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Fisherfolk group urges gov’t to regulate fish prices amid Lent
Fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas on Wednesday urged the government to address the surge in retail prices of fish during the Holy Week......»»
Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market
Meta on Wednesday reported that its quarterly profit more than doubled from last year's figure as it looks ahead at a volatile ad market and lawsuits accusing it of profiting from "children's pain." "Meta earnings looked pretty good," said independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. "They have clearly cut back on the bleeding surrounding their metaverse efforts and the company appears to be on a more even keel right now." The tech giant said it made a profit of $11.6 billion as ad revenue climbed 23 percent to $34 billion when compared to the same period a year earlier. "We had a good quarter for our community and business," said Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg. The number of people using Facebook monthly rose slightly to 3.05 billion in a year-over-year comparison while monthly active users of Meta's "family" of apps was 3.96 billion a 7 percent increase from the same quarter in 2022, the company reported. Meta said it had trimmed costs, with layoffs and other belt-tightening measures started last year providing "greater efficiency." Meta had suffered a rough 2022 amid a souring economic climate and Apple's data privacy changes, which allowed users to block ad targeting, the pillar of Meta's business. Meta's vow of austerity on spending brought an unprecedented round of cost-cutting that saw the company lay off tens of thousands of workers since last November. Meta shares, which closed the formal trading day down, fell more than three percent further in after-hours trades to $289.50. Chief financial officer Susan Li said during an earnings call that Meta is seeing "volatility" in an ad market that started to soften when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. "It's hard for us to attribute demand softness directly to any specific geopolitical event," Li said. "We have seen broader demand softness follow other regional conflicts in the past, such as in the Ukraine war, so this is something that we're continuing to monitor." Lawsuit peril Analyst Enderle maintained that Meta is at risk from lawsuits poised to damage its image and its wallet. Dozens of US states this week accused Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its platforms. "In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued a joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California. The states accused Meta of exploiting young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health. In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta said the states were singling it out unfairly instead of working with social media companies to develop universal standards for the whole industry. "This landmark lawsuit could herald a seismic shift in how social media platforms approach product features and user engagement," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Jeremy Goldman. "That said, even as tech stocks face uncertainty, Meta's consistent performance cements its leadership in the digital realm." Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking details on measures Meta has taken to stop the spread of "illegal content and disinformation" in light of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The AI race The tech giant is putting artificial intelligence into digital assistants and smart glasses as it seeks to gain lost ground in the AI race. "I'm proud of the work our teams have done to advance AI and mixed reality with the launch of Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and our AI studio," Zuckerberg said in the earnings release. The second-generation Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses made in a partnership with EssilorLuxottica have a starting price of $299. "Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let AI assistants see what you're seeing and hear what you're hearing," Zuckerberg said. Meta has taken a more cautious approach than its rivals Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google to push out AI products, prioritizing small steps and making its in-house models available to developers and researchers. "The majority of the world's population will have their first experience of generative artificial intelligence with us," Meta chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth told AFP in a recent interview. Meta recently unveiled AI-infused chatbots with personalities, along with tools for creating images or written content using spoken prompts. The post Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Repatriation, reintegration efforts must be prioritized for returning OFWs — Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has reiterated the urgency of providing repatriation support and eventually, reintegration plans for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning from Israel and Lebanon, in the light of escalating tensions in the region. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said a comprehensive repatriation and reintegration program should be in place to cater to the varying needs of returning OFWs. “Unang una, siguraduhin natin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Tulungan dapat silang makalikas sa ligtas na lugar at maiuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya dito. Pagkatapos ay dapat mayroon tayong handa at maayos na sistema ng suporta na makakapagbigay ng job counseling, skills retraining, at mga serbisyo sa mental health, at iba pa. It's about empowering our OFWs to restart their lives here with dignity and hope,” Go remarked. “Mahirap ang pinagdaanan nila doon. Nawalan na sila ng trabaho, may trauma pa yan dahil sa kaguluhan na naranasan nila. Ibigay dapat sa kanila ang sapat na suporta at pag-aaruga pag-uwi nila sa kanilang inang bayan upang makabangon muli,” he stressed. Once the OFWs return home, Go called on the government to ensure that reintegration programs are made readily available for them to overcome the trauma they experienced and be able to recover. “Our kababayans are coming home under distressing circumstances. It is the government's responsibility to extend all possible support to these modern-day heroes," said Go. “Aside from possible employment opportunities, the government must be ready to provide assistance for their physical and psychological well-being, temporary housing if needed, and the welfare of their families as well,” he added. The Philippine government has approved voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in Lebanon amid brewing tension in the region while the situation in Israel is particularly concerning, with Israel intensifying its bombings in Gaza. With this, Go emphasized the need for both the government and OFWs to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. The senator urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates to OFWs and their families. “Our OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes, and it's only fitting that we ensure their safety wherever they are in the world. Once they return to the Philippines, the government must also be prepared to provide them with the necessary support as they reintegrate into society, bringing with them skills and experiences acquired overseas,” he said. Furthermore, the senator emphasized the need for local government units (LGUs) to play an active role in the reintegration process. He encouraged LGUs to work closely with national agencies in identifying the needs of returning OFWs within their respective localities and to develop localized reintegration programs. Go said the reintegration support should be a priority as it greatly impacts not only the returning OFWs but also their families and the local communities they will be rejoining. The senator also conveyed his condolences to the families of OFWs who have lost their lives in the conflict. The remains of Loreta Alacre, an OFW killed by Hamas militants, recently arrived in Manila. Another Filipino caregiver was wounded but managed to escape the Hamas attack. Go has been a staunch supporter of the welfare of OFWs and was one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11641, which led to the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). "The DMW Act was designed to protect our OFWs. Now, more than ever, it's time to put this law into action to protect our kababayans," Go emphasized. Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2414 or the "OFW Ward Act.” If passed into law, every hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) across the country will have a specialized ward for OFWs and their family members who require hospitalization. Go has also filed SBN 2297, which seeks to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and ensure its continuous operation by providing sufficient support through necessary funding, personnel, and equipment. The bill aims to improve healthcare services for OFWs and their families by strengthening the existing facility and allocating necessary funds for its maintenance and operation. The post Repatriation, reintegration efforts must be prioritized for returning OFWs — Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Police warn against speculation in US synagogue leader’s murder
The politically active leader of a US synagogue was found dead with stab wounds outside her home on Saturday, as police cautioned against speculation over the motive for the murder. Police requested FBI assistance in investigating the murder of Samantha Woll, 40, who presided over the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, which serves metropolitan Detroit. Police Chief James White urged "that everyone remain patient" while the investigation is underway despite "many unanswered questions." "It is important that no conclusions be drawn until all of the available facts are reviewed," White said in a statement. "An update ... will be forthcoming tomorrow." The murder came amid escalating tensions in Jewish and Muslim communities across the United States over the Israel-Hamas conflict that has taken thousands of lives this month. Emergency personnel found Woll dead "with multiple stab wounds to her body," police said. A trail of blood led officers to Woll's nearby home, "which is where the crime is believed to have occurred." The motive in the killing "is unknown," a police statement added. The Detroit office of the FBI told AFP in an email that it "will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested." "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President," the synagogue posted on its Facebook page. "At this point, we do not have more information." Woll, who led the synagogue since 2022, was also active in Democratic Party affairs, working for US congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Detroit Free Press said. "I am shocked, saddened, and horrified to learn of Sam's brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I've ever known," Nessel posted on X, formerly Twitter. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was "devastated" to learn of Woll's death. "Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue," Duggan posted on X. "It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm." Slotkin, who served as a CIA officer before entering Congress, said Woll sought to build "understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness." The Free Press said Woll had been active in a grassroots organization aimed at building ties between young Muslims and Jews. The post Police warn against speculation in US synagogue leader’s murder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palawan still ASF-free
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Amid the recent outbreak of African swine fever in an island barangay in Palawan, the province’s veterinary chief said Friday that it is able to maintain its status as a “dark green zone” and can transport swine stocks to other parts of the country. The swift containment efforts of the disease, supported by vigilant surveillance conducted by the Provincial Veterinary Office and various provincial government offices, was the reason for sustaining its status as a free zone. ProVet officer-in-charge Dr. Darius Mangcucang explained that the color code shows that Palawan maintains its status as an “ASF-free zone” according to the national plan for prevention and control zoning established by the Department of Agriculture. “When we say ‘dark green zone,’ it means we are still ASF-free. Although we had an ASF incursion, the good thing is that we were able to contain it immediately. It didn’t spread beyond Barangay Cocoro,” said Mangcucang, adding that even Magsaysay remains free from ASF. His explanation followed the receipt of a letter from the Bureau of Animal Industry within the DA which supported ProVet’s request to retain Magsaysay town and the entire province in the “dark green zone,” given that the ASF case in Barangay Cocoro had been effectively isolated. In addition to reaffirming Palawan’s ASF-free status, Mangcucang highlighted that the BAI had also bestowed Magsaysay and Cuyo with Recognition of Active Surveillance for ASF certificates. The recognition was granted after blood samples collected from the swine populations in these two municipalities between 18 and 19 September tested negative for the disease. He emphasized that this successful testing was the basis for the BAI’s confirmation of Palawan’s ongoing status as ASF-free. The post Palawan still ASF-free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP
The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that it is not seeing any postponement of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on 30 October amid the reported 2,594 areas of concern. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that the PNP has recorded 246 “areas of grave concern” or under the red category while 1,248 villages are under the orange category and 1,100 are under the yellow category. “So far, we are not seeing any areas that may postpone the polls. All areas will be simultaneously doing or conducting the BSKE as scheduled. There are some areas that we think that needs additional troops like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Acorda said. “We have to send additional forces there and our deputy chief for operations are also preparing in coordination with the other agencies. If some areas will be challenging, we will render the appropriate measures,” he added. Areas listed under the red category would be under the Commission on Elections’ control and the poll body has the authority to augment security forces in the said areas. “With regards to the preparations for the barangay elections to our assessment and after the presentation of all the regional directors and after their meeting with the different Regional Joint Security Control Center, provincial JSCCs and of course on the national level, it’s a go for all of us,” said Acorda. The PNP chief revealed that the 246 “areas of grave concern” for the BSKE are mostly from Bicol, Eastern visayas and BARMM. “In BARMM alone we have 151, in Region 8 we have 60 and in Region 5 we have 21 this list is fluid, it may change anytime depending on the political climate in the area and these are being constantly monitored through our coordination with the Comelec, Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Acorda. He also said that the PNP keeping a close watch on 38 potential PAGs and four active PAGs ahead of the BSKE this year. The election period for the BSKE started on 28 August and will end on 29 November 2023. During this period, the Comelec mandates the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. The post BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA queries PNP’s TXT 2920
