Category: Business Mirror

With a strong dealer confidence in Suzuki Philippines’ long-term growth, trusted dealer groups are actively investing in modernized facilities to enhance accessibility and elevate the customer ownership experience nationwide. This significantly expands Suzuki’s nationwide footprint through a series of dealership groundbreakings, relocations, relaunches, and facility upgrades across Northern Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila from July to September 2026.

Key network expansion highlights

Northern Luzon

(Elite North Autocars, Inc.)

Suzuki Auto Iguig (Cagayan): Groundbreaking of a brand-new 3S (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) facility along the National Highway in Sta. Teresa, Iguig.

Suzuki Auto Tuguegarao: Relocation of its 3S Satellite (3SS) facility to a larger, more prominent site along Cagayan Valley Road.

Visayas Region

(Sakura Autoworld, Inc. and Cebu Autocentrale Corp.)

Suzuki Auto Tacloban: Official relaunch at a new standalone 3S facility in Abucay, featuring expanded service workshops.

Suzuki Auto Iloilo: Complete facility renovation and expansion, equipped with a dedicated e VITARA charging station in preparation for Suzuki’s electrified vehicle lineup.

Suzuki Auto SM Consolacion (Cebu): Relaunch and showroom modernization.

Metro Manila

(Wheels, Inc.)

n Suzuki Auto Manila Bay: Relocation to a new, accessible facility in Pasay City featuring enhanced customer safety measures and expanded parking space.

Partnering for Future Mobility

Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for SPH’s Automobile Division, emphasized the importance of these collaborative investments:

‘The continued investments of our dealer partners reflect the strong trust and confidence they have placed in Suzuki Philippines and in the future of our brand. Each new dealership, relocation, renovation, and facility enhancement represents a shared commitment to providing a better ownership experience and bringing Suzuki closer to more Filipino communities.’

Through these nationwide developments, Suzuki Philippines and its dealer network reinforce their shared commitment to expanding accessibility, enhancing service standards, and driving sustainable mobility forward for drivers across the country.

CAMPI-TMA January-June 2026 sales data ranks OMODA and JAECOO among the country’s top three Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brands as the company expands to 40 dealerships nationwide and showcases AIMOGA AI innovation.

Makati City, Philippines – July 22, 2026 – OMODA and JAECOO Philippines continues its rapid growth in the country’s automotive industry after securing the No. 3 position in the Philippine Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market, according to the latest January-June 2026 sales report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

The milestone coincides with the official Philippine launch of the all-new JAECOO J5 EV, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to accelerating the country’s transition toward intelligent, sustainable, and technology-driven mobility.

According to the latest CAMPI-TMA report, OMODA and JAECOO recorded 1,484 BEV units sold during the first half of 2026, ranking behind only VinFast (3,342 units) and Tesla (2,374 units). The achievement reflects the growing confidence of Filipino customers in the brand’s expanding portfolio of intelligent new energy vehicles and reinforces OMODA and JAECOO’s position as one of the country’s fastest-growing electric vehicle brands.

In July, the global football world crowned its new champion on the pitch. At OMODA and JAECOO, that same spirit resonates: the relentless pursuit of excellence, the discipline to go the distance, and the nerve to perform when it matters most. The JAECOO J5 EV proves that same champion spirit on the road. Ranked No.1 for the pure EV sales in Thailand and Indonesia’s for the first half of 2026, J5 EV officially made its Philippine debut. Combining intelligent technology, premium comfort, and practical electric mobility, the J5 EV expands OMODA and JAECOO’s growing electrified vehicle lineup designed for Filipino motorists.

Further reinforcing its confidence in the JAECOO J5 EV’s battery durability and long-term reliability, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines announced an industry-leading Battery State of Health (SOH) Warranty. Should the battery’s State of Health fall below 70% within the applicable warranty period, the company will replace the battery free of charge, subject to the terms and conditions of the warranty. This customer-first commitment is believed to be among the first of its kind in the Philippine automotive market, providing owners with greater peace of mind and confidence in their transition to electric mobility.

