The 2026 cycle is specifically themed 鈥淩e-Designing Industrial Operations,鈥� focusing on four strategic pillars: manufacturing optimization, automation and digitalization, industrial health and safety, and resource efficiency.

The call is targeted at incorporated startups, typically at the Seed to Series A stage, that possess a working prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP). De Nora indicated a preference for 鈥渕ission-driven鈥� founders developing technologies beyond the company鈥檚 core electrochemical business, aiming to unlock new opportunities in process optimization and sustainability.

The application window is currently open and will close on June 20, 2026. Following a review process, a short list of 10 finalists will be invited to a pitching session on July 20. A final cohort of up to five startups will be selected by the end of July.

Selected startups will enter a structured two-phase program beginning in September 2026. The initial Incubation Phase spans six months, during which participants work with De Nora technical teams to execute a Proof of Concept (PoC). Startups that successfully demonstrate technical feasibility and market potential may then move into a 12-month Acceleration Phase focused on industrial pilots and long-term integration into De Nora鈥檚 operations.

The program provides financial backing of up to 鈧�50,000. This funding is distributed via a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), with 鈧�20,000 awarded upon completion of the incubation period and an additional 鈧�30,000 provided for those admitted to the acceleration stage.

Beyond capital, the program offers participants access to De Nora鈥檚 international infrastructure, which includes 23 operating companies and five R&D centers across Italy, the United States, and Japan.

Interested founders can submit preliminary information regarding their technology and value proposition through the official Edge Innovation Hub portal.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

To be co-located in the Philippines鈥� largest export-oriented food trade show, SSX will be held from May 21-23 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

SSX returns this year with a robust suite of features designed to promote Filipino ingenuity and help enterprises meet global green standards. According to CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo, this integrated approach is vital for the modern exporter.

鈥淪ustainability is a necessity for Filipino enterprises to remain competitive on the global stage,鈥� Ms. Pulido-Ocampo said. 鈥淭hrough the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that equips our MSMEs with the tools, capital, and market intelligence needed to thrive in a circular economy.鈥�

Among the key features of the platform is the Sustainable Solutions and Start-up Zone, a curated pavilion within the IFEX Philippines Marketplace. This discovery hub serves export-oriented manufacturers by showcasing a diverse range of suppliers specializing in agri-food, waste and water management, and green finance.

The SSX Exhibition will highlight a dynamic group of exhibitors in the following categories: sustainable built environment and lifestyle, waste and water management, sustainable lifestyle and design, clean energy and decarbonization, green finance and ESG, and food innovation and聽agri-tech.

Unimex聽Process and Energy Group, Inc.;聽Farmwell聽Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing;聽Siklo聽Enterprises; Junk聽Not!;聽Rainphil, Inc. and many more exhibitors will be highlighting their innovations.

SSX鈥檚 featured start-up companies include, among others, Buenavita Food Products; D鈥� Sustainable Planet; Green Beauty and Wellness Center; and Krigkrafts Enterprise.

SSX Seminars are also scheduled at IFEX Talks, bringing together invited experts to provide deep dives into circular economy practices, green reporting, and innovative financing.

To drive immediate impact, there will also be Start-up Pitching Sessions that will feature high-energy presentations from start-ups, connecting sustainability purchasers and advocates directly with聽cutting-edge聽solutions.

SSX鈥檚 next phase is planned to be a full-scale expanded edition scheduled for Oct. 15 to 17 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), concurrent with the staging of the 74th Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Billed as a 鈥淢ain Stage,鈥� the expanded SSX will feature a broader scope, promoting the circular model across the lifestyle, home, and fashion sectors, as well as smart cities, with more technical and interactive features.

For SSX鈥檚 May edition, CITEM is collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DoST-FPRDI), DoST National Capital Regional Office, Philippine Trade Training Center, and Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN).

CITEM also received support from its committed partners in Airspeed, Francisco Motors, IdeaSpace | QBO, Sunlife, Oikos, Waters, GCash, RCBC ATMGo, Unisol, Philippine Trade Training Center, Bayanihan Lab Network, and Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS).

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The partnership kicked off with the Summer Soir茅e Bazaar on May 16 to 17 at The Fifth Rockwell, Makati City, followed by the Super Soir茅e Sale on Sept. 18 to 20, 2026. For the Christmas season, two Holiday Soir茅es will take place on Dec. 12 to 13, then on Dec. 18 to 20 at SMX Convention Center Aura.

All four events will feature hundreds of local聽negosyantes, providing them with the opportunity to聽showcase聽their products to a broader market and grow their ventures through UnionBank鈥檚 business solutions.

鈥淥ur year-long partnership with Soir茅e reaffirms our commitment to supporting homegrown businesses and highlighting their intrinsic role as the backbone of the economy,鈥� UnionBank鈥檚 Institutional Segment Marketing Head Dino Velasco said. 鈥淯nionBank鈥檚 mission is to empower Filipino negosyantes with the financial tools to help them build and grow their businesses, while also unlocking opportunities while enhancing the customer journey.鈥�

UnionBank and Soir茅e by Retail Lab鈥檚 2026 partnership builds on its successful slate of events in 2025. In the Super Soir茅e Sale last October 2025 at The Fifth at Rockwell, over 10,000 shoppers supported local businesses seamlessly through UnionBank鈥檚 innovative payment solutions.

鈥淎s our shopper base continues to grow, so does the need for scale, efficiency, and innovation,鈥� Soir茅e Co-Founder and Managing Director Claudine Paulino said. 鈥淯nionBank鈥檚 mission to support SMEs has helped us provide larger venues, higher foot traffic, and more brands 鈥� reinforcing Soir茅e鈥檚 role as a key marketplace for emerging and established Filipino entrepreneurs,鈥� said Soir茅e Co-Founder Rosanna Aranaz.

At the bazaars, entrepreneurs can seamlessly manage business transactions through the UB聽Negosyante聽app. The pioneering platform features a QRPH-enabled system, which allows business owners to generate QR codes for easy payment collection, helping them focus on growing their businesses. As a special聽perk, the first 100 UnionBank debit or credit card holders and UB Online users will enjoy free entrance to the event.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn more about UnionBank鈥檚 offerings for negosyantes at the events. Among these is the UnionBank BizStarter Account, an entry-level checking account that lowers barriers to banking with a required initial deposit of only P5,000.

For businesses that need additional support, UnionBank offers Business Line, a revolving credit line that provides small and medium enterprises with access to up to P10 million for various purposes such as expansion or additional working capital.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The festival was part of the ELEVATE Program, an Asia-Pacific initiative being implemented simultaneously across the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar, to strengthen inclusive and accessible entrepreneurial ecosystems for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Bringing together entrepreneurs, advocates, organizations, and community members, the festival aims to create a shared space for connection, collaboration, and innovation.

Inspired by the idea that 鈥渙ur fingerprints tell a story,鈥� I鈥橫PRINT Festival highlighted the unique journeys, talents, and contributions of persons with disabilities. At the heart of the event was an Inclusive Bazaar, featuring PWD-led and inclusive social enterprises offering products such as food, crafts, assistive devices, and sustainable goods. The program also included a series of interactive sessions, discussions, and a closing fireside chat, all designed in accessible, inclusive formats.

The festival is designed to guide participants from awareness to action through a mix of learning and engagement opportunities.

The key program highlights included: a talk on Inclusion, Accessibility & Social Entrepreneurship, which shared key findings from disability advocates on accessibility, community inclusion, and social entrepreneurship; a Digital Inclusion Sprint that tackled hands-on training on alt text, captions, readable design, and plain language; different Breakout Sessions covering key findings from disability advocates on accessibility, community inclusion, and social entrepreneurship; strengthening LGUs to serve People with Disabilities in the community; and centering accessibility and event management with NGOs; and a Fireside Chat on Inclusive Entrepreneurship featuring stories from PWD entrepreneurs, ecosystem enablers, and partners driving inclusive growth.

