Category: Business Mirror

SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday called the claim that former TSgt. Orly Guteza is under the custody of the Marines ‘a lie.’

Lacson did not hide his disgust in wondering aloud, ‘How much more fakery can we take?’ referring to the series of controversies that have involved the former soldier turned security consultant who was thrust onto Lacson’s Blue-Ribbon committee hearing into the flood-control fund mess without prior permission or notice.

Lacson said on Thursday the false claim that Guteza is in the custody of the Marines led by Maj. Gen.Vincent Blanco III was false as proven by Blanco himself who said Guteza was never ever in the Marines’ custody, contrary to the initial claim of former Quezon City Rep. Michael Defensor.

It was Defensor who referred Guteza to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who presented Guteza as a ‘surprise’ witness in the September 25 Blue-Ribbon committee hearing.

Marcoleta is Lacson’s predecessor at the Blue Ribbon, and the two senators have had verbal skirmishes in the past.

‘As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, Maj. Gen. Vince Blanco-PMA Cl ’91] through fellow cavaliers [Philippine Military Academy graduates], Guteza is not, and has never been, in their custody. How much more fakery can we take?’ Lacson said in a post on X.

PMA graduates are bound by the code of conduct of never lying, cheating or stealing at least to each other.

On Wednesday, Defensor told a television interview that Guteza is in Marines custody.

Earlier this week, Lacson said the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court in Manila found that the signature in Guteza’s notarized affidavit was not that of lawyer Petchie Espera. The Executive Judge recommended that Guteza and those responsible for presenting his affidavit undergo preliminary investigation for falsification.

Also, Lacson said a review of Senate CCTV footage showed Guteza arrived at the Senate at 8:27 a.m. of Sept. 25 and stayed at the office of Marcoleta for some 30 minutes before going down to the gallery of the session hall where the hearing was being held.

Guteza had claimed that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of ex-Rep. Elizaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez denied the allegation.

Lacson noted however that while Guteza’s statement before the Blue-Ribbon committee ‘remains valid,’ the development may affect his credibility.

Guteza not in PN custody

NONE of its units have custody of Guteza the Navy (PN) said on Thursday.

‘The PN emphasizes that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza has been retired from the Marine Corps [PMC] since June 30, 2020. As a retired serviceman, he no longer falls under the administrative authority of the PN. Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity,’ the Navy spokesperson, Capt. Marissa Martinez, said in a statement.

Martinez made the statement in response to reports claiming that Guteza is in the custody of the PMC for security reasons.

Martinez stressed that Guteza is not being protected by the PMC which has no involvement in his personal affairs.

‘The PN remains committed to its mandate as a professional and non-partisan organization, dedicated to upholding national sovereignty and serving the Filipino people with honor and integrity,’ she added. With Rex Anthony Naval

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced its release of over P217.93 B in total benefit claims to healthcare facilities nationwide which represents a 94.18% increase compared to the same period last year (January to September).

This surge in payments solidifies PhilHealth’s financial support and marks a major achievement in its drive to provide prompt and reliable financial support to Filipino patients and healthcare providers.

PhilHealth’s total claims payment for the first nine months of 2025 reached P217.93 B, up from P112.23 B in 2024, both for public and private facilities.

Private facilities received P127.79 B, while public facilities accounted for PHP90.14 B in reimbursements.

As of September 30, 2025, PhilHealth achieved an average claims processing turnaround time of just 22 days, demonstrating remarkable improvement in efficiency and responsiveness, aligning withPresident Ferdinand R. Marcos’ directive to improve its performance.

PhilHealth emphasized that the expenditure is largely driven by payments for catastrophic conditions covered by Z Benefit Packages (heart surgery, cancers and kidney transplantation) and high-cost services like outpatient hemodialysis continue to rise significantly, reflecting the increasing medical needs of the population. This commitment ensures that members diagnosed with life-threatening or complex illnesses receive sustained, high-value financial support.

To ensure PhilHealth’s payment system sufficiently covers the complexities of modern medical treatment, the Corporation reiterated the need to transition to the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment system.

