Iloilo City is poised to claim the title “Philippines’ first green MICE destination,” as it embarks on an aggressive Green Meets Great campaign as outlined in the city government’s 2025 outlook and presented by a team led by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, at a gathering on October 22.
As one of the few local government units in the Philippines to establish a thriving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Office, Iloilo City meets the conditions to be a top MICE tourism hub for Southeast Asia.
The Green Meets Great campaign signals a liveable, sustainable, highly urbanized Iloilo City, offering a wide array of green MICE options for traveling groups eager to experience. Records from the Department of Tourism showed that Iloilo City clocked a total of 752,301 tourists in 2022, and 886,283 in 2023.
Moreover, Iloilo City was declared a Clean Tourist City by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), making the city a good ground to promote sustainable energy practices in the country.
As bestowed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Iloilo City has also been named in Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023.
Initiatives under the Green Meets Great program include accreditation of solar panel and energy saver establishments, government buildings, and accommodations as well as renewable energy adoption incentives, and waste management protocols especially for streets and parks.
The Green Meets Great program also aims to improve sustainable tourism mobility with its bikeable city plan, having won the Gold Award for Most Bicycle-Friendly City last year.
Programs are geared towards a sustainable environment including paperless registrations and bookkeeping, cashless transactions down to the markets, an emphasis on the city’s no smoking city ordinance, and no styrofoam and no plastic directives in events, pivoting toward 100 percent compostable materials.
Encouraging stakeholder participation in renewable energy adoption, in May, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) lauded the success of its Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) and other voluntary renewable energy programs in Iloilo City.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognized Iloilo City at the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad Awards for innovative local growth projects in August, 2024, becoming a recipient of a PHP2-million grant under the Lunsod Lunsad Project.
This gave rise to the Iloilo City Lunsod Lunsad Creative Gastronomy Mapping, Strategy Development, Showcase, comprehensive mapping of the gastronomic landscape of Iloilo City.
Farm in Brgys. Mansilingan and Handumanan, Bacolod City managed by the Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF)
Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), bares their sustainability projects in partnership with the NEDF.
The company is committed to its advocacy of the circular economy by sourcing locally produced fruits, vegetables, herbs, dairy, and other products for their culinary operations, and repurposing food waste into organic compost to regenerate nature.
This initiative supports hundreds of farmers in Negros island.
The SM Group has also extended support to these farmers through knowledge transfer and market access, like the ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’ training program of SM Foundation and the weekend markets organized by its SM malls.
Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod presents ‘Plate for the Planet,’ curated by executive chef Fines Dungca. The special 4 to 6 course meal features an all-organic menu that is 100% locally sourced from partner farms in Bacolod and the rest of the province, from the produce, herbs, poultry, cage free eggs, and the like.
The menu also varies depending on what’s available from the farms.
The lunch showcases SMCHH commitment to sustainable practices and empowering local farmers.
For 20 years, GCash, the country’s leading super app, has been at the heart of Filipino lives, revolutionizing the way we pay, shop, save, and more. To mark this incredible milestone, GCash is pulling out all the stops with a grand raffle, giving away P30 Million worth of prizes to more than 300,000 lucky winners!
From October 10 to 31, GCash users have a chance to win exciting rewards—from the latest mobile phones and new motorcycles to grocery packages. It’s GCash’s way of saying thank you for being a part of its 20-year journey. Celebrate Natin Ang Lahat as we give back with prizes for everyone!
How to join?
In true GCash fashion, they are celebrating their 20 years with a Grand Giveaway, just Shake It, Win It! Participating is easy! Here’s how:
Simply log in to your GCash account daily, and tap the 20 years icon, located at the top of the screen on the app’s homepage
Shake your phone to get a raffle entry
Tap and shake daily for more entries
The more you shake, the more chances you have to win!
Raffle is open to all GCash users nationwide! Winners will be announced every 3-4 days. New and exciting prizes are up for grabs each week! So, keep shaking and make GCash part of your everyday routine!
What’s up for grabs?
Here’s what can you win when you Shake It, Win It:
P 100 GCash Credits for 73,000 winners
P 50 GCash Credits for 90,000 winners
PHP 20 GCash Credits for 150,000 winners
The fun and prizes do not stop there! GCash has more exciting major prizes that you can win:
PHP 50,000 Grocery Packages for 100 winners, perfect to kick-start your own sari-sari store business
Yamaha MTX YTX125 Motorcycles for 100 winners, ideal for delivery or service transportation livelihood
Oppo A3 smartphones for 200 winners, because milestone celebrations call for new gadgets
#CelebrateNatinAngLahat with #GCash20 this October!