AIMOGA, OMODA and JAECOO’s AI humanoid robot demonstrated the brand’s vision of AI-driven mobility and customer engagement, showing how next-gen AI enhances customer experience and underscores its commitment to innovation beyond electrification.

Supporting its strong market momentum, OMODA and JAECOO Philippines has expanded its nationwide dealership network to 26 locations, with more openings planned to enhance customer access to intelligent vehicles, after-sales services, and customer support across the country. The achievement reflects the confidence dealer partners have placed in OMODA and JAECOO and positions the company to serve a growing customer base more effectively.

The combination of its top-three BEV market ranking, rapid dealership expansion, and the successful launch of the all-new JAECOO J5 EV underscores OMODA and JAECOO Philippines’ commitment to shaping the future of intelligent and sustainable mobility. As the company continues to introduce innovative products and advanced technologies to the Philippine market, it remains focused on making electrified mobility more accessible and delivering greater value to Filipino consumers.

What? HONOR Philippines is giving away 101 HONOR gadgets to its growing community with its biggest giveaway yet! Known for continuously surprising consumers with blockbuster promotions – from giving away luxury vehicles to exclusive rewards – HONOR is once again raising the bar by putting 101 HONOR devices up for grabs in a nationwide giveaway, including the latest HONOR 600 Series.

This celebrates the overwhelming support of HONOR fans while making the brand’s innovative technology more accessible to everyone. Joining is as easy as it gets. Participants simply need to comment on the official giveaway post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18wfpQRyTc/ – no follow required!

‘Our fans have always been at the heart of everything we do. This giveaway is our way of thanking them for their continued trust and support while giving more Filipinos the opportunity to experience HONOR technology,’ said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) said investment approvals continued to accelerate in January to July, driven largely by manufacturing projects and export-oriented investments despite lingering global trade and geopolitical uncertainties.

The total approved investments reached P151.901 billion during the period, a 66.99-percent increase from P90.961 billion in 2025.

The Peza Board approved 174 new and expansion projects, up 16 percent from 150 projects approved in the same period last year.

‘The first seven months of 2026 demonstrate that investor confidence in the Philippines remains strong. More importantly, we are seeing investments that are increasingly export-oriented, technology-driven, and aligned with the country’s long-term industrial development goals,’ Peza Director General Tereso Panga said.

The approved projects are projected to generate $5.905 billion in exports, almost three times the $2.003 billion recorded in the same period last year, or a 194.82-percent increase. They are also expected to create 26,047 direct jobs.

Manufacturing remained the largest investment segment, accounting for 76 approved projects. It was followed by 28 information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), 26 ecozone development, 15 facilities, 13 logistics, 10 domestic market, four tourism and two utilities projects.

By location, 141 projects will be established in Luzon, 22 in the Visayas and 11 in Mindanao.

The Netherlands emerged as the biggest investment source during the period, followed by South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Germany.

Peza said its overall performance was supported by 25 big-ticket projects worth a combined P131.661 billion, accounting for nearly 87 percent of total approved investments from January to July.

For July alone, the Peza Board approved 17 new and expansion projects worth P11.212 billion, lower than the P18.599 billion approved in the same month last year.

Despite the lower investment value, the agency said that the July-approved projects are expected to generate $2.538 billion in exports, up 241.12 percent from $744 million a year earlier, while projected direct employment edged up to 2,907 jobs from 2,891.

The July approvals consisted of six export manufacturing projects, four IT-BPM enterprises, three domestic market enterprises, two ecozone development projects, and two facilities projects.

Four big-ticket projects worth P8.818 billion accounted for nearly 79 percent of the month’s approved investments.

‘While monthly investment values naturally vary depending on the mix of projects approved by the Board, what matters is that the investments entering our ecozones continue to strengthen the country’s export base, create quality employment, and position the Philippines deeper within global value chains,’ Panga said.

PEZA expects the latter half of 2026 to see more investment leads turning into actual projects, boosting production capacity, exports and jobs.