According to Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth President and CEO, PhilHealth is actively pushing for a shift to the DRG payment system. ‘DRG will better account for the severity and resources needed for patient care, thereby ensuring that our healthcare providers are compensated accurately and sustainably for treating complex conditions.’, said Dr. Mercado.

DRG is a patient classification and provider payment system that groups patient cases, including services received, into standardized case groups according to diagnosis and treatment or procedure received.

PhilHealth assures the public that it will continue to accelerate its claims process through streamlined and automated systems to sustain the fast flow of funds to accredited healthcare facilities, adhering to its commitment of being Mabilis, Tapat, and Mapagkakatiwalaan.

THE Asia United Bank (AUB) reported sustained profitability and stronger earnings in the first nine months of 2025, as its net income reached P9.4 billion.

In a statement on Thursday, the AUB said its net income rose by 9 percent to P9.4 billion as of end-September from P8.6 billion a year ago.

AUB said this translated to a 3.2-percent return on assets and return on equity at 20.4 percent during the period.

The bank’s total operating income grew by 10 percent year-on-year to P17.2 billion from P15.6 billion. According to the lender, the growth was driven by a 22-percent increase in earning assets to P390.6 billion, resulting in an 8-percent increase in net interest margin to P13.5 billion and a net interest margin ratio of 5 percent during the period.

AUB’s non-interest income also expanded by 18 percent to P3.7 billion from a year ago, lifted by stronger trading and foreign exchange gains, as well as higher fee-based revenues from credit cards, AUB PayMate, HelloMoney, remittance transactions, trust operations and other branch-related services.

Despite the 10 percent increase in AUB’s operating expenses, at P5.5 billion, due to higher compensation, capital expenditures and growth-related costs, the bank said it maintained a cost-to-income ratio of 32.2 percent, which shows ‘sustained operational efficiency.’

‘Sustaining our profitability is no mean feat, considering the heightened risks in our operating environment, both domestically and globally. But we managed to post double-digit growth rates in our core businesses,’ said AUB President Manuel A. Gomez.

AUB’s total loan portfolio jumped by 29 percent year-on-year to P256.9 billion from P198.9 billion, while total deposits rose 19 percent to P336.2 billion to support business volume growth.

The bank said its funding cost remained low, with low-cost deposits under current account/savings account (CASA) accounting for 78 percent of total deposits, up from 76 percent a year earlier.

To support its growing loan portfolio, AUB increased its loan loss provisions by 141 percent.

AUB’s asset quality has also further improved, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declining to 0.36 percent from 0.53 percent a year ago.

Loans also remain sufficiently covered, with the bank’s NPL coverage ratio at 117.14 percent.

‘We remain on the lookout for growth opportunities on the horizon, particularly in digital partnerships. It is through this that we can offer digital payment solutions such as our all-in-one digital payment acceptance product AUB PayMate, as well as revolutionize cross-border digital payments through our HelloMoney e-wallet, among others,’ Gomez said.

Furthermore, AUB’s total assets went up by 19 percent year-on-year to P417.1 billion from P352.0 billion.

The bank’s total equity also increased by 16 percent to P65.7 billion from P56.6 billion, mainly from retained earnings.

‘The bank is adequately capitalized with capital ratios well above regulatory requirements,’ it said, citing an indicative Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 18.75 percent and a capital adequacy ratio of 19.50 percent.

Around 2400 BCE, the Sumerian city-states of Lagash and Umma went to war over irrigation water. Lagash diverted canals feeding Umma’s fields, sparking one of the first documented conflicts over a resource humanity cannot live without. More than four millennia later, the same struggle endures-only now, it shapes geopolitics.

Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal is the newest chapter in this old story. The 285-kilometer waterway cuts across northern Afghanistan, diverting the Amu Darya River, which sustains millions in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. When complete, it could redirect up to 30 percent of the river’s annual flow-roughly six to 13 billion cubic meters of water. More than 230 kilometers were completed by March 2025, with full operation expected by 2028. For Afghanistan, long scarred by war and sanctions, the canal promises food security and sovereignty-a bold bid to trade dependency for self-reliance.

Downstream, the picture darkens. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan rely heavily on the Amu Darya to irrigate their cotton and wheat fields. Reduced flow could devastate harvests, worsen soil salinization, and accelerate the ecological ruin of the basin.

