Category: Business Mirror

FILIPINO workers are emerging as some of the world’s most advanced users of artificial intelligence (AI), but its rapid adoption is raising a more important question for educators and employers: What should people learn when AI can already do much of the work?

The 2026 Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report found that 25 percent of Filipino workers qualify as ‘Frontier Professionals:’ the most advanced category of AI users, compared with a global average of 16 percent. These workers use AI agents for multi-step workflows, rethink processes, and help establish quality standards for AI-assisted work.

The findings point to a shift in the skills that matter in an AI-enabled workplace. Among Filipino AI users, 77 percent said they are producing work they could not have produced a year ago, compared with 58 percent globally. Among Frontier Professionals, the figure rises to 86 percent.

But greater reliance on AI does not necessarily mean less need for human expertise. In fact, the report found that 65 percent of Filipino AI users consider critical thinking the most important human skill as AI takes on more work-the highest proportion among the markets surveyed and well above the 46-percent global average. The challenge for education, training and workplaces, therefore, is increasingly about teaching people how to assess, question and improve what AI produces.

Critical thinking in focus

THE emphasis on human judgment is also reflected in how Filipinos use AI. Sixty-five percent of Filipino AI users identified critical thinking as the most important human skill as AI takes on more work-the highest proportion among the markets surveyed and well above the 46-percent global average. Another 59 percent identified quality control of AI output as a top priority.

That caution is evident in how Filipino workers approach AI-generated content. Ninety-three percent said they treat AI output as a starting point rather than a final answer and ‘stay responsible for the thinking,’ compared with 86 percent globally. Among the country’s Frontier Professionals, 53 percent intentionally complete some work without AI to keep their skills sharp, while 61 percent deliberately pause before beginning a task to determine what should be handled by AI and what should remain human-led.

For schools, universities and training firms, the findings point to a broader definition of AI literacy. Knowing how to operate an AI tool is only part of the equation; learners also need to develop the ability to question outputs, verify information and make sound judgments about AI usage.

That principle extends into continuing education and the workplace. During his executive studies, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Information Technology and the Transformation Office Gilbert Gaw shared that he used AI to help narrow down research and references, but still had to do the actual work himself. The experience shows a key lesson of AI-assisted learning: The technology can accelerate the process, but it does not remove the need for human thinking.

Training must follow the work

THE report found that Filipino workers are ready to adapt, but organizational support has not fully kept pace. Only 35 percent said their leadership is clearly and consistently aligned on AI, while 25 percent said they are rewarded for reinventing how they work with the technology.

The experience of PLDT and Smart illustrates workplace learning helping close that gap. After initially deploying 200 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses, the conglomerate required users to demonstrate concrete use cases and results before expanding access. Training was also designed with employees’ roles in mind, with programs developed for groups such as managers, project managers, finance, legal, and marketing.

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PLDT and Smart first vice president and head of information technology and Transformation Office Gilbert Gaw said: ‘AI training has to be relevant to the work employees actually perform.’

The company’s approach also reflects a broader principle in the report: Organizational factors-including culture, manager support and talent practices-account for more than twice the impact of individual mindset and behavior on AI adoption.

Building a learning system

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MICROSOFT’S report describes the next stage of organizational transformation as becoming a ‘Learning System’-an organization capable of capturing, sharing and scaling what its people learn from working with AI. The number of AI agents has increased 15-fold year over year across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and 18 times in large enterprises.

For local educators and employers, this points to a larger shift in the meaning of skills development. The objective is no longer simply to prepare people to use today’s technology, but to help them remain capable of learning as tech changes.

The report’s central question may therefore apply as much to classrooms and training institutions as it does to companies: ‘The real question isn’t whether people have the right skills-it’s whether the organization is built to unlock them.’

MICRO-CREDENTIALS are rapidly reshaping the way Filipino employers hire, evaluate, and reward graduate talent.

Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2026 found that 96 percent of Filipino employers hired at least three candidates with micro-credentials in the past year, signaling a decisive shift toward skills-first hiring.

For employers, micro-credentials are becoming a trusted signal that candidates can create immediate positive impact. In fact, 77 percent of Filipino employers say candidates with micro-credentials move faster through hiring pipelines-4 percentage points above the global average, reinforcing their value as a marker of job readiness.