The festival responds to a key challenge in the Philippines: while many organizations are working toward disability inclusion, efforts often聽remain聽fragmented.

鈥淚鈥橫PRINT聽Festival is about bringing communities together 鈥� entrepreneurs, enablers, and advocates into one shared space where collaboration can happen,鈥� said Paola Betita, director of Partnerships & Enterprise Development at The Spark Project.

Andie Due帽as, partnerships lead, also added, 鈥淏y creating both a platform for visibility and a space for learning, we hope to open more pathways for inclusive and sustainable opportunities.鈥�

The Spark Project is an Entrepreneur Support Organization in the Philippines that empowers impact-driven entrepreneurs through funding, enterprise development, and community-building. Since its founding in 2013, it has supported creative and social enterprises in launching and growing purpose-driven ventures.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The three-day summit served as a concentrated hub for the global startup ecosystem, facilitating approximately 10,000 business meetings among a diverse cohort of investors, corporations, and government officials. The scale of the 2026 iteration was the largest in the event鈥檚 history, featuring 770 exhibiting startups representing over 60 countries and regions.

The conference was organized around four critical domains intended to address the evolving pressures on urban environments: artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, resilience, and entertainment. Unlike previous years that focused on conceptual frameworks, the 2026 sessions emphasized the transition of AI into real-world implementation and the use of robotics to enhance human productivity and labor collaboration.

Resilience remained a high-priority track, with innovators showcasing technologies designed to mitigate climate change and improve disaster response. Meanwhile, the entertainment sector explored the intersection of digital culture and urban living through XR (Extended Reality) and immersive media.

A cornerstone of the event was the Open Innovation Platform, a dedicated physical space designed to accelerate co-creation between established multinational corporations and agile startups. To manage the high volume of attendees, organizers deployed AI-powered matchmaking systems and an official mobile application to coordinate networking schedules and investor-founder introductions in real-time.

Beyond the business-to-business tracks, the public day on April 29 allowed visitors to engage directly with future-oriented technologies. Immersion zones featured live demonstrations of autonomous drones, 3D printing in construction, and VR environments, offering a tangible look at the future of urban infrastructure.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government utilized the summit to reinforce its long-term objective of transforming the Japanese capital into a city-wide innovation laboratory. Looking ahead to 2032, the event aims to evolve into a city-wide innovation platform, transforming Tokyo into a global hub where innovation extends beyond the venue and into the entire city.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The PROPEL Business Hub is envisioned as a dynamic platform that brings together startups, innovators, scientists, experts, and research institutions, enabling stronger collaboration and bridging the gap between discovery and deployment. It serves as a venue where research outputs can be transformed into market-ready solutions through access to shared facilities, advanced equipment, and technical聽expertise.

Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization, emphasized that the hub stands as a platform for turning possibilities into reality by connecting innovators with the scientific community and providing an environment that fosters collaboration and technology development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, highlighted that the initiative enables researchers and startups to benefit from mentorship, incubation, and acceleration programs, while also opening opportunities for industry matching and technology pitching. He underscored the importance of promoting regional strengths across priority sectors such as agriculture, marine resources, advanced manufacturing, health technologies, and renewable energy.

The聽DoST聽chief further noted that the establishment of the hub reflects the agency鈥檚 firm commitment to move beyond research publication toward full commercialization. By strengthening linkages among government, academe, industry, and investors, the PROPEL Business Hub helps build a seamless pipeline from ideation and validation to prototyping, production, and global competitiveness.

With the launch of the PROPEL Business Hub and Exhibit Center, the DoST reinforces its goal of ensuring that Filipino innovations do not remain on shelves but are translated into real-world applications that drive inclusive economic growth and national development.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Goldwin and Vina Garcia,聽Pok茅Bee聽was born from a simple observation: the Pok茅 they knew as everyday street food in Hawaii was being positioned as a luxury product in the Philippines. The brand鈥檚 mission to make high-quality Pok茅 affordable and accessible to local diners earned it the top spot over more than 60 entries.

The win also carries deep personal significance.聽Pok茅Bee鈥檚聽original recipes were formulated by Goldwin鈥檚 late brother, who adapted the traditional Hawaiian flavor profile for the Filipino palate, but passed away before seeing the brand come to life.

鈥淧ok茅Bee聽is solving a real market gap,鈥� said Vanessa Ledesma, president of Mercato Centrale Group. 鈥淏y localizing Pok茅 for the Filipino palate, they are fulfilling a vital, meaningful role in our food ecosystem and doing it at an accessible price point.鈥�

As grand winner,聽Pok茅Bee聽receives a Food SME Starter Package designed to accelerate its growth from startup to multi-branch operation, including six months of rent-free residency at a prime Mercato Centrale location, a business mentorship grant, and a one-year supply of聽Solane聽LPG refills.

Joining the winner鈥檚 circle in second place is聽Agepan聽Japanese Fried Bread, which secured three months of free rent at Mercato Centrale. The brand captivated the judges by bringing an authentic Japanese street-food experience to the local market, headlined by its signature Cr猫me聽Br没l茅e聽鈥� a custard-filled, freshly fried bread that balances a crispy exterior with a soft, decadent center.

Securing third place and two months of free rent is聽Ancestre, a premium ready-to-eat brand owned by Jose Renato Mariano III.聽Ancestre聽modernizes Filipino flavors with its flagship Tapang聽Durog, a finely shredded, richly marinated beef dish based on a cherished 1965 family heirloom recipe.

Special citations were also awarded to standout finalists. Jhay鈥檚 Kitchen earned the Magnolia聽Quickmelt聽& Magnolia GOLD Culinary Edge Award for its creative and flavorful integration of Magnolia products into their menu. Meanwhile, Cube Bread MNL received the聽GCash聽Business Rising Award for its unique concept and significant market expansion potential.

鈥淭he Next Big Food Entrepreneur has always been about finding food brands that combine culinary passion with real business viability. That balance is rare, and when we find it, we invest in it. We are excited to see Pok茅Bee join the ranks of food brands that have successfully entered the market through Mercato Centrale,鈥� said RJ Ledesma, CEO of Mercato Centrale Group.

NBFE 2026 finalists underwent a four-part journey, including a bootcamp at Mercato Academy at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB), with sessions led by resource persons from DLS-CSB鈥檚 School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, GoNegosyo, GCash for Business, and Mercato Centrale.

The winners were selected based on criteria that balanced Flavor and Product Strength (30%), Concept and Brand Story (20%), Business Readiness and Execution (25%), and Market Popularity (25%), as measured by live sales and public reception during the finale.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The campaign stood as the sole winner in the Innovation in the 鈥淯se of Viral Media or Word of Mouth鈥� category, recognized for its masterful use of stealth marketing to cut through a saturated skincare market. This was amplified through a strategic communications program managed by its PR agency, Uniquecorn Strategies.

鈥淒ermorepubliq was built on a simple but uncompromising belief: science-based skincare that works,鈥� said Keith Sta. Barbara, CEO and founder of Dermorepubliq. 鈥淭his campaign brought that promise to life in a way that felt real to people before they even knew our name.鈥�

Instead of traditional advertising, Dermorepubliq utilized stealth marketing to spark nationwide curiosity. The campaign launched with a cryptic, unbranded billboard: 鈥淲ag na tayo mag-break please. Love, D.鈥� By tapping into the cultural fascination with celebrity breakups, the message served as a clever double entendre for skin breakouts 鈥� the very concern Dermorepubliq鈥檚 science-based formulas are designed to address.