The Department of the Interior and Local Government unit, which supervises the Philippine National Police, has pledged to take necessary measures amid reports that anomalies have hounded the PNP’s emergency reporting system. Under PNP 2920, individuals can text in complaints against erring PNP personnel. PNP offices are mandated to create or activate their version of TXT 2920, “Isumbong mo kay Tsip,” and “Anti-Kotong Text,” to serve as a watching or check and balance mechanism against its personnel and act with dispatch on reports reaching their office. During the sponsorship debate on the DILG’s P262.0 billion budget for 2024, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Bonifacio Bosita raised the question of whether PNP’s 2920 is still active since he, himself, witnessed how the PNP covered up its personnel against complaints. Quezon City Rep. Luisa Cuaresma, the DILG’s budget sponsor, said the system is under the monitoring of the DILG, “particularly the PNP.” According to Bosita, a retired police commission officer before his stint in Congress, he witnessed how the PNP maneuvered the process to make it appear that the complaint was not legitimate. Relay system “When something happens at a police station, it will reach the PNP headquarters and be forwarded, communicated to the regional office of the PNP and taken down to the provincial police of the PNP and taken down to the police station concerned where the police being complained about is assigned,” Bosita said. “Because of this, Madam Sponsor and Mr. Speaker, the chief of police is trying to make it appear that the report received by the national headquarters is just a lie,” he added. The post CoA queries PNP’s TXT 2920 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo slams SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG over low coverage of domestic workers
Senator Raffy on Thursday slammed three government pension agencies for their “deficient” compliance in providing benefits coverage for domestic workers. Tulfo cited the 2019 joint survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment that there are 1.4 million registered domestic workers with the Social Security System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG. However, only 6 percent of this figure, or 84,190 kasambahays were enrolled by their employers in SSS, while only 5 percent or 74,858 e in PhilHealth and 3.4 percent or 51,579 in Pag-IBIG. “This is very low compliance,” said Tulfo, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor. “These agencies are not doing enough to ensure that employers in the country have registered and have been paying the SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG contributions of their kasambahays,” he added. Tulfo also expressed disappointment amid the failure of barangay officials to implement the registration system for domestic helpers. “Knowing that some employers are too busy to enroll their house help for said coverage or deliberately avoid doing so to avoid payments,” he said. The "Domestic Workers Act" or "Batas Kasambahay,” mandates every employer to register a house help under their employment in the barangay offices—where they are residing. The law also orders Punong Barangas to be responsible for the Registry of Kasambahay within their respective jurisdiction. “Why barangay officials managed to be very active on house-to-house campaigns during the elections period but were unable to go door-to-door to survey households with kasambahays and ensure implementation of Batas Kasambahay,” Tulfo questioned. Hence, he recommended the removal of “qualified theft punishment” for kasambahays. "Employers are using this to pin down house helps seeking better treatment or complaining about work-related benefits," Tulfo said. “In some cases, employers would get back at their kasambahays and avoid giving them proper treatment as mandated by the law by planting evidence pointing to a crime they did not commit, like stealing, employers would later report it to the police to send innocent and voiceless kasambahays to jail,” he added. The post Tulfo slams SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG over low coverage of domestic workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brazil opens first ‘ExpoCannabis’ amid pot debate
Bubbling with euphoria as thick as the haze in the air, marijuana enthusiasts flocked this weekend to Brazil's first "ExpoCannabis," amid a national debate over decriminalizing the drug for personal use. Launched in Uruguay a decade ago, the huge marijuana fair opened its first international edition Friday in Sao Paulo, complete with DJs, guest speakers, myriad pot products and a large outdoor space packed with hundreds of visitors, nearly all of them smoking up. Organizers said they expected 20,000 people to attend the three-day event, which aims to showcase cannabis in its many uses, and not just recreational and medicinal. "We want to show the public all the plant's capabilities. We're not just talking about the pharmaceutical industry. The plant can also work in the food and beverage industry, the construction industry, the textile industry and biofuels," organizer Larissa Uchida told AFP. "It's a plant that has been demonized for many years, so there needs to be a whole deconstruction of this idea." Uchida said the event respected Brazilian legislation, with vendors selling cannabis accessories, extracts and derivatives -- but not the actual drug. Those smoking it at the fair likely purchased it illegally, but authorities appeared willing to turn a blind eye. Brazil’s 2006 drug law imposes prison terms for drug trafficking, and lighter penalties such as community service for possession, but has faced criticism for a lack of clarity over the line between the two. - Landmark court case - ExpoCannabis got its start in Uruguay in 2013, the same year the small South American country became the first in the world to fully legalize the regulated production and sale of recreational marijuana. The event in neighboring Brazil comes as the Latin American economic powerhouse re-evaluates its own prohibitionist drug laws. Brazil's Supreme Court is currently hearing a case that could decriminalize small-scale possession and use of cannabis and certain other drugs in the nation of 203 million people. Five of the court's 11 justices have so far ruled for decriminalizing marijuana for personal use, just one vote short of the majority needed. Ruling to decriminalize in August, Justice Alexandre de Moraes condemned existing anti-narcotics laws, which he said principally penalized "young people, especially uneducated Blacks, who are treated as drug traffickers for possessing small quantities." However, in a sign of how controversial the subject remains, Senate president Rodrigo Pacheco announced plans Thursday to introduce legislation to amend the constitution to explicitly make the possession of any amount of cannabis a crime. - Budding mega-industry - "I think it's very important to have the first edition (of ExpoCannabis) in Brazil right now," Sao Paulo state legislator Caio Franca told AFP at the fair. "We're at a very opportune moment for a conversation on cannabis-based medicines and recreational use, both from a legislative point of view and also in the courts," said Franca, who has introduced a bill to include medical marijuana in the Sao Paulo public health system. Marijuana for medical use also remains a touchy subject in Brazil. Patients have had to go to court to win the right to use the active ingredient cannabidiol, or CBD, for treatment of conditions such as epilepsy. Gabriel Vieira, an exhibitor at the fair, called for Brazil to join the growing number of countries that have partially or fully legalized cannabis. "We have to see the truth: there are a lot of people who consume it, whether it's medicinal or recreational. I think we need to follow in the footsteps of countries like Germany, the United States," said Vieira, who is 29. The economic potential of the budding global cannabis industry -- valued at $43.7 billion last year, and projected to grow to more than 10 times that by 2030 -- was on full display at the fair. Visitor Luciano Narita, 40, grinned as he showed off his haul of products. "I came here looking for new products, like this chocolate I bought, pipes, leaves," he said with a smile. "I like it for recreational use." fg-jhb/bbk/tjj © Agence France-Presse The post Brazil opens first ‘ExpoCannabis’ amid pot debate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Padilla files bill to push stronger CHR functions
