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INTERNATIONAL hospitality chain Accor remains committed to the Philippines and is moving to manage properties and offer franchising opportunities in emerging destinations.

In an email, Etienne de Villiers, Accor Director of PR and Communications-Asia for the Premium, Midscale and Economy Division told the BusinessMirror that more properties will open in Batangas, Bohol, Caloocan, and Mactan between 2027 and 2030.

‘The Philippines remains an important market within Accor’s growth strategy in Asia. Accor continues to see strong long-term potential in the country, supported by growing tourism demand, improving connectivity and increasing interest in high-quality hospitality offerings,’ he said.

‘More broadly, Accor’s development strategy in Asia focuses on bringing the right brands to the right destinations, offering both management and franchise options to owners. As part of this approach, the Group sees opportunities not only in gateway cities but also in emerging tourism destinations. In the Philippines, Cebu, Boracay and Bohol are among the destinations that reflect this trend, supported by increasing demand and improved connectivity.’

The company’s pipeline in the country specifically ‘includes a resort in Batangas and ibis Styles Bohol Alona Beach, scheduled to open in 2027 and 2029 respectively, as well as ibis Manila Caloocan and ibis Styles Mactan Cebu, both targeted to open in 2030,’ said De Villiers.

As of 2026, Accor manages more than 4,700 keys across 13 hotels and eight brands in the Philippines. This includes the 1,530-key Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside, owned by the Andrew Tan-led Megaworld Group. Slated to formally rebrand in December, it will also be the largest Mövenpick hotel in the world.

Other Accor-managed hotels in the country include: Raffles and Fairmont in Makati, Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay, Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery, Novotel and ibis Styles Manila in Cubao, ibis Styles Subic, Swissotel Clark Philippines, Mercure Mactan and Mövenpick Cebu, and South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao-M Gallery.

Asian expansion speeds up

In a statement, Accor said it is accelerating its expansion in Asia with 30 new hotel signings as of September 30, 2026, representing 7,698 keys across all segments.

Contributing significantly to Accor’s property developments this year, at 49 of keys signed, is the midscale segment. This represents 16 hotels with over 3,600 keys from brands, such as TRIBE, Mercure, Novotel and Handwritten Collection.

The premium segment accounted for seven hotels and 2,200-plus keys in Asia, led by Mövenpick, while the economy segment has delivered five hotels and 1,200 keys, led by ibis Styles.

Luxury and lifestyle segments, which includes Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Emblems and MGallery as well as Ennismore brands such as Delano, SLS, 25hours and Rixos, contributed two hotels representing 583 keys.

Accor also introduced ‘greet’ this year, a new lifestyle-led economy brand in Asia. greet is Accor’s response to changing expectations among value-conscious travelers, while giving developers greater choice and flexibity. Its first property opened in Bangkok.

The hospitality firm also plans to introduce JOandJOE, a redefined hostel experience brand, in the future.

‘Powerful hospitality platform’

Andrew Langdon, Accor’s Chief Development Officer for Asia, said: ‘2026 is shaping up to be another record year for Accor’s development in Asia, with our signings on track to deliver a fourth consecutive year of record growth in the region. More owners are recognizing the value of joining a powerful hospitality platform that combines internationally recognized brands, global distribution and ALL Accor to drive revenue and support the long-term performance of their assets.’

According to the Paris-based hospitality firm, Indonesia led the market for development signings in the region with 13 hotels and 2,800-plus keys, followed by Vietnam with six hotels and 2,600-plus keys.

Franchising also continues to gain traction as owners seek greater flexibility and access to the strength and scale of an international hospitality platform.

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Hotel owners are likewise tapping Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis Styles, and Mövenpick to convert existing properties, while allowing them to benefit from Accor’s global network and booking and loyalty platform.