Wall panels inspired by Filipino grilled street food. A town hall of peace in healing Maguindanao. A safe space for queer people in the form of a zine.

These winning works at the recently concluded Good Design Awards by the Design Center of the Philippines embody ‘malasakit,’ the Filipino value of compassionate care. ‘Malasakit’ is also the added criterion for judging good design that turns everyday spaces and objects into meaningful ones.

From 311 entries from across the regions, 246 passed validation, and 84 were shortlisted.

A final jury from the Design Advisory Council, the Good Design Award Japan (G Mark), and the United Nations Development Programme made the final selections last May.

At the awarding ceremony, Design Center of the Philippines executive director Maria Rita O. Matute said, ‘Filipino designers have a higher obligation beyond making things beautiful. Malasakit is not a sentiment; it is a design standard. It asks: who is this for, what problem does it solve, and what does the world look like after this design exists? The works we honor tonight answered that question with conviction.’

The 2026 Awardees

Bagging the Malasakit Award-the grand prize of the Good Design Award Philippines-is Banwag, designed by Studio Impossible Project, co-founded by Enrico Atienza and Jasper Niens. The bamboo structure also won the Gold Award, under the Place Making category.

Banwag, a 15-meter bamboo fabric dome-shaped structure in Parang, Maguindanao, means ‘beacon’ in Visaya. It was conceived as a shared space for peace where three communities with a long history of conflict-Muslim, Christian, and Lumad-can have a meeting of minds and hearts.

According to Atienza, co-founder of Studio Impossible Project, Banwag is likewise an homage to native materials and the ingenuity of the Filipino artisan.

‘To earn recognition, especially for a passion project, is really special to us. It is also honoring the bamboo technology in the Philippines that we aim to elevate. The award also honors Philippine indigenous materials. Our technical disobedience as Filipinos-that’s where we stand out, and that’s how we can build structures like the Banwag,’ said Atienza.

Meanwhile, under the Image Making Category, the Gold Award was presented to ‘Ding! Zine para sa Bading,’ designed by the students of CIIT College of Arts and Technology as part of their school research project. The zine traces the evolution of Filipino drag, safe spaces, and queer power.

According to Jouzen Peramo, layout and editor-in-chief of the zine: ‘The recognition is not just for us but for the queer community. It’s a super big thing that we won this award because we can further amplify more queer voices that need to be heard, more queer stories that need to be known.’

A total of 22 Red Awards were given across the different categories.

The awardees under Image Making were: ‘QC Stories: The City We Call Home’ by Do Good Studio; ‘Forgotten by The Tribe,’ by GGC Group Asia; ‘Nexus: A Filipino Architecture as a Network in Constant Remaking’ by Bien Alvarez; ‘Haring Ibon’ Playing Cards by Birds in Focus, Inc.; ‘Pista ng Kapuluan: Archipelago Festival and Biennale’ by Tukod Foundation; ‘Salumpuwit: Chairs in Filipino Life’ by Arc Lico International Services Corp. and Facade Books; and ‘Request sa Radyo’ set design by Theatre Group Asia and Ayala Land.

Under Object Making, Ihawi by Selena Placino are wall panels or dividers made from pineapple leaf waste turned into hibla felt. Inspired by ‘ihawan,’ the act of turning skewered food over the grill, the felt fabric appears to be pierced in wood and can be adjusted to how open or enclosed the space could be.

‘To win the Red Award early in my career means a lot. It’s an honor to be surrounded by the best. It affirms my goal as a designer to create meaningful objects that celebrate being a Filipino and my purpose in life as well.’

Other winners in the Object Making category are Hiblatech Ventures, Inc.; Make-a: Pusô DIY Kit by White Brick Creative Studio Corp.; Kai’a Outdoor Hanging Lamp by Chini Lichangco; Champion Detergent Table Clothes by TBWA Santiago Mangada Puno; Celestina Rugs by Hacienda Crafts; and Curio by Kenneth Cobonpue.