Senator Robinhood Padilla filed a bill that will effectively expand the structural, organizational, and functional independence of the Commission on Human Rights. On Wednesday, Padilla pushed the Senate Bill 2440 that guarantees full fiscal autonomy to the CHR "to ensure prompt, immediate, and unrestricted discharge of its functions.” “Regarded as a toothless tiger, the Commission has endured its limitations in rightfully carrying out its mandate within its jurisdiction,” Padilla said. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the CHR’s mandates, powers, and functions that are imperative to its “cardinal role in cultivating a culture of human rights culture in the country.” "A just and democratic country cannot be attained without a truly independent national human rights institution, said Padilla. “Today, more than ever, we need a more active CHR, one that is not strapped to the task of investigation or cannot recognize violations of human rights other than those involving civil and political rights.” SB 2440 provides the CHR with full authority to act on a complaint or motu proprio, in all cases of human rights violations; and vests it with the power to issue injunctive reliefs and legal measures. Padilla said the CHR’s independence “shall be respected and upheld, even as appropriations for it shall not be reduced and shall be automatically and regularly released.” “We need a CHR that can address the challenge of protecting and promoting the human rights of all, especially the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, and the marginalized sectors of society," he added. The measure will make CHR to be regarded as a national human rights institution, in accordance with the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions (Paris Principles) and other United Nations resolutions and instruments. Padilla said the SB 2440 will allow CHR to provide safety to witnesses and human rights defenders under threat as well as to implement and manage a witness protection service. Further, the CHR shall develop and implement a human rights information campaign program for the public; and establish a Human Rights Institute for the promotion and education of human rights and related fields. The HRI shall serve as a training institute for investigators, prosecutors, justices, judges, lawyers, and other human rights workers. Meanwhile, CHR is tasked to maintain a legal assistance program for underprivileged victims of human rights violations and prepare and make public an annual report on the findings of its monitoring activities. It shall also undertake measures for the protection and promotion of the human rights of Filipinos abroad, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, or deputized Philippine embassy or consulate officers. The post Padilla files bill to push stronger CHR functions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kim-Putin summit subtle ‘blackmail’ of Seoul
As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in Far East Russia Tuesday for a summit with President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, experts are seeing more to the potential weapons deal being forged by the two leaders. “Having to travel across the length of his own country to meet with an international pariah to ask for assistance in a war that he expected to win in the opening month, I would characterize it as him begging for assistance,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington. Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin University in Seoul, told Agence France-Presse that a Putin-Kim summit was part of Moscow’s “gentle diplomatic blackmail” of Seoul because Russia did not want South Korea to supply weapons to Ukraine. Seoul is a major arms exporter and has sold tanks to Kyiv’s ally Poland, but longstanding domestic policy bars it from selling weapons into active conflicts. Lankov, however, hinted the summit could backfire on Moscow amid the tension between Pyongyang and Seoul, which could force the latter to take side in a tit-for-tat. “The major worry of the Russian government now is a possible shipment of the South Korean ammunition to Ukraine, not just one shipment but a lot of shipments,” Lankov said. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said North Korea could supply Russia with ammunition needed for its war against Ukraine, with Moscow sharing its submarine, ballistic, and satellite technologies to Pyongyang to help the communist state leapfrog engineering challenges it suffers under international economic sanctions triggered by its nuclear weapons tests. WITH AFP The post Kim-Putin summit subtle ‘blackmail’ of Seoul appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A grateful nation honors its heroes
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead today’s observance of the country’s 92nd National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio Taguig, where his father and namesake was buried. In the presence of other top government officials, the President is expected to expound on the celebration’s theme of “Karangalan, Katungkulan and Kabayanihan (honor, duty and heroism).” But what stuff are heroes made of? Historian Esteban Ocampo described “heroes” as those whose gallantry helped shape the history of nations, so much so that they are immortalized, and remembered long after their deaths. The Philippines has produced a long list of heroes, with Dr. Jose Rizal being considered the primus inter pares or the first among co-equals among them. Why not allow Andres Bonifacio, the Katipunan’s supremo, to share the spotlight with Rizal? Why not indeed, when the nation celebrates both Rizal Day, every 30th of December to commemorate his martyrdom; and Bonifacio Day, every 30th of November celebrating the birth of Tondo’s pride, whose death would be ordered by another Filipino “hero,” General Emilio “Miyong” Aguinaldo. But Rizal alone or with Bonifacio would not suffice as heroes were forged, too, through the years of fighting American and Japanese colonizers, many of them sacrificing their lives on the altar of freedom. The country, dating back to 28 October 1941 when Act 3827 was passed, has been celebrating National Heroes’ Day every last Sunday of August. The celebration dates would be moved many times over before being reverted to the original. True enough, many other Filipino heroes had been disenfranchised with only nine making it to the official list of the National Heroes Committee created by then-President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995. The magnificent nine are Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino and Gabriela Silang. Rizal is best known for his fiery novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterimo which, to some historians, planted the seed of revolution in the likes of Bonifacio against Spain. Bonifacio so idolized Rizal that his Katipunan would use his surname as the password in their clandestine meetings, something which the Spaniards would use in convicting him and ordering his execution via firing squad at Bagumbayan, today’s Luneta or Rizal Park in Manila. Aguinaldo’s place on the list is certainly a contentious one amid his formation of the court that tried and ordered the execution of the Bonifacio brothers. He had also been pilloried over the roles he played during the American and Japanese occupations. Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” would be credited as the “brains” of the revolution, while Del Pilar would be hailed for his propaganda work against the Spaniards. Luna, who painted the Spoliarium and Parisian Life, was also active in the fight against Spain. So did Sultan Kudarat, who did so in the 1600s. Women are well-represented in the list by Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino who provided the Katipuneros food, medicines, and a safe haven; and Gabriela Silang, who took over the fight against Spain when her husband Diego Silang was killed. But where is Lapulapu, whose forces were credited for killing the first Spanish conquistadores to step foot on Philippine soil, Ferdinand Magellan? Not on the list for sure. Maybe on the menu? The post A grateful nation honors its heroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR, partners to implement Project TRANSFORM in 2 Bataan areas
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources over the weekend added the municipality of Abucay and the city of Balanga in Bataan to its roster of Project TRANSFORM recipients. Project TRANSFORM is a DENR program that engages the whole of society in implementing programs to alleviate poverty, strengthen community resilience, and promote strong public-private partnerships in the country. Through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on 31 July, the DENR has forged two Project TRANSFORM partnerships where the DENR and public and private partners will implement the Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project in the two areas aimed to enhance the province’s resiliency amid natural disasters and climate change impacts. Project TRANSFORM or Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities through Multistakeholder Engagement was launched in the municipalities of Limay, Mariveles, and Orion in the same province as pilot sites in Luzon on 9 May. TRANSFORM aims to bring together best practices from the government and private sectors to create an inclusive, science-based, and data-driven template that all stakeholders, partners, and local government units may utilize to combat the escalating climate emergency. Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia III said that Project TRANSFORM is a “timely and welcome catalyst” in the province’s journey towards resiliency and growth that results in stable and empowered families. The provincial government of Bataan has been pushing for the rehabilitation of mangrove forests as part of its primary and continuing efforts through the aid of various organizations. The Bataan province, composed of 11 municipalities and 1 city is surrounded by the West Philippine Sea and Manila Bay. With a coastline of approximately 177 kilometers, mangroves play a vital role in the protection of Bataan against natural disasters as these serve as a natural barrier against storms and floods. Furthermore, it provides habitats for various marine species such as fish, prawns, and crabs, which consequently provides income for fisherfolks. Mangroves are also known to significantly aid in the fight against climate change as they can capture and store carbon four times greater than other tropical forests. Under the partnership, the DENR will collaborate with the San Miguel Foundation Inc. and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. for the adoption and protection of mangrove areas in the municipality of Abucay and the city of Balanga respectively. The SMFI and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., through their corporate social responsibility programs, will provide the necessary funding as well as participate in all mangrove planting activities in the municipalities of Abucay and Balanga City respectively. The maintenance, conservation, and enhancement of the adopted mangroves forests will also be supported by the Bataan provincial government, Abucay and Balanga LGUs, DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bataan, and DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Dinalupihan. The Abucay Mangrove and Adoption Project is also in partnership with the community-based organization Samahan ng Mananahong ng Sitio Bakawan. It will be carried out in Sitio Bakawan in Brgys. Wawa and Calaylayan, involving an estimated area of five hectares suitable for mangrove plantation. Meanwhile, the Balanga City Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project will be in Brgy. Puerto Rivas, Ibaba comprises an estimated area of eight hectares and is in partnership with the community-based organization Tinig ng Mandaragat. Specifically, activities under the agreement include the identification of mangrove areas to be protected and areas to be enhanced and rehabilitated, collection of mangrove propagules, the conduct of enrichment planting in the adopted site, provision of technical assistance in mangrove protection and evaluation, coordination with concerned national government agencies, and the conduct of information, education, and communication related to mangrove protection and the governing environmental laws. Under DENR Administrative Order 15-90, the government promotes the conservation, protection, rehabilitation, and development of mangrove resources in the country and the active participation of organizations in its utilization and development. The post DENR, partners to implement Project TRANSFORM in 2 Bataan areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Conflict’s dark realm
The unseen struggle behind the seething conflict in the West Philippine Sea may be more intense than what has been playing out daily in the open, as recounted by global media. Jamestown Foundation, a Washington-based adviser to US policymakers, has identified several groups in the Philippines conducting so-called foreign influence operations, or FIOs, which it identified as groups that have direct lines to the hierarchy of the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China, or PRC. The conservative think tank, which is often consulted on the sea conflict said an aspect of “PRC statecraft that has garnered comparatively less attention, is the use of covert, coercive and corrupting practices to distort the national Filipino debate on sovereign competition in the (West Philippine Sea, or WPS).” The report stated that the policy falls under the ambit of the Chinese government’s United Front Work Department, or UFWD, which “squares clearly with the ruling Chinese Communist Party’s, or CCP, general emphasis on achieving information dominance.” The function of the UFWD overlaps and interlinks with the intelligence community. It also works closely with the CCP International Liaison Department and the Central Propaganda Department in promoting “political influence inside and outside of the PRC.” The body is on top of an elaborate network of proxies and front organizations “to reward, intimidate, surveil and ‘positively’ influence the overseas Chinese community as well as foreign academic institutions, political parties, and other influential bodies and personalities.” According to the report, the overarching goal is to win the hearts and minds of “targeted entities and unite them in supporting the Communist Party’s goals while neutralizing critics.” It revealed that the UFWD’s battle cry, “To rally our true friends to attack our true enemies,” came directly from China’s Great Leader