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday said it would conduct a parallel investigation into the illegal dumping of the remains of 29 pet dogs and cats at a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

In a statement, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said he had directed several divisions of the agency led by the Environmental Crimes Division (EnCD), to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

He added that all regional officers in Calabarzon and Central Luzon have been instructed to assist in the investigation.

The NBI director said the investigation will determine the possible liability of the operators of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium for violation of Article 315 (2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code or estafa.

It was reported that the owners of the deceased pets found abandoned in Bulacan had paid for the cremation services of Ahjay Paws, but such apparently not performed.

The NBI team will also conduct verification of operational capacity, including business permits, equipment, CCTV footage, and chain of custody of remains.

The team will also coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, (DILG) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Police (PNP), and concerned local government units for compliance inspection of similar facilities, as recommended by Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

‘We will pursue a scientific and evidence-based approach, including forensic examination where necessary, to determine whether the remains entrusted to the facility and whether the ashes returned to owners can be authenticated,’ Matibag said.

Matibag also urged affected pet owners to submit their receipts, cremation certificates and other relevant communications to the NBI headquarters as part of its case build-up.

‘As a pet lover, I understand and deeply sympathize with those who have fallen victim to this fraudulent act. It is unacceptable that the trust and hard-earned money entrusted by pet owners were repaid with deceit. Instead of providing proper cremation services, the pets were dumped like garbage,’ Matibag said.

‘The NBI will see to it that this incident is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate cases will be filed based on the evidence,’ he added.

FOOD and some energy-related items could drive inflation above 8 percent as inflation is expected to peak ‘a few more months,’ according to top Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) top officials.

Asked, in an interview with reporters on Tuesday, when he thinks the rise in the prices of goods and services could post the fastest rate or could reach its peak, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said: ‘A few more months, we think it will peak.’

In a separate interview at the same event, BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja responded: ‘We are looking at it very closely. There may be some months where we can see inflation continue to be elevated.’

Basing on actual data alone, with inflation averaging at 5.4 percent in the first nine months of 2026 and with the BSP seeing average inflation hitting 6.1 percent this year, Abenoja said: ‘Which means, there will still be a few months where we can see elevated inflation.’

Asked if by elevated inflation he meant the rate could move beyond the 8-percent level, Abenoja said: ‘There’s a chance. We’re looking at those possibilities.’

Abenoja said inflation in the coming months could be driven by ‘similar to what we have seen in the past few months,’ such as ‘food and some energy-related items.’

Bank economists’ projections

Based on recent inflation commentaries, some bank economists expect inflation to breach the 8-percent level in the coming months.

ANZ Research, the research division of Australia-based ANZ Banking Group Limited, sees October inflation for the Philippines surging to 8.4 percent.

It also expects inflation to remain above the 8-percent level in the last quarter of 2026 due to higher rice and oil prices.

‘Inflation is expected to have accelerated for the second straight month in October in the Philippines, reaching 8.4 percent year-on-year. Crude oil prices had risen to six-month highs by the end of October, which will maintain domestic fuel prices at elevated levels,’ the research division of the Australia-based bank noted.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. said: ‘We have yet to see the peak in inflation this year.’

‘We expect it to come in November, when inflation could exceed 8 percent if current price pressures persist. Unlike the fuel-driven spike in April, the current upswing rests on stickier drivers,’ added Neri.

Explaining how price pressures could broaden further, he said fare and wage increases rarely reverse, and higher labor costs could feed into broader price-setting through second-round effects, a risk which he said is already ‘visible’ in core inflation, which climbed to a three-year high in September.

‘Additional upside risks include further Peso weakness, Meralco’s higher distribution charges under the newly approved rate reset, the potential impact of a Super El Niño on food and power supply, and volatile oil prices amid Middle East tensions,’ added Neri.

FIFTEEN Metro Manila chief prosecutors have endorsed the bid of Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda as the next Chief Justice.

In Resolution 03, Series of 2026, the NCR Chief Prosecutors Association Inc. said Zalameda was the most qualified candidate to succeed Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, who is set to retire on November 6.