A Google report estimates that AI could unlock approximately $50.7 billion in productivity and cost benefits for the Philippines by 2030-an opportunity that hinges on a workforce equipped with the right skills.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has responded through its Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1, Series of 2025, which creates a national framework for industry-aligned, stackable micro-credentials, making higher education the focus of the skills transformation.

Based on insights from more than 3,500 employers, learners, and higher education leaders in seven countries that include the Philippines, the 2026 report revealed that 89 percent of Filipino employers are willing to offer higher starting salaries to graduates with micro-credentials, with 36 percent willing to offer a raise of more than 15 percent for GenAI micro-credentials. Eighty-five percent of Filipino graduates who earned micro-credentials secured a role aligned to their field within 12 months.

‘As AI reshapes the workplace, employers are placing a premium on candidates who can prove they have practical, job-ready skills,’ said Managing Director for Coursera Asia Pacific Ashutosh Gupta. ‘In the Philippines, micro-credentials are no longer just a differentiator: they are becoming an essential signal of employability.’

‘The data shows strong alignment between employers, students, and higher

education leaders: learners want credentials that count toward degrees, employers are willing to pay more for them, and universities see them as critical to staying relevant,’ Gupta noted. ‘CHED’s CMO is a pivotal step, giving universities the policy foundation to embed micro-credentials at scale. Those that move fast will define the next generation of Filipino talent.’

Key findings

EMPLOYERS are embracing micro-credentials as proof of job readiness:

96 percent of Filipino employers hired at least three candidates with micro-credentials in the last year;

89 percent are willing to offer higher starting salaries to graduates with micro-credentials;

90 percent said entry-level hires with micro-credentials perform better in their first year; and

77 percent said credentialed candidates move faster through hiring pipelines.

Students are choosing institutions that offer credit-integrated credentials:

4.6 times as many Filipino students are likely to pursue micro-credentials with formal credit recognition (79 percent) than without it (17 percent).

62 percent said the strongest signal of rigor is an industry-created micro-credential that counts toward a degree; and

85 percent of Filipino graduates secured a role aligned to their field within 12 months.

Higher education leaders see embedded micro-credentials as a competitive advantage:

86 percent agreed that embedding micro-credentials links academic learning with workforce relevance;

63 percent said institutions without embedded micro-credentials face moderate or significant strategic risk;

75 percent said programs with embedded micro-credentials experience higher student retention; and

75 percent agreed that embedding micro-credentials leads to a faster curriculum refresh rate.

Proof of skill: key

AMONG the institutions already leading the charge is iPeople Inc., which has embedded more than 50 professional certificates across six schools. These include all the Mapua schools in Manila, Laguna, and Mindanao; National Teachers College; University of Nueva Caceres; as well as the modern Mapua Malayan Digital College.

‘The Philippines is at an inflection point. Our graduates are talented, but talent alone doesn’t win in a global job market. Proof of skills does,’ pointed out Mapua Education Group president and CEO Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo. ‘Micro-credentials embedded into a degree give Filipino students exactly that: industry-recognized and globally credible evidence of what they can deliver from Day 1. What gives me real confidence is that CHED is now establishing policy frameworks around this.’

Through their partnership with Coursera, Dr. Maestrecampo said: ‘We [can] bring these credentials into our programs at scale, combining global content with local academic rigor.’

THE Senate Environment committee on Friday opened hearings on the ambitious Pax Silica complex in Central Luzon, touted to prime the economy and provide jobs, but saddled with criticism that it would pollute and displace communities and disrupt already scarce water and energy supplies in the region.

‘We hope that these hearings can be the venue for full transparency,’ Sen. Bam Aquino said in his opening statement at the hearing, presided over by Environment panel chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

He thanked Tulfo ‘for doing the hearing at the soonest possible time,’ even as several other committees-including Aquino’s Committee on Trade and Industry had expressed interest-to look into the matter and ease people’s worries about Pax Silica’s adverse impacts, just two months before its announced signing in November.

‘So whether we will do this together or separately in the future, rest assured there will be hearings to clarify to the people and affected communities what the plans really entail, what the outcomes are, and what safeguards are being put in place for the affected areas,’ Aquino said, speaking partly in Filipino.

Aquino himself hails from Tarlac, bailiwick of the political clan that has produced two Philippine presidents.

He expressed hope his push for ‘full transparency’ will be fulfilled by the hearings, given the contrasting versions of what the plans are.

Government has said the core of the undertaking is the setting up of mineral processing facilities that will end the country’s failure to use its abundant resources to process ores and be able to sell high-value products, instead of merely exporting low-value, unprocessed minerals.