Mao Zedong, and President Xi Jinping has himself referred to united front work as an “important magic weapon to win the cause of revolution, construction, and reform, and also realize the greatness of the Chinese nation.” The bulk of the foreign influence operations is now focused on the Philippines amid the heightened rift in the WPS. Based on the report, China’s United Front Work has three broad goals: 1) Sow discord in domestic Philippine politics to encourage the population to focus on internal conflict and tensions rather than on China as a main threat; 2) Weaken the US-Philippine defense alliance and promote a pro-PRC government in Manila, and; 3) Shape Philippine public opinion in support of Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea. The report admitted that much remains unknown about the overall bureaucracy of the UFWD in the Philippines, but its affiliated groups are present and active in the country. The Jamestown Foundation said that UFWD proxies have a specific remit to coopt influential Filipinos and “Chinoy” or Chinese-Filipino community members into backing the PRC’s position on regional affairs. “Concerning the South China Sea, the department focuses on manipulating businessmen, civic leaders, academics, journalists, and politicians to act as pliable conduits for promoting and endorsing Beijing’s presence in this littoral area,” the report said. On the American interest in the covert operations of Beijing, it indicated that an uptick in such operations in the Philippines is of immediate concern “given its sensitivity to any Chinese endeavor that could endanger freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.” The report urged Washington to develop and prioritize proactive initiatives to help Manila identify and counter foreign interference that China is specifically using to expand and entrench its littoral presence around the archipelago’s northwestern waters. An active role by the US in the “development of a robust and resilient counter interference network in the Philippines would not only assist in stemming Chinese territorial adventurism in the WPS but in doing so would also contribute to weakening the Chinese Communist Party’s drive to recalibrate Asia’s power structure in Beijing’s favor,” the report noted. The battle for the minds would thereon be expected to be fiercer than what transpires on the disputed waters. For Filipinos, vigilance and discernment to separate lies from the truth are essential. The post Conflict’s dark realm appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UnionBank taps tools for quick loans
Union Bank of the Philippines, or UnionBank, expects revenues to surge by 132 percent this year as it further streamlines digital and in-branch processes through communication solutions from global provider Infobip. Marc Angeles, UnionBank’s head for low-code development and automation, on Wednesday said the bank has been able to increase messages to clients from 20,000 per hour to 100,000 per hour using Infobip’s technology, leading to more applications for quick loans and a 12-percent growth in income. Infobip’s service called Moments helps the bank engage clients using artificial intelligence or AI to collect data from customers about the types of messaging tools they use often and the specific times in a day they open these communication tools. Different channels accessed “Before we were just sending via texts or SMS. With Infobip, we can deliver messages via different channels like Viber and email,” Angeles said. He said UnionBank started using Infobip’s Moments three or four months ago. With the automation features of Moments, UnionBank can talk to clients for updates on quick loan applications and marketing campaigns more effectively Quick loans provide clients cash for small and medium purchases of certain products and services, such as gadgets, home appliances and travel. “We know if they are booking the loan and engaging with us. Moment is an automated platform. If the clients are not active on SMS, communication automatically switches to Viber or email,” Angeles said. In this way, Infobip said UnionBank can maximize internet-based messaging apps amid the intermittent or low-signal connection in some areas, especially in the provinces. “We have time optimization which analyzes when the users access their messages and the time when they have the internet if they are using Whatsapp or Viber,” Andrew Egan, Infobip’s vice president of sales, said. To add new clients and introduce its digital services, UnionBank said it will continue to deploy physical tools and activities. “We have transformed physical branches into being more personal than simply transactional. We rolled out bank on wheels, for example, to reach clients including those in business process outsourcing during their payday, as well as visit remittance centers, especially in the provinces,” Angeles said. Infobip, on its part, stressed it will continue to tap messaging tools that appeal most to the consumers as UnionBank aims to provide financial services to all Filipinos. “The goal will always dictate the channel of choice. Infobip provides business opportunities not to use proprietary tools invented by Infobip. We don’t want to dictate another communication channel. This is ease of access,” Cecile Tizon, Infobip’s sales director for Asia Pacific, said. The post UnionBank taps tools for quick loans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Junk’ investment grade if pension reform ignored
Amid a perceived stirred-up hornet’s nest by introducing reforms in the military and uniformed personnel’s pension plan, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday warned that the next administration will face a huge problem if the planned changes to the MUP pension system are not enacted into law. “The rating agencies are looking at that. If we continue to ignore the military pension system, our current investment grade with the rating agencies might turn into junk,” Diokno said in a briefing on the projected 2024 National Expenditure Program for the Development Budget Coordination Committee. He told the lawmakers that the Philippines may lose its investment grade rating if it doesn’t change its “unsustainable” MUP pension system since reducing debt and deficit will be more difficult. The sovereign bonds of the Philippines are rated BBB by Fitch Ratings, with a stable outlook; similarly, they are rated Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Services and BBB+ by S&P Global Ratings. The Philippines could see its investment-grade rating, which it has held for a decade, relegated to “junk” territory if “we continue to ignore” the need to reform the MUP system, Diokno said. “The pension system is not a real pension system in the following sense — there are no contributors. A pension system is where the beneficiaries of the pension system contribute and there’s a government counterpart,” he added. Diokno said a pension system is one in which the government matches the contributions made by the pension system’s beneficiaries. However, he underscored that the beneficiaries “do not contribute” to the pension, and the money is only appropriated once a year. The current setup, Diokno added, was “unsustainable” because it would become a “huge component of the national budget.” “I think if you let this through, continue I think the next administration will be faced with a huge problem. The current situation is that the amount we allocate for the military pension is much higher than the current operating budget of the military,” Diokno said. He admitted that the government is recommending P164 billion for the MUP pension under the 2024 NEP, representing a 3.5 percent increase over the financing for benefits this year. The government pays for this in full without funds coming directly from the MUPs, Diokno added. Liablilities Although the country’s gross domestic product is anticipated to be approximately P20 trillion, he said the liabilities of the pension system, which does not receive payments from MUPs, have already been calculated at P9 trillion. The debt payment level, he said, had already risen to 61 percent of the GDP after the Covid-19 pandemic when the government had to accrue trillions of pesos in debt. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has prioritized revamping the service personnel retirement system as part of his government’s efforts to streamline its budget and free up funds for much-needed infrastructure. Meanwhile, a House of Representatives special committee approved yesterday a substitute bill on pension reforms for MUP — it includes provisions for a special assistance fund for retired MUPs in need and establishes uniform rates for lump sum benefits. The bill also proposes that MUPs contribute a percentage of their basic pay based on their years of service, with the government also contributing to complete the 21 percent pension contribution. It was found acceptable by all stakeholders, was agreed upon by the committee members, and was supported by both the military and uniformed services as well as the economic managers. The MUP pension system was established during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. It includes retirees from the Philippine Public Safety College, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Corrections. The proposal to redesign the current MUP pension system to contribute 5 percent of their basic pay for the first three years, 7 percent for the next three years, and 9 percent after that for those in active service, while new entrants would contribute 9 percent of their base pay. However, several uniformed personnel on active duty oppose the requirement that they make pension system contributions. The PMA Class of 1971 questioned Diokno on why he singled out the military and uniformed personnel pension system. The post ‘Junk’ investment grade if pension reform ignored appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wildfire destroys Hawaii town, kills 36
A wildfire fanned by strong winds from a typhoon off the coast of Hawaii’s Maui island destroyed a tourist town, killed at least 36 people and cut power affecting 13,000 people, officials said on Wednesday. “As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire,” the Maui county government said in a statement. Residents of Lahaina trapped by the fast-moving fire were forced to jump into the ocean to escape death. “People are jumping into the water to avoid the fire,” United States Army Major General Kenneth Hara, the state adjutant general, told Hawaii News Now. The Coast Guard said it had “successfully rescued 12 individuals from the waters off Lahaina” and it was sending other vessels to Maui. Hara said strong winds had prevented helicopters from being used to carry out rescues or fight the fires. Lahaina resident Claire Kent said that homeless people and people without access to vehicles seemed to have been trapped in the town. Kent also said power and cell phone coverage had been knocked out Tuesday. Emergency services were overwhelmed by the blaze that appeared to have erupted almost without warning. “911 is down. Cell service is down. Phone service is down,” Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke told CNN. “Much of Lahaina on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced,” Governor Josh Green said. Chrissy Lovitt told the outlet every boat in Lahaina Harbor had burned. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen told a press conference that Maui’s hospital “was overburdened with burn patients, people suffering from inhalation.” A video posted on social media showed blazes tearing through the heart of the beachfront town and sending up huge plumes of black smoke. WITH AFP The post Wildfire destroys Hawaii town, kills 36 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NSC: ‘Agreement’ to remove Phl ship from Ayungin is Chinese ‘fiction’
The Philippines will “never abandon” the BRP Sierra Madre (LST-57), an active Philippine Navy commissioned vessel, amid China’s call for the removal of the grounded vessel in Ayungin Shoal, the National Security Council emphasized on Tuesday. In a radio interview, NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the country did not make any commitment to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, contrary to recent statement by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin that the “Philippines explicitly promised several times to tow away the military vessel deliberately and illegally grounded at the Ren’ai Jiao”—the Chinese name for Ayungin Shoal. “There is no record or any minutes of a meeting or any formal report or any legal document or a legally enforceable document or otherwise—a verbal agreement—without the knowledge of the National Security Council,” Malaya stressed. In his statement, Wang insisted that Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. But the Philippines maintains its sovereignty over the shoal as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral ruling. “Ayungin Shoal is located in our exclusive economic zone, it is part of our continental shelf and that fact was affirmed by the 2016 ruling of the arbitral tribunal in The Hague, so if someone from the Philippines made the agreement, that goes against the legal position of the government. So again we can consider this, I think of it as fiction… imaginations of the Chinese ambassador,” Malaya said. “We don’t know anything, even if you track back the statements of previous secretaries or even media reports, you would not see that kind of agreement being discussed,” he added. Malaya said the BRP Sierra Madre serves as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal. Thus, towing away the Filipino vessel will never be an option for the country. “Never, we will not abandon [BRP] Sierra Madre, kahit magpatintero tayo araw-araw… We will continue to support and supply our troops,” he added. Malaya underscored that the Philippines will have to maintain operations within its sovereignty, which include the provision of supplies to its troops deployed in the shoal. “We are well within our rights kung ano 'yung ipapadala natin doon. These are matters that are covered by national security,” he said. The post NSC: ‘Agreement’ to remove Phl ship from Ayungin is Chinese ‘fiction’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Microsoft, Google beat earnings expectations amid AI frenzy
Tech titans Google and Microsoft announced better-than-expected earnings on Tuesday as the frenzy over artificial intelligence stokes investor excitement and breathes new life into the sector. The release of ChatGPT last year landed as technology giants were embarking on major layoffs and cost-cutting plans, with share prices hammered after flying high during the coronavirus pandemic. For the second consecutive quarter, Microsoft has more than reversed the trend, seeing profits and sales soaring to the highest levels ever for the 48-year-old company co-founded by Bill Gates. An earnings statement reported that net profit for Microsoft was $20.1 billion in the April to June period, up 20 percent year-on-year and above expectations. The company posted $56.2 billion in sales, which also beat expectations, though the growth slowed from the previous quarter. And even though its share price slipped in after-hours trading, the Windows-maker remains the world's second most valuable company after Apple, with a market capitalization of $2.6 trillion. Once again, business in the latest quarter was driven by the cloud, which relies heavily on artificial intelligence and accounts for more than half of the company's sales. Cloud sales grew by 21 percent year-on-year. Microsoft shares lifted off last week when