They cited Zalameda’s legal expertise, leadership skills and record of public service as his advantage over other nominees included on the shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to President Marcos.

The resolution was signed by Chief Prosecutors Ma. Aileen D. Guño of Caloocan City, Marylin Cynthia Fatima Madamba-Luang of Las Piñas City, Dindo G. Venturanza of Makati City, Rennet D. Evangelista of Malabon City and Elinore Concepcion R. Aquino-Laluces of Mandaluyong City.

Other signatories were Chief Prosecutors Giovanne T. Lim of Manila, Laurence Joel M. Taliping of Marikina City, Aileen Marie S. Gutierrez of Muntinlupa City, Armando H. Cavalida of Navotas City and Benjamin S. Vermug Jr. of Parañaque City. Also signing were Chief Prosecutors Elmer Cris L. Rillo of Pasay City, Rey Camilo B. Dumlao II of Pasig City, Vimar M. Barcellano of Quezon City, Vincent M. Villena of Taguig City and Lemuel B. Nobleza of Valenzuela City.

Zalameda began his career as a public prosecutor in Mandaluyong City in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become city prosecutor in 2002.

He later served as a Court of Appeals justice for 11 years before joining the Supreme Court in 2019, becoming the first former city prosecutor to sit on the High Tribunal.

The association said Zalameda’s extensive experience in prosecution and the judiciary made him well-suited to lead the country’s highest court.

‘Supreme Court Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda’s years of law practice attests to his unyielding pursuit of justice, effective leadership skills and administrative acumen,’ it said.

The group also cited Zalameda’s ‘academic excellence and impeccable record of public service’ in declaring him the most qualified candidate for the position.

It stressed that the next chief justice must possess ‘outstanding legal credentials with exceptional moral, administrative and leadership traits.’

Aside from Zalameda, also included on the JBC’s shortlist are SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez.

Former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor G. Robredo has endorsed the bid of Leonen to get the top post in the Judiciary.

Robredo noted that Leonen is the most senior among all the justices of the Court and has proven his ‘competence, independence, probity, and integrity.’

She also pointed out that Leonen has written thousands of decisions and separate opinions which show his awareness on various issues.

On the other hand, Marquez was nominated by the Association of Retired Regional Trial Court Judges of the Philippines and former SC Associate Justice Arturo Brion for the post.

They cited Marquez’ contribution in improving court operations during his stint as Court Administrator.

Marquez served as Court Administrator for 11 years or from January 2010 until his appointment as associate justice on November 16, 2021. He also served as spokesperson of at least four chief justices.

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As Court Administrator, Marquez initiated the E-warrant and e-subpoena, implemented The Hague Service Convention and spearheaded the creation of Office of Judiciary Marshals by petitioning Congress.

As an associate justice, Marquez is the working chairman of Judiciary Budget Committee and advocated online appearances of overseas Filipino workers abroad before the courts in real time through videoconferencing.

Dimaampao, on the other hand, was endorsed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.

Under Article VIII, Section 4 (1), the President is mandated to make appointments in the judiciary within 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy.

Following a competitive bidding process under its computerization program, the Department of Education (DepEd) procured 172,654 Apple MacBook Neo laptops for public school teachers and administrative staff nationwide.

Under the DepEd Computerization Program, the Department has so far awarded contracts for 231,725 laptops for teachers nationwide, comprising 169,008 MacBook Neo units and 62,717 Windows-based units. The procurement also includes 3,646 MacBook Neo laptops for administrative officers.

Deployment of all 172,654 MacBook Neo units is scheduled from November 2026 through March 2027.

DepEd said that they were able to secured the MacBook Neo package ‘at a discounted price,’ at approximately P43,000 per unit, about P6,900 below the base model’s Philippine suggested retail price of P49,900.