The region has already lived through one water catastrophe- the Aral Sea’s collapse in the 1960s during the Soviet Union’s large-scale irrigation projects, a stark reminder of what happens when politics outrun planning. The worst-case projections estimate Uzbekistan could lose up to 15 percent of its water supply and Turkmenistan as much as 80 percent, with dire economic and political consequences.

The deeper issue is governance. Afghanistan is not a party to the 1996 Almaty Agreement regulating Central Asian water use and has no treaty with its northern neighbors. That absence leaves Kabul acting unilaterally, without mechanisms for data sharing or accountability. Sovereignty without coordination risks turning necessity into conflict.

Such tensions echo globally. Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam continues to test Egypt’s historic rights to the Nile. Turkey’s control of the Tigris and Euphrates strains its ties with Iraq and Syria. Even the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan-one of the world’s most durable water-sharing agreements-exists in a constant state of political tension. Across continents, rivers remain the front lines of power. Global food markets, energy flows, and trade routes are all influenced by water access. When upstream nations divert rivers, downstream economies falter, and global prices surge.

Afghanistan’s canal now draws attention far beyond Central Asia. Russia sees it as a challenge to its regional influence. China worries about instability along its Belt and Road corridors. Iran views it as a precedent for unilateral control. What appears to be a national development project has become a geopolitical signal-an assertion that Afghanistan will act first and negotiate later.

For the Philippines, this may seem remote, yet the same logic applies. Our water disputes unfold within our borders-between provinces, agencies, and sectors rather than nations. The 2019 Metro Manila water crisis left six million residents with intermittent supply and P464 million in crop losses. In Mindanao, drought and poor irrigation have displaced families and deepened rural poverty.

Senator Grace Poe noted that at least 45 executive agencies across 15 departments share overlapping water mandates. This fragmentation has left the Philippines ranked 33rd of 48 Asian countries in water security, despite its strong economic growth. Watershed management is divided, enforcement inconsistent, and long-term planning scarce. The proposed Department of Water Resources bill-House Bill 9663 and Senate Bill 2771-aims to centralize authority, but as of late 2024, it remains stalled in Congress.

Agriculture, which employs about 20 percent of the national workforce, depends on irrigation systems that lose nearly half their supply to inefficiency. Each drought turns the country from a rice producer into an importer, pushing food prices and inflation higher. The National Economic and Development Authority has warned that water scarcity threatens sustained growth as severely as any energy or fiscal crisis.

Water is not merely a natural resource. It is the foundation of power and survival and the first test of a nation’s competence. It is more than nature’s gift; it is the measure of how societies endure.

The Qosh Tepa Canal underscores a truth as old as Mesopotamia: whoever controls the flow controls the future. The Philippines, surrounded by water yet increasingly short of it, must stop treating scarcity as a temporary inconvenience. Nations that manage water with foresight will endure. Those that do not will discover, too late, that neglect is the most dangerous current of all.

The Philippines is frequently called the most disaster-prone country in the world, and it continually struggles with natural disasters. These events are made worse by problems with how the country is governed. GlobalSource Partners recently pointed out that while the Philippines will always face the risk of disasters, improved governance could enhance the country’s resilience and promote economic growth.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the numbers paint a disturbing picture. Typhoons in September alone inflicted over P1.7 billion in damages to infrastructure and agriculture, while a recent earthquake in Cebu resulted in P6.8 billion in further losses. These numbers are not merely statistics; they represent the livelihoods disrupted and the communities uprooted. Yet, the economic toll extends beyond immediate damages. Corruption in public infrastructure projects is a silent killer of growth, costing the nation an estimated P118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025, according to the Department of Finance. This reality is a moral indictment, as economists Diwa Guinigundo and Wilhelmina Mañalac poignantly state: ‘Corruption kills growth, weakens resilience, and erodes trust.’

For a developing nation like the Philippines, the need for good governance transcends moral obligation; it is an economic necessity. Inefficiencies and fraud in public works not only squander resources but also undermine the very foundations of inclusive growth. Connectivity, productivity, and resilience are sacrificed at the altar of mismanagement and corruption. To break free from this cycle, we must embrace integrity, discipline, and political will in rebuilding our infrastructure and institutions.