As Dermorepubliq鈥檚 PR partner, Uniquecorn Strategies managed the narrative, translating organic intrigue into a massive earned media event. The PR effort was executed in two phases to ensure maximum media impact. First, the Tease leveraged viral speculation to secure 42 earned stories and over 60 million influencer video views. This was followed by the Reveal, which officially linked the 鈥渂reakup鈥� to 鈥渂reakouts,鈥� triggering a second wave of 43 earned media stories.

The campaign achieved 200 million in combined online reach and 100 million total video views. Through 93 earned media stories facilitated by Uniquecorn, the brand generated an estimated US$4.5 million in PR value, transitioning from a digital-first brand to a mainstream retail contender.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards is one of the most prestigious business awards programs in the region, drawing entries from leading corporations, institutions, and agencies across Asia-Pacific. It recognizes business innovation and excellence across the region, with entries judged by an independent panel of industry professionals.

Dermorepubliq鈥檚聽win is a notable feat for a homegrown brand, as it competed alongside the Philippines鈥� largest conglomerates in this year鈥檚 contingent, such as SM Supermalls, Ayala Corp., and San Miguel Corp.

With聽Dermorepubliq聽products available in Watsons鈥� online store and select physical branches across Metro Manila, this milestone marks the brand鈥檚 expansion from an e-commerce powerhouse into a formidable mainstream retail presence via one of the country鈥檚 leading health and beauty retail chains.

鈥淲hen the public chooses to carry your story, it is the strongest proof that what you stand for resonates,鈥� Mr. Sta. Barbara said. 鈥淣ow with our products available at Watsons, this Gold Stevie award is both a proud milestone and a powerful reminder of why we do what we do 鈥� to bring science-based skincare that truly performs to every Filipino.鈥�

Beyond Watsons, Dermorepubliq products are available on TikTok Shop, Shopee, Lazada, and at its official website, .

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Held in Vietnam, the competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.

Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6-May 17); Online Training Phase (June 2-June 28); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2-July 5, tentative).

The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields 鈥� including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences 鈥� with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.

Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: renewable energy and low-carbon mobility; urban air quality and climate resilience; water resources and climate-resilient agriculture.

During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.

During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity in Hanoi, where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the top nine teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.

The total prize pool comprises of one first prize of $8,000; one second prize of $5,000; two third prizes of $3,000 each; and five consolation prizes of $1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Le Thai Ha, managing director of the 鈥淔or Green Future鈥� Foundation and head of the organizing committee, shared: 鈥淲e believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.鈥�

The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Short-listed entries will be reviewed by national judging panels of design and engineering experts, including Dyson engineers. National winners will receive P398,280 and a chance to progress to the international stage. Sir James Dyson will select global winners to receive P2,390,230 and a platform to take their inventions to the next level.

The Award gives winners media exposure, international recognition, and the momentum for these young inventors to accelerate their ideas to commercialization.

鈥淚聽established聽the James Dyson Award to encourage young 鈥榙oers鈥� in life who are focused on solving the problems they see in the world, not grandstanding about them. It has been inspiring to see so many brilliant ideas from young design engineers, many of whom have gone on to build businesses and take their problem-solving ideas to people and markets all over the world. I look forward to judging this year鈥檚 submissions,鈥� Sir James Dyson, founder of Dyson, said.

In 2025, the James Dyson Award marked its 20^th year and received more than 2,100 inventions from young engineers worldwide, spanning solutions from health screening and household waste to disaster relief.

Over the years, the award has recognized Filipino national winners who have developed solutions that create meaningful change to the lives of many Filipinos in communities and classrooms.

In 2023, Make-Roscope聽addressed a common barrier in Filipino classrooms: the lack of accessible science equipment for hands-on learning. Invented by Jeremy De Leon, the device turns a smartphone or tablet into a powerful microscope, giving students a simple, intuitive way to explore the microscopic world.

SolAsin, the Philippines鈥� 2025 National Winner, was developed by John Carlo Reyes, a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, to address the unpredictable and labor-intensive process of producing salt. The salt farming unit uses sun-driven evaporation in a compact, controlled setup to help small鈥�scale salt farmers produce higher鈥�quality, more consistent flaky salt, improving efficiency and livelihoods in coastal areas.

Entries can now be submitted via the James Dyson Award website, with the deadline set for midnight on July 15. University students and recent graduates of design and engineering subjects are eligible to apply. Entries must tackle a clear global problem, demonstrate a thoughtful design process, and showcase originality and technical feasibility.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

While social enterprises are聽frequently聽categorized as niche players in national strategy, the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) argues that their 鈥渢riple bottom line鈥� (3BL) approach 鈥� prioritizing people, planet, and profit 鈥� offers聽a viable聽model for scalable development.

According to FSSI Executive Director Sixto Donato C. Macasaet, the 3BL strategy acts as an operating discipline. 鈥淲e look at worker treatment, farmworker protections, and how business impacts people and the environment. Through this strategy, we help enterprises strengthen weaker areas of their triple bottom line so growth is both viable and responsible.鈥�

Several cooperatives and enterprises across the archipelago have integrated this model into their operations. In Nueva Ecija, Kilusang Lima (5) Para聽sa聽Lahat Multipurpose Cooperative (K5 MPC) supports farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through microfinance, credit, production, trading, marketing, and rentals.

Kauyagan聽Savers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bukidnon improved access to affordable essentials through its grocery and co-op center. In Agusan del Sur, JMJ Solar Panel and Equipment Store brought clean energy to off-grid communities, enabling households and cooperatives to聽operate聽independently.聽Meanwhile聽in Cebu, Mandaue City Public Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAVENCO) expanded livelihoods for public market vendors through financial services, training, and business support.

These innovations align with the Philippines鈥� Sustainable Development Goals, the country鈥檚 2030 roadmap for inclusive and sustainable development, demonstrating the sector鈥檚 potential to advance national progress. From creating jobs and fostering community cohesion to improving access to essentials, expanding renewable energy, and empowering entrepreneurs, social enterprises can help achieve 2030 targets like reducing unemployment (SDG 8.5), ensuring food access (SDG 2.1), providing electricity (SDG 7.1), and promoting inclusion (SDG 10.2).

To formalize this sector鈥檚 contribution, FSSI is currently advocating for institutional frameworks, like the Poverty Reduction through Social Enterprises (PRESENT) Bill. The proposed legislation聽seeks聽to聽establish聽a Social Enterprise Registry, providing these organizations with a clear legal identity and easier integration into national development programs.

Under its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, FSSI reported it will focus on upgrading technology and staff capabilities to better support these enterprises. The organization also maintains partnerships with broader movements, such as Zero Poverty 2030 (ZeP2030), to help translate national goals into tangible actions in communities.

By 2026 and beyond, FSSI will continue to equip social enterprises with the tools, partnerships, and guidance to lead and drive a more equitable and sustainable Philippines.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

UE President and Chief Academic Officer Zosimo Battad said the scholarship initiatives reflect the university鈥檚 continuing commitment to access and inclusion in higher education as enrollment for the incoming academic year opens in May.

鈥淎s UE聽approaches聽its 80th year, we continue to strengthen pathways to access and opportunity in higher education through our scholarship programs to support qualified and deserving students,鈥� said Mr. Battad.

Among the flagship programs is the UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. legacy scholarship, in partnership with the corporate social responsibility arm of the LT Group of Companies. It covers full tuition and miscellaneous fees, along with allowances for books, transportation, and uniforms, and monthly stipend. Scholars may continue to receive benefits for the duration of their degree program, subject to maintaining prescribed academic requirements per semester.

UE also offers entrance scholarships for academically high-achieving senior high school graduates from both public and private schools. These include students who graduated with聽highest聽honors, high honors, and honors.

Additional聽financial聽assistance聽mechanisms include special tuition discounts for Filipino senior high school graduates, children of UE alumni, overseas Filipino workers, and dependents of employees of LT Group member-companies.