The procurement also includes a five-year warranty, a first for DepEd’s laptop procurement, compared with the standard one-year retail warranty, giving the government longer coverage at a lower purchase price. The package includes built-in productivity tools, delivery and logistics, and professional development for recipients.

‘For the longest time, our teachers have carried the heavy personal burden of buying their own laptops or maintaining outdated equipment just to keep up with lesson plans. Under the vision of President Marcos, we are changing the narrative,’ said Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, who emphasized that providing high-end, reliable technology directly addresses long-standing systemic burdens while honoring the daily dedication of Filipino educators.

He said: ‘We welcome Apple’s participation in this procurement to bring MacBook Neo to our teachers. It isn’t just about handing out world-class hardware with five-year warranties; it’s about giving our educators the best tools, backed by robust training so they can focus on what matters most: teaching our children.’

During Apple’s Financial Results Conference Call for 4th Quarter 2026 on Tuesday morning (Manila time), Apple Chief Executive Officer John Ternus highlighted the deal with DepEd, calling it Apple’s biggest education deal ever for Mac.

‘I’m feeling great about the opportunities ahead for Apple, from our product roadmap and broad range of services to promising areas like health, emerging markets, enterprise, and education…As one example, we recently secured our biggest education deal ever for Mac, with the Department of Education in the Philippines. They’re going to deploy 170,000 MacBook Neos to teachers and staff,’ said Ternus.

To seamlessly integrate technology into daily classroom teaching, DepEd is collaborating with Apple to launch GuroXL, a co-designed comprehensive training framework. In coordination with the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), the training pathway will guide educators toward Apple Teacher Certifications and specialized tech leadership credentials.

DepEd and Apple are slated to roll out a series of cluster and mega-cluster launches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, starting this November. These distributions will feature interactive teacher unboxing sessions to celebrate a transformative moment for Philippine basic education.

Aplayful image of three nuns leaping with joy and cleverly titled ‘Holy Jump Shot’ is this year’s grand prize at the prestigious SinagLarawan photo contest.

Alexii Alipio, a liturgical photographer and member of the Alpha Camera Club, shot the Sisters Oblates of the Holy Spirit in their Quezon City convent during a break from a photo session for a coffee table book.

For his winning photo, Alipio received a P150,000 cash prize and a trophy, and the photo club got a P30,000 cash prize and a certificate.

Now in its fourth year, the SinagLarawan Photo Contest is a Community Investment initiative of JTI Philippines. The contest recognizes Filipino photographers’ talent and creativity in documenting history and preserving the richness and diversity of the country’s culture.

This year’s theme, ‘Pagbubunyi,’ honors the everyday victories of Filipinos, capturing the small and meaningful triumphs that bring joy and inspire celebration in their lives.

The winning entries of its 2026 edition were revealed on October 23 with an awarding ceremony and exhibition at SM Aura in Taguig City.

‘We invited photographers to find celebration in everyday life, and, boy, did they celebrate. The quiet achievements, small victories, and heartfelt moments and milestones. I have to say that I am impressed with the insights and poignant stories that were captured and told from the different regions,’ said Alan Jackson, general manager of JTI Philippines, in his speech at the awarding ceremony.

From 450 entries from across the country, judges from JTI and notable personalities in the arts and photography community selected 24 winning photographs.

This year’s judges were Veejay Villafranca, Sandra Palomar, Niña Sandejas, and Martin San Diego. They were joined by JTI Philippines General Manager Alan Jackson and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director Richard Arboleda, who also served as judges.

Uplifting photography

As this year’s winning images have shown, SinagLarawan asserts the enduring power of the artist’s eye and visual empathy. Through the years, it has moved the photography community to continue capturing fleeting moments and everyday realities through their lenses.

‘In today’s landscape, photography competitions in different forms and in different themes provide support for photographers who continue to engage in the creative practice. The contest helps maintain the integrity of the photographic practice,’ noted co-judge Veejay Villafranca.