Aquino asked officials to answer questions on how many farmers will be affected, how many indigenous peoples (IP) communities could be banished from their ancestral domain.

He noted the lament of the Capas town mayor that no consultations were conducted with local governments and communities before the announcement of the project. A big chunk of Capas will be affected, he noted.

‘So we know that there have been meetings in the last few weeks, but we hope that the hearings here in the Senate can be the venue for that,’ Aquino said.

Second, he said, ‘there has to be a better way forward. With our goals towards industrialization, providing more jobs, advanced manufacturing,’ there is a need ‘to make sure that there’s a better way forward when it comes to progress in our country.’

It is vital to modernize key industries, he acknowledged, ‘but we must make sure no one’ is left behind, especially the ‘most vulnerable and marginalized’ like farmers and the IP.

BCDA officials for their part assured senators that there will be no regulatory shortcuts, and they will make sure that investors are aware of local rules and policies and will abide.

Also at the hearing, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Michael Matias said they had suggested a wastewater treatment facility for Pax Silica as an indispensable feature of the project.

Officials of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said a wastewater treatment is already in place, but they are still ‘considering’ the capacity, i.e., if it is enough.

Senator Tulfo stressed that this matter should be finalized this early.

BCDA also assured the Senate panel that investors will invest in their own power and water systems.

For his part, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan acknowledged the ‘potential opportunities’ earlier cited by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, especially the chance to graduate from being mere exporters of raw minerals to being part of advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence or AI enterprises.

He said the prospect of creating thousands of quality jobs and boosting the country’s position in strategic global supply chains is a decisive consideration in Pax Silica.

But, he added, there is a need to ensure this early that the grand promises don’t turn out to be empty ones. The promised technology transfer, the safeguards against pollution, displacement and environmental disruptions must be carried out, he stressed.

Talented child actors continue to shine at the annual Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

‘Ganggang’ (2026) by JL Burgos tells the story of children in a rural community experiencing the looming threat of anti-insurgency operations by the military.

Three boys Mel (Raine Dela Cruz), Ilay (Kenneth Vincent Mendoza) and Ten-ten (Don Richmond Cerbito) form an unlikely bond to find the best fighting spider against the spider of the school bully Anton (Prince España) until their own search puts their friendship to a test.

Burgos said that the film does not only wish to show the intricate web of human rights violations in the Philippines. It also aims to bring these issues to a broader public discourse.

‘Basic human rights are often swept under the mantle of economic growth. Those who speak and protest are silenced or forced to obey. The implementers are given too much power to suppress and enforce obedience to ensure economic progress,’ Burgos said.

He added: ‘A nation with no respect for human rights is a nation without a spine. Its progress is forever delayed. A nation can only achieve genuine peace and economic growth when the basic rights of its people are established, recognized, and protected.’

In ‘Hand of God’ (2026), KD Omalin portrays 10-year-old Khaleel, a child soldier of a violent terrorist group in Basilan.

The war drama follows a military lieutenant (Ruru Madrid) who uses sports, specifically football, as a means of intervention and a chance at a different path away from war. He sets up a makeshift football post to win the trust of residents suspected of terrorist ties.

The movie highlights how children are the primary victims of adult-driven wars. The narrative emphasizes the urgent need to protect youth from being weaponized, focusing on a soldier trying to help a child soldier ‘remember how to be a child.’

The director, Mark Duane Angos, aims to break down prejudices and stereotypes surrounding conflict-scarred Muslim communities, sending a powerful reminder that every marginalized community deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

‘Kaka Sa Yawan (2026) is the coming-of-age drama follows Niko (Bryce Nicolo Mercader), as he returns to Mindoro island years after a life-changing childhood friendship with Ayan (Dennis Dato), a Tadyawan-Mangyan boy.

As he fulfills a long-forgotten promise, Niko confronts memories of loss, belonging, and the bond that once changed his life.

It is a story about friendship that slowly crosses the lines of culture and circumstance. They may come from very different worlds, but they share many of the same hopes, dreams and desire for a better life.

In Mag-iina (2026), Lucas Andalio plays Ynigo as strange adopted son in the Abreu family.

The film follows Anj (Janine Gutierrez) as she returns to her ancestral home days before the 40th day of her father’s death. She reunites with three generations of women in her family, mother Mita (Agot Isidro), aunt Ysobel (Cherry Pie Picache), and matriarch Angela (Jackie Lou Blanco) who are trapped in grief and madness, uncovering long-buried ‘dark forces.’