Under Place Making: andMatcha Three Yards by MLA-at-Home; Pasig River Urban Development by WTA Architecture and Design Studio; Mamanwa Community Center by Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, Mamanwa Community, Kawayan Collective and Project Partners; Alhibe: A Regenerative Placemaking anchored by Bamboo Architecture by M+S Studio Co. Ltd.; Comuna by Jumnie Ramana Developers, Inc.; Urban Forestry Institute Diliman by Karl Castro and Mede Studio / KaLIKHAsan: Outdoor Projects on Campus Ecology; and Atok Barnhouse by Ninety Design Studio.

Under Systems and Service Design: Zero Waste Textile Circular Solution by ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, Inc.; and Oyloop by Klimatech Innovative Solutions, Inc.

Three special recognitions were also conferred:

The Green Award was received by the Mamanwa Community Center, a climate-adapted design, renewable materials, and in collaboration with the Mamanwa community.

The White Citation was awarded to KADLIT (Kindling Aid for Disaster-Linked Ignition Tool), designed by Bohol Island State University, for transforming rice bran into a disaster-ready firestarter for emergency preparedness.

The Blue Citation, a new addition introduced this year under the Governance and Civic Design category, was conferred on the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for iRISE UP, a system geared for disaster preparedness to support more resilient communities.

As part of the partnership between the Design Center of the Philippines and the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, winning designs from GDA Philippines automatically advance past the first screening for Japan’s Good Design Award or G Mark, one of the world’s most respected design recognition programs.

The GDA Philippines awardees advance to the final deliberation for G Mark in August 2026. So far, 21 designs from the Philippines have been conferred the G Mark since the Good Design Awards of the Philippines were launched in 2019, Proof that Philippine design can stand out in the global design sector.

Art has always had the power to inspire, connect and transform lives. This July, it is doing even more by giving back to the community as the 9th Coloring Lives Exhibit officially opens at SM Podium, uniting artists of all ages and skill levels in support of Nazareth Bahay ng Pag-ibig, a home for abandoned elderly women.

Organized by Sunshine Place Senior Recreation Center, the annual exhibit showcases an inspiring collection of works across various artistic disciplines, including watercolor, porcelain painting, ikebana, decoupage, and artworks from kids, beginners, intermediate, and advanced art classes. Each piece reflects the belief that creativity has no limits in its ability to make a meaningful difference. Proceeds from every artwork sold will benefit Nazareth Bahay ng Pag-ibig, helping provide shelter, care, and dignity to its residents.

The exhibit is one of the highlights of SM Supermalls’ Art For Everyone, one of the country’s largest and most far-reaching mall-based art initiatives, bringing Filipino creativity to more communities than ever before. This year, the nationwide campaign spans 26 SM malls, transforming spaces into vibrant art destinations and giving thousands of established and emerging Filipino artists an opportunity to reach wider audiences across the country. By making art more accessible for millions of mallgoers, Art For Everyone continues to champion inclusivity, creativity, and meaningful community engagement on an unprecedented scale.

‘Collaborations like the 9th Coloring Lives Exhibit demonstrate how art can become a force for positive change,’ said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. ‘Through our nationwide Art For Everyone campaign, SM Supermalls continues to make art more accessible while creating spaces where creativity, compassion, and community come together. Together with Sunshine Place, we hope this exhibit leaves a meaningful and lasting impact on the women of Nazareth Bahay ng Pag-ibig and inspires more people to discover how every artwork can help transform lives.’

Now in its 9th edition, Coloring Lives continues to demonstrate how art can bring communities together for a greater purpose. Beyond showcasing remarkable talent, the exhibit reminds visitors that every brushstroke, every masterpiece, and every purchase contributes to changing lives.

Experience the 9th Coloring Lives Exhibit at Atrium, Level 2, SM Podium from July 21 to 26, 2026. Visitors can explore an inspiring collection of artwork while supporting a meaningful cause. Whether purchasing a statement piece or a small artwork, every contribution helps color a life with hope.

For more information about the exhibit or other immersive experiences at your most loved mall, SM, check out @thepodiummall on social media.

