Category: Philippine Star

The European Union and the Philippines have announced the launch of the EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab, expanding their digital cooperation under the Global Gateway Strategy, which now involves a total of euro 40 million in funding.

The new EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab, announced at the 2026 AI Forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, follows a three-day joint mission organized by the EU and the Department of Science and Technology. The mission brought together experts from Europe and local private sector to strengthen AI cooperation.

The EU said the AI Lab, which will be established through the Department of Science and Technology under its National AI Center for Research and Innovation program, reflects the shared commitment of the EU and the Philippines to harness the opportunities of digital transformation and emerging technologies while promoting openness, trust, security and responsible innovation.

‘The EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab will foster a dynamic and inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem for the European and Philippine industry, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups as part of the National AI Strategy for the Philippines,’ the EU said.

These include developing AI infrastructure and data ecosystems; promoting principled, trustworthy technology adoption across industries; building skills and talent partnerships; improving market access and laying the groundwork to facilitate investments.

The EU and the Philippines intend to promote research and development opportunities between public and private sector organizations, foster the sharing of expertise, and support the translation of research into real-world applications and industrial impact.

‘It will advance the principled technology infusion of AI – the deep and seamless integration of digital tools, systems and innovation into business operations, services, curricula and complex engineering environments – so that AI becomes a core capability, not an add-on,’ the EU said.

Following the signature in July 2026 by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro of the Joint Statement elevating EU-Philippines relations to an enhanced partnership and the recently concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement, both sides are deepening cooperation to build a more robust, resilient and mutually beneficial bilateral partnership.

In practice, the AI Lab will establish the enabling AI ecosystem through infrastructure, cloud services, data sets – including Earth Observation Data from Copernicus, Geospatial Analytics and Technology Solutions and other DOST programs’ data – and development of AI use cases in priority sectors such as energy, health, environment and disaster resilience.

It will also drive a skills and talent partnership for AI deployment by connecting European and Philippine businesses and innovators with technical expertise, innovation advisory services and European technology know-how from European Digital Innovation Hubs and AI Factories, alongside public-private partnerships with EU private-sector actors in the Philippines and local universities.

To support promising AI solutions as they grow, the AI Lab will facilitate investment and market access by promoting technology standards and drawing on EU experience in interoperability, cybersecurity, data protection, intellectual property and human-centric AI governance, while enabling AI solutions to be tested under a ‘test before invest’ approach.

‘By bringing together public and private stakeholders, the AI Industry Lab seeks to create new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth and investment for both the Philippines and the EU,’ the EU said

Three drug suspects were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Friday.

The suspects, whose identities were not immediately known, were collared after selling an undetermined amount of shabu to an undercover agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay Kenram.

The arresting team seized from the suspects shabu with an estimated street value of P439,892 and marked money.

Aside from shabu, the suspects were reportedly supplying dried marijuana leaves in Isulan.

Probers said the marijuana leaves came from hinterland plantations along the border of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, which are reportedly maintained by a local terrorist group.

Instead of exchanging tirades on social media, the Philippine government and the Chinese embassy should sit down and talk to settle issues, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said.

‘We hope that they sit down and talk, instead of quarreling on social media,’ FFCCCII president Victor Lim told reporters yesterday during an education event in Quezon City.

He said the raging word war between Chinese ambassador Jing Quan and some Philippine officials has left businesses bearing the brunt of unabated oil price hikes and high inflation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara was present during the event where he personally acknowledged the contribution of the FFCCCII in building at least 6,500 classrooms.

‘Of course, with this kind of action, it will really affect the economy, our export to China will be affected, our import from China will be affected also,’ Lim added.

Lawmakers have filed resolutions seeking to declare Jing persona non grata over his remarks suggesting that China could easily win if it resorts in asserting its illegal claim in the West Philippine Sea.

‘We hope it will calm down so that our economy will be moving. Right now, the oil prices are too high and then the inflation is high, of course, our businesses are being affected. I hope it won’t affect us. I hope we will calm down,’ Lim said.

He noted that the country will host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits which will be held in Metro Manila from Nov. 15 to 17.

The Chinese embassy announced that certain officials and personalities are prohibited from visiting China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier summoned Jing to convey the Philippines’ strong objection to his remarks, which Foreign Affairs Secretary Thereza Lazaro described as ‘provocative’ and ‘unacceptable.’

A bomb threat sent to the University of Santo Tomas prompted UST officials to cancel classes and order the evacuation of students, faculty and staff on Friday.

According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the threat was discovered at 4:30 p.m. when a student found a letter on top of a toilet tank on the fourth floor of the medicine building.