Director Giancarlo Abrahan described Mag-iina as an eerie family drama-‘undomesticated by a horror that announces itself openly: in nightmares that bleed into waking, in the dead who have not crossed toward eternal light, in secrets that linger longer than the ghosts themselves.’

The youngest winner of best actor award was Noel Comia Jr. for Kiko Boksingero (2017) when he was then 13 years old, followed by 15-year-olds Jansen Magpusao for John Denver Trending (2019) and Enzo Osorio for The Hearing (2024). Nathan Lopez was also 13 when he was given Special Citation (for acting performance) for Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005).

The Hearing (2024) focuses on Lucas (Enzo Osorio) as a deaf boy from a remote fishing village who becomes central to a high-profile criminal case.

Love Child (2024) is about a young couple (RK Bagatsing, Jane Oineza) that navigates the challenges of raising their autistic son John Tyrron Ramos in an increasingly unforgiving world, testing their love and resilience.

Iska (2019) follows Iska (Ruby Ruiz), a struggling photocopy machine operator at the University of the Philippines who single-handedly raises her 10-year-old grandson (Pryle Gura) with severe autism.

John Denver Trending (2019) is about the life of a 14-year-old farm boy (Jansen Magpusao) that is suddenly upended when a video of him brutally attacking a classmate goes viral.

Pan de Salawal (2018) follows a wandering 7-year-old girl named Aguy who has the miraculous ability to heal sick people by physically striking them.

‘Kiko Boksingero’ (2017) is about a young boy (Noel Comia Jr) attempting to build a bond with his estranged father through their shared love for the sport of boxing.

‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ (2005) follows a gay teen (Nathan Lopez ) in Manila torn between a young cop and his criminal family. It won Best Film (Special Jury Prize).

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.

McKinley Kyle Paz delivered his strongest performance of the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship season as the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team completed Round 4 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia.

Competing in the highly competitive Supersport 600 (SS600) category, Paz produced an impressive weekend that culminated in a second-place finish in Race 2, surpassing his third-place result from Thailand and marking his highest finish of the season so far.

The result highlighted a weekend that tested the Yamaha Philippines contingent across both SS600 and Underbone 150, with Paz rising to the challenge and moving another step closer to the top of the international podium.

Paz Raises the Bar in Indonesia

After qualifying seventh on the grid, Paz immediately showed his pace in Race 1. The Filipino rider fought his way forward through the SS600 field to cross the line in fourth place, narrowly missing the podium but setting the stage for an even stronger performance the following day.

Race 2 saw Paz take another significant step.

Battling at the front against some of Asia’s best riders, Paz pushed his Yamaha to second place, securing his second podium of the season and improving on the third-place finish he earned during Round 2 in Thailand.

The result represents another milestone in Paz’s 2026 international campaign. After finishing P9 and P7 at Mobility Resort Motegi in the previous round, his P4 and P2 performances in Indonesia demonstrated a significant leap forward as the championship enters its latter stages.

More importantly, the result showed that Paz is no longer simply chasing consistent finishes. He is closing the distance to the top.

A Difficult Weekend in Underbone 150

The Mandalika round proved more challenging for April King Mascardo and Timothy Rojas in the intensely competitive Underbone 150 (UB150) category.

Mascardo qualified seventh, while Rojas started from P21. In Race 1, Mascardo finished P12, with Rojas improving from the back of the grid to finish P19.

Race 2 presented another opportunity for the pair, but the results remained difficult to come by. Mascardo once again finished P12, while Rojas crossed the line in P21.

While the weekend did not produce the results they had targeted, every round of international competition continues to provide valuable experience for both riders as they contend against the region’s strongest underbone racers. The challenge now is to regroup, apply the lessons learned in Indonesia, and return stronger for the next round. Another Step Forward

Four rounds into the championship, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team continues to measure its campaign through progress.

From Paz’s first podium of the season in Thailand, to the team’s continued development in Japan, and now a season-best second-place finish in Indonesia, the journey continues to show what can be achieved by relentlessly pushing beyond previous limits.

For Paz, P2 is another breakthrough, but it also leaves one position still to chase.

For Mascardo and Rojas, Mandalika becomes another challenge to learn from and another reason to come back stronger.