When one mentions Kobe, the first that comes to mind is Wagyu beef (its marbled fat, melted during cooking, produces a soft texture and succulent flavor) and the namesake of the late basketball legend.

Kobe’s reputation, however, extends far beyond the prized Wagyu cattle that put the city on the global map. Kobe offers the pleasures of Japan in miniature, with maritime promenades, hillside greenery, memorable meals, and a sense of calm that makes it less crowded than many major tourist destinations. For curious travelers who want something familiar but different, this vibrant port city, nestled between the mountains and the sea, rewards slow walking, experimental dining, and quick escapes into nature, all in one easy city package.

A visit to its scenic waterfront area, notably in Meriken Park (the park’s name was derived from the word ‘American,’ which was commonly translated as ‘Meriken’ during the Meiji era), is a must. Built on an outcropping of reclaimed land, this waterfront park, a popular spot for locals and tourists, is covered in grassy lawn and open courtyards and is dotted with a collection of modern art installations and structures including the Bell of Hortensia (a colorful, modern mosaic sculpture representing Kobe’s official flower), the Kobe Maritime Museum (featuring a roof design similar to a sailing ship, it focuses on the history of Japanese shipping and Kobe Harbor), the 108-meter (354-foot) high Kobe Port Tower, a unique, red-painted steel structure designed to look like a tsuzumi, a Japanese drum), and the famous Kobe Port Emigrants Memorial Statue (honors the thousands of Japanese citizens who emigrated from Kobe Port, for new lives abroad, particularly to Brazil, in the early 20th century).

Another scenic oceanside city park is the 7.8-hectare Hyogo Prefectural Maiko Park (see main photo), the gateway for the 3,911-meter-long Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s largest suspension bridge, which also boasts the world’s longest central span at 1,991 meters. Aside from sea and bridge views, there are also plenty of things to do and see at the park such as large grassy areas, a 1,500-pine forest; the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center (displays showing the history of what is the world’s longest suspension bridge) and historic houses such as the former residence of Sanji Muto (a Western-style seaside cottage built in 1907), the iconic Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Ijokaku), built in 1915 by Wu Jintang; and the former Japanese residence of the Kinoshita Family, an early modern Japanese home built in 1941 in the tea ceremony arbor (sukiyazukuri) style.

Another must-see in Kobe is the wonderful, ancient and serene Ikuta Shrine (Ikuta-jinja), a major Shinto shrine believed to be one of the oldest in Japan. Dotted around the spacious grounds of Ikuta Jinja are 14 sub-shrines, each dedicated to a different god; impressive buildings, a striking, continuous series of 22 vermilion-lacquered torii gates, and, at its rear, you can find a remnant of the ancient forest that once covered the entire area. The shrine is also famous as a ‘power spot’ dedicated to matchmaking, love, relationships, and good fortune. At Kinryusen, a popular spot in the forest, you can have your fortune read by water.

Near the park is the lively and vibrant Higashimon (‘east gate’) Street, so called because the area surrounds the east gate of Ikuta Shrine. This area is known for its array of restaurants (where you can indulge in high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef), izakayas (informal Japanese pubs) and hidden bars that open mainly at night.

For a different kind of green escape, try the Nunobiki Herb Garden, a big 40-acre botanical herb garden (Japan’s largest), built in 1991, with themed areas growing over 75,000 herbs (200 varieties) and flowers blooming year-round. The 10-min. long scenic cable car ride to Nunobiki Herb Garden features sweeping panoramic views of the Kobe city skyline, the 43-meter tall Nunobiki Falls, the surrounding 931-meter high Rokko Mountain Range, the Seto Inland Sea, and previews of the gardens below.

The gorgeous Welcome Garden (View Plaza) is surrounded by a castle gate and the View Rest House, which is modeled after the ancient Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany. It has a large gift shop (offering herbal products, essential oils, herb-themed everyday utility items and souvenirs) and a dining option (The Herb Dining) plus access to sweeping outdoor terraces where you can enjoy your meals. There were a few stalls selling burgers, tarts, drinks and soft serve ice cream.

