HEADLINES

Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, announced a $15 million commitment to its AI Opportunity Fund. This initiative aims to train over one million people in Asia Pacific including the Philippines in essential AI skills, fostering a more skilled and prepared workforce for the future.

Through the $15 million AI Opportunity Fund, Google will invest in the development of critical AI skills and build confidence among workers and jobseekers, particularly those in underserved communities across the region. This complements Google’s existing digital and AI skilling initiatives in Asia-Pacific, such as AI Essentials for beginners, AI Startup School for entrepreneurs, and Google Cloud AI programs for businesses.

 In collaboration with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), a network of social investors, and supported by the Asian Development Bank, this fund will seek applications from social impact organizations who can help us reach those most likely to benefit from AI training. AVPN will work with local partners, selected through an open call for proposals, to identify specific AI-related challenges and opportunities for underserved job-seekers and micro and small businesses in the region.

 Selected organizations will receive support on AI in their local languages to help them deliver skills training directly to their communities. In addition, cash grants will help remove barriers to learning, such as limited access to educational resources.

 “Equipped with the right tools and expertise, we’re excited to see how people and organizations across Asia-Pacific can make the most of AI to benefit everyone,” said Scott Beaumont, President Asia-Pacific, Google.

To learn more about the $15 million AI Opportunity Fund and how organizations can apply, visit https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-asia/the-ai-opportunity-fund-to-build-an-ai-ready-workforce-in-asia-pacific/

Tuluyan nang inaprubahan ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board na pinamumunuan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang P16.1-B budget para sa infra flagship projects ng bansa, kabilang ang National Broadband Program ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Sinasabing ito’y bilang tugon sa mga panawagan sa pamahalaan na mag-invest pa sa pag- upgrade sa digital connectivity ng bansa.

Ayon sa NEDA, ang inaprubahang pondo ay ilalaan para sa Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, kabilang ang adjustment cost para sa parameters ng siyam na iba pang isinasagawang gov’t. projects.

Sinabi ni NEDA Sec. Arsenio Balisacan na ang pag-apruba sa budgetary allotment para sa broadband program ng DICT ay magpapabilis sa pag-upgrade sa broadband connectivity, partikular sa geographically isolated and disasvantaged areas (GIDAs) o remote barangays sa bansa.

Paliwanag ng opisyal, ang pagpapalakas sa cybersecurity ay bahagi rin ng layunin ng malaking digital infra project allocation.

Napag-alaman na pangunahing layunin ng P16.1-billion PDIP funds, na tutustusan sa pamamagitan ng official development assistance mula sa World Bank, na palakasin ang broadband connectivity ng bansa at magdala ng high speed internet links sa hanggang sa GIDAs.

Bukod pa rito, layunin din nitong palawakin ang vital digital infrastructure ng bansa upang pag-ugnayin ang digital divide sa mga indibidwal, kabahayan at negosyo,
pasiglahin ang private sector investments, at palakasin ang kapasidad para sa cybersecurity at sa pagprotekta ng critical information infrastructure.

Kung maaalala, noong nakaraang linggo, nanawagan ang World Bank sa pamahalaan ng Pilipinas na dagdagan ang investment sa broadband infrastructure dahil ang bansa ay patuloy na napag-iiwanan ng Asian neighbors nito pagdating sa internet speed, affordability at access, na lumilikha ng hindi pantay na landscape para sa digital participation.

“The Philippines needs reforms and increased investment in broadband infrastructure,” ayon sa report ng World Bank.

Ang proyekto, na nakaangkla sa National Broadband Program, isang flagship initiative ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), ay kinasasangkutan ng konstruksiyon ng isang public broadband infrastructure network sa buong arkipelago.

Binubuo ng limang major components ang network na ito na kinabibilangan ng backbone network, middle-mile network, access network (last-mile), network security at project management support.

“Broadband services have already opened up numerous opportunities for Filipinos, from work-from-home arrangements to digital access to critical public and private services, including the latest technological tools such as artificial intelligence. This project will also enable us to connect more Filipinos to markets and networks, spurring economic development,” pagbibigay-diin ni Balisacan.

Samantala, inaprubahan din ng NEDA Board ang adjustments sa iba’t ibang isinasagawang infrastructure projects na may kaugnayan sa pagpapalakas ng internet connectivity.

Ipinunto ng kalihim na ang mga pagbabago ay kinasasangkutan ng project scope, cost, pagpapalawig ng implementation period at loan validity.

“The adjustments to these ongoing infrastructure projects were necessary to ensure their successful completion, advancing our national efforts to expand and upgrade our infrastructure, improve connectivity, and create more jobs,” ani Balisacan.