Download the GCash app today, available on the Google Play Store or the App Store. Stay tuned for more #GCash20 announcements by following @gcashofficial on Instagram and Facebook.
Global leading smart device brand OPPO has achieved a significant breakthrough by becoming the first company to implement the Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture on-device. This milestone enhances AI processing efficiency, opens new possibilities for more advanced and flexible on-device AI, laying the groundwork for future innovations in AI’s integration with mobile hardware.
As AI technology continues to evolve, more tasks are being performed on-device. However, large AI models require substantial computational power, which can impact performance, especially on devices with limited hardware resources. In response, OPPO has collaborated with leading chipset providers to implement the MoE architecture on-device to overcome these limitations.
The MoE architecture dynamically activates specialized sub-models (“experts”) to handle specific tasks, thereby significantly improving processing efficiency and cutting down computing and data transfer consumption. Lab tests reveal that on-device MoE architecture accelerates AI task speeds by approximately 40%, reducing resource demands and improving energy efficiency. This means faster AI responses, longer battery life and enhanced privacy as more tasks are handled locally on the device.
OPPO’s implementation of the MoE architecture on-device is a breakthrough that highlights its advancement in AI innovation. By lowering AI’s computational costs, MoE allows more devices-ranging from flagship to affordable devices-to perform complex AI tasks, accelerating AI’s adoption across the industry. As a result, The MoE architecture on-device opens new opportunities for the industry to make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, OPPO remains committed to advancing AI technology and making it available to more users. With over 5,860 patent applications in the AI field, OPPO continues to invest heavily in AI R&D. The establishment of OPPO’s AI Center in 2024 serves as a key step in consolidating its AI research efforts, furthering the company’s mission to provide high-quality AI experiences to users worldwide. Through continued research like MoE and the global rollout of AI-powered features across its smartphone lineup, OPPO aims to extend high-quality AI experiences to a broader audience, ensuring that AI technology becomes more accessible to users across its device categories.
Airspeed, an end-to-end logistics service provider in the Philippines, has set excellence standards for over forty years. Recently, it was honored as the Circle of Excellence for Service Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards 2024. This accolade highlights Airspeed’s steadfast dedication to providing outstanding logistics solutions and surpassing client expectations.
Airspeed offers comprehensive services, including international and domestic multimodal freight forwarding, customs clearance, specialized logistics, storage solutions, and e-commerce fulfillment. With a modest beginning in 1985 with six committed individuals today, Airspeed has built a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and innovation. With a mission to provide safe, on-time, and seamless logistics solutions, the company fulfills the diverse needs of its clients.
A Testament to Hard Work and Dedication
Airspeed’s recognition at the Asia CEO Awards is a testament to its hard work and dedication. The company’s success depends on every employee’s hard work and commitment, from the ground staff to the executive leadership. The award recognizes the relentless pursuit of excellence and maintaining high service standards –- all to make things happen for its stakeholders.
Leadership and Vision
Airspeed’s success has been led and driven by Rosemarie Rafael, the company’s Chairperson and President, whose vision has contributed to its success. With over 40 years of experience in the logistics industry, Rosemarie Rafael has been one of the main driving forces behind Airspeed’s innovative strategies and customer-centric approach. Her vision and entrepreneurial spirit have propelled the company to new heights and earned her recognition.
She has been recognized as a Circle of Excellence for ASIA CEO Woman Leader of the Year 2024. Rosemarie Rafael is also one of the 11 outstanding entrepreneurs for EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Philippines. This global award-giving body recognizes entrepreneurs in diverse industries who are transforming communities, offering more opportunities, and uplifting the nation through businesses and enterprises.
Airspeed’s Commitment to Excellence
Airspeed’s success is built on solid values and a commitment to excellence. It prides itself on adapting to the ever-changing logistics landscape, leveraging technology and innovation to enhance its services. Airspeed’s comprehensive logistics solutions are designed to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring efficient and reliable service delivery.
Each of the recognitions received by the Airspeed Group reflects not just the individual achievements but also the company’s collective effort and commitment to delivering seamless services that set them apart from other logistics providers.
Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with recent back-to-back tree planting activities, organized in coordination with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).
The initiative was supported by over 200 Sun Life volunteers, including Sun Life Philippines’s Chief Asset Management Officer and Foundation Trustee Valerie Pama and Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Cordero-Garcia. Together, they planted a total of 3,000 seedlings at the DENR Nursery in La Mesa Watershed.
As the last remaining forest of its size and the only major watershed in Metro Manila, La Mesa helps provide drinking water to the region’s more than 13 million residents. Considered as the “lungs” of the metropolis, La Mesa also acts as a carbon sink, absorbing a significant amount of Metro Manila’s carbon emissions.