A housekeeping personnel found another letter on the second floor where the faculty restroom was located.

The letters said an explosive had been planted on school premises and at the main area of the Medicine Building and St. Raymund’s Building.

The Cebu provincial government has distributed P21.23 million worth of agricultural and fishery assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in southern Cebu, as the province prepares for the potential effects of El Niño on food production.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the turnover of equipment and production inputs to beneficiaries from 26 towns and cities at the Sec. Cerge M. Remonde Sports and Cultural Center in Barangay Lamacan, Argao on October 19.

The assistance, worth P21,234,790, was provided through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) headed by Dr. Roldan Saragena. It included farm machinery, irrigation equipment, planting materials, and supplies for fisheries and marine conservation.

Among the items distributed were three high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages, 15 walking-type agricultural tractors, gas-powered water pumps with HDPE hoses, materials for marine protected areas, plastic drums, and organic fertilizers.

Beneficiaries also received cacao seedlings, sweet potato cuttings, and assorted vegetable seeds.

The distribution covered Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, Carcar City, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan, Ginatilan, Santander, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, and Cordova.

Baricuatro said her administration intends to strengthen local agricultural production to reduce Cebu’s dependence on outside food sources, particularly with the threat of prolonged dry conditions that could affect harvests and food availability.

‘Mao na nga karon, sa akong administrasyon, siguroon nako nga ang Cebu dili na ta food insecure. Sustainable na ta diri. Kita na’y mananom sa atong pagkaon,’ the governor said.

She added that agriculture would receive greater attention in the coming year, stressing the need to ensure a more sustainable food supply for the province.

‘Mao na nga next year ato gyud tagaan og pagtagad ang agrikultura. Because we need to be sustainable sa atong pagkaon,’ Baricuatro said.

The governor also announced a proposed P400-million allocation for the PAO in 2027, subject to the approval of the Provincial Board.

The funding is intended to support the province’s agricultural programs as it works toward strengthening food production.

Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo welcomed the assistance. He said the distribution would allow farmers and fisherfolk to benefit from public funds collected through taxpayers’ contributions.

‘Kini timaan sa pagpangga sa atong gobernador kanato’ng mga kaigsuonan,’ Sesaldo said.

He said the inputs represented a way of sharing the taxes collected by the provincial government with the people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on farming and fishing.

‘Kini naabot kanato tungod sa kaayo sa atong gobernadora. Kini timaan sa iyang good governance,’ the mayor added.

Ronda High Value Crop Development Program coordinator Leonora Llenos also expressed appreciation for the equipment and supplies, noting that such resources could help farmers carry out their work and improve productivity.

‘Dili ing-ana kasayon nga makaangkon ka’g ingon ani. So, salamat kaayo sa Probinsya sa Sugbo sa inyong gipaambit para sa among mga farmers,’ Llenos said.

She thanked the provincial government for providing machinery and other assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, emphasizing the value of access to equipment that may otherwise be difficult for agricultural communities to obtain.

Alegria farmer Henry Runillo Villarubia, meanwhile, welcomed the planting materials. He said these would give farmers crops they could cultivate for food production.

‘Lipay kaayo mi kay naay amoang ikatanom na crops. Malipayon sad mi sa hinabang para namong mga farmers kay para gyud sa atong pagkaon, panagat, ug sa mga magbabaul,’ Villarubia said.

Villarubia noted that some of the crops could be harvested in as little as three months, potentially providing food for their communities ahead of the expected El Niño early next year.

Also present during the turnover were Provincial Board members Stanley Caminero, Raymond Calderon, and Cesar Baricuatro; Argao Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega; other municipal officials; and barangay captains

After 107 days of group play and stop-and-go action, it’s quarterfinals time in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

It’s that pivotal stage where eight teams that have worked so hard since the opener in July to make it to this point must dial it up several notches more to advance their title aspirations.

And the Final 8 features an interesting mix.

Defending champion TNT, the fourth-ranked squad of Group A, and Magnolia, the topnotcher of Group B, are up for an explosive showdown of heavyweights.

Ditto reigning Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel Beer, the Group A No. 2, and current Commissioner’s Cup kingpin Barangay Ginebra, the Group B No. 3.

On the other side of the quarter final draw are Group A No. 1 NLEX against Group B No. 4 Phoenix and Group B No. 2 Rain or Shine versus Group A No. 3 Converge. The Road Warriors, Fuel Masters and FiberXers are in pursuit of their first finals appearance and title while the Elasto Painters are out to make the championship series again after more than a decade.

Unlike in the two previous conferences, these quarterfinals will be best-of-five affairs. No twice-to-beat advantages for the higher ranks, no twice-to-win disadvantages for the lower seeds. Everyone stands on the same starting line.