UE also provides athletic service grants for student-athletes competing at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, as well as cultural service grants for students who qualify for membership in UE鈥檚 performing groups, including the UE Chorale, UE Silanganan Dance Troupe, UE Band, and UE Drama Company.

A separate Student Financial Assistance Program also provides up to P15,000 per semester to support qualified undergraduate students.

Interested applicants may inquire or apply via聽聽or on campus at the UE Admissions Office in Manila or Caloocan.

UE聽operates聽campuses in Manila and Caloocan, offering programs from basic education to graduate studies in fields such as law, dentistry, engineering, business, fine arts, and information technology. UE Manila holds an autonomous status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), while UE Caloocan is CHED-deregulated. A new UE campus is rising in Eton City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, its first expansion outside Metro Manila.

UE currently ranks fifth among Philippine private universities in Asia in the Applied Higher Education Private University Ranking: All Asia, and number six in Manila and number 16 in the Philippines based on EduRank.org. Its College of Computer Studies and Systems continues to be recognized by CHED as a Center of Excellence in Information Technology education.

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During a forum for the Mendiola Consortium at Centro Escolar University in Manila, Blums Pineda, senior vice-president and head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart, and PLDT Group AI Business lead, said universities will play a central role in preparing the workforce for an economy increasingly shaped by machine-assisted decision-making.

鈥淎rtificial intelligence is not just another technology cycle,鈥� Mr. Pineda said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a general-purpose technology like electricity or the internet 鈥� one that changes how entire industries operate and how professionals do their work.鈥�

The shift carries particular weight for the Philippines, whose economy is closely tied to global services and knowledge-based work. Global research show that roughly 25% to 35% of jobs may be exposed to AI at the level of individual tasks, while only 3% to 5% face a high risk of full displacement.

Instead, the more common outcome is job transformation. That is already visible in the Philippines鈥� IT-BPM industry, which employs nearly two million workers, where AI supports tasks such as summarizing interactions and retrieving information, allowing workers to focus on more complex and value-driven roles.

鈥淲hat we鈥檙e seeing is not the disappearance of human roles,鈥� Mr. Pineda said. 鈥淎I handles repetitive tasks, while people focus on decision-making, relationships, and solving more complex problems.鈥�

For universities, the implications go beyond adding new technology courses. Students graduating today will enter a workforce where machines can assist with writing software, analyzing markets, and supporting medical diagnoses.

鈥淓very technological revolution eventually walks into a classroom,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he difference with AI is that it didn鈥檛 politely wait for curriculum committees. It has already arrived.鈥�

The shift is influencing how universities design courses, conduct research, and manage administrative operations, with AI increasingly supporting teaching and analytics. At the same time, institutions are navigating challenges around academic integrity, bias, and responsible AI.

In this space, PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT have also been working closely with universities to support early-stage adoption. One example is an ongoing engagement with De La Salle University (DLSU), where the team is exploring the ePLDT SwiftStart AI Program. Designed as an immersive introduction to generative AI, SwiftStart enables institutions to understand foundational concepts such as prompt engineering, while experiencing practical applications using tools like Google Workspace with Gemini.

For the PLDT Group, the critical enabler of AI adoption lies in infrastructure 鈥� particularly high-performance computing, connectivity, and secure data environments.

Through its corporate business arm PLDT Enterprise and subsidiaries ePLDT and VITRO, Inc., which deliver integrated digital, connectivity, and ICT solutions to public and private institutions in the Philippines and abroad, the PLDT Group has been investing in hyperscale data centers capable of supporting AI workloads.

Among them is VITRO Sta. Rosa, the country鈥檚 first hyperscale data center designed for AI applications. The facility hosts Pilipinas AI, a sovereign AI solutions stack that allows organizations to run AI workloads while keeping data within Philippine borders.

鈥淭he invisible infrastructure behind AI 鈥� fiber networks, computing power, and data centers 鈥� will determine how quickly institutions can innovate,鈥� Mr. Pineda said.

Beyond infrastructure, PLDT and Smart are expanding access to AI through initiatives such as AI-in-a-Box, which provides literacy training, connectivity, and practical tools for institutions. 鈥淭echnology only transforms society when ordinary institutions can use it,鈥� Mr. Pineda said.

Ultimately, preparing students for an AI-driven economy will require not only technical knowledge but also skills that machines cannot easily replicate, including critical thinking, ethical judgment, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

鈥淭he future of AI in education won鈥檛 be determined by how quickly we buy new tools,鈥� Mr. Pineda said. 鈥淚t will be determined by how carefully we build the systems behind them.鈥�

The PLDT Group鈥檚 efforts support its commitment to inclusive innovation, quality education, and workforce development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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The summit will feature plenary sessions and panel discussions focused on how research and collaboration can address national challenges,聽and on聽ways to strengthen science, technology, and innovation to support national development goals.

Dubbed 鈥淚noblasyon: The聽UP Innovation聽Summit,鈥� the two-day event will also mark the formal launch of the聽UP System鈥檚聽Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation, which will help coordinate the university鈥檚 systemwide technology development and partnerships aimed at supporting national priorities.

Eight innovation clusters focused on research priority sectors will also be launched. These are (a) health, biotech, and biomedical systems; (b) agri-aqua biotechnology and smart food systems; (c) functional foods and nutraceuticals; (d) climate, energy, and environmental technologies; (e) sustainable materials, circular economy, and green manufacturing; (f) creative industries and cultural enterprises; (g) digital governance and public sector innovation; and (h) education and human capital technologies.

The summit will also feature technology showcases, startup and research exhibits, and networking opportunities to foster and deepen partnerships among academia, government, industry, and investors 鈥� including the signing of collaborative agreements to accelerate the transfer, adoption, deployment, and scaling of UP-developed technologies.

The event is spearheaded by the OVPRI, the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, and the Office of the Vice-President for Public Affairs. Seats for the summit may be limited due to venue capacity and event arrangements.

Interested parties may inquire at techtransfer@up.edu.ph or follow the summit鈥檚 official Facebook page at facebook.com/Inoblasyon.UPInnovationSummit.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The partnership aims to modernize how suppliers engage with SMEs in managing quotations and B2B engagements. Today, many suppliers are forced to coordinate through fragmented tools like spreadsheets, emails, and messaging platforms, which slow down response times and reduce visibility.

Quotable AI brings these interactions into a single system, enabling suppliers to submit quotations more efficiently, collaborate seamlessly with buyers, and gain clearer insight into operations status. By streamlining sourcing and communication, suppliers can strengthen relationships with SMEs, reduce administrative overhead, and position themselves as more responsive and competitive partners.

Charlie Villasenor, chairman and CEO of PASIA Shared Services said, 鈥淭his partnership represents a major step forward in our mission to empower suppliers and SMEs with smarter and more efficient ways to modernize quotations. Through this collaboration with Quotable AI, we can deliver transformative solutions that reduce costs, improve compliance, and accelerate traditional workflows.鈥�

Quotable AI enables companies to receive benefits ranging from centralized RFQ and quotation management, to frictionless supplier participation. The platform also offers universal parser for business documents and Quotable Wallet for B2B payments in the Philippines. Quotable AI connects with existing financial systems, allowing organizations to modernize supplier collaboration without replacing their ERP infrastructure.

Carlo Silva, co-founder & CEO of Quotable AI, said: 鈥淪uppliers often spend hours coordinating quotations and responses across email threads and spreadsheets. Quotable AI brings these workflows into one structured system so teams can move faster and operate with better visibility. Partnering with PASIA allows us to introduce these capabilities to organizations across Asia and beyond.鈥�

Through this partnership, PASIA Shared Services will introduce Quotable AI to its network of procurement professionals, helping accelerate the digital transformation of business operations across the region.