Positive steps are being taken. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated bureaucratic reforms aimed at restoring integrity and efficiency. The introduction of an online project tracker enhances transparency, while closer coordination with the Commission on Audit aims to ensure rigorous oversight. Furthermore, the establishment of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure is a significant move towards fostering accountability, enabling audits of major projects, and advocating for the prosecution of corrupt officials.

However, these measures need to go beyond surface-level bureaucratic changes; they must fundamentally instill a culture of integrity at every level of governance.

In a country prone to natural disasters, it’s disheartening that our resilience against adversity hinges solely on the decisions of our leaders and institutions. The way forward is evident: we must prioritize effective governance as the foundation of our disaster preparedness and response strategies.

It’s important to remember that while the Philippines cannot change its geography, the Filipino people-over one hundred million strong-have the power to transform how our government operates. By prioritizing good governance, the nation can turn vulnerability into resilience and transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The choice is clear: continue down the path of corruption and destruction, or forge a new path towards a more resilient and prosperous future. It is crucial for all citizens to recognize that the moment for decisive action has arrived.

A SENIOR high school instructor on Thursday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to rule on the constitutionality of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s executive order creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the multi-billion anomalous flood control projects of the government.

The petitioner, John Barry Tayam, said he has a legal standing to file the petition being a taxpayer, a citizen, and a registered voter.

He noted that Executive Order No. 94, which created the ICI, involves the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

Aside from the constitutionality of EO 94, the petitioner also asked the Court to ‘determine the scope of authority’ of the ICI.

In his petition, Tayam raised two issues-whether the EO 94 is unconstitutional and whether the functions of ICI are contrary to law or existing jurisprudence.

He said EO 94 may face challenges to its constitutionality based on previous Court’s decisions and principles of separation of powers.

Tayam likened the ICI to the Philippine Truth Commission (PTC) formed by the late President Benigno Aquino III in 2010 by virtue of an Executive order to probe alleged corruption and other controversial cases under the Arroyo administration.

The SC, however, declared it unconstitutional in the same year for violation of the equal protection clause, which is guaranteed under the Constitution.

The Court held that while PTC’s intention to investigate graft and corruption was noble, it could not ignore that its mandate was focused on a single administration.

While the ICI may not be identical to the PTC, Tayam said a conflict of interest may arise as the investigation being conducted by the former centers on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is under the Executive branded headed by Marcos.

‘While the current structure may offer some difference from the PTC, defining the scope as the last 10 years from 2025 creates a potentially biased outcome,’ the petitioner argued.

‘This limited timeline would only allow for a partial investigation of the latter half of the PNoy administration [2015-2016], yet it would cover the entirety of the Duterte administration [2016-2022],’ the petitioner stressed.

Likewise, Tayam said there is no provision in the assailed executive order excluding the remaining years of the Marcos administration from the ICI investigation.

‘This situation also constitutes unfairness and a violation of the equal protection clause,’ the petitioner said.

He added that the creation of ICI only prolongs the investigation and creates redundancy with existing government bodies such as the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.

Tayam also noted that the Senate and the House of Representatives already have existing committees which can assist with the investigation or case build-up against those involved in the flood control scandal.

‘This excessive bureaucracy effectively deprives the public of its right to a speedy trial, a right crucial for a frustrated populace demanding quick resolution regarding the individuals involved in the flood control issues,’ he pointed out.

Tayam also questioned the legality of ICI’s policy not to publicize its hearings and the records of its previous hearings which runs counter to the public transparency policy.

‘Collectively, these actions clearly violate the people’s constitutional right to public information.this approach directly contradicts the President ‘s own calls for improved transparency made in 2023,’ the petition stated.

AirAsia Philippines is fully prepared to welcome the influx of travelers heading to provinces for Undas, ensuring a smooth and seamless travel experience through its digital check-in and e-boarding systems.

To minimize queues, waiting time and congestion at the airport, AirAsia is encouraging all guests to check in early and generate their e-boarding passes through the MOVE App.

How to enjoy a seamless travel experience with the MOVE App:

Launch the MOVE App.

Tap Check-In.