And so expect the combatants to go all out for first blood when the playoffs get going beginning today at Ynares Center Antipolo.

First up are NLEX and Phoenix, which dispute a 1-0 running start at 5:15 p.m. Magnolia and TNT seek the same in their 7:30 p.m. tiff.

‘Katulad ng sinasabi ko sa mga players ang pinakamahirap tawirin is the quarters, whether you have advantage or disadvantage, whether it’s a best-of-three, best-of-five, it’s the hardest part,’ said Hotshots coach LA Tenorio, whose charges got the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Tropang 5G as opponent as ‘price for being No. 1 in their group.’

Minimum wage earners in Western Visayas including Negros Occidental and Bacolod City will receive an increase of P40 to P45 in their daily pay following the approval of a wage hike petition by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

RTWPB-Western Visayas chairman Sixto Rodriguez Jr. said the board approved Wage Order No. 30 on Oct. 21 and submitted it to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) the following day for affirmation.

Under the new wage order, workers in the agriculture sector will receive an increase of P45, raising their daily minimum pay from P520 to P565.

Workers in non-agriculture establishments employing more than 10 people will get an increase of P40, raising their daily minimum pay from P550 to P590.

Those in non-agriculture establishments with 10 or fewer workers will also receive an increase of P40, raising their daily minimum wage from P525 to P565.

The wage order also covers household workers or kasambahays who will get an increase of P500, raising their minimum monthly salary from P6,500 to P7,000.

The new wage rates will take effect in the middle part of next month following the required publication and completion of other processes, subject to the affirmation of the NWPC and approval by the Department of Labor and Employment.

Although Negros Occidental is now part of the newly created Negros Island Region, the province remains under the jurisdiction of RTWPB-Westen Visayas, pending the establishment of a separate wage board for the NIR.

Typhoon Rosal, the most powerful cyclone this year, has stepped out of the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, October 24.

No tropical cyclone wind signals remain in effect but strong winds and dangerous seas may still affect parts of the country, PAGASA said in an advisory.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said Rosal was 525 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, outside PAR.

The typhoon had weakened further, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph.

It was moving east-northeastward at 20 kph toward the East China Sea.

Earlier Saturday, Rosal had maximum sustained winds of 150 kph and was moving southwestward after making a counterclockwise loop over the sea east of Taiwan.

Strong gusts may persist

Despite Rosal’s exit from PAR, its periphery may continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts Saturday over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, northern Quezon, Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

Strong to gale-force gusts may also affect Batanes, the Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte on Sunday.

PAGASA said local winds may be stronger in coastal, upland and mountainous areas exposed to the prevailing winds.

Dangerous seas over Northern Luzon

The cyclone may be gone, but its expansive wingspan has lingering effects. A gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

Very rough seas with waves reaching as high as 5.5 meters are forecast along the northern seaboard of Batanes, while waves may reach 4.5 meters along the northern seaboard of the Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky for vessels of all types and tonnage in these areas. Mariners were advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.

Rough seas are also forecast over several coastal waters of Northern Luzon.

Waves may reach 4 meters over the remaining seaboards of the Babuyan Islands, the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.

Waves of up to 3.5 meters are forecast over the remaining seaboard of Ilocos Norte and the seaboard of Ilocos Sur.

Up to 3-meter waves may affect the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, the western seaboard of Pangasinan, the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes.

Mariners of small vessels, including motorbancas, were advised not to venture out under these conditions.

The abuse of visa-free entry privileges by some foreigners could have contributed to the apparent resurgence of small-scale scam hubs in parts of the country, according to the Department of Justice.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty reported that some of the foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals, apprehended in recent raids on scam hubs, particularly in Zamboanga Sibugay earlier this month, entered the Philippines under a visa-free arrangement.

‘We cannot deny that this is a privilege we granted to Chinese tourists and that, to some extent, it has been exploited, contributing to this problem,’ Ty said at a media briefing last week, acknowledging that the privilege granted to Chinese tourists may have been exploited and contributed to the problem.

Around 200 foreigners were apprehended during the operations. Ty added that some of the foreigners could have been overstaying.

He also said that Chinese nationals recruited to work in local scam hubs may have been instructed to target fellow Chinese citizens before accepting job offers that brought them to the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs restored visa-free access for Chinese visitors on Jan. 16, allowing visits of up to 14 days strictly for tourism or business purposes.

The arrangement is subject to review before it expires a year after its implementation.

Asked whether Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and scam hubs were indeed making a comeback across the country, Ty said it was possible.

However, he maintained that the operations were smaller than those previously uncovered, both in scale and in the number of foreign nationals found in the facilities.

