

To celebrate this historic momentum, Search on mobile now features a special tribute: searching BINI anywhere in the world triggers their signature ‘Ey’ gesture– the viral ‘hang loose’ write flick symbolizing confidence and positivity. It’s a testament to how Gen Z still trusts Search to open a whole new world of information and immersion for the culture, fandoms, and everything that they’re passionate about.

###

April 26, 2026 0 comment

FEATURES

Jollibee hits sustainability milestone with PH’s first LEED-certified store

written by DWIZ 882

Jollibee Philippines is stepping up its sustainability efforts by embedding energy- and water-efficient technologies across its store network, highlighted by a milestone in Enrile, Tuguegarao City. Here, Jollibee opened the country’s first quick service restaurant to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) O+M certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a globally recognized standard for environmentally responsible buildings.

LEED O+M, which stands for Operations and Maintenance, evaluates how existing buildings are run on a day-to-day basis, covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, and indoor environmental quality. This means the recognition goes beyond design, highlighting how the restaurant consistently operates with sustainability in practice.

The development positions Jollibee among the early adopters of operations-driven sustainability in the local fast food industry, setting a benchmark for smarter, more efficient restaurant management that delivers both cost savings and long-term environmental impact.

As businesses face rising electricity costs and growing climate concerns, the company said it is moving beyond compliance by integrating sustainability into how its stores are designed, built, and operated.

“Sustainability is integrated into how we design and operate our stores as we continue to evolve and improve across the network,” said Jollibee Philippines president Ferns Yu, Jr. “We will continue to strengthen this commitment as we build more stores and support the communities we serve.”

A first in Philippine QSR

Opened in November 2024, the Enrile branch was designed and built with sustainability features that were subsequently validated and certified under the LEED program, which measures a building’s performance in energy use, water efficiency, and overall environmental impact. This certification marks a first for the quick service restaurant sector in the Philippines.

The store incorporates rooftop solar panels that can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30 percent, along with solar water heating systems for kitchen operations. It also uses solar window films to minimize indoor heat and reduce air conditioning demand, as well as high-efficiency motors and LED lighting.

Water conservation features are integrated into daily operations, including motion-sensor faucets, a rainwater harvesting system, and an on-site wastewater treatment facility that allows water to be reused for cleaning and maintenance.

These initiatives are part of the Jollibee Group’s “Joy for Tomorrow” program, which promotes sustainability across food, people, and planet. The company said it plans to expand the use of energy- and water-efficient systems in more stores nationwide.

By embedding sustainability into its core operations, Jollibee is positioning itself to address environmental challenges while supporting long-term business growth.

April 26, 2026 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts