Communications & Technology

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has signed a deal with Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to develop AI-powered digital solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This partnership supports the ASEAN Priority Economic Deliverable on AI-Powered MSME Growth, as the Philippines chairs this year’s ASEAN Summit. The two agencies will build on the DICT’s mobile-first AI Tech Stack, which helps businesses prepare business plans, meet requirements, and find funding, with support in Filipino, English, and other local languages. Officials said the initiative will make AI accessible to more small firms, improve their credit standing, and boost their competitiveness across the country and the region.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) are positioning the Port of Subic Bay as a strategic logistics hub for the country's growing artificial intelligence and semiconductor ambitions, a move aimed at strengthening the Philippines' role in high-value global supply chains.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has urged China Daily to remove an AI-generated video that it said portrayed the Philippines in a derogatory manner, warning that such content risks damaging goodwill and business ties between the two countries.

Globe Telecom welcomed Executive Order No. 119 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 13, calling it a major step to strengthen the country's cybersecurity and build public trust in digital government.

Semiconductor manufacturer Inari Amertron Inc. (Amertron) is expanding its Clark operations, adding about 600 jobs and increasing production capacity by around 30 percent as the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom fuels demand for advanced chips and electronics.