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Representing the UST College of Science and the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS), Acad. Prof. Emeritus Fortunato B. Sevilla III, Ph.D., was conferred a PhilAAST Fellowship in recognition of his distinguished career and lifelong contributions to the advancement of science in the Philippines.

Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Science and academic staff of the Department of Biological Sciences, received the Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Basic Science Research for his pioneering work in freshwater science, zooplankton taxonomy, and limnology. Meanwhile, Prof. Karen S. Santiago, Ph.D., from the Department of Chemistry, was honored with the Francis Ferrer Award for Productivity through Technology for her research on smart polymers and nanomaterials, particularly their applications in chemical sensing, controlled delivery systems, and self-healing materials.

UST also earned recognition in the scientific poster category. A research team led by Assoc. Prof. Alan Rodelle M. Salcedo, Ph.D., of the Department of Chemistry, together with students Katrina Beatrice F. Panopio and Ian Joseph F. Halim, won Second Prize for Best Scientific Poster Presentation for their study titled, 鈥淒igital Image-Based Colorimetric Sensing of Lead(II) Using Dithizone and Smartphone Imaging.鈥� In a separate distinction, Prof. Christina A. Binag, Ph.D., also from the Department of Chemistry, was elected as a member of the PhilAAST Board, further strengthening UST鈥檚 presence in national scientific leadership.

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The initiative is anchored on Project SARAI and aims to position Cagayan as a model for smart and sustainable provincial development by integrating science, technology, and innovation into local planning and economic growth.

Leading the launch was DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., who highlighted the province鈥檚 strong partnership with the National Government in advancing innovation-driven development. Innovation hubs are envisioned as spaces where students, researchers, startups, and communities collaborate to transform ideas into practical solutions and technology-based enterprises.

At the center of the initiative is the Cagayan Innovation Hub, which will serve as a platform for enterprise incubation, modernization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and collaborative innovation. The facility will connect industry, academe, and government to provide mentoring, technical support, and digital transformation opportunities for entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises in the province.

Supporting this effort is the Cagayan Decision Intelligence Center, a facility designed to strengthen local governance through real-time analytics and integrated data systems. The center enables provincial leaders to make evidence-based decisions, improve resource allocation, and respond more effectively to development and disaster-related challenges.

Meanwhile, the SARAI Regional Hub brings science-based agricultural information closer to farmers. Through satellite data, climate modeling, crop forecasting, and suitability analysis, the hub delivers localized advisories on crop selection, planting schedules, and risk management to help farmers improve productivity and adapt to climate variability.

The initiative comes as the Philippines continues to face increasing climate risks. The country experiences around 20 tropical cyclones annually, with the agriculture sector accounting for more than sixty percent of disaster-related economic losses. In provinces like Cagayan, where agriculture remains a primary economic driver, these challenges directly affect rural livelihoods and food security.

Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay acknowledged the initiative as a major opportunity to strengthen local enterprises and bring innovation directly to farming communities.

DoST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang and Virginia G. Bilgera also emphasized the strong collaboration between DoST and its partners in advancing the initiative, noting that the hubs are expected to help transform various sectors and industries in the region through science, technology, and innovation.

Together, the facilities support the vision of ONE Cagayan D.R.I.V.E.S. (Development of Rural Industries through Value Chain Enhancement and Sustainability), demonstrating how integrated science and technology systems can strengthen agriculture, empower enterprises, and enable smarter governance at the provincial level.

Through the Cagayan Innovation Hub and SARAI Provincial Hub, DoST and its partners aim to establish Cagayan as a Smart Province where data-informed decisions, innovation-driven enterprises, and science-based solutions contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

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In 2025, the company was included in Forbes Asia鈥檚 鈥�100 to Watch鈥� list, which recognizes small companies in the Asia-Pacific region for growth and innovation.

The platform supports different transport categories depending on the location. In Metro Manila, services include ride-hailing for cars and motorcycles. In tourism destinations such as Boracay, the system organizes local transport including electric tricycles, vans, and shuttles.

The company has expanded its presence to major transport gateways, including integrated land terminals in the city, commuter rail stations, and transport corridors in Central Luzon near Clark.

As part of its push towards electrification, Xpress has integrated electric taxis into its network through a partnership with manufacturer BYD. These vehicles feature digital booking systems and cashless fare integration. The company聽stated聽that the move toward EV deployment was planned to address rising fuel costs and long-term operational efficiency.

Additionally, the platform has begun a limited deployment of electric motorcycles through a partnership with聽Voltai, a part of the聽AboitizPower聽group.

Moving forward, the company plans to expand into聽additional聽cities, increase the number of electric vehicles in its fleet, and聽establish聽new partnerships with transport hubs, tourism operators, and corporate clients. Several new markets are currently under preparation for the next stage of the company鈥檚 growth.

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Scheduled for completion in 2027, the LINC Building is part of UNC鈥檚 long-term academic infrastructure investment strategy to strengthen higher education in the Philippines and enhance learning environments for future generations of students.

Strategic Investment in Academic Infrastructure University President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M.聽Lauraya聽said the project reflects the institution鈥檚 response to evolving global education demands.

鈥淭he LINC Building represents our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving and technology-driven world,鈥� Dr. Lauraya said. 鈥淭his facility is not simply an expansion of space, but a strategic investment in the quality, relevance, and accessibility of higher education in our region.鈥�

The new center will feature technology-enabled classrooms, flexible and collaborative learning spaces, research and innovation hubs, interdisciplinary engagement areas, and industry-aligned instructional facilities. University officials said the building is designed to encourage experiential learning, research productivity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration among students and faculty.

The ceremony was attended by members of the UNC Board of Trustees and executives from iPeople, Inc., the university鈥檚 education management partner.

Also in attendance was UNC鈥檚 Most Outstanding Alumni Awardee, Hon. Maria Leonor G. Robredo, Mayor of Naga City, along with representatives from local government, business sectors, and media organizations.

Mayor Robredo underscored the importance of institutional development within the city. 鈥淯niversities play a vital role in regional progress,鈥� she said. 鈥淧rojects like the LINC Building contribute to economic activity, innovation, and opportunities for young people in Naga City and the wider Bicol Region.鈥�

As higher education institutions adapt to digital transformation and interdisciplinary learning models, UNC聽stated聽that the LINC Building is intended to serve as a central hub for research development, entrepreneurship initiatives, and community engagement programs.

The facility is expected to support expanded academic offerings and strengthen UNC鈥檚 position as a key contributor to educational advancement in Southern Luzon.

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鈥淥ver the past year we have taken our first steps into Asian markets, winning our first customers and building the foundations for rapid expansion in the region,鈥� said Marc Boroditsky, chief revenue officer at Nebius. 鈥淭he appointment of a leader like John reinforces this commitment. He brings deep regional experience from scaling major tech companies across Asia-Pacific, and he joins at a moment when demand for purpose-built AI infrastructure is accelerating across every major market in the region.鈥�

Mr. Haarer will be based in Singapore and will oversee the company鈥檚 commercial expansion across the region through key markets including Singapore, Japan, South Korea and India.

鈥淎sia is one of the world鈥檚 most exciting regions for AI, and Nebius is the cloud that is powering the next wave of AI innovation,鈥� said Mr. Haarer. 鈥淚 am excited to join a company with some of the world鈥檚 most talented engineers at a pivotal moment for the business. As we ramp up in Asia, I look forward to helping our partners, customers and local governments across the region navigate their AI bottlenecks and transform the promise of AI into tangible economic value.鈥�

Nebius is one of the fastest-growing AI cloud companies globally, with 479% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025 and a contract backlog exceeding $20 billion, including multi-year AI infrastructure agreements with Microsoft and Meta.

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The Smart Mobile Sniffer can simultaneously detect gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, and聽transmit聽data wirelessly, allowing users to聽monitor聽hazardous levels remotely.