With the season entering its decisive stages, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team now turns its attention to Round 5 of the Asia Road Racing Championship, returning to Malaysia from September 11 to 13. Paz will look to carry his growing momentum and move one step closer to the top of the podium, while Mascardo and Rojas aim to respond stronger after a challenging weekend in Indonesia. Together, the team remains determined to represent the Philippines against Asia’s best and continue its relentless pursuit to Defy Limits.

Celebrate a fusion of culture, music, food, endless finds, and more at SM Supermalls in Davao

Experience an all-out Kadayawan Festival with these exciting lineup of activities as SM Davao malls transform into creative and festive spaces in a vibrant celebration of culture that matches every vibe and celebrates every tribe.

From heart-pumping fitness events and electrifying P-pop performances to fashion finds, food feasts, and family-friendly attractions, SM Lanang and SM City Davao offer something for every kind of festival-goer.

Take the Kadayawan festivity to the streets of Davao City and lace up together with around 6,000 runners who are expected to participate in Singlife Davao Marathon’s international-standard road race on August 15 at the SM Lanang North Wing Grounds. Break your personal records in this Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-sanctioned road race and earn a personal best that is officially recognized on both national and global stages.

less Finds

Find joy in checking endless finds, mallwide, on Kadayawan Sale, happening in SM City Davao and SM Lanang, on August 10 to 16. Take home vibrant pieces from Homegrown: Kadayawan Special Pop-Up on August 15 to 18 (SM Lanang Atrium) and Kultura Kadayawan Crawl on August 8 to 18 (SM City Davao Main Mall Atrium).

Weave with pride

Featuring the artistry through tapestries, the Davao Junior Fashion Designers presents heritage and pride at The Southern Weave Fashion Show on August 16 at Expansion Wing, SM City Davao.

Bountiful HarvestsThe bountiful harvests of Mindanao take center stage with exciting food and lifestyle offerings at SM Lanang and SM City Davao. Take a feast on varieties of fruits at the Durian Festival on August 7 to September 11 at SM Lanang. Discover Waling Waling and other homegrown plant varieties at Kadayawan Agri-Trade Fair until August 31 at Open Parking Delta, SM City Davao.

Festive Beats

Feel the beats and rhythms with electrifying performances from some of the country’s hottest acts at SM Lanang’s Kadayawan Vibe P-pop Fest on August 15 with Hara and Ayo and August 16 with BGYO, DNA, and Wrive.

From supporting local entrepreneurs and artists to enjoying the finest harvests and live entertainment, SM City Davao and SM Lanang invite everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Kadayawan.

Join the festivities and celebrate the culture, creativity, and abundance of Davao only at SM Supermalls this Kadayawan season. For updates and event schedules, follow SM City Davao and SM Lanang on Facebook.

A refreshing face with a stylish presence in the beauty-queen circuit, Scarlet Chua is also a dynamic advocate for children’s welfare, empowering women and celebrating diversity.

Scarlet, 36, is the reigning Mrs. Universe Pacific Philippines 2026, from the Mrs. Universe Philippines system spearheaded by former winner Maria Charo Laude. A proud Filipino-Chinese, she is a graduate of Chiang Kai Shek College.

Married to businessman Wilfred Evan Chua, they are blessed with three wonderful boys named Caden, Travis and Ethan. While her profession centers around her family, she also uses her platform to inspire women, promote cultural understanding, and encourage purposeful living.

A recent awardee at ‘Faces of Success’ by ‘Awards Guru’ Richard Hiñola, Scarlet shares her values, passions and convictions in this exclusive interview:

MRS. UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2026

‘I joined Mrs. Universe Philippines to prove that motherhood is not the end of a woman’s dreams. It can be the beginning of an even greater purpose. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and inspire women, especially mothers, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams at any stage of life.

‘As a titleholder, my responsibility is to represent the organization with integrity, serve my community, champion meaningful advocacies, and use my voice to inspire positive change. I believe a crown is not just a symbol of beauty, but a platform for service and purpose.

‘Mrs. Universe Philippines was my first-ever beauty pageant, and it completely transformed me. I didn’t enter with experience, I entered with purpose and the courage to say yes to a dream. Every challenge, from the runway to the QandA, helped me discover a stronger, more confident version of myself. It reminded me that it’s never too late to grow, and that the greatest victory is overcoming your own fears.’