Nearby is the Mori no Hall, a small, wooden concert hall with great acoustics and a popular venue for concerts and recitals. At its Fragrance Museum, the historical aspects of fragrance are displayed and explained. Here, you can experience the scent of different natural essential oils.

Instead of taking the cable car all the way back to the Bottom Station, you can walk downhill from the summit, all the way to Kaze no Oka Mid Station, passing through twisting pathways and its 12 distinct, extensive, seasonally themed areas while enjoying aromatic and scenic views. The Glass House, along the way, features a spice museum, a herbal foot bath (behind the Glass House), café lounge, terraced restaurant (The Veranda, offering herb-infused treats), and tropical, fragrant, and citrus-themed plants, including a special, illuminated ‘rose garden.’

Washington’s announcement that it is slapping fresh tariffs on goods produced by forced labor added another layer to global economic uncertainties-fueling the demand for safe-haven dollar assets and dragging the Philippine peso to a new record low on Friday.

Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed the local currency closed at P61.847 against the greenback on Friday. This is 9.7 centavos weaker than its previous finish of P61.75 on Thursday.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong and Co., said attributed this to ‘rising crude oil prices as US and Iranian attacks escalated and new tariffs, renewing inflation concerns.’

Asked about how the new tariffs announced by the United States government would fuel demand for the safe-haven currency, Ravelas told the BusinessMirror: ‘In simple terms, tariffs can strengthen the US dollar because they reduce demand for imported goods, which means fewer dollars are sent overseas.’

At the same time, he said, tariffs can push up inflation in the US, making the Federal Reserve more cautious about cutting interest rates.

‘Higher US interest rates relative to other countries tend to attract global capital into dollar assets, boosting demand for the US dollar,’ he added.

For his part, John Paolo R. Rivera, Senior Research Fellow at Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said the peso’s drop to a new record low was largely driven by ‘external factors.’

‘Geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainties have also contributed to risk aversion, putting pressure on emerging market currencies, including the peso,’ Rivera told this newspaper on Friday.

Moving forward, the PIDS senior research fellow said the peso may remain under pressure in the near term as long as global uncertainties persist.

‘But I expect movements to remain broadly market-driven rather than disorderly,’ added Rivera.

Within the trading day, the peso traded from as strong as P61.78 to as weak as P61.85 per dollar.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Washington announced that failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor would warrant a 10 percent or 12.5 percent tariff on 60 trading partners, subject to ‘certain product exemptions.’

The USTR said the top 60 US trade partners cover 99.4 percent of US imports.

Foldable smartphones have come a long way in recent years. While users once questioned their durability and reliability, today’s innovations have transformed foldables into everyday productivity companions that are built to last.

Leading this evolution is the Oppo Find N6, a foldable smartphone engineered to withstand the demands of modern life without compromising on design, performance, or portability. Built around Oppo’s Armour Shield Architecture, the Find N6 combines aerospace-inspired engineering, industry-leading durability, and flagship innovations to prove that foldables can be just as dependable as they are sophisticated.

n Engineered to go further. At the heart of the Oppo Find N6 is its Armour Shield Architecture, an advanced structural design that reinforces the device using premium materials while maintaining an ultra-slim profile.

Despite its refined form factor and the industry’s thinnest bezels on a book-style foldable, the Oppo Find N6 is designed to withstand the realities of everyday use. Whether it’s navigating unpredictable weather, working outdoors, or simply enduring the wear and tear of daily commutes, the device delivers durability without sacrificing elegance.

Setting a new benchmark for foldable smartphones, the Oppo Find N6 carries IP56, IP58, and IP59 ratings, allowing it to withstand dust, water immersion, and even high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. From unexpected downpours to accidental spills and more demanding environments, users can stay productive with confidence knowing their device is built to handle more than everyday challenges.

n A foldable built for the long run. A foldable is only as reliable as its hinge, and Oppo has reimagined this critical component with the 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge.