For Alipio, 54, the award was unexpected, ‘They were calling the winners earlier; I thought that I’d be happy if I’m in the top 24. This is a surprise!’

‘Photography is more relevant now in the age of AI. I mean, it’s so refreshing to see something that’s really organic and raw and imperfect, like the Japanese wabi-sabi. You find beauty in imperfection,’ Alipio commented.

According to SinagLarawan co-judge Sandra Palomar, ‘What makes Sinaglarawan stand out from other photo contests is that there is a theme. It’s not so much about the technical proficiency of the photographer, but because there’s a theme, it’s the emotion being evoked that resonates with me as a viewer.’

‘The competition itself focuses on the strength of the narrative, the storytelling. The judges diligently double-checked if the entries were AI-enhanced. In the end, the selected 24 entries came through with the authenticity of the

photograph.’

Interestingly, Palomar noted that the entries underwent blind judging, yet the contest also recognized the contributions and perspectives of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The second-place winner, First runner-up Seth Nuñez, for instance, highlighted the strength and contributions of a PWD forest steward, while one of the regional awardees was a deaf photographer.

Kim Homer Salvoro of BaStaBay Camera Club was recognized in the regional division for his whimsical photo, ‘Chasing The Moment.’

A deaf photographer based in Dumaguete City, Salvoro replied to this interview through an interpreter:

‘I didn’t expect the recognition. I thought this was an opportunity for me to collaborate and meet other people. That was my only intention. I didn’t expect that I would be recognized for my photograph,’ he told BusinessMirror.

‘For me, photography is where you can see the creativity of a person without the help of technology or AI,’ Salvoro noted. ‘So, don’t be afraid to do creative work no matter what your situation is. Just see with your heart. If I can do it, so can anyone,’ he advised.

Best of the best: 24 Sinaglarawan 2026 Winners

Seth Nuñez of Putowalkers won First Runner-Up for ‘Mga Bukton sa Baybayon (Arms of the Coast),’ highlighting the inspiring story of Titing Sibala, an amputee who protects the mangroves of Barili, Cebu. Nuñez received a P120,000 cash prize and a trophy, and the club got a P25,000 cash prize and a certificate.

Gregorio Dantes Jr. of Tropang Artistiko Camera Club won third prize for the photo ‘Jeepney Driver’s Legacy,’ showcasing the graduation photos of the children of a jeepney driver. Dantes won a P100,000 cash prize and a trophy, and the club received a P20,000 cash prize and a certificate.

The main winners of SinagLarawan 2026 included eight Circle of Excellence awardees. They were Kyle Cezanne Francisco, Silverio Alano III, Vaugn Axel Crisostomo, and Gabriel Jade Castillo of Raw and Untitled PH; Liemuel Pantuhan and Klien Cyril Trasmonte from Photographers Club of Cebu Inc.; Gale David Davad of Pitik South Cotabato; and Jhazmin Audrey Miguel from Philippine Society for Photography. Each received a cash prize of P80,000 and a trophy, while their respective clubs got P10,000 and a certificate each.

The nationwide photo competition bestowed 13 Special Awards, with each winner receiving P50,000 and a certificate.

SinagLarawan also recognized the top three photographers from the different regions of the Philippines with the Rehiyon Awards.

For Metro Manila, the winning works were from Sharlene Tamayo, Charles Edward Ma. Cansino and Rhon Velarde.

Rehiyon Awards-Luzon recipients were Kobi Janairo, Marvin Grimaldo, and Angelito Yaon. Visayas awardees were Kim Homer Salvoro, Reginald de Guia, and Rem Gio Tresvalles. Finally, Mindanao winners were Kevin Teves, Jessie Eno, and Teofilo Jose.

Rounding up the special prize category was Gaea Lei Osilao, who received the JTI Employee Choice Award.