FASHIONISTA

‘Fashion has always been one of my passions because it is a beautiful form of self-expression. I believe true style isn’t about wearing the most expensive clothes, it’s about wearing pieces with confidence, elegance and purpose. I love timeless, sophisticated and feminine fashion that reflects who I am while remaining appropriate for every occasion. To me, the best accessory will always be a genuine smile.’

CREATIVE COLLABORATORS

‘A beauty queen may stand alone on stage, but behind her is an entire team working with passion and dedication. I’m deeply thankful to all the creatives who believed in me and helped bring my vision to life.

‘My official photographers and videographers were Mark Neto Diaz, Jhade Ochea, Kevin Burca, Christian Rubenicia and Jayron Acala. I also would like to express a heartfelt gratitude to my coaches and mentors Mike Tagle, Hemi Escudero Tamayo, Jomari Conception, Kai Louis, Niño Gonzales, Jules Inoc, and my family, friends and supporters who believed in me from the beginning.

‘My evening gown at the Grand Coronation Night at Mrs. Universe Philippines was designed by Leo Almodal, my stylists for the whole pageant journey were Vhee Co, Jev and Ken Batino, my hair and makeup artist was Jay-R Ten, Joan Castro, Jerome Phokz Bognot and Heart Abad Zafra.

‘For my ‘Faces of Success’ look, I also had the privilege of collaborating with Style by Jev and Ken Batino, hair and makeup by Peejay Gardose Trangria, all talented creatives who helped me present my best self while staying true to my elegant and timeless style.’

HARMONY ACROSS CULTURES

‘As a Filipino-Chinese woman, I have always valued the richness of embracing two cultures. That inspired me to create my advocacy, Harmony Across Cultures, which promotes understanding, respect, and unity among people from different backgrounds.

‘Its core values are respect, understanding, inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and unity. As a beauty queen, I hope to use my platform to encourage people to celebrate diversity while recognizing the values that connect us. As a mother, I want to raise my children to be proud of their identity, respect every culture, and lead with kindness and compassion.

‘I believe the world becomes more beautiful when we choose understanding over judgment. Through Harmony Across Cultures, I hope to build bridges, foster meaningful connections, and inspire future generations to embrace diversity with open hearts.’

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

‘My lady friends and I from our Bible study group organized outreach activities with Muntindilaw for Kids at Muntindilaw Elementary School, Falcon, Cainta on October 18, 2025, and April 25, 2026.

‘We believe every child deserves to feel loved, valued, and given the opportunity to dream, regardless of their circumstances.

‘As a mother of three boys, seeing children who face challenges in life deeply touches my heart. It reminds me how blessed my own family is and inspires me to give back whenever I can.

‘For me, charity is more than donating resources, it is about giving hope, encouragement, and reminding children that they are seen, cared for, and never forgotten. Through our outreach with Muntindilaw for Kids, I had the privilege of sharing not only assistance but also time, compassion, and genuine connection with the children and their families.

‘This experience strengthened my belief that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact. It also reflects my personal mission of using my platform to inspire others to serve with compassion, uplift communities, and make a positive difference. One child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

‘I hope our efforts inspire more people to come together, serve with compassion, and create positive change in their own communities. After all, when we unite with love and a shared purpose, we become instruments of hope in the lives of others.

FACE OF SUCCESS

‘For me, success is not measured by crowns, awards, or accomplishments alone, but by who you become in the process and the lives you touch along the way. It’s about living with purpose, staying true to your values, and making a positive difference wherever you go. A crown may have a season, but your influence can last a lifetime. If I can inspire even one person to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, then I consider that true success.

‘Receiving the ‘Faces of Success Award’ is an incredible honor because it reminds me that true success is not about being seen, it’s about making others feel seen, valued, and inspired. This recognition motivates me to continue leading with purpose, humility, and compassion while using every opportunity to make a positive impact.’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday he will endorse a successor, who will not only continue his legacy of weeding out corruption in the government and sustain the country’s growth through nation-building, but also run against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections.

Currently, only Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate, has publicly announced her intention to run as president in the 2028 polls.

Marcos said he is looking for a like-minded candidate who will sustain the reforms he initiated to prevent public works anomalies as well as preventing pork barrel or government funds used by politicians for pet projects that aim to please voters.

‘The government has to continue to do that because corruption is not, is not, uh, is not a, is not a Filipino problem. Corruption is a human problem. There is corruption everywhere. What you want to do is to lessen and if not eliminate as much as possible,’ Marcos said at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines Presidential Luncheon in Manila on Friday.