Developed by a UST research group with Prof. Karen Santiago, Ph.D. as principal investigator, the portable multi-sensor device is designed for high-risk environments where air quality can change quickly.

鈥淥ur Smart Mobile Sniffer offers a means to transform how various industries monitor gases, making the analysis faster, more affordable, and more accessible,鈥� shared Dr. Santiago, noting applications in manufacturing, agriculture, regulation, and environmental testing. It is also positioned to improve workplace safety, environmental compliance, and process efficiency.

Working with Dr. Santiago is a multidisciplinary team composed of research assistant Engr. Jhon Vic Bardos; product specialist Assoc. Prof. Jolleen Natalie聽Balitaan, Ph.D.; and consultants,聽TomasInno聽Center Manager Engr. Celso Noel Aban, TIC Assistant Manager Prof. Michael Francis D. Benjamin, Ph.D., and Innovation Technology Support Office Manager, Assoc. Prof. Michael Jorge N. Peralta. The team and the product development are supported by the聽DoST鈥揚CIEERD and the Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

鈥淎fter winning the Inno.Venta 2025 Pitching Challenge, our next step is to further improve and field-validate our Smart Mobile Sniffer prototype. We are also preparing for pilot deployment with partner sectors and exploring commercialization opportunities with potential investors,鈥� Dr. Santiago said. 鈥淯ltimately, we want to make this innovation more accessible to relevant industries and communities that need reliable gas monitoring systems.鈥�

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The partnership aims to provide a digital infrastructure designed to modernize the Philippines鈥� technical vocational education and training (TVET) ecosystem by integrating聽Bossjob鈥檚聽AI-powered recruitment engine into the newly launched TESDA Skills Passport Mobile Application.

The partnership was formally announced during the official launch of the TESDA Skills Passport Mobile Application on Feb. 5 at the聽Makabagong聽San Juan Theater in San Juan City. President Ferdinand 鈥淏ongbong鈥� Marcos, Jr. graced the event and highlighted the administration鈥檚 commitment to skills development as a national agenda during a speech.

Beyond job matching,聽Bossjob聽utilizes aggregated, anonymized platform data to provide TESDA with Labor Market Information (LMI). This framework offers insights into in-demand roles, geographic hiring patterns, and compensation trends, allowing TESDA to calibrate its training curricula to meet evolving market requirements.

According to TESDA鈥檚 current data, the sectors seeing the highest volume of postings for TESDA-certified talent include Social, Community Development, and Other Services; Wholesale, Retail, and Trading; Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Automotive and Land Transportation; Tourism, related to the Hotel and Restaurant industry; Healthcare Services; Creative; and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery. The sectors聽indicate聽a consistent, high-growth demand for skills-based and nationally certified talent across the Philippine economy.

While TVET graduates demonstrate earning potential comparable to university undergraduates, research by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies show that current training systems often struggle to align with the evolving competencies required by priority sectors, such as digital services, renewable energy, and ICT.

By integrating聽Bossjob鈥檚聽AI-matching engine into the Skills Passport, the platform bridges this gap, transforming verified TESDA certifications into a real-time, visible asset for employers.

鈥淭he integration of聽Bossjob鈥檚聽AI-powered capabilities into the Skills Passport app provides real-time access to available job opportunities for our graduates. This partnership strengthens job security for TVET graduates and contributes to broader economic development by ensuring industry-ready talent is matched with employers with minimal friction,鈥� said Anthony Garcia, co-founder of聽Bossjob.

To ensure employer trust, the app mandates registration via the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). By directly integrating data from TESDA-accredited training centers, the platform ensures all certifications are verified instantly, mitigating the risk of credential fraud.

Bossjob has been championing the TVET industry since 2024. The platform was a key partner of the TESDA-National Capital Region (TESDA-NCR) under its CollaboraTVET: Forging Partnerships for TVET Excellence program, where it offered specialized training programs tailored to the needs of TESDA graduates, along with exclusive job opportunities and career development resources.

Beyond the app integration, Bossjob continues to be committed to helping TESDA students and graduates through career coaching and job readiness workshops, resume and profile optimization guidance, and participating in career fairs led by partner government sectors.

For more information on Bossjob鈥檚 latest initiatives and to explore career opportunities, visit bossjob.ph or download the Bossjob app.

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Beyond the 50 million total listenership, TPN reported robust growth in community loyalty, boasting four million accumulated followers across its Spotify portfolio and a steady baseline of three million weekly listeners.

The network鈥檚 growth was fueled by a diverse content slate that resonated across demographics. TPN鈥檚 top-performing shows for 2025 included comedy show The KoolPals, Wake Up With Jim and Saab, Ano Ba Talaga? with Kuya Kim, Sitio Bangungot 鈥� Pinoy Horror Stories for Sleep Podcast, and Lecheng Pag Ibig 鈥橳o.

This mirrors the network鈥檚 2025 data, which identified Comedy, Conversational Talk Shows, and Narrative Horror as the top-performing categories in the local market.

TPN鈥檚 continuous growth reflects a study released last year highlighting that more Filipinos are turning to podcasts to cope with emotional fatigue and mental saturation in an increasingly hyperconnected digital landscape.

Alan Fontanilla, CEO of The Pod Network, emphasized that TPN鈥檚 2026 direction focuses on intentionality. 鈥淲e believe the future belongs to media that people choose with intention, and creators who show up with purpose, not content that fills time, but conversations that mean something. Reach creates awareness; trust creates preference. Podcasting is where we build the latter.鈥�

The network also recognized global audio platform Spotify for its continued investment in the Filipino creator economy, from platform distribution to initiatives like launching the first-ever state-of-the-art podcast studio at TPN headquarters.

Building on its 2025 success, TPN unveiled its 2026 content slate at 鈥淧ress Play: The Pod Network鈥檚 2026 Press Preview鈥� at The Split, BGC. The lineup reinforces TPN鈥檚 dominance across comedy, lifestyle, and public affairs, with creators emphasizing that their growth is rooted in authenticity.

TPN鈥檚 top creators noted that the network鈥檚 high engagement stems from a departure from traditional, polished media. The KoolPals co-host James Caraan attributes their following to 鈥渦nderground鈥� honesty, while Lecheng Pag-Ibig 鈥橳o鈥檚 Sam YG highlights how his show evolved from a relationship advice channel into a safe space for community-wide discourse on life and burnout.

This intentionality extends to TPN鈥檚 public affairs and education slate. Kuya Kim Atienza, host of Ano Ba Talaga?, emphasized the unique intimacy of the medium, noting that podcasting required him to pivot from 鈥渂roadcasting鈥� to active listening.

Similarly, journalist Pia Hontiveros of Let鈥檚 Talk noted that the platform offers a vital human connection, stating, 鈥淧eople are looking to feel seen, it鈥檚 about making complex issues understandable and meaningful.鈥�

The event also marked the launch of Between Us, a new show hosted by celebrity couple Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle. The series aims to normalize deep, vulnerable conversations on health, identity, and personal growth, offering listeners the 鈥渟pace鈥� to discuss topics often overlooked in the daily grind.

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The signing will be held at the FinTech Alliance 2026 General Membership Meeting and New Members鈥� Oath-Taking ceremony on March 11 at Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The collaboration kicks off with the official launch of the Fraud Intelligence Data Sharing Network, a coordinated, industry-wide effort to enable timely intelligence exchange, reinforce fraud prevention capabilities, and enhance trust across the Philippine digital finance ecosystem.

The FinTech Alliance PH is the Philippines鈥� premier and largest digital industry association, comprising over 140 corporate members that collectively account for more than 95% of the country鈥檚 digital retail financial transaction volume with combined user base in excess of 110 million Filipinos.