Excitement reached a fever pitch as toy collectors gathered at SM City Bacoor for the highly anticipated launch of Toy Fezt 2.0. From June 8 to 22, the mall’s Event Center transformed into a spectacular showcase from two esteemed artists famous for their fan-made, life-sized, and larger-than-life action figures, offering shoppers an exclusive and exhilarating experience.

The Artists Behind the Statues

Famous for his life-sized Japanese anime classics, Jerry Santos of Jerry’s Life Size Toys and Collectibles wowed shoppers as he brought back nostalgic 90’s moments with his magnificent creations. His passion for crafting intricately made statues sprung from his love for classic anime shows since he was a child. His works are highly valued, especially by toy collectors aiming to get classic life-size memorabilia, and they were the center of attention at big toy conferences and events.

Surreal and very detailed, Andrew Zamora’s collection impressed guests as they looked at his life-sized creations made from fiberglass. His company, Drew’s Life Size Statue, is known for intricately designed art pieces, displays, and exclusive collections, not just in the country. His creations have reached Texas and Chicago, USA, Australia, and Colombia, but he’s glad to have his statues displayed at the Toy Fest as this was his first time exhibiting his huge action figures in one large venue.

Collect and Meet

Collectors had the chance to expand their treasure troves with Bazfam Studio’s irresistible array of limited-edition action figures. Industry insiders like Nixon of NTOYS SHOP , Krazykyle The Filipino Picker, and Jason Fernandez of NTOYS SOUTH, were present, sharing valuable insights from the world of toy collection.

The anticipation peaked at the first zap of Toy Fezt 2.0, where heroes awaited at SM City Bacoor. Enthusiasts from all over the South, including those who are in Bicol Region, are invited to join this ultimate celebration of fandom as another toyverse of collectibles displayed at SM City Sorsogon. This exhibit will continue to travel from SM City Bacoor to all SM malls in South Luzon until 2025. Next stop is SM City Sta.Rosa, so watch out! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of action figures and collectibles. Be part of the excitement and celebrate your favorite characters at Toy Fezt 2.0!

INIHAYAG ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) na isusulong nito na higit na bigyang importansiya ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. ang digital connectivity habang papalapit ang ikatlong State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Ayon kay DICT Spokesperson Atty. Renato Paraiso, paninindigan ng ahensiya ang adbokasiya nito na palakasin at mas pagtuunan ng pansin ang digital infrastructure ng bansa.

“Well, again, I think with this year’s SONA, ang talagang pinapa-highlight natin or hinihiling natin na suporta, really is, infrastructures natin. Pagpapalakas ng mga digital infostructures natin, ang connectivity, so ayan ‘yung mga free wifi, upskilling, at cyber security po,” ani Paraiso.

Aniya, ang average broadband internet speed sa Pilipinas ay kasalukuyang ranked 41st sa mundo, ayon sa Telecom Review. Nananatili umano itong malaking problema dahil ang speed o bilis ay madalas na ‘inconsistent‘ at limitado lamang.

Batay naman sa datos ng DICT, 65 percent ng populasyon ng bansa ay hindi pa rin nakakonekta sa internet.

Nabatid sa Statista Research Department, isang international research company, na 77.81 percent ng Filipino population ay magkakaroon lamang ng internet connection pagsapit ng 2028 sa kasalukuyang yugto nito.

Nabanggit naman ng Asian Development Bank (ADB) na ang Pilipinas ang may pinakamababang coverage rates ng telecom towers sa Southeast Asian region at mangangailangan ng karagdagang 60,000 towers sa 2031 sa mga liblib na lugar.

Sang-ayon sa 2021 data mula sa National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), lumabas na may mahigit 22,000 cell sites sa bansa kung saan wala pa sa one-third ng 90,000 ng Vietnam, at pinagsasaluhan pa ang mga ito ng tatlong telcos.

Sinasabing ang DICT ay nakatakdang magtayo ng karagdagang 10,000 independent common towers upang makatulong sa pagpapalawak ng maaabot ng broadband connections sa bansa, bukod pa sa 2,374 towers na nasa hurisdiksiyon nito.

Kung matatandaan, sa isang pagpupulong noong nakaraang Abril, inirekomenda rin ng Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) kay Pangulong Marcos ang paglalaan ng P608 billion taon-taon sa DICT upang makatulong sa pagtatayo ng mga karagdagang digital infrastructure at pagpapalawak ng internet coverage sa bansa.