‘The candidate I will endorse will be somebody who I am confident will continue what we have begun in terms of the anti-corruption push,’ he added.

Among the achievements of his campaign against corruption, which he stated in his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) last year, Marcos said, was the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, which was launched in August 2025, where the public can report non-operational or anomalous flood control projects.

As of May 31, the website already had 11,756 reports of defective flood control projects, 2,255 of which were unfinished, and 2,960 which were non-existent.

Marcos said he also ordered reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to make sure its operations are more transparent.

He said the government is trying to remove discretionary decisions from government officials and employees in transactions by promoting digitalization.

‘So digitalization is our, is our most powerful tool for that because we remove that human element where wastage, uh, corruption can creep into,’ Marcos said.

The chief executive said he hopes the next president will also continue holding dialogues with the public and local government units so they can contribute to ‘nation building.’

‘Hopefully we have started that process once again of nation building, that we are making the country better. We’re not just custodians and just, you know, just making sure to do the same, whatever the last admin did,’ Marcos said.

‘That’s the legacy I hope to leave; that now the government is your partner hand in hand with every citizen, with every sector, hand in hand trying to build a better Philippines, trying to make the Philippines better,’ he added.

Asked for an update on the announcement he made at his fifth Sona last month that the Office of the Ombudsman will soon be filing charges against his cousin, Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Marcos said he currently has no update on the matter.

Romualdez is facing plunder charges for his alleged involvement in acquiring about P56 billion of ill-gotten wealth from 2022 to 2025.

Marcos pointed out that while he does not interfere with the decision of the Ombudsman, he will call its office to get an update on Romualdez’s case.

Okada Foundation, Inc. (OFI) turned over a PHP 20 million donation to the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. on August 11 at Okada Manila, supporting nationwide humanitarian relief and educational assistance for Filipino families in need and underprivileged graduates.

The turnover ceremony was attended by OFI President James Lorenzana and representatives of the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, led by Secretary General and Treasurer Marc Benedict R. Talavera and Chief of Staff Dr. Shane Kinsley E. Veloso. Also present were Atty. John Cyril E. Santiago, Utopia G. Cuyugan-Talavera, and Mariano L. Valiente Jr.

The donation will support the foundation’s ‘Malasakit sa Kapwa’ Nationwide Humanitarian and Educational Recognition Program. It will fund grocery packs containing food and hygiene essentials for indigent families, particularly those affected by natural and man-made disasters, as well as graduation grocery gift packs for underprivileged graduates of state universities and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions.

Bringing Support to Local Communities

As the charitable arm of Okada Manila, OFI sees the contribution as an opportunity to help address needs that directly affect families and communities. The donation will provide practical relief to Filipinos facing difficult circumstances, including those rebuilding their lives following disasters, while supporting underprivileged graduates as they complete their education and prepare for what comes next.

‘Our partnership with the Malasakit and Bayanihan Foundation, Inc. allows us to reach Filipinos at different points of need, from families facing difficult circumstances to graduates preparing for what comes next,’ said James Lorenzana, President of Okada Foundation, Inc. ‘Through initiatives like this, we hope to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities and create an impact that extends well beyond the assistance we provide today.’

A Shared Commitment to Stronger Communities

OFI advances its social development initiatives through four key pillars: Health, Education, Cultural Heritage, and Environment. This partnership reinforces its commitment to Education through assistance for underprivileged graduates, while extending humanitarian support to families and communities facing difficult circumstances.

Through partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to meaningful social impact, OFI continues to translate these priorities into programs that address real community needs and create lasting benefits for Filipinos across the country.

BYD Cars Philippines has expanded its lineup of electrified vehicles with the launch of the All-New Atto 2 in DM-i and EV versions, while simultaneously rolling out the updated Seal 5 DM-I, marking another step forward to bring sustainable mobility. The addition of these two Atto 2 versions reflects the brand’s intent to offer practical choices across different segments, whether for families, professionals, or businesses seeking to modernize their fleets.

The Seal 5 DM-i enters as a refined sedan built on plug-in hybrid technology, combining efficiency with everyday usability. Meanwhile, the All-New Atto 2 arrives as a versatile SUV, available in both pure electric and hybrid variants, designed to lower barriers to ownership and make the switch to electrified driving more attainable. Together, these models strengthen BYD’s growing portfolio of New Energy Vehicles.