Manufactured using aerospace-grade titanium alloy, the hinge delivers greater strength while remaining remarkably lightweight. Together with Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass, it enables the industry’s first Zero-Feel Crease, creating a display that feels smooth and immersive whether you’re reviewing reports, reading documents, editing presentations, or watching videos.

The hinge is also certified to withstand one million folds, demonstrating the Find N6’s ability to support years of daily opening and closing without compromising performance. It’s an engineering milestone that reinforces the device’s position as one of the most dependable foldables available today.

The Oppo Find N6 is priced at ?139,999. Customers can also enjoy exclusive offers and freebies available for a limited time. Globe subscribers can avail of the Find N6 through GPlan 2499 with ?73,600 cashout, while Smart users can purchase the device under Smart Infinity Plan 5000, with exclusive benefits.

More information can be found at www.oppo.com/ph or Oppo Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

THE Philippines can be a regional leader in data sovereignty, but it must seize the opportunity swiftly and implement a decisive action to build its capabilities on data sovereignty.

‘Policy discussions around sovereignty are gaining momentum, and the recognition that digital control has become a strategic imperative reflects the right instincts,’ said Catherine Lian, general manager and technology leader of IBM Asean in an e-mail interview with BusinessMirror.

According to Lian, true digital sovereignty encompasses four interconnected pillars:

Data sovereignty: Control where data is stored and who can access it.

AI sovereignty: Operate AI under your organization’s authority and jurisdiction.

Operational sovereignty: Maintain control over strategic decisions while minimizing external influence while being accountable under regional jurisdictions who deliver transparency on data access, residency, and regulatory compliance.

Technology sovereignty: Retain choice and flexibility across all underlying infrastructure and technology.

Today, Lian said digital sovereignty is no longer just about where data resides. ‘It’s about whether we can prove who has access-do you have the freedom to move workloads, switch providers, even as technologies, regulations and risks evolve,’ she said.

The Philippines would benefit from a comprehensive approach that combines local infrastructure investment with hybrid-by-design cloud architectures, built-in AI governance frameworks, and talent development. IBM is committed to working with Philippine organizations and government institutions to ensure sovereignty becomes an operational reality that would drive sustainable digital independence and AI-driven growth.

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), Lian said data sovereignty has become one of the most strategic decisions any nation can undertake. While digital infrastructure has become as critical to national security and economic growth as defense and finance, Lian said the Philippines prioritizes digital sovereignty quickly and robustly. ‘When critical systems run on platforms controlled elsewhere, organizations don’t truly have sovereignty, they have a service contract,’ she said.

At IBM, digital sovereignty is defined as the ability for organizations to demonstrate authority over and leverage technology on their own terms-maintaining control, transparency, and choice-while continuing to innovate at speed. ‘For the Philippines, this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about ensuring that technology and AI capabilities, talent, and economic opportunities benefit the country through trusted, locally governed systems that serve citizens and strengthen competitiveness,’ Lian said.

Gartner expects 65 percent of governments worldwide to introduce technological sovereignty requirements by 2028. Countries that act decisively now will have a first-mover advantage in attracting investment, protecting critical infrastructure, and innovating with AI in their own terms.

She said IBM believes that sovereignty must be intentional and engineered into technology from the start. Lian noted open ecosystems, hybrid by design deployment models (cloud, on prem, edge, fully air gapped), and built in AI governance give organizations the control and flexibility they need to innovate without dependence. Lian said the control and accountability model suits the Philippines because it addresses the core concern driving the country’s sovereignty push-not just where data resides but who controls it. Pure localization builds infrastructure ownership without necessarily delivering operational sovereignty. ‘On the other hand, full reliance on global platforms offers innovation and resilience but without jurisdictional control,’ she said.

She said IBM’s strategy is centered on collaborating with governments and enterprises in Asean to achieve meaningful digital sovereignty, ensuring they can innovate with AI on their own terms, while maintaining demonstrable authority over their systems, data, and operations. ‘This entails helping countries like the Philippines achieve their digital infrastructure ambitions with technology platforms, governance frameworks, and knowledge transfer that maximize long-term strategic value,’ Lian explained.