“It’s crucial to conserve and protect nature, especially here in Metro Manila where pollution, climate change, and monsoon rains greatly impact the quality of life of millions,” said Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Kristine Millete. “Through annual tree plantings, we hope to help in building a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and livable city.”
“Each step we take contributes to the greater good. If a small step makes a difference, imagine the impact our concerted effort will have not just in the present but for generations to come,” said Sun Life President Alex Narciso. “We must all work together for a greener and brighter future.”
As the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, the first and longest-standing life insurance company in the country, Sun Life Foundation supports holistic initiatives encompassing education, health, and environmental sustainability.
Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, announced the upcoming release of Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5 CUDIMMs, compatible with Intel’s new 800-series chipset (formerly codenamed Arrow Lake). Intel’s 800-series chipset is the first platform to utilize Clock Drivers on CUDIMMs (Clocked Unbuffered Dual Inline Memory Modules). At 6400MT/s DDR5, JEDEC mandates the inclusion of a Client Clock Driver (CKD) on UDIMMs and SODIMMs. This component buffers and redrives the clock signal from the processor, enhancing signal integrity to the module. To distinguish these advanced modules from standard DDR5 UDIMMs and SODIMMs, JEDEC has designated them as CUDIMMs and CSODIMMs, respectively.
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB and non-RGB CUDIMM modules start at an overclocked speed of 8400MT/s and are available as 24GB single modules and 48GB dual channel kits. Since CUDIMMs and UDIMMs share the same 288-pin connector, Kingston FURY UDIMMs with XMP and EXPO profiles are also compatible with Intel 800-series motherboards. However, it’s recommended to verify compatibility through the motherboard manufacturer’s QVL (Qualified Vendor List) or by checking the Kingston Configurator for supported speeds and capacities.
“Our new 8400MT/s CUDIMM modules have been thoroughly tested, qualified by the top motherboard manufacturers, and Intel XMP certified on the new Intel Z890 motherboards with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors,” says Kingston. “The introduction of overclockable DDR5 CUDIMM modules allows us to reach a broader range of professionals who demand top-tier performance and want to push the limits of their systems without compromising signal integrity.”
Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5 CUDIMMs will begin shipping from early December onwards. For more information visit kingston.com.
Part Number
Description
KF584CU40RS-24
24GB 8400MT/s DDR5 CL40 CUDIMM Silver XMP
KF584CU40RSK2-48
48GB 8400MT/s DDR5 CL40 CUDIMM (Kit of 2) Silver XMP
KF584CU40RW-24
24GB 8400MT/s DDR5 CL40 CUDIMM White XMP
KF584CU40RWK2-48
48GB 8400MT/s DDR5 CL40 CUDIMM (Kit of 2) White XMP
Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are expanding their disaster preparedness expertise to the barangay level as part of the company’s push to help boost the country’s culture of resilience.
In partnership with Barangay Baccuit Sur in Bauang, La Union, PLDT engineers assigned at the company’s La Union Cable Landing Station (LUCLS) shared practical tips for creating effective disaster resilience plans to help the community safeguard their homes and families during emergencies.
Jacques Dean O. Gutierrez Jr., Head of LUCLS Operations, led the activity by sharing insights on disaster planning, focusing on how individuals and families can protect their homes and loved ones during disasters. Gutierrez also presented a disaster preparedness guide, providing essential strategies for communities to plan effectively before emergencies arise. An interactive Q&A portion after the lecture also reinforced key lessons.
“Through this activity, we recognize the importance of actively engaging our local communities in order to foster a culture of resilience,” Gutierrez said. “This initiative is also aligned with our commitment to the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), ensuring we provide a beneficial social development program that involves our employees, the host barangay, and other parts of communities where we have critical facilities,” he added.
Artemio Yadao, Baccuit Sur barangay captain, hailed the event as a significant step toward building a more resilient community. “The knowledge shared by La Union Cable Landing Station and the practical tools they provided, like the Go Bags and pocket procedure guides, will empower our residents to take proactive steps in disaster preparedness. It is reassuring to see how eager everyone was to learn and how this event brought us closer as a community,” he said.
“This initiative is anchored on the company’s Resilient Citizen Program and will be subsequently rolled out at the Batangas and Daet International Cable System Stations in the coming months to boost the disaster preparedness know-how of employees, their families and the communities surrounding PLDT’s critical network facilities,” said Leo A. Gonzales, VP and Head of Property Facilities and Asset Resiliency Management.
It also boosts PLDT’s “Iwas Kable” campaign in barangays near the ocean, whose main objective is to ensure the protection of both PLDT’s submarine cable systems and the fisherfolk, who need to be made aware that these cables are energized.
PLDT and Smart’s Business Continuity and Resilience Office Business Continuity Awareness Program supports the company’s thrust for resiliency and industry-leading operational excellence for enhanced stakeholder confidence.
These initiatives also align with the PLDT Group’s commitment to support the Philippine government’s digitalization thrust, and the country’s attainment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco in the country, is driving the future of digital homes as it recently launched its newest DITO Home WOWFi, the first 5G RedCap WiFi in the world for home use powered by DITO’s true 5G network.
According to Ms. Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business, this latest home broadband offering aims to provide Filipino households the home internet they need as they usher their way in this era of smart homes and digital innovatio
“As we embrace digital transformations, we come in as a young telco to help Filipinos thrive in the digital age, helping them connect, learn, and grow without barriers. Indeed, we can truly power the future of digital homes in the Philippines,” Jimenez said.
5G RedCap is a new 5G standard and critical evolution of 5G originally called NR Light, an essential part of lightweight 5G offering the right balance of 5G capabilities such as low latency, high peak data rate, and maximum capacity.
This emerging technology is globally used for industrial and manufacturing. But here in the Philippines, DITO is bringing this technology straight to Filipino homes, allowing households to enjoy the benefits of 5G at a very affordable price.
“We are confident that RedCap will reshape how homes access the internet, providing an affordable, reliable, and high-performance alternative to existing technologies,” said Ret. Maj. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, Chief Technology Officer of DITO Telecommunity.
DITO officially launched its latest product offering during its recent Next-Gen Home Connectivity Media Conference on October 18. DITO gathered several technology experts to share their insights and perspectives about RedCap technology and its contribution to Filipino households’ digital transformations.
Guest speaker Abe Olandres, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Yugatech, shared that RedCap is a simplified and cost-effective 5G connection where users can enjoy the advantages of 5G without the need for high bandwidth. He also explained that RedCap only operates on 5G Standalone networks, which can deliver the true 5G experience to Filipino households.
“5G RedCap does not mean reduced benefits. On the contrary, it perfectly fits the needs for specific cases, uses and devices. It offers a great middle ground for a problem that’s been waiting for a reasonable solution since the mass adoption of 5G,” Olandres said.
Meanwhile, Art Samaniego, Information and Communications Technology Head of Manila Bulletin, discussed the numerous benefits of 5G RedCap to Filipino households, such as increased capacity for more devices, smart home innovation, stable performance for wearables, more reliable connection for remote work, online learning, and micro businesses.
“5G RedCap technology opens up incredible opportunities for Filipino households. From increased network capacity, to enhanced smart home automation, reliable connections for work and education, and improved performance of wearables, RedCap truly brings the future into our homes. It represents a smarter, safer, and more efficient way of living, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical everyday benefits,” Samaniego said.
Samaniego and Olandres also stressed that RedCap plays a vital role in the broader adoption of 5G. This technology will connect more devices to 5G networks and expand the 5G ecosystem, which can drive the growth of 5G in the country.
Jasper Evangelista, DITO Brand and Marketing Director, highlighted the numerous advantages of the new DITO Home WOWFi. He stated, “As we introduce this new technology in the market, we want to debunk the notion that 5G is only for the elite or privileged. This product will make 5G more accessible to everyone, especially for the underserved market.” Evangelista added, “DITO Home WOWFi has the potential to truly power the future of digital homes across the Philippines.”
During the media conference, Evangelista, along with invited technology experts and guests like Jayvee Fernandez, technology editor of the Philippine Star, Joey Ong, founder of DadBudPH, and Cleo Loque, owner of Hiraya Pilipina, discussed the importance of internet connectivity in their everyday lives. Fernandez highlighted a key benefit of DITO Home WOWFi—its wireless setup, which eliminates issues with cut wires. Meanwhile, Ong emphasized how the new technology supports parents working from home, while Loque shared how DITO Home WOWFI’s easy plug-and-play feature can help boost her productivity and support the growth of her online business.
DITO Home WOWFi– Your All-Around Home WiFi
Powered by DITO’s true 5G network, DITO Home WOWFi is the most value-packed wireless broadband in the market. Its starter kit is priced at Php 1,990 with complimentary unlimited 5G data and bonus 50GB 4G data for 30 days. The succeeding monthly load option is only at Php 790 for 30 days with UNLI 5G and bonus 50GB 4G data, which only applies to 4G covered areas.
DITO Home’s pioneering product is made possible through its partnership with Huawei Technologies, a global leader in 5G deployment.
Step into the future of next-gen home connectivity with DITO Home WOWFi, now available at the DITO e-Shop, DITO Experience Stores, Device Retail Partners, Sales Blitzes, and DITO official stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.