Atto 2 EV

THE Atto 2 EV stands as BYD’s most accessible full battery electric SUV, expanding the brand’s electrified lineup with a model that blends everyday usability and modern design. Beneath its clean, compact form lies a front-wheel-drive system powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor that produces 174 horsepower and 290 N-m of torque. Energy comes from BYD’s trusted Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate) with a 45-kWh capacity. This setup delivers up to 380 kilometers of pure electric range on the NEDC cycle.

From the outside, the Atto 2 EV carries a youthful SUV stance with balanced proportions, a bold front fascia, and aerodynamic lines that give it a confident yet approachable look. LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and side-mirror-integrated turn lamps complete its contemporary styling. Inside, the cabin emphasizes comfort and connectivity.

A 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system anchors the dashboard, paired with seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior layout is straightforward and functional, with supportive seating, multiple charging ports, and thoughtful storage spaces that suit Filipino families and professionals alike.

Safety and visibility are central to the Atto 2 EV’s design. It comes equipped with six parking sensors and a 360-degree see-through mode camera system, giving drivers a clear view of their surroundings and added confidence in tight spaces. Multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced braking technologies further enhance protection across varied driving conditions. A highlight feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external electronics, appliances, or equipment directly from the vehicle.

Pricing begins at ?1.338 million, effective September 1, 2026. Ownership is supported by an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, a 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and an 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty. With its grounded design, proven powertrain, and dependable safety systems, the Atto 2 EV stands as a confident step into full electric mobility.

Atto 2 DM-i

FOR those seeking flexibility, the Atto 2 DM-i comes in Dynamic and Premium variants, both built on BYD’s Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system. Each combines a 1.5-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by a 7.9-kWh Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate). The system delivers a balanced output of 162 hp and 300 N-m of torque. With up to 45 km of electric-only range and a combined range of 1,340 km certified by the Automobile Association Philippines, the Atto 2 DM-i offers the practicality of a hybrid with the efficiency of an EV.

Visually, the DM-i variants distinguish themselves from the EV model through subtle exterior cues. Both feature LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and side-mirror-integrated turn lamps, but the DM-i lineup carries its own color palette-Midnight Blue, Ski White, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black-and rides on 215/60 R17 alloy wheels. The Premium variant adds power-folding side mirrors and a 360-degree see-through mode camera system with six parking sensors, enhancing visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Inside, the Dynamic variant offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and fabric upholstery, while the Premium steps up with leather seats, a 12.8-inch display, and DiPilot ADAS, BYD’s advanced driver-assistance suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Both share the same smart-first SUV DNA-comfortable seating, multiple USB ports, and practical storage-built for everyday use.

Pricing starts at ?1.048 million for the Dynamic and ?1.258 million for the Premium, effective September 1, 2026. Each variant includes an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty, ensuring long-term reliability for Filipino motorists.

Seal 5 DM-i

THE facelifted Seal 5 DM-i builds on the success of its predecessor, now offered in Essential and Dynamic variants. At its core is BYD’s fifth-generation Super DM-i plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter high-efficiency gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by BYD’s 7.42 kWh Blade Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate), generating 160 hp and 210 N-m of torque.

Both variants deliver up to 55 kilometers of pure electric range, with the hybrid system seamlessly taking over for longer journeys. Together, the setup provides a combined driving range of up to 1,600 kilometers, making the Seal 5 DM-i a practical sedan for both city commutes and extended travel.

On the outside, the Seal 5 DM-i presents a refined sedan silhouette with sharper lines, a reworked front fascia, and LED lighting signatures that highlight its modern character. The Dynamic variant adds sportier alloy wheels and chrome detailing, distinguishing it from the Essential.

Inside, both variants feature an 8.8-inch digital cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic climate control with rear vents, multiple USB ports, and a spacious 522-liter trunk expandable to 1,295 liters with folded seats emphasize everyday usability.

Safety and driver confidence are enhanced with Cruise Control, TPMS, rear parking sensors, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, and multiple airbags. Both variants also integrate BYD’s DiPilot driver-assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation features-technology that elevates the Seal 5 DM-i beyond conventional sedans.

Pricing begins at ?948,000 for the Essential and ?1.048 million for the Dynamic, effective September 1, 2026. Each unit includes an 8-year Drive Unit warranty, 6-year/160,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 8-year/160,000 km Blade Battery warranty, underscoring BYD’s commitment to long-term reliability.