Maliban dito, nagpahayag din ng suporta si PBBM sa pagpapabuti ng broadband connection at projects ng bansa upang maabot ang 70 million Filipinos pagsapit ng 2026 sa ilalim ng National Fiber Backbone Project.

BINIGYANG-DIIN ni Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo na wala siyang koneksyon sa anumang Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations sa bansa kaya mali aniyang tawagin siyang “conspirator” nang walang matibay na ebidensya.

Ginawa ni Guo ang pahayag bilang reaksyon sa kasong Anti-Trafficking in Persons na isinampa laban sa kanya sa Department of Justice (DOJ) ng Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) at Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Ani Guo, ang pagkakaroon ng koneksyon sa mga kumpanya o indibidwal ay hindi sapat na batayan upang tawagin ang isang tao na kasabwat.

Inihayag ng alkalde na ang mga ganitong akusasyon ay kailangang masuportahan ng sapat na ebidensya.

“Ang pagiging conspirator ay may legal na batayan sa ating batas. Ang pagkakaroon ng koneksyon sa mga kumpanya o indibidwal, lalo na kung hindi malinaw, ay hindi sapat upang iugnay ang isang tao sa kaso, partikular na sa kaso ng Human Trafficking,” sabi ni Guo.

Iginiit niya na wala siyang anumang kaugnayan o pakikibahagi sa Zunn Yuan Technology, Inc. o anumang POGO sa bansa.

Kahit na hindi pa natatanggap ang kopya ng pormal na reklamo, nananatiling kumpiyansa si Guo na walang sapat na ebidensya na mag-uugnay sa kanya sa mga nasabing alegasyon.

Nagpahayag din ng pangamba ang lady mayor na ang mga paratang ay maagang inilabas sa publiko bago pa man ipakita ang anumang kongkretong ebidensya.

“Mula pa noong araw ng raid noong Marso 13 hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay talagang pinipilit lamang akong iugnay sa kaso. Kung may ebidensya ay dapat noong maaga pa at nakasuhan na ako,” sabi ni Mayor Guo.

Kasabay nito, ipinanawagan ni Mayor Guo na masusi munang imbestigahan ang mga kaso bago maglabas ng anumang pahayag sa publiko.

Dagdag niya, tila niluto muna sa publiko at sa media ang mga alegasyon bago ito isinampa laban sa kanya.

“Dapat na manaig ang prinsipyo ng ‘innocent until proven guilty’, at mahalaga na igalang ang karapatang pantao at katarungan sa lahat ng aspeto ng anumang kaso,” sabi niya.

Samantala, sinabi pa ng alkalde na handa siyang harapin ang mga akusasyon laban sa kanya at paninindigan ang kanyang pangako na ipagtanggol ang katarungan at transparency sa mga proseso ng batas.

SINIGURO ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) na mahigpit itong makikipagtulungan sa Kongreso para sa reclassification ng internet links bilang ‘public service’ na hindi na mangangailangan ng rental payments para sa broadband connection.

Nabatid na ang tinutukoy ni DICT Assistant Secretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso ay ang mga bills na inihain sa House of Representatives na naglalayong amyendahan ang National Building Code of the Philippines. Ang House Bill Nos. 900 at 8534 ay inihain nina Reps. Christian Yap at Joey Salceda, ayon sa pagkakasunod.

“We make sure to participate in the discussions, especially in the Technical Working Group discussions of these bills,” ani Paraiso.

“But, all in all, we are very supportive and respect the direction of our legislation when it comes to what laws need to be passed,” dagdag pa niya.

Sinasabing ang pagsasabatas sa bill ay mag-aatas sa mga developer at property owner na maglaan ng espasyo para sa telcos sa lahat ng newly developed at existing projects.

Bukod dito, may mga panawagan din na alisin ang rental fees para sa broadband connectivity dahil ang internet services ay dapat makatanggap ng pagtrato na pareho sa tubig at koryente.

Ayon kay Paraiso, sinusuportahan ng DICT ang pag-apruba sa naturang bills, kabilang ang pag-aalis sa rental fees para sa broadband connectivity.

“The DICT, for the record, supports that, we have to work within the bounds of the law, especially with the advent and the implementation of the Public Service Act,” wika ni Paraiso.

“We have to find a way and we have to convince the lawmakers that broadband connectivity should be exempted from paying these fees; however, they should not be considered as public utilities, but rather as ‘public services’,” sabi pa niya.

Bunga ng direktiba ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na palakasin ang digital infrastructure ng bansa, ipinunto ni Paraiso na “the DICT will continue with its efforts to strengthen the internet connectivity in the country, especially those in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged areas.”