The meeting will also spotlight strategic priorities for 2026, including cybersecurity as infrastructure, blockchain and digital assets, collaboration with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and key initiatives for 2026.

Delivering the keynote address is Atty. Eugene Teves, managing director of the Technology and Digital Innovation Office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, who will share regulatory perspectives on digital innovation, blockchain enablement, and the evolving supervisory framework for emerging technologies.

Also joining the roster of speakers are Joey Concepcion, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC), who will present on the Philippines鈥� role in advancing inclusive economic growth and regional fintech collaboration within ASEAN; and Atty. Renato 鈥淎boy鈥� Paraiso, executive director of the CICC, who will discuss the government鈥檚 strengthened enforcement strategy and the importance of public-private intelligence sharing in protecting digital infrastructure.

Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of FinTech Alliance PH, emphasized the importance of industry solidarity in addressing evolving digital threats: 鈥淔raud does not recognize institutional boundaries, and neither should our response. The launch of the Fraud Intelligence Data Sharing Network reflects our shared commitment to come together as one ecosystem to protect the integrity of our digital economy.鈥�

鈥淏y strengthening collaboration and institutionalizing intelligence exchange, we are reinforcing trust as the foundation of innovation. This is about standing united to secure the future of digital finance in the country,鈥� he said.

Another highlight of the event will be the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding with key industry bodies, including ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the oath taking of the new set of corporate members. These partnerships highlight FinTech Alliance PH鈥檚 continued effort to foster cross-sector collaboration in advancing financial inclusion, digital trust, and sustainable fintech innovation.

In addition to major partnership milestones, the program will culminate in the oath-taking ceremony of new member organizations, formally welcoming them into the country鈥檚 premier fintech association.

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Implemented in partnership with Connected Women, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and various local government units, Elevate AIDA equips women who face barriers to traditional employment with foundational skills in data annotation, which is an essential component in training artificial intelligence systems.

Through an online learning model, the program allows participants to pursue flexible, home-based work while managing caregiving and household responsibilities.

Graduation ceremonies held throughout January recognized participants from several communities, with the training of each cohort supported by Aboitiz Group business units and local government units. Sponsored by Union Bank of the Philippines, the training programs benefited 44 participants in Ifugao with the help of SN Aboitiz Power, 48 in Malvar, Batangas with the support of Aboitiz Construction, and 49 in Cebu City in partnership with Visayan Electric. Additionally, Davao Light supported 90 graduates from Davao Del Norte, consisting of 68 individuals from Tagum City and 22 from Samal Island.

An orientation session held at the Benguet Capitol in the same month introduced the Elevate AIDA program to 148 female participants and community stakeholders, underscoring the strong interest in digital livelihood opportunities and helping pave the way for future cohorts. The session also highlighted Aboitiz Foundation鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to skills development in underserved communities.

Elevate AIDA forms part of a broader nationwide goal to upskill 300,000 women and expand access to digital work opportunities. Through sustained collaboration with local governments, community partners, and Aboitiz business units, the program reflects a shared commitment to inclusive growth and to ensuring that more women can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

鈥淎boitiz Foundation believes that when women are equipped with future-ready skills, they are better positioned to uplift not only themselves but also their families and communities,鈥� Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation, said.

鈥淭hrough Elevate AIDA, we are helping open doors to the digital economy for women who may otherwise be left behind. These graduations are not just the culmination of training 鈥� they mark the beginning of new possibilities for sustainable income, greater confidence, and more resilient communities across the country.鈥�

After graduation, Connected Women will provide the graduates with upskilling sessions and assistance in accessing online job platforms to help translate their training into real income opportunities. To further strengthen their readiness for remote work, Aboitiz Foundation, in collaboration with UnionBank, will conduct an online session on financial literacy and cybersecurity to support safe and responsible participation in digital work.

As Elevate AIDA continues to scale, Aboitiz Foundation remains committed to work alongside communities, as well as partners from the government and private sector to equip women with future-ready skills to unlock more income opportunities to support their families.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Filipino tech startup聽Packworks, through its business intelligence tool Sari IQ, analyzed over a million monthly transactions across its network of 300,000 stores over a three-year period. The study compared sales trends for holiday-related items two weeks before and after Chinese New Year from 2023 to 2025. The data reveals that items linked to abundance and luck, such as聽hopia, Chinese wine, and Asian noodles, posted sales increases, reflecting how Filipino beliefs influence consumption during the occasion.

Hopia, a round pastry of Chinese origin symbolizing togetherness and good fortune, steadily grew sales from 2023 to 2025. Its median gross merchandise value (GMV) rose 20% in 2025, up from 14% increase in 2023. The Visayas regions led the sales growth. Central Visayas (Region VII) saw a massive 240% spike in sales and a 200% increase in transactions in 2025. This popularity reflects the region鈥檚 enduring Chinese cultural influence, particularly in Western and Central Visayas, hubs home to significant Chinese-Filipino communities such as Iloilo, which is home to approximately 14,000 Chinese-Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Chinese wine, often linked with holiday toasts and wishes for prosperity, saw its median GMV leap 36% in 2025, from a mere 3% in 2023. Growth was seen across most regions, with Central Luzon (Region III)聽maintaining聽a consistent 100% sales increase each year, along with Eastern Visayas, showing steadily rising growth from 72% in 2023, and highest surge of 107% in 2024 and 115% in 2025. This trend highlights the intersection of Chinese influence and the local tradition of 鈥�tagay鈥� (communal drinking).

Asian noodles, a staple symbolizing long life, saw a 10% sales increase in 2025, rebounding from a 3% decline the previous year. SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) recorded the highest sales in 2025 with聽25% increase,聽likely driven聽by a 36% rise in stores selling the product, the highest among all regions. Western Visayas had the largest jump in transactions at 25%, reflecting the region鈥檚 Chinese culinary influences and its growing community of聽Chinese-Filipinos. Meanwhile, Central Luzon and Eastern Visayas continued to sustain sales growth over the three-year period, with Central Luzon recording 27% in 2023, 15% in 2024, and 17% in 2025; and Eastern Visayas showing steady although gradually decreasing growth at 28%, 18%, and 9%. These trends reflect steady top-up purchases of affordable and culturally symbolic items in sari-sari stores in these regions.

Packworks聽Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said these patterns reflect how Filipinos weave tradition into purchasing decisions.

鈥淥ur historical data underscores how deeply traditional beliefs and cultural influences are embedded in the Filipino psyche, proving that commerce is inseparable from culture. The sales trends show that for the average Filipino, Chinese New Year聽isn鈥檛聽just a holiday, but a window for 鈥榠nvesting鈥� in prosperity. These cultural nuances are mirrored in the sari-sari store ecosystem, proving that in our local market, heritage often leads the hand that shops,鈥� Mr. Montiel said.

The Filipinos鈥� 鈥減rosperity basket鈥� also extends to kitchen essentials used for holiday feasts. Soy sauce, a staple introduced in Chinese cuisine, saw sales rise 9% in 2025, while seasoning granules and MSG grew by 7%. Cooking oil also聽saw around聽a 13% increase in both sales and transactions. Furthermore, sweet products like chocolates and sugar, symbolizing a 鈥渟weet鈥� year ahead, experienced notable growth. Chocolates saw a 36% boost in sales in 2025, while sugar聽maintained聽a strong presence following a massive 47% spike in 2024.

鈥淥ur latest insights prove that to stay relevant, brands and FMCGs must move beyond passive stocking and traditional distribution toward a hyper-localized, insight-led strategy. By aligning product availability with these deeply ingrained cultural cues, brands can capture the latent demand that often goes unseen in modern trade, effectively turning cultural nuances into a competitive advantage at the grassroots level,鈥澛燩ackworks聽Co-Founder and Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap said.