ALTHOUGH the implementation of projects funded with official development assistance (ODA) improved slightly last year, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) said majority of the country’s ongoing projects remained behind schedule.

In its 2025 ODA Portfolio Review, DepDev said 47 of the 68 ongoing ODA-assisted projects monitored during the year, or 69.12 percent, were delayed. These projects have a combined approved cost of P3.50 trillion.

Of these, 37 were already delayed in 2024, while eight slipped from on-schedule status. Two other delayed projects were newly added to the portfolio.

Meanwhile, only 21 projects, or 30.88 percent, were on schedule, up from 27.87 percent at end-2024.

‘Delayed implementation remained the prevailing status of the portfolio, indicating continuing constraints affecting project start-up, procurement, site readiness, and execution against approved timelines,’ DepDev said.

Infrastructure projects accounted for the bulk of delayed initiatives, according to the agency.

Of the 47 delayed projects, 17 were being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), while another 12 were under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Usual slew of problems

The concentration of delays in infrastructure projects, DepDev said, reflects the difficulties involved in implementing large, multiyear developments.

These include securing rights of way and site access, relocating utilities, completing procurement and design reviews, complying with safeguards requirements, and obtaining necessary approvals from development partners and oversight agencies.

Other agencies with delayed projects included the Department of Agriculture (DA), with four; the Department of Finance (DOF), with three; and the Department of Education (DepEd), with two.

The slowdown in ODA implementation was also reflected in lower loan disbursements, which declined by 11.7 percent to $6.19 billion in 2025 from $7.01 billion in the previous year.

The decline was largely driven by program loans, whose drawdowns fell by 20.59 percent to $3.74 billion from $4.71 billion in 2024, reflecting lower releases from policy-based and budget support operations.

Project loan disbursements, however, rose by 6.52 percent to $2.45 billion from $2.3 billion. DepDev said the release of project loans remained dependent on procurement progress, civil works implementation, delivery milestones, and compliance with loan withdrawal requirements.

Despite the increase in project loan disbursements, implementation delays remained substantial. The average delay among projects with available data narrowed to 30.91 months in 2025 from 38.84 months in 2024, while the median delay stood at 17.47 months.

DepDev attributed the lower average delay largely to ‘approved implementation period extensions, which realigned selected project timelines with current implementation conditions.’

Transport projects continued to post the longest delays, with DOTr projects averaging 51.50 months behind schedule.

Longest delay: Cebu bus project

The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project recorded the longest delay at 132.96 months, with physical accomplishment reaching only 11.43 percent as of end-2025.

Its implementation continued to be hampered by site acquisition and right-of-way issues, including a cease-and-desist order covering lots owned by the Cebu provincial government, as well as procurement delays involving the remaining civil works packages, the DepDev said.

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DPWH projects followed with an average delay of 36.48 months. Among these, the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project was delayed by 128.51 months, with physical accomplishment at just 4.62 percent.

The project continued to face right-of-way and resettlement issues, including pending relocation arrangements for informal settler families affected by the works.

Majority at risk

DepDev also flagged potential implementation problems in 44 of the 68 ODA projects approved by the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) or the Economy and Development Council.

More than half of the projects, or 37, were classified under At-Risk Level II, or the Critical Stage, indicating that implementation concerns had persisted across reporting periods. These accounted for 54.41 percent of the portfolio.

Another seven projects, equivalent to 10.29 percent, were placed under At-Risk Level I, or the Early Warning Stage, indicating emerging problems that could still be addressed through early intervention.

Meanwhile, 14 projects, or 20.59 percent, were classified as For Attention, while 10 projects, or 14.71 percent, had not breached any risk category.

Most projects with comparable year-on-year assessments retained their previous risk classifications. Several remained under At-Risk Level II because of persistent issues involving physical progress, procurement, site readiness, financing, and project restructuring, DepDev said.