the company said it would charge $30 extra per user to turbocharge its Microsoft 365 product -- which includes Word, Excel and Teams -- with AI powers. "Every customer I speak with is asking not only how, but how fast they can apply next generation AI to address the biggest opportunities and challenges they face and to do so safely and responsibly," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Google parent Alphabet on Tuesday also reported profits that beat market forecasts as digital advertising revenue revived and its cloud business grew. The search engine giant reported net income of $18.7 billion on revenue of $74.6 billion in the recently ended quarter. "There's exciting momentum across our products and the company, which drove strong results this quarter," Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai said in an earnings release. Alphabet shares jumped more than six percent to $129.57 in after-market trades following the results. Microsoft saw its share price slip more than three percent to $337.99 as earnings showed it will take a bit of time and investment to fulfill its AI visions. "I think people got overly excited by AI, but now the reality is that it is not going to be instant," said independent analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group. "We are talking a few years before the full benefit starts to materialize." Brin is back While the latest talk has surrounded AI, what matters most for Google earnings currently is digital advertising -- where it gets the bulk of its revenue. The company said that advertising revenue hit $58.1 billion, which outshined analysts' expectations of $57.45 billion. Google is also a player in the cloud computing industry, where revenue came in at $8 billion, compared with $6.3 billion the unit took in during the same period a year earlier. "Our continued leadership in AI and our excellence in engineering and innovation are driving the next evolution of Search, and improving all our services," Pichai said. Google has played a close second to the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI in rolling out its AI products following the release of ChatGPT. The company has largely been seen as playing catch up with Microsoft, with questions over whether the mighty Google search engine will withstand developments in AI. Microsoft was quick to beef up its Bing search engine with AI powers, but Google's search has yet to see a real threat to its dominance -- which remains about 90 percent of the market worldwide. Google, though not as dramatically as Microsoft, has seen its share price rise steeply in 2023 as investors expect AI to generate new revenue and open new markets. According to The Wall Street Journal, Google co-founder Sergey Brin is back at the company headquarters in California helping teams develop even more AI products. He and co-founder Larry Page stepped down from active roles at Google in 2019 when Pichai was chosen to replace them as chief executive. The post Microsoft, Google beat earnings expectations amid AI frenzy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI to stay relevant in BPO, group claims
As artificial intelligence is causing global worry over the loss of jobs for humans, executives of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines maintain that AI would bring more benefits than harm, particularly to their industry. CCAP president Mickey Ocampo said artificial intelligence would be more helpful, than detrimental, to the BPO industry. He said the country’s contact center and business process management sector continues to evolve amid the emergence of new technologies, particularly Generative AI, which is quickly being incorporated into various tasks across the information technology and business process management or IT-BPM industry. “The impact of a generative AI will come within the next, maybe, two to four years. This will allow our country to develop using upskilling our people. Generative AI will increase productivity as at a certain level we will be able to handle more calls or more non-voice inquiries. AI will also generate additional jobs,” he said during Daily Tribune’s Straight Talk program last Tuesday. Ocampo said their group is confident the sector could easily keep its position as the world’s top provider of voice and business process outsourcing services and it’s being the “heart of customer experience (CX)” with the adoption of Generative AI, which critics say could either be a boon or a bane to the BPO industry. “Generative AI can be used to automate and enhance various aspects of customer interactions. Some examples are chatbots and virtual assistants. There are automated email responses for faster adaptability. To illustrate, in the past, when an agent needed to respond to a customer’s call, he had to look at the CRM and backtrack or even go to the knowledge base. Now, these things are automated, further enhancing agent productivity,” Ocampo said. CCAP managing director Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury said Generative AI will have an impact on client business, in the way services are delivered and in the corporate services of providers, namely, human resource and finance, among others. She said the use of Generative AI Assist working alongside agents when handling calls will increase their efficiency, productivity, and resolution in delivering customer service. “Thus, the call agent is provided the opportunity to have more focused active listening and genuine empathy rather than being preoccupied with navigating the system for resolution. Filipinos’ innate trait of service orientation combined with the power of Generative AI will enhance the employee’s experience at work which would translate to an even more satisfying customer experience — therefore helping the Philippines retain being the ‘heart of CX’ and at the same time meeting or even exceeding growth targets,” Bradbury explained. Additional 1.1M jobs Ocampo said with the use of Generative AI by CCAP members, they can generate an additional 1.1 million jobs for Filipinos until 2028, covering all types of BPO services, namely, finance, insurance, medical, and health, and overall cost-based customer service for fast moving and consumer goods. “And if we go back to the generative AI, new job roles are created. Generative AI will be useful to the end users and the consumers and the business. We will continue to upskill our workforce to cope with AI,” Ocampo said. The aggressive target is part of the 2028 IT-BPM Roadmap, which was launched in the third quarter of 2022, coinciding with the start of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It also sets a target of 2.5 million full-time employees (2.3 million to be accounted for by CCAP-member firms) and a 40-percent countryside expansion. In 2022, the contact center sector employed 1.4 million individuals, which was 87 percent of the 1.6 million total employment in the local IT-BPM industry. Ocampo said the impact of Generative AI would be reflected in the sector’s figures in two to four years, clarifying that the emerging technology was not factored in when the IT-BPM Roadmap was set “because it surfaced just about seven months ago although AI had already been widely used across the industry.” These and more interesting issues and developments would take center stage in the upcoming Contact Islands Conference 2023. With the theme “The Philippines, the Heart of CX,” the conference is set to once again facilitate a world-class delegate experience and an excellent venue for the exchange of views, coaching, networking, and benchmarking for the sector’s leaders and decision-makers. The conference is set for 26 to 28 July at the Dusit Thani Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City Cebu. The post AI to stay relevant in BPO, group claims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»