Packworks expects a 10% GMV growth and a 4% increase in transactions for this year鈥檚 Chinese New Year celebrations, as more Filipinos are buying the same product per transaction, particularly during the festive occasion.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The company plans to launch a suite of cross-border payment services tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), business process outsourcings (BPOs), and freelancers, marking a significant expansion beyond its core Filipino roots. This evolution targets a broader global audience, aiming to provide services for other major migrant markets, including those from India, Mexico, and China.

鈥淥ur mission has always been to show that Filipino-led innovation can offer transformative solutions to the world. By expanding our services beyond our core community, we aim to serve as a global financial partner built on Filipino values ready to serve the world鈥檚 most dynamic economies,鈥� said Oliver Calma, founder and CEO of聽BCRemit.

BCRemit will start 2026 with the launch of a new QR-payment collection feature in partnership with Coins.ph. This feature will streamline outbound remittances from the Philippines, further strengthening BCRemit鈥檚 established integrations with major e-wallet platforms. This innovation is set to complement the surging remittance economy, which reached $2.91 billion in November 2025 alone.

Looking ahead,聽BCRemit聽also envisions evolving as an all-in-one financial platform, diversifying its product offerings to introduce loans, e-wallets, stablecoin, and investments.

Currently, BCRemit has processed over 1 million transactions since its launch, amounting to over $600 million in transaction value, underscoring the platform鈥檚 robust capability to seamlessly facilitate high-volume cross-border settlements.

BCRemit is leveraging its strategic partnership with Circle Internet Financial to harness technology in overcoming the challenges of traditional remittances. By utilizing blockchain technology and USDC stablecoins, the platform has successfully reduced transaction costs to approximately 1%, a stark contrast to the global average remittance cost of 6.4%. This infrastructure allows for near-instant settlements, bypassing the three- to five-day delays typical of traditional banking channels and ensuring that funds reach their destination at their highest possible value.

鈥淲e saw firsthand the impact of financial delays on our own family growing up, and that drives our commitment to innovation today,鈥� said Gio Calma, co-founder and director of BCRemit. 鈥淲e understand that for our customers, remittances aren鈥檛 just transactions, they鈥檙e a lifeline. As we expand, we remain focused on creating a trusted financial gateway that serves every Filipino from around the world.鈥�

Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the UK鈥檚 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and His Majesty鈥檚 Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Banco de Espa帽a, and Bank of Canada, BCRemit remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance to serving over 10.8 million overseas Filipinos across the world with seamless, secure financial services made by Filipinos, for Filipinos.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

鈥淔raming the Future鈥� featured highly acclaimed Filipino cinematographer Tey Clamor, LPS, who is known for her work on films such as Isa Pa With Feelings, Balota, Metamorphosis, and Babae at Baril. Ms. Clamor also shared her professional insights and technical expertise during the event.

The session provided attendees with deep dives into cinematic storytelling and industry trends, practical knowledge on the tools required for modern filmmaking, and a unique opportunity for students to test the latest Sony cameras and equipment firsthand.

Map煤a Multimedia Arts Program Chair Aleia Garcia acknowledged the Sony Philippines team led by Demand Creation Executive Allison Datu, Senior Marketing Executive for Digital Imaging JD Domingo, Marketing Executive for Digital Imaging Ralph Salazar, and Marketing Communications Manager Pearl Lumanao, as well as Aputure Philippines Marketing Associate Razel Olifernes for partnering with the school to organize the workshop.

Ms. Garcia also thanked SoMDA Dean David Corpuz, Creative Cluster Head Jonah Lim, Digital Film Program Chair Karen Rey, Broadcast Media Program Chair Norman Manalaysay, The New Builder Adviser Seymour Sanchez, Hiraya Student Council led by adviser Ian Boots Bautista, and faculty and students who took their time to attend the event.

A heartfelt acknowledgement was also given to SoMDA Technical Assistant Ruby Sagun, who recently passed away, for her tireless support throughout the planning process.

Beyond technical training, the workshop focused on encouraging attendees to embrace the beauty of storytelling through moving images. By sharpening their craft and discovering new tools, students are empowered to tell stories that will set them apart in a competitive industry.

鈥淭o everyone here, please know that this is more than just an event. This is to encourage ourselves to embrace the beauty of storytelling whether through film, photography, or writing. This is our shared purpose,鈥� Ms. Garcia concluded.

As part of the initiative, the Sony Philippines Film School Caravan 2026 also visited the Mowelfund Film Institute with Ms. Clamor and Commercial Director and Sony Product Expert Nigel Laxamana for Cinematic Live Production with the Sony Cinema Line on Feb. 5, and CIIT College of Arts and Technology with award-winning filmmaker Lee Briones-Meily on Feb. 6.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Dr. Aristotle Ubando, full professor at the Gokongwei College of Engineering, received the Outstanding Innovation Award for his research titled 鈥淭hermomechanical Analysis and High Computational Design for Semiconductor and Electronics Packaging Reliability.鈥�

The awarding was held last Jan. 16 via Zoom Webinar, live-streamed from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dr. Ubando, who also serves as assistant dean for Research and Advanced Studies, tackles in his research the costly, slow experimental methods for product design in the Philippine semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector, a key export driver.

He noted that the industry is faced with limitations in innovation, adoption of sustainability practices, and the development of a highly skilled engineering workforce. In response to this, he led the establishment of the Thermomechanical Analysis Laboratory (TALa).

Established through government support and in collaboration with semiconductor companies in the country, TALa delivers computational, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) solutions that virtually evaluate electronic packages鈥� material behavior under thermal and mechanical stress.

This R&D provides a cost-efficient alternative to traditional experimental testing, significantly saving on the cost and time associated with physical prototyping. This enables rapid design optimization, preventing product failures, and ultimately raising the quality of Philippine-made electronic packages. TALa also develops highly skilled engineers, providing valuable R&D career opportunities within the country.

TALa is located at the DLSU Laguna Campus (close proximity with Laguna Technopark, Inc.), which operates as a computational design resource for semiconductor companies.

Dr. Ubando pointed out that TALa contributes to the promotion of UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), significantly enhancing domestic scientific R&D capacity and encouraging innovation in the electronics sector.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

The MoU was signed by聽DoST-NCR Regional Director鈥疎ngr.鈥疪omelen鈥疶.鈥疶resvalles鈥痑nd PAIBA Founding President Jerry Ilao, solidifying both institutions鈥� commitment to jointly promote science, technology, and innovation (STI)- and AI-enabled initiatives that support business competitiveness and industry modernization.

Under the partnership, the聽DoST-NCR and PAIBA will jointly integrate AI-focused support into the聽DoST鈥檚聽flagship programs, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Innovation Hub (iHub). Through these platforms, MSMEs and startups will gain access to targeted training, mentorship, and digital transformation pathways aligned with Industry 4.0. The collaboration will bridge transformative technologies with inclusive, practical adoption, empowering MSMEs to move beyond catching up and actively compete and grow in an increasingly digital economy.

The MoU signing, which coincided with the Induction of PAIBA鈥檚 Founding Members, was complemented by a learning session on the impact of AI in business, as well as high level networking activities that connected founders, executives, and industry practitioners across sectors.

On hand to鈥痺itness鈥痶he event were Osric Primo Bern A.鈥疩uibot, assistant regional director for Technical Operations; Engr. Lota M. Paras-Bagunu, officer-in-charge of the鈥疍oST-NCR鈥疨AMAMAZON Clustered Area Science and Technology Office; and Anne Marie B. Francisco, founding vice-president of PAIBA.

Through this new government-private sector partnership, the DoST-NCR and PAIBA aim to cultivate a future-ready business environment in the National Capital Region by bridging STI and AI, enhancing local industry competitiveness, and fostering a stronger innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

SparkUp is 大象传媒鈥檚 multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.