Select the guest(s) you wish to check in and provide the required details.

Read and agree to the Travel Acknowledgement Clause.

Read and agree to the Dangerous Goods Notice.

Once completed, your e-Boarding Pass will appear in the app.

At the airport: For domestic flights only

Without Checked Baggage: Guests may proceed directly to the final security check and boarding gate. Simply present a valid government-issued ID along with your e-boarding pass.

With Checked Baggage: Guests must proceed to the baggage drop counter at least 45 minutes before departure, and present their e-boarding pass together with a valid ID for verification.

‘We are doubling down on the campaign to promote the use of e-boarding procedures, as this helps eliminate long queues-especially during peak travel periods. While safety remains our top priority, we are equally committed to operational efficiency, ensuring that our guests can make the most of their well deserved break honoring and remembering their departed loved ones.

Our efforts are paying off. In September, our On Time Performance (OTP) improved significantly by 24%, positioning us as the 3rd most on time airline in Asean, with 85.40% on time arrival according to Cirium. So much is still to be done but we are getting there steadily, ‘ AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Suresh Bangah.

In addition, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline has activated its 24/7 customer service chatbot, ‘Ask Bo,’ accessible via the AirAsia website and the MOVE App to assist travelers with inquiries and updates.

AirAsia also reminds guests to arrive at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures to allow sufficient time for security screening and boarding procedures.

At least 189 Filipinos remain trapped in scam compounds controlled by Border Guard Force (BGF) allied with Myanmar junta, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday.

These scam hubs are part of a broader network of Chinese-run cyber scam hubs operating in Myanmar’s conflict-ridden border regions. Foreign nationals, including Filipinos, are trafficked into these compounds and forced to carry out online fraud schemes.

In a related development, 14 Filipinos were recently rescued from the Hexin compound in Myawaddy, a notorious scam enclave reportedly controlled by the insurgent Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and operated by Chinese criminal syndicates.

‘The Philippine government wishes to assure the families of the 14 Filipinos rescued from Hexin, and all those concerned for their well-being, that all efforts are being exerted towards their safe return back to our country,’ DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said in a statement. The rescued individuals are currently undergoing repatriation procedures.

The DFA emphasized that Philippine embassies in Bangkok and Yangon are actively coordinating with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to secure the necessary clearances for the safe passage of affected nationals. However, the process has been complicated by the sheer number of foreign trafficking victims stranded in the border area.

A recent report by the Thai Enquirer estimates that between 200 and 300 victims from various countries remain trapped in scam compounds in Myawaddy township.

These facilities are allegedly protected by the BGF and run by Chinese syndicates. Victims are often lured with promises of legitimate employment, only to be detained, abused, and coerced into cybercrime operations targeting global victims.

The report also details harrowing conditions inside the compounds, including physical abuse, threats, and inhumane treatment.

Some victims are reportedly sold multiple times between operators. International human rights groups and regional governments have called for urgent, coordinated action to dismantle the trafficking networks and rescue those still held.

In the meantime, the DFA said it has mobilized contacts on the ground to provide welfare assistance to the stranded Filipinos.

‘The situation and the safety of our nationals appreciate an abundance of patience and guarded discretion,’ Escalona said, underscoring the sensitive nature of the ongoing rescue efforts.

Families of those affected are encouraged to remain in contact with the DFA for updates. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Filipino nationals caught in these transnational trafficking networks.

AS parents, we often think of health in terms of weight, diet, or exercise. But there is one key aspect many of us overlook-muscle health. In our rush to balance work, home, and family, we forget that strength isn’t just about lifting or running; it’s the foundation of how we move, age, and care for the people we love.

As the Philippines transitions into an aging society, the growing threat of sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, has quietly become a national concern. Studies reveal that 7 out of 10 older Filipino adults may already be affected-especially those aged 60 and above (Sun J, Zhang W and Han P (2025): Prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia in the Philippines). This condition, marked by the gradual decline in muscle mass and strength, increases the risk of falls, fractures, and even cognitive decline. It doesn’t just affect the elderly; it affects the whole family-because when a parent or grandparent loses strength, independence and confidence, everyone adjusts.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, around 12 percent of the population will be 65 or older by 2050, compared to just 5.4 percent in 2020 (Philippine Statistics Authority: 2024 Census of Population). This means every Filipino family will eventually feel the effects-caring for aging parents, supporting recovery after illness, or preparing ourselves for the years ahead.