‘Remember, before, the composition was very international, mostly Chinese, but there were also many Vietnamese, Indonesians and people from Myanmar, Nepal and Africa. Now, those being found are mostly Chinese,’ he said.

When Pope Leo XIV stood before the faithful at St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 11 and announced that doctors had discovered a small nodule in his lung requiring surgery, he did something that leaders everywhere would do well to consider. He told the people the truth about his health.

There was no elaborate attempt to conceal the problem, no reassuring fiction that everything was perfectly normal. He calmly explained the finding, disclosed the planned operation and asked for prayers.

Two days later, the Vatican announced that the surgery had been successful. A subsequent medical bulletin confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff had undergone removal of the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. Further examinations will help determine the appropriate follow-up treatment and prognosis.

For the world’s Catholics and countless others who admire the pope, the news was understandably distressing. But amid the concern, his candor offers an important lesson: Leadership does not require the appearance of invulnerability. It requires the courage to be truthful.

The public’s right to know

A pope is not an ordinary public figure. As spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics and sovereign of Vatican City, his health has implications extending beyond his personal circumstances.

The same principle applies, with particular constitutional force, to presidents and other officials entrusted with enormous public responsibilities.

A head of state makes decisions affecting national security, economic stability, international relations and millions of lives. The public therefore has a legitimate interest in knowing whether a serious illness may affect that leader’s ability to discharge official duties.

This is not idle curiosity. It is accountability.

In the Philippines, the principle is expressly recognized in Article VII, Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution: ‘In case of serious illness of the president, the public shall be informed of the state of his health.’

Those words are remarkably clear. The Constitution does not require the president to surrender every intimate medical detail. But it recognizes that serious illness in the country’s highest office cannot automatically be treated as a purely private matter.

Our constitutional system also provides procedures for determining presidential inability and transferring executive authority when necessary. Health transparency and continuity of government are inseparable responsibilities.

Privacy vs public responsibility

As a physician, I recognize the fundamental importance of medical confidentiality. Every patient deserves dignity, privacy and control over sensitive personal information.

Public office does not extinguish those rights. But the balance changes when an illness has substantial implications for the performance of public duties.

A leader’s minor ailments, routine prescriptions or unrelated medical history need not become public property. A serious condition requiring major surgery, prolonged hospitalization or potentially affecting judgment, consciousness, mobility or sustained performance presents a different question.

The appropriate standard should be relevant disclosure, not indiscriminate exposure.

A credible medical bulletin should explain the established diagnosis, treatment undertaken, present clinical condition, anticipated recovery period and any material limitations on official duties. It should distinguish confirmed findings from uncertainties. And it should come from appropriately authorized medical professionals, with respect for patient consent and confidentiality.

Illness is not incompetence

Equally important, a medical diagnosis should never become an automatic judgment about a leader’s competence. Cancer does not necessarily mean incapacity. Neither does advanced age, disability or treatment for a chronic condition. Many individuals continue to perform demanding intellectual and leadership responsibilities while undergoing medical treatment.

The relevant question is functional: can the leader continue to perform the essential duties of office, and what arrangements are necessary during recovery?

That determination must rest on medical evidence and applicable constitutional procedures – not rumor, prejudice or political convenience.

Indeed, honest disclosure can prevent the speculation that secrecy often invites. When official information is withheld, conjecture fills the vacuum. When credible information is provided, citizens can respond with understanding rather than suspicion.

Truthful leadership

There is something profoundly human about a leader acknowledging vulnerability. The pope’s announcement reminds us that even those entrusted with extraordinary responsibilities remain subject to the frailties of the human body.

Transparency need not diminish authority. It can strengthen trust.

For governments, the lesson is to establish clear, consistent medical-disclosure practices before a health crisis occurs, rather than improvising statements under political pressure.

For physicians, it is to communicate accurately, compassionately and without offering assurances unsupported by evidence.

For citizens, it is to respond to illness with humanity rather than treating another person’s suffering as political entertainment.

We should neither demand that leaders be superhuman nor accept that serious health information affecting public responsibilities must remain hidden. There is room for both compassion and accountability.

Our prayers for Pope Leo

We join millions around the world in praying for Pope Leo XIV’s speedy, complete and uncomplicated recovery.

We pray for wisdom for his physicians, strength during his recuperation and favorable results from his continuing medical evaluation. And we hope his example encourages a broader culture in which leaders understand that acknowledging illness is not an admission of weakness.

It is an expression of humanity.

The health of a leader may be personal. But when that health bears directly on the responsibilities of public office, truthful disclosure becomes part of the public trust.

Sometimes, the strongest demonstration of leadership is simply having the courage to tell the truth.