BUSAY, Cebu City-As generative AI tools make it possible to produce creative outputs in seconds, the same tools designed to assist people are also raising questions about human dependence on technology.

When almost anyone can generate a finished product with a few prompts, what makes a creative professional’s work distinct, and how can they continue to demonstrate its value? These questions took center stage during a talk, titled ‘How to Differentiate Your Art in the AI Era?’ by Carla Adlawan, a copywriter and advertising instructor at the University of San Carlos’ College of Fine Arts, on October 23, during the third edition of TOPS ArtFest in the highlands of Busay, Cebu City.

‘The barrier to entry has become lower. Anybody can be a graphic designer, anybody can be a writer, anybody can craft a great business plan, anybody can be a poet,’ Adlawan said. ‘Anything is possible with your generative [AI].’

She added that faster and cheaper production poses another challenge for creative professionals, as clients and customers may question the need to pay for work they can generate themselves. Yet, Adlawan sees this shift not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity for human creatives to distinguish themselves beyond the final output.

Rather than compete with AI solely on the speed or cost of production, artists and other creative professionals can offer what goes into shaping the work: creative direction, original concepts, and the decisions that give an idea its purpose.

‘Remember, generative AI is based on everything that already exists on the internet. Nothing new, nothing unique,’ Adlawan said.

THE HUMAN DEPTH

THE speaker emphasized that artists must create work with meaning and value, while recognizing that these qualities can be subjective. Technical execution alone does not necessarily make a piece distinctive; what matters is how artists use their judgment, perspectives and intentions to shape their work, she said.

‘It’s not enough to stand out. So, artists have to be competitive by using your human advantage, what AI cannot bring in the same way,’ Adlawan said.

‘Don’t be afraid of AI. It’s not going to take over your life. Because, yes, AI can generate possibilities-but you bring lived experiences. You bring intentions. You bring relationships. You bring decisions that you made,’ she added.

WHAT MAKES ART MATTER

SPEAKING to students, artists and other creatives during the session, held under the festival’s theme ‘Building and Breaking Norms: Art Beyond the Canvas,’ Adlawan outlined five human advantages that artists can draw on to distinguish their work in an increasingly AI-driven industry.

Lived experience. She shared that an artist’s life can serve as a source of original material, shaped by the places they have lived, the people they have encountered, and the experiences that inform their understanding of the world.

To illustrate this, Adlawan asked the audience to consider how artists might depict their neighborhoods. One might portray a gated subdivision with high walls, landscaped pathways and neatly maintained surroundings. Another might illustrate a lively Filipino neighborhood filled with sari-sari stores, basketball courts, barangay halls, and roadside barbecue stalls.

Although both artists respond to the same subject, their interpretations would differ according to their experiences and observations. These details, including familiar scenes and shared moments of humor, provide material that artists can draw on to make their work personal and relatable.

Cultural context. Culture also offers another source of creative distinction through its symbols, traditions, histories and everyday practices. Artists interpret these references through their own perspectives, giving their work a cultural context that goes beyond visual execution.

Personal perspective. Artists bring their own interpretations as well. What they notice, question or consider worth exploring can become the foundation of their creative work. This perspective influences the ideas they develop and the subjects they choose to bring to life that allows them to approach familiar themes from different angles.

Taste and judgment. An artist’s creative choices are also shaped by personal taste, which develops through exposure to books, music, people, clothing, visual art and other influences. These preferences inform an artist’s style, from illustration techniques and storytelling approaches to the visual references they draw on. While AI can generate images based on a prompt, Adlawan stressed the importance of the judgment behind the creative decisions that give a work its distinct character.

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Intention. Finally, Adlawan emphasized that art goes beyond producing images. It can serve as a form of expression, investigation, documentation or protest. Artists may use their work to examine social issues, preserve cultural traditions, document meaningful memories, or express their responses to events unfolding around them. Their intentions determine what they want to communicate, why a subject matters and what they hope audiences will take away from the work.