Muscle health matters to us parents. Sarcopenia often begins earlier than we expect. From the age of 40, adults lose up to 8 percent of muscle mass per decade, and the rate accelerates after 60. It’s not only about looking fit-it’s about keeping the strength to carry groceries, lift a grandchild, or stay active during family trips. When muscle weakens, so does immunity, metabolism and balance.

The early signs are easy to dismiss: walking slower, getting tired sooner, or losing weight without trying.But these can lead to serious consequences. Around 30 percent of adults over 65, and half of those over 80, experience a fall each year (WHO, 2004). Imagine the emotional and financial impact on a family when one fall changes everything.

Good news for parents. While aging is inevitable, muscle loss doesn’t have to be. Nutrition is one of the strongest tools we have to preserve strength. Meals rich in high-quality protein-lean meats, fish, eggs, and soy-help repair and build muscle tissue. Even busy parents can integrate small but powerful changes: adding an egg at breakfast, grilled fish for lunch, or a protein drink after an evening walk.

Specialized nutritional supplements also play an important role. Products like Ensure Gold with StrengthPro, formulated with HMB (a muscle-preserving compound) and YBG (a nutrient that supports immune health), help maintain muscle mass and resilience. These ingredients support protein synthesis, enhance recovery, and help maintain a healthy body weight-key factors in maintaining independence.

As Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, Abbott’s head of medical affairs in the Philippines, explains: ‘Muscle health is foundational to aging well-not just for mobility, but for immunity, recovery and independence. That’s why Abbott develops science-based nutrition products like Ensure Gold with StrengthPro, to deliver the right mix of protein, vitamins, minerals, and calories our bodies need for healthy aging.’

Families can take simple, daily actions to strengthen muscles and prevent decline:

Stay active together: Walk after dinner, do light squats or wall push-ups, and make movement part of your bonding time. Even household chores count.

Prioritize nutrition: Incorporate protein-rich meals and consider nutritional supplements like Ensure Gold with StrengthPro to fill nutritional gaps.

Schedule regular check-ups: Encourage your parents-and yourself-to monitor gait speed, and other health markers to catch early signs of decline.

Try simple screening tools: Handgrip or sit-to-stand tests or 4-meter gait speed test can reveal early muscle weakness and prompt early intervention.

As parents, we often put our energy into nurturing others-our children, our work, our homes. When we keep ourselves strong, we ensure that we can continue to give, serve, and show up fully for the people who need us. As much as life expectancy is improving, the challenge is no longer just living longer but living stronger.

Whether you’re caring for aging parents, building healthy habits for your children, or simply thinking ahead-remember: it’s never too early, or too late, to protect your family’s strength.

GMA Network, through its digital arm and subsidiary GMA New Media Inc. (NMI, www.gmanmi.com), joined industry leaders from the fields of advertising and public relations at Digital Congress (DigiCon 2025) on October 16 and 17. One of the event’s notable speakers was Ramil Escarda, NMI’s vice president for digital content production and creatives, and head of NMI Studios.

Headlining the topic ‘From Prompts to Purpose: AI and the Future of Video Content Creation,’ Escarda discussed the real-world applications of AI in video production from ideation and storyboarding, and further highlighted its role in enhancing creative possibilities while ensuring content and stories remain purposeful, authentic, and deeply human.

With nearly two decades at GMA NMI, Escarda is a seasoned and dynamic leader who guides the digital content production and creative vision of NMI Studios, and aims to further elevate creative standards and empower others to explore the intersections of storytelling and technology. He has earned multiple industry recognitions, which include finalist honors at Animate Australia, Project Odyssey, Unhuman Shorts, and Curious Refuge for 2024 and 2025.

DigiCon 2025 revolved around the theme The Age of I: The Power of Personalization. Through various discussions, the event explored how AI creates ultra-personalized experiences by analyzing real-time customer data, its impact on data-driven decision-making, and the power of machine learning, analytics, and predictive algorithms.